Living Like Christ Will Come In 2021

For followers of Jesus Christ, nothing provides more hope in life than knowing He could come back at any moment. The imminency of Christ’s return is one of the foundational doctrines in the life of every church and every believer. In this passage, Jesus used TWO ANALOGIES to explain and emphasize the importance of being watchful servants so we will be ready and rewarded by Him at His return.

1. MASTER returning from a wedding (vv. 35-38)
2. ROBBER burglarizing a home (vv. 39-40)

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: What does it look like to be a watchful servant who lives in light of Christ’s imminent return?

1. Make sure you are truly committed to Christ.

[See Lk. 9:23-26; Mt. 7:21-23; 2 Thes. 1:7-10]

2. Stay connected to fellow believers.

[See Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Thes. 4:17-18]

3. Live a holy, godly life.

[See Rom. 13:11-14; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 2 Pet. 3:11-13; 1 Jn. 3:2-3]

4. Work hard for the Lord.

[See Lk. 12:43; 19:13; Jn. 9:4; 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Thes. 3:10-13]

5. Focus your energy and invest your resources in eternal things.

[See Lk. 12:31-34; Phil. 3:18-20; Col. 3:2-4]

6. Help others be ready for Christ’s return.

[See 2 Cor. 5:10-20; 1 Thes. 1:8-10; 1 Pet. 3:15]

7. Pray for Christ’s return.

[See 1 Pet. 4:7; Rev. 22:20]

8. Remain patient and steadfast until the end.

[See James 5:7-11]

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

1. Do you really believe that Jesus is coming back someday? How often do you think about Christ’s return? Do you think Jesus will come back in your lifetime? Why or why not?
2. Why is the imminency of Christ’s return such a foundational doctrine in the life of every believer? Are you guilty of focusing on and/or arguing over the intricacies of eschatology (i.e. the doctrine of future things) rather than simply living in eager anticipation of the second coming of Christ? 
3. What is most compelling to you about the parable of the watchful servant (i.e. a master returning from a wedding and a robber burglarizing a home)?
4. Read Matthew 7:21-23, Luke 9:23-26, and 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. Do you know for sure you are a true believer who won’t be caught off guard or ashamed or damned when Christ returns?
5. In light of the fact that Christ could come back at any moment, what are some things you need to stop doing or start doing (i.e. sinful habits you need to mortify or projects you need to finish)?
6. How might your life be affected this next year if you lived every day like Jesus was coming back?How might it change your perspective in regards to giving in to temptation or giving up in trials?
7. Praise and thank God that you can live with hope because you know this world is not your home. Ask God to forgive you for being so worldly-minded and not focusing more on Christ’s return. Ask Him to help you live every day of your life as if Jesus is coming back at any moment.

“Are we ourselves living as if we were ready for the second coming of Christ? Well would it be if this question were put to our consciences more frequently. It might keep us back from many a false step in our daily life. It might prevent many a backsliding. The true Christian should not only believe Christ, and love Christ. He should also look and long for Christ’s appearing. If he cannot say from his heart, ‘Come, Lord Jesus,’ there must be something wrong about his soul.”

J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts On The Gospels, 65