THE GOD OF THE BIBLE
(A Jesus Disciple Resource)

LESSON EIGHT
COMING KING

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Lesson Eight. In this final lesson we’ll learn how our Generous Creator, Relational Companion, Righteous Judge, Loving Father, Selfless Savior, Promise Keeper and Empowering Spirit is also our Coming King. Before we begin, let’s open in prayer.

[Open in prayer]

I want to begin this lesson by reading a passage in Matthew 24. As we read it, let’s consider this question:

  • What does this passage say will happen “before” and “when” Jesus comes back?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:21-31.

Okay, our first discussion question is:

1. What does this passage say will happen “before” and “when” Jesus comes back?

[Discuss Question #1]

Now before we move on to the second question, let me share a few more passages. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 says:

“Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about those Christians who have died so you will not be sad, as others who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and that he rose again. So, because of him, God will raise with Jesus those who have died. 15 What we tell you now is the Lord’s own message. We who are living when the Lord comes again will not go before those who have already died. 16 The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And those who have died believing in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive will be gathered up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.” (NCV)

And Jesus said in John 14:1-3:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am.” (NCV)

And Jesus also said in Revelation 22:12:

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to reward each one as his work deserves.” (NASB 2020)

Now listen to what 2 Timothy 4:1 says:

“When Christ Jesus comes as king, he will be the judge of everyone, whether they are living or dead.” (CEV)

And here’s what Revelation 20:11-15 says will happen at the end of the age:

“And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (NLT)  

Okay, now let’s discuss the second question.

2. What things will Jesus do when He comes back as King?

[Discuss Question #2]

Now before we move on to the third question, let me share a few more passages. Matthew 24:42-51 says:

“So always be ready, because you don’t know the day your Lord will come. 43 Remember this: If the owner of the house knew what time of night a thief was coming, the owner would watch and not let the thief break in. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at a time you don’t expect him. 45 Who is the wise and loyal servant that the master trusts to give the other servants their food at the right time? 46 When the master comes and finds the servant doing his work, the servant will be blessed. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will choose that servant to take care of everything he owns. 48 But suppose that evil servant thinks to himself, ‘My master will not come back soon,’ 49 and he begins to beat the other servants and eat and get drunk with others like him? 50 The master will come when that servant is not ready and is not expecting him. 51 Then the master will cut him in pieces and send him away to be with the hypocrites, where people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.” (NCV)

And Jude, verses 14-23 say:

“Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.’ 16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” (NKJV)

And lastly, 2 Timothy 4:1-8 says:

“When Christ Jesus comes as king, he will be the judge of everyone, whether they are living or dead. So with God and Christ as witnesses, I command you 2 to preach God’s message. Do it willingly, even if it isn’t the popular thing to do. You must correct people ... But also cheer them up, and when you instruct them, always be patient. 3 The time is coming when people won’t listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear. 4 They will turn from the truth and eagerly listen to senseless stories. 5 But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well. 6 Now the time has come for me to die. My life is like a drink offering being poured out on the altar. 7 I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. 8 So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. He judges fairly, and on the day of judgment he will give a crown to me and to everyone else who wants him to appear with power.” (CEV)

Okay, now let’s discuss the third question.

3.What should we do before He comes, and be doing when He comes?

[Discuss Question #3]

Now let me ask one final question:

4. What should be our and your next step(s)?

[Discuss Question #4]

As we close in prayer, let’s each sincerely ask God to help us be ready for Jesus’ return, and also what we need to do to help others prepare. Ask God if He’s calling you to lead a Bible study on The God of the Bible, and if so, who all you should invite. I think we’re all aware that this cannot end here. We all need to move forward with the plan God has for each of us.

[Close in prayer]

CONCLUSION

[Give any final instructions for the next step(s)]