Be Ready: You Do Not Know

Introduction:

Jesus had given clear warning about the judgment against Jerusalem and its temple -

The last half of the chapter deals with questions pertaining to Christ’s second coming -

There is a message that is pertinent in this teaching by Jesus the Messiah and Lord: be ready!

However, disciples must be prepared at all times because you will not know when the Lord will come - ,

It Will Be A Normal Day

The day of the Lord and final judgment is a day at some point in the future - , ; ;

It is “the day” of which the Lord is coming

It is a day that is “fixed”

It does not appear to be a day that is relative to each and every person, based upon their death.

There will not be signs leading up to the final day -

No “signs of the times”

No rapture

No

No 7 year tribulation

People will be going about their business as usual:

Days will be filled with eating, drinking, planning for life (marriage, death, school/college, etc.) -

People will be working in the field -

People will be preparing food -

Don’t Be Surprised...

Jesus exhorts His followers to be ready, watchful, and alert -

Since you do not know when He will come again, His return will be like a thief that comes -

“Be on the alert” and “you also must be ready” - ,

Peter and Paul also use this simile to prepare Christians - ;

The point that Peter, Paul, and Jesus are all making is simple: don’t be caught off guard!

A thief comes when you’re not expecting him.

We, of all people, know that the Lord will return!

We may get robbed by the thief but we certainly will not be robbed blind!

Our lives must be lived in a way that we will always be prepared for Christ’s coming and judgment -

Our conduct, behavior, and moral choices must be right—sin only brings darkness, corruption, and destruction.

Drunkenness, sexual misbehavior, lying, hate, anger, jealousy, and strife will all cause us to be distracted and lost—do not remain in sin!

Don’t allow sin to distract you and Christ’s coming to surprise you!

Door of Salvation Will Be Shut

Jesus continues to illustrate the importance of being prepared and living in a way that is always looking, watching, and waiting for the return of Christ -

Parable of the 10 virgins; 5 foolish and unprepared, 5 prepared and ready for the arrival of the bridegroom

This parable is about the attentiveness we should have for the Lord’s return -

After the 5 wise and prepared virgins go into the wedding feast with the bridegroom, the door is shut—the 5 foolish virgins are left outside -

Jesus’s message to the church at Philadelphia was of an open door that only He could open/shut, but it was open to the faithful -

The door of salvation and opportunity to enter into the dwelling of God in heaven is only available through our preparation!

Eternal salvation is only through Jesus Christ our Savior.

The door will be shut and opportunity will no longer be had after Jesus’s return...

We should not waste our time or opportunities to obey Christ today while we have opportunity. We may not have tomorrow. We are not promised another breath. Life is just a vapor and we will soon fly away.

The door is now open!

The faithful will be able to enter through the door.

But eternal salvation will not be offered to those who refuse the Lord’s grace and squander their time on earth.

The Lord Will Judge

Jesus’ second coming will be to judge, not to establish His earthly kingdom as premillennialism teaches.

The day of the Lord will be the ushering in of His judgment -

He will resume His place on the throne after He has brought people before His judgment seat - vv. 31-32

Jesus is NOT returning to establish His kingdom:

His kingdom is established and is His spiritual body, the church - ; ,

Jesus is enthroned in heaven - ;

The day of the Lord will be the ushering in of His judgment -

He will resume His place on the throne after He has brought people before His judgment seat - vv. 31-32

King Jesus is going to separate those who commit lawlessness -

King Jesus is going to return to judge the world in righteousness -

The Messiah’s judgment will be for eternal punishment or eternal life -

Conclusion:

Where will you spend eternity? Are you ready for that day to stand before the throne of Christ and give an account for what you have done?