Living for Christ doesn't mean all will be smooth. There would be test of faith against our commitment to the ministry. It will always be difficult to live by faith because Satan is still in the world. He makes many hostile to Christian faith and tempts believers to pursue self-serving desires. Philippians 1:21 - For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain. The followings are discussed: Remain Committed to Christ; Maintain Confidence in Christ's Word, and Faithfully Serve Christ.
Remain Committed to Christ: Jesus foretold life events that would characterise the last days and the signs that would accompany his second coming. He talked about the difficult times ahead for the Church. False teachers and preachers will rise and spread wrong information that can weaken faith. He also foretold disastrous things that would be increasing by the day and betrayal by those trusted (Matthew 24:1-12). Persecution should be seen as normal to Christian living; Christ experienced it while on earth. Trials and persecution are meant to strengthen Christian faith (John 15:18-19; Peter 4:12-14). We just need to remain faithful and rest our hope fully in God.
Satan knows great benefits await those who overcome the world. Thus he makes it so difficult to succeed in living for God. As he continues with threats to faith Christians are encouraged to keep their allegiance to Christ and stand for God. There is no crown without Cross, great cost is attached to eternal gains. Satan brings persecution to destroy Christian faith but God uses it to strengthen faith and purify those who belong to Him. God will not forsake us nor allow what can destroy our testimonies as His children (Hebrews 13:5; 1 Corinthians 10:13. It is required that Christians don't look back or deny faith (Luke 9:62). God doesn't promise life without challenges. There will be difficulties, but with God we shall succeed.
Maintain Confidence in Christ: Jesus warned concerning false prophets whose activities are to distort teachings of the scripture by mixing error with the truth. They shall perform signs and wonders with demonic power and many will be victims of their lies. Even if possible they would confuse those chosen by God and cause them to fall (Matthew 24:23-28).
Christians will not fall to false claim and deception if they hold firmly to God's word (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; I Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:1-4). Jesus warned that we should not believe those staying at specified locations and claiming to be Christ. His second coming will be followed by visible lightning that all will see. Beware of false teaching and deception at places of worship. False preachers seek to satisfy selfish desires and distract believer's attention from the kingdom building.
Jesus also foretold what will come after the tribulation of "those days" and the signs of his second coming (Matthew 24:29-35). Even during and after the destruction of the time of his coming, one thing is certain, Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word shall not pass away" (verse 35). We must receive God's word and hold fast to His promises. As His word is truth (John 17:17), His promises will also come true.
Faithfully serve Christ: Christ will return at the time and day known to God only. Jesus gave the signs of end-time, but as regards the exact time he is calling God's people to watch and be prepared. Obedience and preparedness are required to escape destruction that would be similar to the experience of the Noah's day (Matthew 24:36-44).
The wicked will not escape with their evils. God will bring all things to judgement. He desires that all people are saved, but those who reject His love and follow their own selfish ways will be condemned. All people will one day stand before God and each will give an account of how he or she spent his or her life. Christ has given the warning about his second coming, so there will be no excuse for unpreparedness.
As a responsible steward, Jesus illustrated the need to always be prepared for the master's return (Matthew 24:45-51). Anytime the master returns he will like hear good accounts of the work assigned to the stewards. He will reward the faithful and conscientious steward while the cruel and unfaithful steward will be punished. Christ's parable here passes a message that his return will be at an unexpected time. He wouldn't want us to be found wanting when giving the accounts of our lives. Therefore we must love God wholeheartedly and be faithful all times. Lesson texts: Matthew 24:1-51.
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