Behold, I Am Coming Soon
Living with Purpose and Passion in Light of Eternity
Sermon Summary
This sermon addresses the widespread spiritual apathy and distraction that occur when believers lose sight of eternity. By examining Revelation 22, the message reveals that Jesus Christ is returning swiftly to reward faithfulness, restore creation, and dwell with His people forever. Hearers are invited to respond with renewed commitment to holy living, faithful stewardship of God's Word, and zealous evangelism.
Introduction
We live in a world consumed by immediate demands and fleeting distractions. From the early morning rush in busy African cities like Nairobi to quiet rural villages, daily anxieties often crowd out our vision of eternity. We plan for the next career move, save for future expenses, and worry about temporal troubles, yet we easily forget the single most important event on the cosmic calendar. In the final chapter of Holy Scripture, Jesus pierces our daily routines with a resounding proclamation: Behold, I am coming soon. This declaration is not intended to induce fear, but to ignite dynamic hope, moral clarity, and purposeful living. When we truly believe that Jesus is coming back, everything about how we work, love, serve, and worship changes. The closing words of Revelation invite us to lift our eyes above earthly cares and align our daily choices with the glorious reality of Christ's imminent return.
Main Scripture
Revelation 22:12-17
“ Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “ Come! ” He who hears, let him say, “ Come! ” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:12-17 serves as the climactic epilogue of the entire biblical canon. In this passage, Jesus speaks directly to the Church, identifying Himself as the Alpha and Omega, the King who holds all history in His hands. This text is central because it ties together God's creation, redemption, and final restoration. It presents the stark reality of eternal judgment while simultaneously offering the free gift of salvation. By anchoring our faith in Christ's self-revelation and His promise to return soon, we find both the motivation for present obedience and the assurance of future glory.
Main Sermon Points
1. Anchor Your Hope in Eternal Reality
There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
John describes the ultimate destiny of the redeemed where the curse of sin is permanently abolished and believers enjoy unhindered fellowship with God.
Paul reinforces that looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ is meant to shape our present godly conduct.
The vision of the heavenly Jerusalem reveals that history is not drifting aimlessly; it is moving toward a grand divine destination. In Genesis 3, humanity was banished from the Tree of Life due to sin. In Revelation 22, access to the Tree of Life is fully restored through the blood of the Lamb. When believers understand that their ultimate home is a place without pain, sorrow, or sin, temporal trials lose their power to cause despair.
Evaluate your daily priorities and heart affections. Spend time each morning thanking God for your eternal inheritance in Christ. When facing hardship, sickness, or financial difficulty, remind yourself that current trials are momentary and cannot compare to the glory that awaits those who love God.
Quick Insights
- Eternity provides the true context for all present suffering.
- The curse of sin is broken forever through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
- Beholding God's face is the ultimate reward of heaven.
2. Guard the Truth of God's Word
“ Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
Jesus pronounces a special blessing on those who hold fast to His revealed truth and live in active obedience.
Paul charges believers and church leaders to preach and hold fast to the Word with patience and diligence in light of Christ's return.
Throughout Scripture, divine truth demands absolute integrity. The angel reminded John that the words of this prophecy are faithful and true. In an era where cultural compromises and false teachings threaten the purity of the church, keeping God's Word means both guarding its doctrinal accuracy and obeying its ethical commands. True reverence for Christ manifests as unshakeable devotion to His Scriptures.
Commit to reading, studying, and applying God's Word daily. Refuse to compromise biblical standards in your workplace, business, or family, even when under social pressure. Examine all teachings against the light of Holy Scripture and hold firmly to the unchanging truth of God.
Quick Insights
- Obedience to Scripture brings divine blessing and spiritual stability.
- God's Word remains true regardless of changing cultural trends.
- Guarding the truth requires both correct doctrine and holy living.
3. Pursue Holiness for the Returning King
“ Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Jesus announces His swift return as the righteous Judge who evaluates our lives and renders rewards according to our faithfulness.
The apostle John explains that everyone who has this hope set on Christ purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Jesus asserts His divine sovereignty as the Alpha and the Omega. Because He is the Beginning and the End, He holds absolute authority over human destinies. His return brings a clear separation between those who wash their robes in His blood and those who persist in unrepentant sin. Holiness is not an attempt to earn salvation, but the natural fruit of a transformed heart eagerly awaiting the Bridegroom.
Conduct an honest spiritual audit of your life. Identify any habitual sins, secret compromises, or unforgiving attitudes, and confess them immediately to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you so that you live with moral integrity in your relationships, financial dealings, and personal thoughts.
Quick Insights
- Jesus is the sovereign Lord over creation, history, and eternity.
- Living in light of Christ's return purifies our daily choices.
- Faithful stewardship today brings eternal rewards tomorrow.
4. Drink Freely and Share the Gospel
The Spirit and the bride say, “ Come! ” He who hears, let him say, “ Come! ” He who is thirsty, let him come. He who desires, let him take the water of life freely.
The Holy Spirit and the Church extend the final, grace-filled invitation to all who long for spiritual satisfaction in Jesus.
Christ's command to make disciples among all nations aligns with the church's global call to invite the thirsty to drink of eternal salvation.
The Bible ends not with an act of doom, but with an open offer of divine grace. The Holy Spirit working through the Church invites every thirsty soul to come to Christ. Salvation is a free gift purchased by the Lamb on the cross. Once we have satisfied our own soul's thirst in Him, we become heralds who echo this invitation to our families, neighbors, and colleagues.
Accept Christ's invitation daily by abiding in His presence through prayer and fellowship. Actively reach out to at least one person this week who does not know Jesus. Share how Christ has satisfied your spiritual thirst and invite them to place their trust in Him.
Quick Insights
- Salvation is a free gift offered by grace to all who thirst.
- The Church joins the Holy Spirit in proclaiming the gospel to the world.
- Sharing Jesus is our highest privilege before He returns.
Bottom Line
Jesus Christ is coming soon as King and Judge, calling every believer to live with holy purpose, guard His Word, and share His free offer of eternal life with a thirsty world.
Memorable Quote
Living in light of Christ's return transforms our earthly duties into eternal investments and turns our quiet hope into bold witness.
Theological Point
The doctrine of Christ's Second Coming (Eschatology) affirms that history will culminate in the personal, visible return of Jesus Christ, who will eradicate sin, execute final judgment, reward the faithful, and reign eternally with His Church.
Prayer Guide
- Ask God to renew our daily expectancy for the return of Jesus Christ.
- Pray for strength to live obediently and guard the truth of Holy Scripture.
- Seek God's help to share the gospel boldly with those who are spiritually thirsty.
- Thank God for the free gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life.
Responding to God’s Word
Returning to our central call, Behold, I Am Coming Soon, we are reminded that our time on earth is short and our mission is urgent. The promise of Jesus is not an abstract theory; it is a living reality meant to awaken our hearts today. Jesus Christ, our Alpha and Omega, died for our sins, rose triumphant from the grave, and ascended into heaven. He now stands ready to return as King of kings and Lord of lords. If you are weary or thirsty today, hear the invitation of the Spirit and the Bride: Come, take the water of life freely. If you are a believer, rise from spiritual sluggishness, align your life with God's Word, and live each moment for His glory. May our daily choices, our words, and our worship reflect the earnest prayer of the early Church: Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus!
