Preparing for the Return of Christ

Living in the Last Days: Turn, Serve, Wait

Scripture References

Primary text

• 1 Thessalonians 1

Other references

• 2 Timothy 3
• Acts 17
• John 15

Overview

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians shows brand–new believers how to live with urgency because Jesus could return at any moment. Pastor Craig highlights three responses that mark a ready life: we turn from deceptive idols, we serve the living God, and we wait with active expectation. God’s love secures us, and His power enables us to stand un-shaken in chaotic times.

Context

• Around AD 50–51 Paul visited Thessalonica (Acts 17) for three Sabbaths, preached the gospel, and was driven out, leaving a young, persecuted church.
• He writes back relationally—“we always thank God for you”—to steady their faith and answer their questions about the “last days.”

Main Points

1. Loved and Empowered (1 Thessalonians 1:1-5)

• The gospel came “not simply with words but also with power.”
• God’s love forgives and accepts; His power enables believers to overcome sin and spiritual opposition.
• Many Christians embrace the love but live unaware of the power available to them.

2. Turn: From Idols to the True God (1 Thessalonians 1:9)

• Thessalonica’s culture worshiped Greek gods, Caesar, and household idols that promised protection or prosperity.
• An idol = anything placed in God’s position or asked to do what only He can do.
• Modern idols: success, comfort, money, relationships, image, even children or self-rule.
• 2 Timothy 3 warns that in the last days people will be “lovers of themselves, lovers of money… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
• Repentance is a decisive turn—away from the lower things of culture and toward wholehearted allegiance to Jesus.

3. Serve: Complete Loyalty to the Living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9)

• Greek word doulō: serving with complete loyalty, placing another’s will above one’s own.
• Salvation (turning) happens once; serving is a daily practice.
• Not “God, bless my agenda,” but “Your will be done through my life today.”
  Illustration: Life-Church value—“We are spiritual contributors, not consumers”—shapes Neighbor Week outreach and generous giving.

4. Wait: Active, Expectant Readiness (1 Thessalonians 1:10)

• Greek idea combines “again and again” with “abide/remain”: waiting means constant, intense expectancy.
• Believers prepare by pursuing holiness, sharing Jesus, forgiving quickly, and holding earthly things loosely.
  Illustration: As a new Christian in 1988 Pastor Craig literally practiced readiness—jumping behind a tree to fake the rapture for a friend, laying out empty clothes for a roommate—to keep eternity on his mind.

5. Four Heart-Check Questions for the Last Days

1. Have I forgiven those who hurt me? (see Jesus’ warning that unforgiveness blocks our own forgiveness).
2. Have I shared my faith with those who need Jesus?
3. Am I more focused on this world than on eternity?
4. Am I trusting in God’s grace alone—not works—to save me?

Key Truths

• We are already in the biblical “last days” that began after Jesus’ ascension.
• God’s gospel is not mere words; it arrives with power to transform lives.
• Idols promise freedom but always enslave; only Jesus truly satisfies and rescues.
• Turning to God for salvation is a moment; serving Him flows from that moment every day.
• True waiting is active, faithful, and expectant because the King could return at any time.

Response

• Repent: identify and renounce any modern idols occupying God’s place.
• Serve: offer your schedule, resources, and abilities for God’s agenda today.
• Watch: live each day as though Jesus could return before sunset.
• Forgive: release grudges quickly, forgiving as Christ forgave you.
• Share: pray for and boldly invite specific people in your life to know Jesus.

Closing

Paul’s counsel is clear: because time is short, believers must keep turning from idols, serving with whole-hearted loyalty, and waiting with passionate expectancy. Anything less risks being unprepared when the trumpet sounds.

“Now is the time to serve the one who loves you.”

Prayer

Father, stir a holy urgency in us. Empower us by Your Spirit to turn from every idol, to serve You with complete loyalty, and to wait for Jesus’ return with active faith—sharing Your gospel, forgiving freely, and living for eternity. Amen.