In what ways can we prepare for Jesus' unexpected return? The Urgent Call of Matthew 25:13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13) Living on High Alert • Jesus likens His return to “a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3). • “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6) • Readiness begins with an alert mind and heart that refuse complacency. Guarding the Flame of Faith • “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35) • Daily Bible intake keeps oil in the lamp. • Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) protects against drift. Purity and Holiness • “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.” (2 Peter 3:11) • Confession and repentance keep garments clean (1 John 1:9). • “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) Faithful Stewardship • The faithful servant is “doing so when his master returns.” (Matthew 24:46) • Steward time, talents, finances, and spiritual gifts for kingdom purposes (1 Peter 4:10). • View every task—big or small—as service rendered directly to Christ (Colossians 3:23-24). Active Love and Service • Genuine readiness expresses itself in love (Galatians 5:6). • “Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) • Practical acts—visiting the lonely, feeding the hungry, encouraging the weary—mirror the heart of the coming King. Persistent Prayer and Worship • “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • Prayer keeps lines of communication open; worship keeps the soul oriented heavenward (Hebrews 13:15). Gospel Witness • “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world… and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) • Share Christ in word and deed, knowing evangelism hastens the day (2 Peter 3:12). • Keep a ready testimony (1 Peter 3:15). Staying Together in Fellowship • “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Mutual encouragement guards against isolation and apathy. • Accountability relationships keep watchfulness practical. Embracing Hope-Filled Endurance • “You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, because the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:8) • Refuse discouragement; remember future glory (Romans 8:18). • “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) Living Conclusion Readiness is not a momentary posture but a lifestyle: eyes up, hands busy, heart pure, voice proclaiming. “Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink back at His coming.” (1 John 2:28) |
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