The Lord Wants Us to Watch and Be Ready (Matthew 24:36-51)
Introduction:
1. Recently, we have studied Scriptures that teach us about 3 special events that will occur at that last great day, including: a. the Lord's return [Jesus said, "I will come again" -- John 14:3] b. the resurrection [Jesus said, "all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth" -- John 5:28-29] c. the judgment [the apostle Paul wrote: "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" -- 2 Corinthians 5:10]. 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on the fact that "the Lord wants us to watch and be ready" [Jesus made this point very clear in these verses]. Discussion: I. (vs.36) JESUS TALKED ABOUT THE TIME OF HIS RETURN
A. He said that no man or angel knows when He will return -- only the Father. B. We learn from Acts 17:30-31 that the Father has "appointed a day" when He will judge the world through His Son. II. (vs.37-39) JESUS COMPARED HIS RETURN TO THE FLOOD
A. (Genesis 6:3-7) God set a day when He would destroy man. B. Noah and his family followed God's instructions, and they were prepared for the flood (Genesis 6:14-22). C. Everyone else failed to prepare and perished in the flood (Genesis 7:23). D. When the time of the Lord's return arrives, it will be too late to get prepared. E. We must follow the example of preparation set by Noah. III. (vs.40-41) WHEN JESUS RETURNS A SEPARATION WILL OCCUR
A. Jesus implied that His return will be a surprise. 1. If the time of the Lord's return could be determined in advance,: a. would people be working in the field? b. would women be grinding at the mill? 2. (1 Thessalonians 5:2) The day of the Lord will come "as a thief in the night" [unexpectedly]. B. According to John 5:28-29, this separation that will take place at the Lord's return will be for eternity. IV. (vs.42-51) JESUS GAVE SOME INSTRUCTIONS THAT RELATE TO HIS RETURN
A. (vs.42a) He said, "Watch." 1. (vs.42b) He showed why we must watch for His return. 2. He illustrated the importance of watching for His return in vs.43. B. (vs.44a) He also said, "Be ready." 1. (vs.44b) He showed why we must be ready for His return. 2. He illustrated the importance of being ready for His return in vs.45-51. a. (vs.45-47) Wise servants who serve their Master faithfully will be blessed. b. (vs.48-51) Evil servants who do not serve their Master faithfully will be punished. Conclusion:
1. At that last great day, the Lord will return, the resurrection will occur, and everyone will face the Lord in judgment. 2. "The Lord wants us to watch and be ready."
