Living in Readiness for Christ's Return
Summary
### Summary
As we approach the Olympic Games in Paris, we are reminded of the dedication and preparation of athletes who have their eyes set on a single goal. This mirrors the Christian life, where our focus should be on being ready for the return of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and preparation for an imperishable crown. Similarly, Jesus, in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25), teaches us to live in readiness for His return, not by predicting the exact time but by being faithful and vigilant.
Throughout the Olivet Discourse, Jesus uses parables to illustrate the importance of being prepared. The parable of the housekeeper teaches vigilance, the parable of the faithful and wicked servants emphasizes faithfulness, the parable of the ten virgins highlights endurance, and the parable of the talents encourages us to leverage our lives for God's kingdom. Today, we focus on the final part of this teaching, often referred to as the parable of the sheep and the goats, which is actually a direct teaching about the final judgment.
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes the final judgment where He will separate people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The sheep, representing the righteous, will inherit the kingdom prepared for them, while the goats, representing the unrighteous, will face eternal punishment. This passage serves as a motivation to live faithfully, an evaluation of our lives, and an application to serve others.
We are motivated by the glory of the coming King and the reality of eternal judgment. We are called to evaluate our lives by looking for the fruit of following Jesus, which is evident in our love and service to others, especially fellow believers. Finally, we are called to look around and serve those in need, recognizing that in serving them, we are serving Christ Himself.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Glory of the Coming King: Jesus will return in all His glory, a glory that surpasses anything we can imagine. This should motivate us to live faithfully, knowing that our devotion and allegiance are to the King above all kings. His first coming was humble, but His second coming will be in full majesty and authority. [09:12]
2. The Reality of Eternal Judgment: When Christ returns, He will come as the just and righteous judge. Everyone will stand before Him, and there will be a clear separation between the righteous and the unrighteous. This reality should prompt us to live in a way that reflects our faith in Christ, knowing that our eternal destiny is at stake. [14:08]
3. The Fruit of Following Jesus: True faith in Christ will be evident in our lives through our actions. We are called to look within and see if our lives bear the fruit of loving and serving others, especially fellow believers. This is a clear indication of genuine faith and transformation. [19:22]
4. Serving the Least of These: Jesus identifies Himself with those in need, particularly His followers. Our service to them is a direct service to Christ. This challenges us to evaluate our relationships within the body of Christ and ensure that we are caring for our brothers and sisters in need. [26:54]
5. Looking Around and Serving Others: We are called to look around and serve those in need, both within and outside the church. This service is not just a duty but a natural overflow of Christ's love in us. It is a testimony to the gospel and a way to invite others into the family of God. [35:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:41] - The Olympic Games and Christian Life
[02:46] - The Olivet Discourse Overview
[04:16] - Parables of Readiness
[04:58] - The Sheep and the Goats
[06:35] - The Final Judgment
[09:12] - Motivation: The Glory of the Coming King
[14:08] - Motivation: The Reality of Eternal Judgment
[19:22] - Evaluation: The Fruit of Following Jesus
[26:54] - Who Are the Least of These?
[35:02] - Application: Looking Around and Serving Others
[39:10] - Are You Ready?
[40:56] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
2. Matthew 25:31-46: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul compare the Christian life to in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, and what is the purpose of this comparison? [01:41]
2. In Matthew 25:31-46, what criteria does Jesus use to separate the sheep from the goats? [06:35]
3. According to the sermon, what are the two points of motivation for living faithfully in light of Christ's return? [09:12] [14:08]
4. What are the specific acts of service mentioned in Matthew 25:35-36 that identify the righteous? [06:35]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of athletes preparing for the Olympics in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 help us understand the level of dedication required in the Christian life? [01:41]
2. What does the separation of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 teach us about the nature of final judgment and the criteria for righteousness? [06:35]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of serving "the least of these" in relation to serving Christ Himself? [26:54]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between faith and works, particularly in the context of evaluating one's own life for the fruit of following Jesus? [19:22]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you need to exercise more self-discipline to be ready for Christ's return, similar to how athletes prepare for the Olympics? What specific steps can you take this week to improve in these areas? [01:41]
2. How does the reality of eternal judgment influence your daily decisions and actions? Are there changes you need to make to live more faithfully in light of this truth? [14:08]
3. Think about your interactions with fellow believers: Are you actively serving "the least of these" within your church community? Identify one person or family in need and plan a specific way to serve them this week. [26:54]
4. Evaluate your life for the fruit of following Jesus: Do your actions reflect genuine faith and transformation? What is one area where you can improve in showing love and service to others? [19:22]
5. Consider the broader community: How can you extend your service beyond the church to those in need around you? Identify a local organization or cause and plan a way to get involved. [35:02]
6. Reflect on the glory of the coming King: How does this vision of Christ's return motivate you to live differently? What specific actions can you take to align your life more closely with this vision? [09:12]
7. Are you ready for Christ's return? What evidence in your life shows that you are living in readiness? If you find areas lacking, what steps will you take to address them? [39:10]
Devotional
Day 1: The Glory of the Coming King
As we anticipate the return of Jesus, we are reminded of the glory that will accompany His second coming. Unlike His first coming, which was marked by humility and sacrifice, His return will be in full majesty and authority. This should motivate us to live faithfully, knowing that our devotion and allegiance are to the King above all kings. The splendor of His return surpasses anything we can imagine, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate victory and hope we have in Christ. Let this vision of His glory inspire us to live lives that honor Him daily. [09:12]
Isaiah 40:10-11 (ESV): "Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."
Reflection: How does the vision of Jesus' glorious return influence your daily decisions and actions? What changes can you make today to live more faithfully in light of His coming?
Day 2: The Reality of Eternal Judgment
When Christ returns, He will come as the just and righteous judge. This reality of eternal judgment should prompt us to live in a way that reflects our faith in Christ, knowing that our eternal destiny is at stake. Jesus will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, and this clear separation should motivate us to examine our lives and ensure that we are living in accordance with His teachings. The awareness of this judgment is not meant to instill fear but to encourage a life of holiness and dedication to God. [14:08]
2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV): "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."
Reflection: In what ways does the reality of eternal judgment shape your priorities and actions? Are there areas in your life that need realignment with God's will?
Day 3: The Fruit of Following Jesus
True faith in Christ will be evident in our lives through our actions. We are called to look within and see if our lives bear the fruit of loving and serving others, especially fellow believers. This is a clear indication of genuine faith and transformation. The fruit of following Jesus is not just about personal piety but about active love and service to those around us. It is through these actions that our faith is made visible and impactful. [19:22]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent actions and interactions. Do they demonstrate the love and service that come from following Jesus? How can you intentionally bear more fruit in your daily life?
Day 4: Serving the Least of These
Jesus identifies Himself with those in need, particularly His followers. Our service to them is a direct service to Christ. This challenges us to evaluate our relationships within the body of Christ and ensure that we are caring for our brothers and sisters in need. Serving the least of these is not just a duty but a privilege, as it allows us to serve Christ Himself. It calls us to be attentive and compassionate, recognizing the divine in the faces of those we help. [26:54]
Matthew 25:40 (ESV): "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"
Reflection: Who are the "least of these" in your life right now? How can you serve them in a way that reflects Christ's love and compassion?
Day 5: Looking Around and Serving Others
We are called to look around and serve those in need, both within and outside the church. This service is not just a duty but a natural overflow of Christ's love in us. It is a testimony to the gospel and a way to invite others into the family of God. By serving others, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love and create opportunities for others to experience His grace. Let us be proactive in seeking out ways to serve and make a difference in the lives of those around us. [35:02]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: Look around your community today. Who is in need of help or encouragement? How can you extend Christ's love to them in a practical and meaningful way?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We don't know when he will return, so we must be ready. We must stay alert. We press on in faithfulness so that when he comes back, we will be one's brothers and sisters who hear those precious words, those glorious words which we saw last week when we stand before him. Well done, good and faithful servant. Don't you long to hear that?" [03:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we understand the glory of King Jesus, the glory which He already has, which has been His for all eternity, and with which He will appear when He returns, that should serve as motivation for us as we understand that there is none more worthy of our devotion, none more worthy of our allegiance, none more worthy of our sacrifice than the King above all kings." [12:42] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Let me ask you, have you put your faith and trust in Jesus? If you haven't, I would challenge you to look ahead and understand that when He comes, there is an eternal judgment to be faced. The only way you get into His eternal kingdom, become one of the sheep, is through faith, faith in Christ, surrendering your life to Him. Today, if you never have done that, I would challenge you to do so." [18:38] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We press on in faithful endurance because we are not doing it for ourselves, but the King who is over all, the glorious King. See the glory of the coming King and let that motivate you in your faithfulness to Christ." [13:22] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We serve Jesus as we serve the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Beyond that though, this serves as motivation, doesn't it? To look around and see the needs of others who are not in Christ. As we follow him leading us to selflessly serve them with the love of Jesus and what a testimony to the gospel." [37:08] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "For the last several weeks, we've been looking at what we call the Olivet Discourse in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, where Jesus is having a conversation with his disciples about the temporal judgment and persecution and hardship they're going to face and see. And the clear takeaway for the disciples and for us now in this is not for them to try to figure out when that time is exactly going to be." [02:46] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Look within to see the fruit of following the King. Look within and see the fruit of following the King. You understand, while we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, when we trust and follow Jesus in our lives, there will be transformation. There's going to be evidence of that in your life. You understand, you can't separate faith from the works it produces." [19:22] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Does the fruit of loving and caring for those who are in need, who are followers of Jesus mark your life? That's the point of what Jesus is making here. That is evidence of real faith. What is your relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ, the church, like? That's the evaluation of this passage." [33:57] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We work to meet the practical needs of others, especially those who are members of the body of Christ. And when we do that Jesus says, you're serving me, the king. The best way to sum this up I think is found from the pen of the apostle Paul in Galatians chapter 6 verse 10. This is the direct application of Matthew 25. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially those who belong to the household of faith." [36:04] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our goal was to help others come along and get to the finish line too. So that when we stand before the King they stand before the King, they will hear the invitation, come. in and receive what has been prepared for you from the foundation of the world." [40:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?