1 Timothy 6:13-16 – The Appearing of Jesus Christ

Yesterday, we considered several attributes of God about which Paul writes in this passage. Today, we concentrate on a fact of which Paul speaks in verse 14 – the promised return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Greek word that is translated (in the ESV) as “appearing” is the word from which we get “epiphany.” While God is Spirit and, thus, His divine nature cannot be seen, He has chosen at times to manifest His presence in ways that can be seen by human beings. The Burning Bush of Exodus 3, the Man who wrestled with Jacob in Genesis 32, the Angel of the LORD who appears in Judges 6 and 13, as well as the many other appearances of God recorded in Scripture are epiphanies. The greatest epiphany, so far, is when God not only appeared but incarnated (that is, took on human flesh) in the Person of Jesus Christ. The last and greatest epiphany will occur at the return of Jesus.
Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven. In Acts 1:11, His disciples who saw Him go are told by angels, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” Other Scriptures, such as I Corinthians 15:51-54, II Corinthians 5:10, I Thessalonians 4:13-18, II Thessalonians 2:1-12 and Revelation 20:11-15 give us more information about Christ’s return. From these and other passages we learn that Jesus Christ will return to earth from heaven in the flesh. He will raise the dead and judge everyone. Those who have saving faith in Him and for whose sins Jesus has already paid the penalty will be judged for how well they served Him and will enter into everlasting life – to live forever in glory with Christ in the new heavens and new earth. Everyone else will receive the everlasting punishment of the lake of fire.

Questions
1. What is an epiphany?
2. What will be the last and greatest epiphany?
3. What will happen to those who have faith in Christ?
4. What will happen to everyone else?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that we be prepared for Christ’s return.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.