The depths of our desires, expectations, and anticipation for what we’re waiting for determines how we wait.
If we’re waiting for a root canal, or surgery, or a dreaded conversation we will most definitely wait in a vastly different way than we would if we’re waiting for a Christmas bonus, an extended vacation, or a reunion with a loved one we haven’t seen in a long time.
How then should we wait for Christ so that we might hasten his coming? Here are 3 actions every believer ought to continue in as we wait on the Lord.
Action #1: We should wait on the Lord with continued spiritual diligence (14-15).
- First, we are diligent in our pursuit of practical holiness (14).
- Second, we are diligent in our compassion for the lost (15-16a).
- Action #2: We should wait on the Lord with continued spiritual watchfulness (16-17).
- We are to watch our doctrine closely (16).
- Watching our doctrine closely will stabilize us in the truth of Christ (17).
- Action #3: We should wait on the Lord with continued spiritual growth (18).
- We are to grow in the school of the grace of Jesus.
- Growing in the grace of Jesus means supplementing our faith with the qualities of 2 Peter 1:5-7
- Growing in the grace of Jesus means yielding in greater increase the fruit of the Spirit inGalatians 5:22-23
- Growing in grace means being strengthened by grace, 2 Tim.2:1-4
- Growing in grace means grace is our instructor, Titus 2:11-14
- Growing in grace means tapping into grace for endurance in times of suffering, 2 Cor. 12:7-12
- Growing in grace means being moved by generosity when times are tight, 2 Cor. 8:1-5
- Growing in grace means singing in every season of life, Col. 3:16
- We are to grow in the school of the knowledge of Jesus
While we wait, we are to hasten the day by working the works of Christ. By his grace we are to live with diligence, watchfulness, and growth for the glory of Jesus.
Application Questions
- How deeply are you longing for and anticipating the return of Christ? How can you deepen your longing and anticipation for his return?
- What are some of the subtle spiritual errors of our day that we need to be on guard against?
- How can we know if we’re growing spiritually? What are some biblical tests for growth?
- Many today confuse grace with being tolerant of sin. What biblical texts refute this? What does grace really mean?
- What is the difference between knowing about Christ and knowing Christ? Can you have one without the other?
- How can a Christian who has lost his/her motivation to persevere regain it? What should he/she do?
- How can we know if our conscience is overly sensitive or too insensitive? What guidelines apply?
- How can we develop a heart for the lost? What steps should we take?
- Since we all tend to be blind to our faults, how can we know if we’re using the Scriptures wrongly to justify ourselves?