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Jesus is coming soon - and in this devotion we shall notice that belief in the truth of the second coming of our Lord is urged in the New Testament as a present incentive to the holiness of life and whole-heartedness in service. If we believe that Christ is coming again, this belief must effect our behavior - look up the following and notice that the truth of our Lord's return is linked with the question of conduct and service: Luke 12:43; 1 Cor. 4:5; Philp. 4:10; Col. 3:2-5; 2 Tim. 4:1,2; Titus 2:11-13; James 5:7,8; 1Jn. 2:28; and 2 Pet.3:11. In 2 Peter 3, there are 5 characteristics of the Christian in whose life the truth of Christ's return is a practical hope.

 

I. If We Believe That Jesus Christ Is Coming Back Soon We Shall Seek To Live Lives That Are Christ-Like, holy, blameless, and God Glorifying.

Study 2 Peter 3:11,14 and ask yourself: What would be my immediate reaction be if I were suddenly told that the Lord was coming in two hours' time? Many Christians on receiving such a message would need every bit of two hours to prepare for His coming. Apologies would have to be made - look up Matthew 5:23,24; debts would have to be paid - look up Romans 13:8; books would have to be burnt - look up Acts 19:19; loved ones would have to be warned - look up Genesis 19:14; Checks would have to be written - look up Malachi 3:8; confessions would have to be made - look up Matthew 18:15,16, etc ! Well, the fact is He is coming - and HE MAY COME SOON - and the practical effect of this truth should be an incentive to holy living. If we are expecting Him to come we shall desire to be found of Him "spotless" and "blameless" - look up Colossians 3:2-5;1 Jn. 2:28.

Next week- Point # 2

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