Readiness While We Wait

Introduction:

· It’s easier to wait when we have a target: “Sleeps”, “weeks” “Months”, etc.

MAYBE THAT’S WHY JESUS SAYS WHAT HE SAYS HERE – WE DON’T HAVE A DATE ON THE CALENDAR – INSTEAD, JESUS INVITES US TO TRUST HIM.

I) God’s Sovereign Timing is Always Perfect (vs. 36, 48)

A. God’s Timing Belongs to God Alone

i. The timing of Jesus’ return is known only by God (vs. 36)

1. Christian Book stores: Many like to speculate – but only God knows

2. EXAMPLE: Pandemic? Wildfires? Ice Storm?

ii. Jesus lives in trust of God’s will

1. A shocking idea: If Jesus is God, how can he himself not know?

2. In emptying himself, Jesus accepts limits…but also trusts his Father

B. Learning to Rest in God’s sovereign timing

i. Waiting for Jesus Begins with learning to Trust (vs. 48)

1. Wicked servant: not “staying away” but “delay”: “God’s timing is off!”

2. EXAMPLE: A plane taking a long time vs. delayed: Is God delayed?

ii. Being Christlike means resting in God’s perfect timing

1. God is never early, never late, always right on time

2. EXAMPLE: Prayers God hasn’t answered yet? Plans, goals, hopes, etc.

WAITING FOR JESUS IS ANCHORED IN TRUST OF GOD’S TIMING –THEN JESUS BUILDS ON THAT WITH TWO IDEAS: FIRST, STAY AWAKE.

II) …We’ll stay awake (vv. 38-41)

A. Since Jesus could return at any time…

i. Just as the flood was unexpected…(vv. 38-39)

1. The flood is an OT pattern of God’s judgment: warning signs, but no date

2. Therefore, people were scoffers and skeptics

ii. …So also Jesus’ return will be unexpected (vv.40-41)

1. In the ordinary business of daily life, the return will happen

2. Will we be prepared or preoccupied?

B. … we are called to “stay awake” (vv. 42-44)

i. We are watchmen, not insomniacs

1. Not insomniac & anxious homeowners, but attentive watchmen

2. APPLICATION: as Christians, we have a calling – to be vigilant

ii. What does it look like to be vigilant?

1. EXAMPLE: Spurgeon’s “Perhaps Today”

2. APPLICATION: Not anxious about dates but deal with eternity now

WAITING FOR JESUS’ RETURN MEANS TRUSTING HIS TIMING, BEING VIGILANT, AND FINALLY, BEING READY.

III) …We’ll Live Prepared for His Return (vv. 45-51)

A. Faithful And Wise Readiness (vv. 45-47)

i. Faithful Servants are good stewards while they wait

1. The faithful servant is using his gifts to advance the master’s purpose

2. EXAMPLE: This entirely reframes our view of vocation

3. EXAMPLE: “But, why am I still here?”

ii. Faithful servants will be rewarded for their waiting (vs. 47)

1. Upon the master’s return, the servant gains greater responsibility

2. Heaven: a place of continuing labor in God’s service

B. Wicked servants are NOT prepared for the Master’s Return

i. Disharmony & Distractions (vv.48-49)

1. The extreme case of violence and self-indulgence: wrong relationship with God & with others

2. as we get away from Xian values à live for self

ii. Wicked Servants will experience judgment (vv. 50-51)

1. As difficult as this is, notice that it’s “irreligious” AND religious!

2. The message is that we all need a savior

Transition:

Conclusion

The incarnation – as we get closer to Christmas, our hope is found in a savior who was born!