2024-12-29_AM.txt

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
- Mark 13:32-37
- John 14:1-3
- 1 Peter 4:7

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**Observation Questions:**
1. In Mark 13:32-37, what specific instructions does Jesus give to His disciples regarding His return?
2. How does the analogy of a man taking a far journey in Mark 13 relate to the responsibilities given to believers?
3. According to John 14:1-3, what promise does Jesus make to His disciples about His return?
4. What does 1 Peter 4:7 emphasize about the mindset believers should have in light of the end times?

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**Interpretation Questions:**
1. What does it mean to "watch and pray" as instructed by Jesus in Mark 13:33, and how does this relate to spiritual readiness?
2. How does the concept of being a "porter" or gatekeeper in Mark 13:34 apply to the role of believers in guarding the truth of the Gospel?
3. In what ways does 1 Peter 4:7's call to be "sober and watch unto prayer" challenge believers to maintain spiritual vigilance?
4. How does Jesus' promise in John 14:1-3 provide comfort and motivation for believers to remain faithful and active in their faith?

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**Application Questions:**
1. Reflect on your current spiritual readiness. Are there areas in your life where you feel unprepared for Christ's return? What steps can you take to address these areas?
2. How can you incorporate regular prayer into your daily routine to ensure you are spiritually vigilant and connected with God?
3. Identify a specific way you can actively serve within your church community. How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to God's work?
4. Consider the truth of the Gospel that you are called to protect. Are there any false teachings or distractions you need to guard against in your spiritual journey?
5. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to be proactive in their faith journey and remain accountable to one another?
6. Think about a time when you were tempted to become complacent in your faith. What strategies can you implement to stay alert and engaged in your spiritual walk?
7. As we approach a new year, what is one new responsibility or area of service you feel God is calling you to explore? How will you respond to this call?

Day 1: Living in Constant Readiness
In the journey of faith, believers are called to live in a state of constant readiness for the return of Jesus Christ. This readiness is not about predicting the exact time of His return but about maintaining a vigilant and prayerful life. It involves staying connected with God and being alert to His guidance. Spiritual readiness is reflected in our actions and priorities, demonstrating a life that is aligned with God's will. By living in a state of readiness, we show our faith through our daily choices and commitments, ensuring that we are prepared for His coming at any moment.

"For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." (1 Thessalonians 5:2, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure that your life reflects a state of readiness for Christ's return?


Day 2: The Call to Watch and Pray
Jesus' instruction to "watch and pray" is a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual alertness. Prayer is our lifeline to God, keeping us focused and aligned with His will. It helps us resist temptations and distractions, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our faith. By maintaining a constant prayer life, we strengthen our spiritual resolve and stay attuned to God's purposes. Watching and praying are essential practices that enable us to navigate the challenges of life with a heart that is open to God's leading.

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional times of prayer into your daily routine to stay spiritually alert and connected to God?


Day 3: Engaging in Active Faith and Service
Being ready for Christ's return means actively engaging in the work He has entrusted to us. Each believer has a unique role and responsibility within the church, and we are called to serve faithfully. Our faith should manifest in tangible actions, demonstrating our commitment to God's kingdom. Serving is not optional but a vital expression of our faith and obedience to Christ. By actively participating in God's work, we contribute to the growth and health of the church, fulfilling our purpose as His followers.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: What specific gifts or talents has God given you, and how can you use them to serve others in your church or community this week?


Day 4: Guarding the Truth of the Gospel
Believers are entrusted with the responsibility to protect the truth of the Gospel. This involves being discerning and vigilant against false teachings and doctrines that may infiltrate the church. Upholding sound doctrine is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our faith and ensuring that we remain aligned with biblical truths. As gatekeepers of the truth, we must safeguard it for future generations, ensuring that the message of the Gospel remains pure and unaltered.

"Guard the good deposit entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." (2 Timothy 1:14, ESV)

Reflection: Are there any teachings or beliefs you have encountered that need to be examined in light of Scripture? How can you seek God's wisdom in discerning truth from falsehood?


Day 5: Embracing Personal Accountability
The journey of faith calls for personal accountability, challenging us to reflect on our spiritual journey and assess our readiness for Christ's return. We are encouraged to seek God's guidance in understanding our role and responsibilities within His kingdom. This involves a willingness to step out of complacency and actively participate in the work God has called us to do. Our faithfulness will be assessed, and we are urged to live in a way that honors God and fulfills His purposes for our lives.

"So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to greater accountability and growth? How can you take steps today to respond to His call?

1. "Jesus is telling his disciples that you best be ready because he is coming, and to be ready when he comes, because the reality is you're either going to be ready or you're not."


2. "The point is not to know the day or the hour. The point is to be ready for what's coming, because we know not the day or the hour."


3. "It's not going to be proclaimed. You're not going to get a Facebook notification or emergency management notification ahead of time. It's going to be on suddenly."


4. "Sometimes life is better if you don't know. Because you know what happens if we know too much? We start worrying about stuff we can't control anyways."


5. "Watch is important to understand because your watch is not the thing you have on your wrist. Watch here is actually a military type term to be prepared to be standing guard."


6. "Prayer keeps us from the temptations of life, it keeps us from being distracted as we wait for the Lord to keep on focus of the things he desires."


7. "If you're saved and born again, you're part of a church, you ought to be serving in a church. That's part of that authority. The authority was given to the church, the local church."


8. "Jesus is coming whether you're ready or not. He said he's going to return. It's not an if. It's a win. The question is, are you going to be ready?"


9. "If you're already, you ought to be praying, producing and protecting for the master who could return at any time."


10. "Are you going to stand the watch? Are you going to sit and watch? Are you going to do what God has asked you to do?"