The Story of Jesus Final Events "Jesus' Return" (Lesson 29)
Introduction:
1. To grow in our knowledge of the Lord as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18, we must search the Scriptures (John 5:39). 2. In this lesson we are studying passages that teach us about "Jesus' return." 3. It is important for us to study this subject carefully because Jesus' return has been and continues to be a misunderstood subject. a. We learn from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 that the Christians in Thessalonica had some misunderstandings about His return. b. By teaching that the resurrection has occurred some people indicated that Jesus has already returned (2 Timothy 2:16-18) [Jesus taught in John 5:28-29 that the resurrection will occur when He returns]. c. Peter warned of scoffers who would question Jesus' return (2 Peter 3:3-4). d. Many people claim that the signs given in Matthew 24 will occur prior to Jesus' return. e. Many attempts have been made to predict when Jesus will return. 4. To properly understand this important subject we must listen to: a. Jesus (John 5:39) b. the apostles and prophets (2 Peter 3:1-2).
Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT JESUS WILL RETURN
A. Jesus promised His apostles that He will return (John 14:1-4). B. In addition to the Lord, other messengers revealed the same information, including: 1. two angels (Acts 1:10-11) 2. the apostle John (Revelation 1:7).
II. THE BIBLE TEACHES WHEN JESUS WILL RETURN
A. God has "appointed a day" for Jesus' return (Acts 17:30-31). B. However, Jesus said that no man knows when He will return (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; 25:13; Mark 13:32-33). C. That day will arrive "as a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10a). D. The signs that Jesus gave in Matthew 24:3-35: 1. do not apply to His return 2. applied to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.
III. THE BIBLE REVEALS ADDITIONAL DETAILS THAT RELATE TO JESUS' RETURN
A. "The holy angels" will accompany Jesus when He returns (Matthew 25:31). B. Jesus will "descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). C. Jesus will return "with clouds; and every eye shall see Him" (Revelation 1:7). D. When Jesus returns everything will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10). E. Jesus' return should motivate His followers to live right (2 Peter 3:11-14).
