Preparing for the Return of Christ

Living Ready in the Last Days

Scripture References

Primary text

• 1 Thessalonians 1

Other references

• Acts 17
• 2 Timothy 3
• John 15

Overview

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians answers believers who wondered whether they were already in the “last days.” Craig Groeschel shows that Scripture places every generation—beginning with Jesus’ ascension—inside that final chapter, and calls the church to live with urgent faith. From 1 Thessalonians 1 he draws three clear responses: turn from idols, serve the living God with His power, and wait actively for Christ’s return. Time is short, so every day is one day closer to the King’s appearing.

Context

• Wars, disasters, cultural division, and the rise of AI have many wondering if history is winding down.
• Thessalonica (A.D. 50-51) was a strategic, pagan port city where Paul preached only three Sabbaths before persecution forced him out. His letter steadies new believers, reminding them of God’s love and power.

Main Points

Turn from idols to the God who saves

• The Thessalonians “turned to God from idols” (1 Thess 1:9); their culture worshiped Greek gods, Caesar, and household figurines.
• An idol is anything put in God’s place—success, comfort, money, relationships, children, image, even self.
• Idols promise freedom but enslave; they promise happiness but leave emptiness.
• Paul warns that in the last days people will be “lovers of themselves…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim 3).
• Repentance means a decisive, costly, visible shift: away from the lower things of this world toward wholehearted devotion to Christ.

Serve the living God with Spirit-given power

• “Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.”

• Salvation happens once; serving happens daily.
• Greek douleuō = serving with complete loyalty, putting another’s will above your own.
• The same power that raised Jesus now dwells in believers, enabling victory over temptation and darkness.
• Genuine service is more than Sunday religion: “Now is the time to serve the One who is coming again.”

Wait actively for Christ’s return

• Believers “wait for His Son from heaven…Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath” (1 Thess 1:10).
• Greek anamenēin = to wait again and again, intensely, while remaining/abiding. Waiting is active, faithful, expectant.
• Live each day as though Jesus could return today—loving people, shining brightly, resisting distraction.
• Illustration: As a new Christian in 1988, Craig lived on high alert after reading “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Take Place in 1988,” even staging playful “rapture” pranks on friends. Decades later he is refocusing on the same urgency.

Examine your heart while time remains

Four questions the LifeGroups will process:

1. Have I forgiven those who hurt me? (unforgiveness blocks God’s 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 to save me?

Key Truths

• The “last days” began with Jesus’ ascension; every generation is called to live ready.
• God doesn’t only love His people—He empowers them by His Spirit.
• Idolatry is subtle, but repentance is clear, costly, and necessary.
• Serving God is a daily posture of surrendered loyalty.
• Waiting for Christ is not passive; it fuels holiness, mission, and urgency.

Response

• Repent: turn decisively from every modern idol toward wholehearted loyalty to Christ.
• Serve: offer your time, gifts, relationships, and resources to God’s purposes each day.
• Wait actively: order your calendar, conversations, and choices as though Jesus could return today.
• Forgive freely, share the gospel boldly, and fix your eyes on eternity.

Closing

Craig repeated the rally cry,

“We turn, we serve, we wait.”
Because the trumpet could sound at any moment, he pleaded with listeners to be sure of their standing with God, to break with half-hearted living, and to embrace grace that cannot be earned. Time is short; the King is coming soon—be ready.

Prayer

The church prayed for spiritual urgency, the power to turn from sin, wholehearted service, and readiness for Jesus’ return, then invited anyone unsure of their salvation to call on Christ for forgiveness and new life.

Resources

• Edgar C. Whisenant, “88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Take Place in 1988”