AFTER THE SERMON-Readiness Is Essential
We hope today’s message was encouraging and helpful. Take a moment to process and discuss what God may be trying to say to everyone in your home or in your community group. If no one is with you, have a personal conversation with God, He is with you.
Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13
(Other Scriptures referenced: Matthew 25:14-30; 2 Peter 3:1-15).
(If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week consider taking the time to read or paraphrase through some of the provided scripture to catch everyone up!)
Overview:
Pastor Ryan wrapped up The Essentials series with the importance of being ready at all times for Jesus to return. Maybe you’ve heard the comments or have said them yourself recently… “It feels like Jesus could come back at any moment now.” Pastor Ryan unpacked the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (Virgins). Most scholars drive home two major points: Be ready at all times because Jesus will return, unexpectedly. Secondly, genuine faith perseveres until Jesus returns. We were encouraged to check our readiness by checking our faith and even checking how we serve God while we wait as mentioned from the Parable of the Three Servants (Matthew 25:14-30).
Takeaways:
We can’t borrow, buy, or live off of someone else’s faith.
Genuine faith remains in love with God while we wait.
Beware of complacency and distractions as we wait.
A lamp without oil is like a professing Christian without Christ.
The evidence of genuine faith is holy obedience to God.
Readiness is faithfully stewarding what God has generously loaned to us.
Readiness is to joyfully multiply His kingdom while we wait for Jesus’ return.
Discussion:
What was a big takeaway from this message for you?
How is someone ready for Jesus’ return?
What’s the difference between faith in Jesus for salvation versus serving God for salvation? Why is it dangerous to follow the latter option?
How can we tell what genuine faith is according to the two parables? What was the difference between the characters?
How can you better help multiply the kingdom of God so more can be ready for Jesus’ return?
What did you feel like you needed to do after hearing the message?
Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for getting our attention and clearing up any confusion about what it means to be ready. When your Son comes, He is looking for faith and a life that is Holy. We prepare ourselves now, in anticipation for your return. Forgive us for getting complacent in the waiting, we turn our attention to helping others be ready. In Jesus name, Amen!
We hoped you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!