Living in Readiness for Christ's Imminent Return

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing

God's delay in returning is an act of mercy, allowing more time for repentance. His timing is perfect, and we must trust in His plan, living in readiness for His return. The passage in 2 Peter 3 reminds us that God's perception of time is vastly different from ours. A day is like a thousand years to Him, and this delay is not due to negligence but is an expression of His patience. This patience is a gift, providing everyone the opportunity to repent and turn towards Him. As believers, we are called to live in a state of readiness, trusting that His timing is perfect and that His promises will be fulfilled. [00:37]

2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's timing? How can you actively practice patience and readiness in those areas today?

Day 2: Heeding God's Warnings

The story of Noah serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of heeding God's warnings and being prepared. Just as Noah built the ark in faith, we must live in anticipation of Christ's return. Noah's story is a testament to faith and obedience. Despite the ridicule and disbelief of those around him, Noah remained steadfast in his mission, building the ark over many years. His actions were a response to God's warning of the coming flood, a warning that many chose to ignore until it was too late. In our current times, we are similarly called to heed God's warnings and live in anticipation of Christ's return, preparing ourselves spiritually for the day of the Lord. [10:04]

Hebrews 11:7 (ESV): "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."

Reflection: What are some warnings or promptings from God that you might be ignoring? How can you take a step of faith today to respond to them?

Day 3: Spiritual Vigilance and Readiness

The parable of the ten virgins teaches us the necessity of spiritual vigilance. Being prepared means living a life of holiness and godliness, ready to meet the Lord at any moment. In this parable, all ten virgins were waiting for the bridegroom, but only five were prepared when he arrived. This story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being spiritually vigilant and ready for Christ's return. It is not enough to simply wait; we must actively prepare ourselves by living lives that reflect holiness and godliness, ensuring that we are ready to meet the Lord at any moment. [15:52]

Matthew 25:10-13 (ESV): "And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a lifestyle of spiritual vigilance and readiness? What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to ensure you are prepared for Christ's return?

Day 4: Consequences of Unpreparedness

The consequences of being unprepared are severe, as described in the Bible. While salvation is secure, the loss of reigning with Christ during the millennial kingdom is a significant regret. The Bible warns of the consequences for those who are unprepared, describing a time of outer darkness and gnashing of teeth. This is not a question of salvation but of readiness and the loss of the opportunity to reign with Christ during the millennial kingdom. It is a sobering reminder that while our salvation is secure, our readiness for Christ's return has eternal implications. [24:57]

Matthew 8:11-12 (ESV): "I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are spiritually unprepared? What steps can you take today to address these areas and ensure you are ready for Christ's return?

Day 5: Living by the Spirit

We are called to live by the Spirit, denying ourselves and following Christ. This requires sacrifice, but the eternal rewards far outweigh the temporary pleasures of this world. Living by the Spirit involves a daily commitment to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ. It requires us to prioritize eternal rewards over temporary pleasures, recognizing that the glory of the kingdom is far greater than anything this world can offer. By following the leading of the Holy Spirit, we align our lives with God's will and prepare ourselves for the eternal rewards that await us. [46:29]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to deny yourself and follow the Spirit's leading? How can you take a practical step today to align that area with God's will?

Sermon Summary

In 2 Peter 3, we are reminded of the Lord's promise and the urgency of being prepared for His return. The passage emphasizes that God's timing is not like ours; a day is like a thousand years to Him. This delay is not due to negligence but is an expression of His patience, giving everyone the opportunity to repent. The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, and it will bring about the dissolution of the heavens and the earth. This calls us to live holy and godly lives as we anticipate the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.

Reflecting on the story of Noah, we see a parallel to our times. Noah was warned of the coming flood and spent 120 years building the ark, preaching to those around him. Yet, many ignored his warnings until it was too late. Similarly, we are living in the last days, and the return of Christ is imminent. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 illustrates the importance of being prepared. All ten were waiting for the bridegroom, but only five were ready when he arrived. This serves as a warning to us to be vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return.

The message is clear: we must not be complacent. The return of Christ will be sudden, and those who are not ready will face regret. The Bible warns of the consequences for those who are unprepared, describing a time of outer darkness and gnashing of teeth. This is not a question of salvation but of readiness and the loss of the opportunity to reign with Christ during the millennial kingdom.

We are urged to examine our lives, repent, and live in a way that honors God. This involves denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following the leading of the Holy Spirit. The pleasures of this world are temporary, but the glory of the kingdom is eternal. Let us be wise and choose to be ready, living each day with the expectation of Christ's return.

Key Takeaways

1. God's delay in returning is an act of mercy, allowing more time for repentance. His timing is perfect, and we must trust in His plan, living in readiness for His return. [00:37]
2. The story of Noah serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of heeding God's warnings and being prepared. Just as Noah built the ark in faith, we must live in anticipation of Christ's return. [10:04]
3. The parable of the ten virgins teaches us the necessity of spiritual vigilance. Being prepared means living a life of holiness and godliness, ready to meet the Lord at any moment. [15:52]
4. The consequences of being unprepared are severe, as described in the Bible. While salvation is secure, the loss of reigning with Christ during the millennial kingdom is a significant regret. [24:57]
5. We are called to live by the Spirit, denying ourselves and following Christ. This requires sacrifice, but the eternal rewards far outweigh the temporary pleasures of this world. [46:29]
** [46:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - God's Timing and Patience
[01:07] - The Day of the Lord
[02:21] - New Heavens and New Earth
[03:26] - Prayer for Readiness
[05:46] - Jesus' Promise to Return
[06:34] - The Urgency of Readiness
[10:04] - Lessons from Noah
[11:54] - The Flood and Its Lessons
[13:25] - Parable of the Ten Virgins
[17:51] - The Coming Judgment
[20:41] - The Suddenness of Christ's Return
[24:57] - Consequences of Unpreparedness
[31:39] - Living in Readiness
[46:29] - Following the Spirit's Leading
[52:53] - Final Exhortation and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading
- 2 Peter 3:8-13: This passage reminds us of the Lord's promise and the urgency of being prepared for His return. It emphasizes God's patience and the unexpected nature of the day of the Lord.
- Matthew 25:1-13: The parable of the ten virgins illustrates the importance of being prepared for the Lord's return.
- Genesis 6:9-22: The story of Noah, who was warned of the coming flood and spent years preparing the ark, serves as a parallel to our need for readiness.

Observation Questions

According to 2 Peter 3, how does God's perception of time differ from ours, and what is the reason for His delay in returning? ([00:37])
What does the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 teach us about spiritual vigilance and readiness? ([15:52])
How did Noah's actions and the response of those around him serve as a warning for us today? ([10:04])
What are the consequences mentioned in the sermon for those who are unprepared for the Lord's return? ([24:57])

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of God's timing in 2 Peter 3:8-9 challenge our understanding of urgency and patience in our spiritual lives? ([00:37])
In what ways does the parable of the ten virgins reflect the state of readiness among believers today? ([15:52])
How can the story of Noah be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life and the call to live in anticipation of Christ's return? ([10:04])
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between salvation and readiness for the Lord's return? ([24:57])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt impatient with God's timing. How can you cultivate trust in His perfect plan this week? ([00:37])
The parable of the ten virgins emphasizes the need for preparation. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually ready for Christ's return? ([15:52])
Noah was faithful in his preparation despite ridicule. How can you remain steadfast in your faith when faced with skepticism or opposition? ([10:04])
Consider the consequences of being unprepared as described in the sermon. What changes can you make in your daily life to avoid spiritual complacency? ([24:57])
The sermon calls us to deny ourselves and follow the Holy Spirit. Identify one area of your life where you can practice self-denial this week. ([46:29])
How can you balance enjoying the pleasures of this world with living a life that honors God and anticipates His return? ([31:04])
Think of someone in your life who may not be prepared for the Lord's return. How can you encourage them to seek a relationship with Christ? ([11:11])

Sermon Clips

The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. [00:48:24]

The Bible tells us at the time of Noah the Lord revealed to Noah that the end will come and He asked Noah to prepare an ark. Noah spent a hundred and twenty years in preparing the ark, and you can imagine what he was preparing the ark, which was an unusual thing because the earth has never had any rain, any disasters of that kind. [09:36:00]

The ten virgins, they were Christians. They have the torch; they are going out to meet the Lord. But because the Lord seems to be delayed, they all fell asleep. Actually, these ten represent all the Christians throughout the ages. They were all waiting for the Lord's return from the first century onward, and because the Lord seems to have delayed, they fell asleep. [15:52:00]

The Bible tells us they will be in outer darkness with gnashing of teeth. In other words, because they are saved, not because they are saved, they are left behind. They are saved, but because they have been saved, so they knew what had happened, and it was a great regret in their lives. Gnashing of teeth means crazily regretting what they had done. [24:57:00]

So dear brothers and sisters, if we do not want to regret, better be prepared. What happened to the bad servant? He thought that the Lord will not come so soon, so he began to eat and drink and enjoy his life. He even beat his fellow servants, but suddenly the Lord shall return. [25:55:00]

We are living at this kind of time. You cannot afford to be careless. Be prepared. The Lord may come at any moment. He has waited long enough. I always feel, I always hope that He will come back. By the time I remember, Brother Nee told us when she was walking with Respond, and you may have heard Miss Potter was one who really loved the Lord. [31:39:00]

So dear brothers and sisters, we are living at this kind of time. You cannot afford to be careless. Be prepared. The Lord may come at any moment. He has waited long enough. I always feel, I always hope that He will come back. By the time I remember, Brother Nee told us when she was walking with Respond, and you may have heard Miss Potter was one who really loved the Lord. [31:39:00]

It is true that if you want to be ready for the Lord, you have to suffer to a certain degree because you have to deny yourself. You have to learn to follow the leading of the younger Holy Spirit. The Lord has given His Spirit to each one of us, and His Spirit who dwells in our spirit is very careful in leading us in a way of the Lord. [46:29:00]

I remember before I was saved, I used to spend my Saturday here in theatres. Even though my father was a pastor, and yet I was usually in the theaters. After I was saved, people told me that I shouldn't go to the theaters. I used to quarrel with him and say I choose what I look at. If it's good theater, it was good. [47:48:00]

So dear brothers and sisters, this time when we come together, we are very serious. Don't put it away as if there will be still opportunity for you to repent and return. Brothers and sisters, this is the time. Repent. Return. Your soul may suffer, but your spirit will be saved. [51:39:00]

May the Lord show mercy to every one of us. Do not allow the pleasure of this life to enable you to miss the glorious kingdom of a thousand years. So may the Lord help us. Shall we pray? Dear Lord, we want to thank you that again and again you remind us of what you have prepared for us. [52:53:00]

You want us to be what you want us to be, that we may really follow thee with our whole heart and be willing to take up the cross, to deny the self, and to follow the Lord. May this be the ambition of each and every one of us here, Lord. What if He who returned now, hopefully this auditorium will be emptied, no one will be left behind. [54:03:00]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?

Living in Readiness for Christ's Imminent Return

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing

Day 2: Heeding God's Warnings

Day 3: Spiritual Vigilance and Readiness

Day 4: Consequences of Unpreparedness

Day 5: Living by the Spirit

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living in Readiness for Christ's Imminent Return

Share