The Day and Hour Unknown
Matthew 24:36-41
1. How often do you think about the return of Jesus?
2. What does Jesus find objectionable about His second coming? (People were preoccupied with their lives that they were unprepared to meet Jesus when He comes.)
3. How can you maintain a healthy anticipation of His return without becoming paralyzed by an obsession with it?
Matthew 24:42-44
How many people here have a security system of any type?
Do you know the exact day and time that that security system will be needed to prevent a person from breaking in.
We need to be constantly ready. Example: fire, emergency crew, a spare tire, childbirth. There are some situations where we need to be prepared in case something happens. Sometimes we forget about it and sometimes we grow impatient waiting on things to happen.
Look at vs.44, although we do not know when Jesus will return, He expects us to live in constant readiness for His return. Failure to do so will have awful consequences.
Matthew 24:45-51
If you knew the exact time of Jesus' return what would you do?
(List on board positive preparations in vs. 45-47)
(List on board negative preparations in vs. 48-51)
What examples of situations today are similar to this parable.
(Explain vs. 51)
To whom was the servant accountable? (the master)
To whom are you accountable? (parents, spouse, boss, teachers)
Who was Jesus talking about in the Parable? (Himself and His children)
What does Jesus' return mean to you and me?
How can we be prepared for His return?
(list on board; Salvation, remaining in right relationship with God, doing things He commands us to do, ect)
Look at the last three weeks. Three weeks ago we studied in Matthew 13, The Parable of the Sower. It dealt with obedience to the commands of Christ. Two weeks ago we looked at Matthew 18, The parable of the Unmerciful Servant, it challenged us to forgive others. and last week we looked at Matthew 21, the Parable of the two sons. And it dealt with real commitment as opposed to only professed belief.
We can prepare for the return of Jesus in the following ways:
1) Be sure you are a Christian
2) Forgive others as Jesus forgave you.
3) Last's weeks lesson challenged you to follow through on commitments made to God. Are you acting in obedience to Christ by doing as He commands?
4) Today's bible study points out that a wicked servant will be punished.
Is there any specific act of disobedience in you life?
Matthew 24:36,42,44
Now is the time to get prepared. Jesus expects us to joyfully anticipate His return, live in readiness, and live in obedience to His commands.
For futher Study and Commentary visit these links:
1. Parables of the Future Kingdom
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.6
2. Neither the Day Nor the Hour
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.7
3. Christ's Servants Judged
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.24.8
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