Preparing for the Future: Anticipating the Return of The King

Preparing for the Future:  Anticipating the Return of the King

Revelation 21:1-5

8-25-19 

I. The King returns to make all things new.  (Revelation 21:1-5)

Removal of four major enemies:

1. Death- destroyed and sent to the fiery lake (Revelation 20:14; 1 Cor. 15:26)

2. Mourning- caused by death and sin, but also the eternal experience of those   who loved the world more than God (Revelation 18:8)

3. Crying- one result of sin and result of the prostitute’s cruelty to the saints (Revelation 18:24)

4. Pain- the first penalty produced on mankind at the Fall of Adam and Eve is finally lifted at last (Genesis 3:16)

All things Made New:

i. A New Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:9-21)

ii. A New Kind of Temple.  (Revelation 21:22-27)

iii. A Whole New Creation. (Revelation 21:24-27)

iv. A New Garden of Eden. (Revelation 22:1-3)

How Should We Then Live?

Anticipating:

1. Full satisfaction and laughter.

Luke 6:21 - “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.”

2. Eating and enjoyment.

Luke 22:18 -  “Jesus said, ‘For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’”

3. Fullness of intimacy and knowledge.

Revelation 22:4 -“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” 

1 Corinthians 13:12 - “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”  

Luke 23:42-43  - “Jesus said, ‘Today you’ll be with me in paradise.’”

2 Corinthians 5:8  - “…we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

Philippians 1:23  - “…My desire is to depart and be with Christ…”

4. Knowing and enjoying each other.

Matthew 17:4 -  “Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’”

5. Growing as individuals and with His people.

Revelation 22:2  - “The leaves of the trees were for the healing of the nations.”

 “Healing” - Nurturing and growth

6. Reigning as image bearers.

Revelation 22:5 - “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”

1 Corinthians 6:3  - “Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

Greek word for “judge,” krino, also means “to rule or govern.” Shows that we will have authority over the holy angels, for they have no sin for which to be “judged” in the sense of being “condemned.”

7. Life without sin and wounds.

Revelation 21:4  - “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying or pain.”

8. Worshiping and serving to the fullest.

Revelation 7:15  - “…we will be ‘before the throne of God and serve Him day and night.’”

9. Enjoying earthly labors.

Revelation 14:13  - “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’”

Mark 9:41 – “Jesus said, ‘I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.’”

Mark 10:29-31 – “Peter said, ‘…we have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘…I say to you, there is no one who has left house…mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time…and in the age to come eternal life.’” 

10. Indescribable life that started on earth.

1 Corinthians 2:9 “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Revelation 22:17 – “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”

For Discussion This Week

1. What is good about anticipation?

2. What do you long for most when you think of eternity?

3. Why is it significant that we will eat from the tree of life again in the new heaven and earth after Adam and Eve were barred from eating from it in Eden? (Psalm 16:11 and 30:5)

4. What do you imagine living on the new earth will be like? Who do you want to be there? Pray for them as a group when you close.

5. Have one or two people share the Gospel and discuss how to be better at sharing with others.