The King Has Come Wk 1: The Promises of God

Big Idea of Series: How will we know the King when He comes? With so much entertainment and distraction surrounding us, how will we know? This Advent series lifts up the promises of Scripture and the ways in which Jesus is their fulfillment. We are invited to find lasting joy by following the newborn King.

Title of message today

What are promises? promise-a deceleration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified.

How are you on your promises?

God always comes through on his promises!

The prophecy that we are looking at this morning comes right after the one about the destruction of the temple and the coming of the Son of Man.

People would wonder when these things would happen just as we are.

Read Scripture and Pray

Matthew 24:36–44 “36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. 42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Pray

We must recognize the unpredictability of Christ return

We must see the importance of readiness in the face of uncertainty

The Unknown Day and Hour

Matthew 24:36 “36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

an explicit statement from Jesus about the unknown timing

Acts 1:7 “7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.”

significance of divine sovereignty

avoid speculation and focus on preparedness

Prepare for the Unexpected

Matthew 24:37–39 “37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

drawing parallels between Noah’s time and present time

the call to live righteous and obedient lives

preparing for the unexpected with faith and perseverance

Sudden Return (Rapture)

Matthew 24:40–41 “40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.”

everyday activities as a backdrop for Christ return

the sudden and simultaneous nature of his coming

encouragement to live with a constant awareness of His presense

Be Ready!

Matthew 24:42–44 “42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Jesus’ repeated call to be watchful and prepared

Matthew 25:13 “13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

Luke 12:40 “40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.””

the analogy of the thief in the night

living in a state of spiritual readiness and alertness

Closing

Are you ready for Christ return?

Where are areas where there could be growth and more commitment?

What are some practical steps to live a life prepared for His coming?

I urge you to embrace a lifestyle of readiness

Pray for God’s guidance and empowerment