“Our Very Certain Blessed Hope”
Titus 2:13 - while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. (NIV)
The Blessed Hope is:
- Purifying
1 John 3:2a, 3b - (When Christ appears … we will see Him.) All who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure. (NLT)
- Encouraging
Hebrews 10:25b - … Let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NLT)
3. Unifying
1 Thess. 3:12a - May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other
13b - … so that you will be blameless … when our Lord Jesus comes … (NIV)
- Motivating
1 Thess. 2:19 - What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? (NKJ)
- Stabilizing
James 5:8b - … Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (ESV)
6. Comforting
1 Thess. 4:16 - For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven … And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 - Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them … and so we shall always be with the Lord.
18 - Therefore comfort one another with these words. (NAS)
