Be Alert

Wednesdays, 2025.

Luke 21:34-36.

Central idea: We should remain ready for Christ’s return at all times.

Intro: Context of chapter 21— prophecies:

v. 6— destruction of the temple

v. 8— False teachers will come; don’t be deceived

v. 12— Persecution will come (but, for you, as followers of Christ, you will gain your life by enduring and not a hair on your head will be lost — reference to the second death)

v. 20— Jerusalem surrounded by armies; the Gentiles will trample Jerusalem. Even now, though Israel was regathered as a nation in 1948, Israel does not control the temple mount— Islamic forces do.

v. 25— Signs of the end times; v. 27 Jesus will return— v. 28: redemption has come!

Guiding Question: How do we live alert to the return of Christ?

1. Keep your guard up. [vv. 34-35]

So that your hearts are not dulled (overburdened)

From carousing

From drunkenness

From worries of life

And so that that day does not take you by surprise

As a trap/snare

Because (for) it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth

2. Keep alert minds. [v. 36]

Beginning with a contrastive conjunction, but (δέ)— this marks a distinction— we are to, instead, be alert at all times

Praying

So that you might be strengthened

To escape all the things that will happen To stand in the presence of the Son of Man

Application:

We should stand ready, watchful, and alert for the return of Christ, our gaze fixed on Him and our hearts ready to receive Him.