Preparing for the Last Days: Faith, Wisdom, and Readiness

Devotional

Day 1: Be Prepared for the Coming of the Lord

The parable of the ten virgins reminds us that spiritual preparation is not optional but essential for all who await Christ’s return. Just as the wise virgins brought extra oil, we are called to live with readiness, not knowing the exact hour of His coming. This means cultivating a daily relationship with God, keeping our faith vibrant, and not becoming complacent or distracted by the world. Preparation is not a one-time act but a continual posture of the heart, ensuring that when the call comes, we are found ready and welcomed into the joy of His presence. [05:10]

Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV)
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 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: What is one practical way you can “keep oil in your lamp” this week—whether through prayer, worship, or service—so you are spiritually prepared for whatever comes?

Day 2: Recognize the Signs of the Last Days

Scripture teaches that we are living in the last days, a time marked by moral confusion, self-centeredness, and spiritual deception. The Apostle Paul’s description of these times is not meant to frighten us, but to awaken us to the reality of the world we inhabit and the urgent need for discernment and steadfastness. As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize these signs, not to despair, but to anchor ourselves in God’s truth and live distinctively, shining as lights in a darkening world. [08:25]

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV)
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

Reflection: In what ways do you see the characteristics of the “last days” described in this passage reflected in your community or workplace, and how can you respond differently as a follower of Jesus?

Day 3: Remember Who You Are in Christ

In the midst of rapid change and uncertainty, it is vital to remember your identity as a beloved child of God. No advancement in technology, no world event, and no power is greater than the God who created the universe and knows you intimately. When you are tempted to fear or feel overwhelmed by the future, remind yourself that you are held by a Father who is sovereign, loving, and attentive to every detail of your life. Let this truth anchor your heart and give you courage to face whatever comes. [20:16]

Romans 8:14-17 (ESV)
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

Reflection: When you feel anxious about the future, what is one way you can intentionally remind yourself of your identity as God’s beloved child?

Day 4: Grow in Wisdom by Fearing the Lord

True wisdom begins with a reverent awe of God—recognizing His holiness, power, and majesty, and responding with humble obedience. In uncertain times, wisdom is not found in human knowledge or technology, but in a heart that fears the Lord and seeks to honor Him above all. As you prepare for the days ahead, make it your aim to deepen your reverence for God, allowing His wisdom to guide your decisions and shape your character. [23:50]

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to invite God’s wisdom by choosing to honor and obey Him, even if it challenges your comfort or preferences?

Day 5: Be Watchful and Ready for Christ’s Return

Jesus calls His followers to live with watchfulness and readiness, not distracted or lulled into complacency by the routines of life. Just as a homeowner stays alert for a possible thief, so we are to be spiritually vigilant, knowing that the Lord could return at any moment. This readiness is not about fear, but about living each day with purpose, hope, and expectation, making the most of every opportunity to serve and love others in His name. [24:47]

Matthew 24:42-44 (ESV)
“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Reflection: What is one specific habit or practice you can adopt this week to help you stay spiritually alert and ready for Christ’s return?

Sermon Summary

Life is a journey of learning, and as we navigate the rapidly changing world around us, it’s vital to consider how we prepare for the future—especially in light of the times we live in. We are all, in some way, preparing for what’s ahead, whether consciously or not. The world is shifting at an unprecedented pace, with technologies like artificial intelligence transforming every aspect of our lives. These changes are not just technological; they are spiritual and societal, and they demand a response from us as followers of Christ.

Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 reminds us of the importance of being prepared—not just for the challenges of life, but for His return. The wise virgins were ready, their lamps filled with oil, while the foolish were caught off guard. This is a call to readiness, not just for those who don’t yet know Christ, but for all of us who claim to follow Him. The Bible makes it clear: we are living in the last days, the time between Jesus’ ascension and His return. The signs are all around us—moral decay, self-centeredness, and a world increasingly shaped by forces beyond our control.

Yet, in the midst of uncertainty, we are not called to fear, but to remember who we are. We are children of the living God, known and loved by Him, and nothing that happens in the world—no technological advance, no global upheaval—takes Him by surprise. Our preparation begins with this identity. We must also become people who interpret the times, discerning truth from deception, especially as technology blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The Word of God is our anchor, and we must become students of Scripture, able to recognize the signs and understand the times.

Wisdom is essential. The fear of the Lord—a deep reverence and awe for His holiness—leads us into true understanding. This is not a fear that paralyzes, but one that humbles and motivates us to live in obedience and love. Finally, we are called to be ready, to keep watch, and to live with a sense of expectancy. The world will look to the church for answers in the days ahead. Let us be a people who are prepared, discerning, wise, and rooted in our identity as God’s beloved.

Key Takeaways

1. Remember your identity as God’s child In times of rapid change and uncertainty, it is easy to lose sight of who we are. But our foundation is secure: we are children of Almighty God, known intimately and loved deeply. This truth anchors us, giving us confidence that nothing in the world—no matter how advanced or intimidating—can separate us from His care. Let this identity shape your response to every challenge. [20:16]
2. Discern the times and seek truth The world is filled with voices, information, and even deception, especially as technology advances. We are called to interpret the times, to be alert and discerning, not easily swayed by appearances or falsehoods. This requires a commitment to God’s Word and a willingness to test what we hear and see, so that we are not led astray but remain grounded in truth. [22:31]
3. Cultivate the fear of the Lord for wisdom True wisdom begins with a reverent awe of God’s holiness and majesty. This fear is not about terror, but about recognizing His greatness and responding with humble obedience. As we grow in the fear of the Lord, we gain insight and understanding that the world cannot offer, equipping us to navigate complex and uncertain times with clarity and grace. [24:05]
4. Live ready and expectant for Christ’s return Readiness is not passive waiting, but active preparation. Jesus calls us to keep watch, to live each day with the awareness that He could return at any moment. This shapes our priorities, our relationships, and our witness to the world. Let us be found faithful, with our lamps burning and our hearts prepared, so that we are not caught off guard but welcome Him with joy. [24:47]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - The Importance of Preparation
[02:43] - Facing Difficult Times Ahead
[04:49] - The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
[05:10] - Parable of the Ten Virgins
[07:18] - Are We Living in the Last Days?
[08:25] - Signs of the Last Days
[09:31] - Studying Revelation and Prophecy
[10:39] - The Significance of Israel
[12:03] - Interpreting the Times
[12:46] - The Impact of AI on Society
[14:14] - The Antichrist: Person or Technology?
[15:29] - Superintelligence and Human Enhancement
[19:59] - How Should We Prepare?
[20:16] - Remembering Our Identity in Christ
[21:30] - Interpreting and Discerning the Times
[23:36] - Fearing the Lord for Wisdom
[24:47] - Living Ready for Christ’s Return
[25:41] - The Church’s Role in Changing Times
[26:15] - Closing and Final Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV) – The Parable of the Ten Virgins — “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 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.”

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV) — “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV) — “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

Observation Questions

In the parable of the ten virgins, what was the main difference between the wise and foolish virgins? What did the oil represent in their preparation? ([05:10])
According to 2 Timothy 3, what are some of the signs or characteristics of the “last days” that Paul describes? ([08:25])
What does Proverbs 9:10 say is the starting point for true wisdom?
In the sermon, what are some of the ways technology, especially artificial intelligence, is said to be changing our world? ([12:46])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus used the image of lamps and oil to describe readiness for His return? What might the oil symbolize for us today? ([05:10])
The sermon mentions that we are living in the “last days” and that the world is changing rapidly. How should this awareness affect the way Christians live and prepare? ([07:18])
The “fear of the Lord” is described as a reverent awe that leads to wisdom. How is this different from being afraid of God, and why is it important for navigating uncertain times? ([24:05])
The sermon talks about discerning truth in a world full of information and deception, especially with technology blurring reality. What practical steps can believers take to “test the spirits” and stay grounded in truth? ([22:31])

Application Questions

The sermon says our preparation for the future starts with remembering our identity as God’s children. When you face uncertainty or fear about the future, what helps you remember who you are in Christ? Is there a specific truth or verse you return to? ([20:16])
With so much information and so many voices in the world, especially online, how do you personally discern what is true and what is false? Are there habits or practices you want to develop to become more discerning? ([22:31])
The “fear of the Lord” is described as a humble awe that leads to wisdom. Can you think of a recent situation where a deeper reverence for God changed the way you responded? How might you cultivate this kind of fear of the Lord in your daily life? ([24:05])
Jesus calls us to “keep watch” and live ready for His return. What does “living ready” look like for you in practical terms—at work, at home, or in your relationships? ([24:47])
The sermon highlights that the world will look to the church for answers in times of crisis. How can you be prepared to offer hope and wisdom to those around you who are anxious or confused by the changes in society? ([25:57])
Technology, especially AI, is changing the way we live and interact. Are there specific ways you feel challenged or unsettled by these changes? How can your faith help you respond with confidence rather than fear? ([19:59])
The wise virgins were ready even when the bridegroom was delayed. Are there areas in your life where you have become spiritually “drowsy” or complacent? What is one step you can take this week to renew your sense of expectancy and readiness for Christ? ([05:10])

Sermon Clips

But are we prepared as Christians for the last days? Because the Bible tells us we are already living in the last days. Because the last days is the period between Jesus' ascension and his return to the earth. [00:07:18] (23 seconds) #RevelationReady

And the first thing I want to say, what I wanted to remind us about this morning is in our preparation, is reminding ourselves of who we are. That this morning, if you're sitting in this church and you're a Christian, you are a child of Almighty God. AI is not a surprise to God. AI is not bigger than God. [00:20:07] (22 seconds)

Our Father God is the God who made a universe that is 13 billion light years across. Our Father God is the one that made each one of us that knows us intimately. The Bible says He knows when we sit, when we stand, He knows our thoughts from afar. That's our Father God. And our Father God knows everything that's happening and will happen in our lives. [00:20:29] (26 seconds)

What we should also do to prepare, we should interpret the times. Matthew chapter 24 verse 3 to 8 says this. As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. Tell us, they said, when will this happen? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? Jesus answered, Watch out that no one deceives you, for many will come in my name. Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming I am the Christ, and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginnings of birth times. So be on your guard. Interpret the times. We need to learn to discern. [00:21:26] (73 seconds)

We know that people, certain people, have the gift of discernment. But God has also given each one of us common sense. But he's also given each one of us his word. So in preparation, we need to become greater scholars of the word of God so that we can interpret the times, so that we can interpret the events that we see around us. Because the Bible is our truth. [00:23:07] (29 seconds)

What else can we do to get ready? We can do this. We can fear the Lord. And that's because when we fear the Lord, we grow in wisdom. Jesus told us that in the parable of the virgins that we should be wise. The virgins that had their lamps ready were wise virgins. So we need to become wise people. And the beginning of that is the fear of the Lord. [00:23:36] (27 seconds)

So what is fear of the Lord? It's a relevant awe of his holiness. Recognising his power and majesty whilst humbly obeying out of honour and love. A relevant awe of his holiness, recognising his power and majesty whilst humbly obeying him out of honour and love. As we prepare, learn to fear the Lord more. [00:24:13] (29 seconds)

What I wanted to urge you today was this. Begin to find out what's happening in the world. Begin to find out about what's going on, because the Bible tells us those are the days that we live in. These are the precursors to the Lord's coming again, whenever that might be. But the world is going to change. It's going to impact all of us, and people outside of the church. We're going to turn to the church for answers. And so we all need to be ready. [00:25:34] (32 seconds)

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