EXPOSITION AND ESCHATOLOGY

Eschatology is the doctrine of “last things.”  About 1/5 of the Scriptures are prophetic in nature. A preacher who avoids preaching about the second coming of Christ is not following Paul’s example who said, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD,” (Acts 20:27, emphasis added). Faithful exposition of the BIblical text demands an eschatological emphasis.  

As we come to the last chapter of the Bible, we find another Apostle—John—commanded to preach with urgency, as if Christ were returning soon. Three times, in Revelation 22, Jesus declares, “I am coming quickly.”  What if your next sermon would be your last one before Christ comes for His church?  It could be!

Eschatological exposition is a call for rejoicing. “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev.22:7). This is our happy hope!  It is the ultimate joy for the child of God—to be with Jesus forever in glory!  Read Revelation 22:1-6 concerning the wonder of heaven. This preaching stirs the soul to worship.

Eschatological exposition is a call to reward. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”  (Rev.‭22‬:‭12‬‬). We are reminded that even though our redemption is not by our works, our reward is determined by our works. The entrance to heaven is a matter of our faith in Christ, but the enjoyment of it is in measure of faithfulness to Christ (cf. 1 Cor.3:11-15).  This preaching summons the servants to work.

Eschatological exposition is a call to readiness. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev.22‬:‭20‬‬). An even stronger word is used to introduce consideration of Christ’s return: “surely,” and not just “behold.”  There is coming a day when the die is cast and those who are not prepared to meet God will have no further opportunity (Rev.22:8-16). But for now, the Gospel invitation is extended (Rev.22:17).  This preaching sets the saints to watch.

Adding to the prophetic Scriptures with sensationalism or subtracting from them by neglect are deadly serious. There are eternal consequences for the preacher and his people (Rev.22:18-19). May God strengthen us to stand and speak with urgency, so we may say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”  Preacher, may “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.” (Rev.22:21).

HERALDS OF HOPE

 

Preachers are to be heralds of hope.  A herald in John’s day was a messenger of the king who went ahead of his lord’s arrival to prepare for his coming. That is what preachers are and what we do. Our announcement is that, “The King is coming!”  We are to prepare the people. Their destiny is glorious. No matter their struggle now, despite the situation today, the promise is that some golden daybreak Jesus will come. John beheld this incomparable glory in Revelation 21.

We must preach THE HOPE OF OUR DELIVERANCE, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.”  (Rev.21:1). John was isolated on a prison island. Surrounded by stormy seas, those waters shut him away from his church family. To think of that barrier removed was cause for rejoicing!  Captive to our challenging circumstances can get old. Yet, God will make all things new!

We must proclaim THE HOPE OF OUR DWELLING, “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Rev.21:2-3).  We must continually remind our congregation not to settle down in this world. If people are comfortable with their status, we are to remind them that it is passing away. God has infinitely better prepared. On the other hand, if people seem captive to their situation in the world, we are to reinforce that relief is coming.  We are not home yet!

We must herald THE HOPE OF OUR DELIGHT,  “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev.‭21‬:‭‭4). All that brings sorrow and suffering here is caused by sin.  The delight of a world of absolute holiness and its happiness awaits God’s people!  Let us be faithful as God’s preachers to remind our members to live for eternity!

MAINTAINING THE MISSION

 

God has given His church one mission—what we call “The Great Commission.”  Part of our duty as leaders in the church is to keep the focus and fuel the fire in the local church for world evangelization.  It is easy to be diverted into many good things, and miss the great task. 

Jesus said that before His return to earth to reign, all nations would hear the Gospel (cf. Matt.24:14). In this passage, we see the fulfillment of the promise.  With or without us, the Good News will be proclaimed, but woe to the pastor and the church who fails in commitment to this assignment!  

A church with no passion for evangelism and missions will be a church that declines and dies. The lights will be turned out and the doors locked for a final time—picturing the spiritual reality that happened long before.  Such a church closed its doors to bringing in the lost. The members did not go into the highways and hedges, inviting people to the Bible banquet (cf. Lk.14:15-24). The house of God became empty, when He desired it full!  The call came ringing over the restless waves, “Send the Light!  The Blessed Gospel Light!”  The church folk were too busy arguing about trivial matters, instead of proclaiming Jesus. The light was turned out in that church.

Preacher, you cannot do all the evangelism needed in your community, but you can be a model. Our Gospel-driven lifestyle can inspire others. In our preaching, we must continually exhort the people to obedience. You can equip them by training them and taking them with you in soul-winning. Do not allow the Great Commission to become the grave omission!

THE MAIN THING

 Repeatedly, I have preached from this text when I have been considered by a church to serve as their pastor. I wanted them to know up front, before they extended a call to me, the focus of my ministry. Keeping the main thing the main thing is a challenge. Yet, by God’s grace these must be our priorities in ministry.  

THE PRIORITY OF BUILDING, “building yourselves up on your most holy faith.”  We are to be body builders. While it is true that Jesus builds His church, we have a choice to practice the spiritual disciplines that will build our faith and that of others. It is foundational to ministry—a passion to grow the people in spiritual health and God will bring the numerical growth.

THE PRIORITY OF PRAYING, “praying in the Holy Spirit.”  All our efforts will be in vain unless energized by God’s power—and that power comes through prayer. Otherwise, we are on a religious treadmill—running hard but never getting anywhere.  The pastor must be a man of prayer and call the church to be a house of prayer.

THE PRIORITY OF LOVING, “keep yourselves in the love of God.”  To love God and our neighbor is the great commandment. We must fuel the fire of love. Recall Paul’s words, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal,” (1 Cor.13:1). Eloquence in preaching cannot mask the absence of love from a preacher’s heart.  Never compromise your convictions, but stand and speak them with compassion.

THE PRIORITY OF LOOKING, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”  All we do is meant to be in view of eternity.  We must serve as those who will give account at the consummation of the age. The precious souls in our charge are to be reminded that this world is not our home. They are more likely to be looking up and looking ahead, if we demonstrate that ourselves and declare it in our messages.

THE PRIORITY OF REACHING, “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”  Some sinners we reach are broken people, open to the Gospel, and will respond to the good news eagerly. But, we must make a distinction, for others are hardened in apathy, or will even respond with hostility to the Gospel. We must prioritize the former, while not neglecting the latter.  

As they are on the precipice of a fiery hell, we must pull them out of the inferno of iniquity. Yet, as we reach out to them in their wicked environment, we must be cautious about being defiled by the same. Loving sinners means hating sin—as we see its destructive nature.  Be as sure of their true repentance and seek evidence of regeneration before bringing them into the church, lest they be wolves in sheep’s clothing and bring harm to the flock. This calls for discernment and it is our duty as shepherds.

My prayer for you:  “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.”  (Jude‬ ‭1:24-25‬‬)