Other scriptures on Christ's return?
What other scriptures emphasize preparedness for Christ's return like Matthew 24:38?

Matthew 24:38—A Snapshot of Unreadiness

“For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark.”

• Ordinary life rolled on; judgment arrived suddenly.

• The warning: don’t let the routine lull you into spiritual sleep.


Companion Gospel Passages That Echo “Be Ready”

Matthew 24:42-44 – “Therefore keep watch … the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.”

Matthew 25:1-13 – Parable of the Ten Virgins: only the prepared enter the wedding feast.

Mark 13:33-37 – “Be on your guard and stay alert … What I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!”

Luke 12:35-40 – “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning … You also must be ready.”

Luke 21:34-36 – “Watch yourselves … keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen.”


Letters to the Churches—Practical Exhortations to Stay Awake

Romans 13:11-14 – “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber.”

1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 – “The Day of the Lord will come like a thief … let us remain awake and sober.”

Titus 2:11-13 – Grace teaches us “to live sensible, upright, and godly lives … as we await the blessed hope.”

James 5:7-9 – “Be patient … the Lord’s coming is near … the Judge is standing at the door!”

Hebrews 10:36-37 – “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.”

1 Peter 1:13 – “Prepare your minds for action … set your hope fully on the grace to be given … at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 3:10-14 – Because the Day “will come like a thief,” strive to “be found … spotless and blameless.”

1 John 2:28 – “Remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed.”


Revelation’s Final Trumpet Call

Revelation 16:15 – “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed.”


Common Threads That Surface

• Suddenness: His appearing is compared to a thief or surprise return.

• Watchfulness: Continual vigilance replaces complacency.

• Holiness: Preparedness shows itself in holy, sober, obedient lives.

• Hope: Readiness is energized by joyful expectation of seeing Christ.


Living It Out Today

• Keep watch—daily communion with the Lord guards against spiritual drift.

• Travel light—lay aside works of darkness and clothe yourself with Christ.

• Serve faithfully—use time, gifts, and resources as stewards awaiting the Master’s return.

• Encourage others—remind one another that “our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”

How can Noah's time in Matthew 24:38 guide our current spiritual vigilance?
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