More Than a Story
“Prepared, Not Preoccupied”
Matthew 25:1-13

“Anticipation is half the fun.”
“Anticipation leads to the fun.” 

Jesus is coming again!

Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus’ second coming is described throughout the Bible.
Jesus promised it. (John 14:2,3; Matthew 24:30-31, Matthew 25:31)
It will be visible and spectacular. (Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Mark 13:32-33)
It will happen suddenly and unexpectedly. (Matthew 24:27; Luke 17:24-30; 2 Peter 3:10)
It will be the moment God brings justice and restoration. (2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:31-46; Acts 17:31)
We will experience everything God promised. (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:23)
It will bring the final victory. (Revelation 19:11-16, Revelation 21:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:22-26)
Believers should anticipate it. (Matthew 24:42-44; Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:2-3)

Be prepared, not preoccupied.

Preoccupied …
With “when” He is coming 

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son,  but the Father only.” –Matthew 24:36 

Preoccupied …
With confusion about His coming 

Eight signs that Jesus is coming back:
1. Bad leaders claiming to be the savior (Matthew 24:4-5)
2. Wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6-7)
3. Natural disasters (Matthew 24:7-8)
4. Followers of Jesus will be hated (Matthew 24:9)
5. Widespread abandoning of faith and morals (Matthew 24:10)
6. Lies about God and false teaching about God (Matthew 24:11)
7. Lawless anarchy (Matthew 24:12-13)
8. Global evangelism (Matthew 24:14)

Preoccupied …
With our own busy lives
Because we haven’t surrendered our life to Jesus 

Be prepared
Stay spiritually awake (Matthew 25:4; Matthew 24:42)
Being faithful in the ordinary (Matthew 25:5, Matthew 24:45)
Cultivating your relationship with God (Matthew 25:6-12)

The essentials of faith (discipleship):
Seek God Daily
Build Deep Relationships 
Live Generously
Serve Others
Make God Known
Worship God  

Be prepared …
Live with urgency (Matthew 25:13)

“…on earth as it is in Heaven…” –The Lord’s Prayer, Matthew 6:10