Awake and Ready: Living for Christ's Return

Devotional

Day 1: The Real Jesus Demands Our Lives

The real Jesus of the Bible calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, even if it costs us everything. In America, we often embrace a comfortable version of Jesus who saves us from hell but doesn't demand our lives. This is a call to genuine discipleship, where our love for Jesus is demonstrated through our willingness to surrender all for His sake. This means that following Jesus is not just about avoiding hell but about living a life fully committed to Him, even when it is uncomfortable or costly.

Jesus' call to deny ourselves and take up our cross is a radical invitation to live counter-culturally. It challenges us to let go of our own desires, ambitions, and comforts to follow Him wholeheartedly. This kind of discipleship requires a deep love for Jesus that surpasses all other loves and a willingness to endure hardship for His sake. Reflect on what it means to truly follow Jesus and consider areas in your life where you may be holding back from fully surrendering to Him. [10:28]

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 2: Wake Up and Strengthen What Remains

The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but was spiritually dead. Jesus urged them to wake up and strengthen what remains. This is a wake-up call for us to examine our spiritual lives, repent, and rekindle our passion for God. We must not become complacent or comfortable in our faith but remain vigilant and alive in Christ.

Spiritual complacency can easily creep into our lives, leading us to go through the motions without genuine passion or commitment. Jesus' message to the church in Sardis is a reminder that we need to be spiritually awake and alert. We must continually assess our spiritual health, repent of any areas where we have grown cold, and seek to strengthen our relationship with God. This involves being intentional about our spiritual practices, such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. [01:03:49]

Revelation 3:2-3 (ESV): "Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you."

Reflection: Are there areas in your spiritual life where you have become complacent? What steps can you take today to rekindle your passion for God and strengthen your faith?

Day 3: Live in Readiness for Jesus' Return

The early church lived with an eager expectation of Jesus' return, greeting each other with "Maranatha," meaning "Come, Lord Jesus, come." This anticipation kept them spiritually sharp and ready. We, too, must live in readiness, purifying ourselves and being active in God's work. Jesus' return is certain, though the timing is unknown.

Living in readiness for Jesus' return means having an eternal perspective and prioritizing God's kingdom over worldly pursuits. It involves purifying ourselves from sin and being diligent in the work God has called us to do. This anticipation of Jesus' return should motivate us to live holy lives and to be actively engaged in sharing the gospel and serving others. Reflect on how the certainty of Jesus' return impacts your daily life and decisions. [01:13:02]

1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."

Reflection: How does the certainty of Jesus' return influence your daily choices and priorities? What changes can you make to live more intentionally in readiness for His return?

Day 4: Set Your Hearts on Things Above

Paul exhorts us to set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things. This means living with an eternal perspective, prioritizing God's kingdom over worldly pursuits. When we focus on the eternal, we are less likely to be swayed by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world.

Setting our hearts on things above involves a conscious effort to align our thoughts, desires, and actions with God's will. It requires us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, trusting that He will provide for our needs. This eternal perspective helps us to navigate the challenges and temptations of this world with a focus on what truly matters. Reflect on how you can shift your focus from earthly concerns to heavenly priorities. [01:41:08]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can set your heart and mind on things above today? How can you prioritize God's kingdom in your daily life?

Day 5: Purify Yourself and Be Active in God's Work

Living ready for Jesus' return involves pursuing personal holiness and being engaged in God's work. We must purify ourselves, staying away from things that easily entangle us, and use our gifts to advance God's kingdom. This is not about earning salvation but about living a life that reflects our hope in Christ's return.

Personal holiness is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It involves a commitment to living according to God's standards and avoiding anything that hinders our relationship with Him. Additionally, being active in God's work means using our time, talents, and resources to serve others and further His kingdom. Reflect on how you can pursue holiness and be more engaged in God's work in your daily life. [01:35:56]

2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."

Reflection: What steps can you take to purify yourself and pursue personal holiness? How can you use your gifts and resources to be more active in God's work today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the profound truth that God's kingdom transcends all earthly divisions, uniting every tribe, nation, and language under the blood of Jesus. We were reminded that our God is not dead but alive, and our worship should reflect that reality. I shared a story about a missionary in Iraq who challenged us to consider which Jesus we truly love. In America, we often embrace a comfortable version of Jesus who saves us from hell but doesn't demand our lives. However, the real Jesus of the Bible calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, even if it costs us everything.

We delved into the book of Revelation, focusing on the letter to the church in Sardis. Jesus commended them for their reputation of being alive but rebuked them for being spiritually dead. He urged them to wake up, strengthen what remains, and remember what they had received and heard. This message is a wake-up call for us as well. We must not become complacent or comfortable in our faith but remain vigilant and alive in Christ.

We also discussed the imminent return of Jesus. The early church lived with an eager expectation of His return, greeting each other with "Maranatha," meaning "Come, Lord Jesus, come." This anticipation kept them spiritually sharp and ready. We, too, must live in readiness, purifying ourselves and being active in God's work. Jesus' return is certain, though the timing is unknown. We must set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things, and live in a way that reflects our hope in His return.

In conclusion, we are called to live lives that are awake and ready for Jesus' return. This means pursuing personal holiness, being engaged in God's work, and eagerly anticipating His coming. Let us not be like the church in Sardis, which had a reputation for being alive but was spiritually dead. Instead, let us be a pure bride, ready for our groom, Jesus Christ.

###

Key Takeaways

1. up call for us to examine our spiritual lives, repent, and rekindle our passion for God. We must not become complacent or comfortable in our faith but remain vigilant and alive in Christ. [01:03:49]
3. Live in Readiness for Jesus' Return: The early church lived with an eager expectation of Jesus' return, greeting each other with "Maranatha," meaning "Come, Lord Jesus, come." This anticipation kept them spiritually sharp and ready. We, too, must live in readiness, purifying ourselves and being active in God's work. Jesus' return is certain, though the timing is unknown.

4. Set Your Hearts on Things Above: Paul exhorts us to set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things. This means living with an eternal perspective, prioritizing God's kingdom over worldly pursuits. When we focus on the eternal, we are less likely to be swayed by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world.

5. Purify Yourself and Be Active in God's Work: Living ready for Jesus' return involves pursuing personal holiness and being engaged in God's work. We must purify ourselves, staying away from things that easily entangle us, and use our gifts to advance God's kingdom. This is not about earning salvation but about living a life that reflects our hope in Christ's return.

### [63:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:17] - Every Tribe, Nation, and Language
[08:50] - The Living God
[09:24] - The Real Jesus
[10:28] - Deny Yourself and Follow Jesus
[11:20] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[12:09] - Worship and Transformation
[13:08] - Strength and Healing in God's Presence
[44:15] - Honoring God in His House
[45:35] - Generosity and Giving
[46:44] - The Heart of Generosity
[47:57] - Announcements and Special Offering
[50:05] - Community Outreach and Ministry
[52:17] - The Importance of Environment
[54:06] - Upcoming Events and Opportunities
[55:37] - Diving into God's Word
[56:42] - The Book of Revelation
[58:04] - The Vision of Jesus
[60:12] - Letters to the Seven Churches
[63:49] - Wake Up and Strengthen What Remains
[69:23] - Living Ready for Jesus' Return
[73:02] - The Certainty of Christ's Return
[79:22] - The Rapture of the Church
[87:37] - Signs of Jesus' Return
[94:51] - Living in Readiness
[101:08] - Set Your Hearts on Things Above
[105:26] - Purify Yourself and Be Active in God's Work
[112:20] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Revelation 3:1-6 (NIV) — > "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

2. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)
> "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For 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 the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

3. Matthew 24:36-44 (NIV)
> "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 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; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Observation Questions

What was the main issue Jesus had with the church in Sardis according to Revelation 3:1-6?
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, what event is Paul describing, and what is its significance for believers?
According to Matthew 24:36-44, what comparison does Jesus make to illustrate the unexpected nature of His return?
What does Jesus urge the church in Sardis to do in Revelation 3:2-3 to correct their spiritual state? [01:03:49]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasized the need for the church in Sardis to "wake up" and "strengthen what remains"? How does this apply to modern believers? [01:03:49]
How does the anticipation of Jesus' return, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, influence the way believers should live their daily lives? [01:19:22]
What does it mean to "set your hearts on things above" as mentioned in Colossians 3:1-2, and how can this mindset help believers stay spiritually vigilant? [01:41:08]
How can the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, which was alluded to in the sermon, serve as a warning for believers to be prepared for Jesus' return? [01:38:32]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own spiritual life. Are there areas where you have become complacent or spiritually "asleep"? What steps can you take to "wake up" and strengthen what remains? [01:03:49]
The sermon mentioned the importance of living in readiness for Jesus' return. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to keep this anticipation alive? [01:13:02]
How can you actively set your heart and mind on things above, as Paul exhorts in Colossians 3:1-2? Identify specific distractions in your life that you need to minimize. [01:41:08]
The pastor shared a story about a missionary in Iraq who challenged the comfortable version of Jesus often embraced in America. How can you ensure that your love for Jesus is genuine and not just based on comfort? [09:57]
Jesus' return is certain, though the timing is unknown. How can you live a life that reflects this hope and readiness? What specific actions can you take to purify yourself and be active in God's work? [01:35:56]
The early church greeted each other with "Maranatha," meaning "Come, Lord Jesus, come." How can you incorporate this eager expectation into your interactions with fellow believers? [01:13:34]
Think about the people in your life who do not know Jesus. How can you share the urgency of the gospel with them in a loving and effective way? What steps will you take this week to start that conversation? [01:39:27]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "But that's it, right? I can say the necessity ones to get around. But how many of you guys know it's beautiful because every tribe, every nation, every language is what God calls us to, right? Not just the people that look like you. But God's looking for a people who will serve him, right? Come on, in God's kingdom, it's not about color. It's about one thing, the blood of Jesus that covers us. Come on, and that's what matters. And so, as we worship this morning, we don't worship a dead God. We worship a living God, right? Our God is not dead, he's surely alive." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We live in a culture in America because in Iraq, when you give your heart to the Lord, it's like, it could be over at any moment as a believer. Iraq is a very strong Muslim nation. And it's not just like saying they're Muslims, they're devout Muslims. And one of the things Muslims do not like are Christians. And as a believer, especially if you're a Muslim that gets saved, I mean, you get expelled. And I mean, it's pretty brutal. So, one of the things he was saying is in America, a lot of us say we love Jesus. We worship Jesus. And one of the things he was sharing on that line is, what Jesus do you love?" (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The only real Jesus is one, the Jesus of the Bible. The Jesus crucified, who died for our sins, rose again. And what was his message that he preached? He says, I've come not for this kingdom. I've come to bring a new kingdom, to establish a new kingdom here on earth. And one of the things that was so controversial to Jesus' ministry is crowds would follow them. And he would turn to them and say, if anyone wants to worship me, if anyone wants to follow me, they must deny themselves, pick up their cross, and follow me." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus said, if you deny yourself, pick up your cross, follow me, then you can be my disciple. Those are strong, bold words. But listen, Jesus demonstrated love. And the greatest love that you can receive isn't from a human being. It's from Christ. So we worship this morning not to entertain you for a little bit. We worship because God's presence comes and changes everything. Amen. His presence can come, minister to your heart, change you in a moment." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Giving is not something as a believer that we do out of obligation. We do it because of the generosity that God puts in our hearts to do. It's interesting. In the life of a believer, one of the ways you know God's changed your heart is you are no longer a give me, give me. You're a contributor to what God wants to move your heart to do. You with me? There's things that God will move your heart to do. Giving is one of them. Tithing is one of them. But generosity beyond these walls." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So, John went with the other apostles. They started preaching the good news that Jesus isn't dead. He's alive. He's able to save your sin. He's able to redeem your life and set your life for a purpose and a plan. And so they traveled. The message of Jesus was not easily received. A lot of people rejected it, especially a lot of the religious people. They rejected the message because the Jewish people in John's day were very, very strong on the Messiah. And they believed they knew how he was going to come. Jesus came as a lowly servant. Their belief of Jesus, he was coming to overthrow at that time the Roman Empire. So when they're preaching Jesus Christ crucified, dying for sin, that rubbed against the message of the day." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So, the Bible says, for in the days before the flood, people were eating, drinking, marrying, giving in marriage up until the day Noah entered the ark. And they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of what? The Son of Man, when Jesus comes back. Two men will be in the field. One will be taken, the other what? Therefore, what? Keep what? Keep watch, because you do not know what? The day your Lord will come." (64 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Living in readiness means pursuing personal holiness and being active and engaged in God's work. I'm gonna end it right here with these last two things. I wanna challenge you on living ready and the hope of his return. So number one, living ready. 1 John 3 says this. Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him. Sorry. Skip down. Can you skip down to 1 John 3? I'm sorry, Luke. I put a bunch on there. Thank you, brother. That was my bad. You're doing a great job, Luke. Dear friends, now we are children of God and we are children of God. What we will be has not yet been made known. But what we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves just as he is pure." (56 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So, how do you live ready? Purify yourself. Matthew 25 says this, I'm gonna sum it up because it's a parable. Jesus talks about this parable. He gives people different talents. And he gives to one, you know, five, right? You need. Have you heard the parable? All right, I'm just trying to wrap this up because I want to get done here at a good time. So Jesus gives talents. These talents were like, let's say money in our day. He gives them a couple dollars here, here, here, here. The three different people. And he says, I want you to use the money. I'm gonna come back and you're gonna show for what you did with that money. How do you live ready? Well, if you purify yourself, you're able to say, all right, God, I don't want to glorify me. I want to glorify you. Then God bestows upon you gifting. Someone say, I'm gifted. You have giftings that God wants to, to use those giftings aren't meant to edify you. They're meant to edify God. Those giftings glorify God." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So, how do you live ready? Purify yourself. Matthew 25 says this, I'm gonna sum it up because it's a parable. Jesus talks about this parable. He gives people different talents. And he gives to one, you know, five, right? You need. Have you heard the parable? All right, I'm just trying to wrap this up because I want to get done here at a good time. So Jesus gives talents. These talents were like, let's say money in our day. He gives them a couple dollars here, here, here, here. The three different people. And he says, I want you to use the money. I'm gonna come back and you're gonna show for what you did with that money. How do you live ready? Well, if you purify yourself, you're able to say, all right, God, I don't want to glorify me. I want to glorify you. Then God bestows upon you gifting. Someone say, I'm gifted. You have giftings that God wants to, to use those giftings aren't meant to edify you. They're meant to edify God. Those giftings glorify God." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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