PREPARING FOR CHRIST'S SECOND COMING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 25:1-13
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom."
Supporting Texts: Mark 13:32-37, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 22:12
INTRODUCTION:
The return of Jesus Christ is a central theme in Christian doctrine and the hope of every believer. While His first coming was marked by humility and a mission to save the world, His second coming will be in glory, to judge the living and the dead. Jesus promised He would return (John 14:3), and the Scriptures emphasize that His return will be sudden and unexpected, like a thief in the night (2 Peter 3:10). This reality urges us as believers to live with anticipation, preparedness, and urgency.
The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 serves as a warning to all believers to be ready. Five virgins were wise and prepared, but the other five were foolish and unprepared. In this sermon, we will explore how we can prepare ourselves for the second coming of Christ and live in constant readiness. This includes examining our faith, obedience, spiritual vigilance, and our lifestyle as we await His return.
As we approach this topic, let us reflect on the urgency of this preparation, the signs of His coming, and the steps we must take to ensure we are not caught unprepared when He returns. The day of His coming is closer than ever before, and we must be ready, living in expectation of His glorious return.
1. LIVING IN EXPECTATION OF HIS RETURN
The second coming of Christ is a certainty, and believers must live in anticipation.
a) We are citizens of heaven, awaiting our King
Philippians 3:20 – Our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven, from whence we look for the Saviour.
b) The return of Christ should dominate our thoughts
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 – We turn to God from idols, to wait for His Son from heaven.
c) Expectation purifies our hearts and lives
1 John 3:2-3 – Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.
d) We must be watchful and alert at all times
Mark 13:33 – Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 1:10-11)
The early believers lived with an active expectation of Christ's return, and their focus on His return influenced their lifestyle and ministry.
2. LIVING HOLY AND OBEDIENT LIVES
Holiness and obedience are essential in preparing for Christ’s return.
a) We must live righteously in a corrupt world
Titus 2:12 – Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.
b) Holiness is a command for those expecting His return
1 Peter 1:15-16 – But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.
c) Obedience to God brings us in line with His will
Matthew 7:21 – Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.
d) A prepared heart is one that obeys God’s Word
Luke 11:28 – But He said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 6:22)
Noah prepared for the flood by building the ark according to God's instructions, showing that obedience to God is key in preparing for judgment and salvation.
3. WATCHING AND PRAYING CONSTANTLY
Christ's second coming will catch many unaware, but we must stay vigilant in prayer.
a) We must remain spiritually awake and vigilant
Matthew 24:42 – Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
b) Prayer keeps us in a state of readiness
Luke 21:36 – Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass.
c) Spiritual alertness prevents us from being deceived
Matthew 24:4-5 – Take heed that no man deceive you.
d) Prayer is a vital tool in maintaining preparedness
Luke 22:40 – Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
Biblical Example: The Disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:41)
Jesus encouraged His disciples to watch and pray in preparation for His betrayal, reminding them that spiritual preparedness requires constant vigilance and prayer.
4. STAYING FAITHFUL IN SERVICE AND WORKING FOR THE KINGDOM
As we wait for His return, we must remain faithful in serving God and advancing His kingdom.
a) Our work for the Lord should be diligent and faithful
Matthew 24:45-46 – Who then is a faithful and wise servant? Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing.
b) Every believer has a role in God’s kingdom
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
c) Serving with love and humility prepares us for His return
Mark 9:35 – If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
d) Faithfulness in small things leads to greater rewards
Luke 16:10 – He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.
Biblical Example: The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
The servants who faithfully invested their talents were rewarded when the master returned, teaching that diligent service in the kingdom is vital as we await Christ's return.
5. KEEPING THE FAITH UNTIL THE END
To be prepared for Christ’s return, we must endure in faith until the end.
a) Endurance in faith is essential for salvation
Matthew 24:13 – But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
b) Holding fast to our confession of faith without wavering
Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised.
c) Faithful endurance brings the crown of life
James 1:12 – Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.
d) The return of Christ is the fulfillment of our hope
Titus 2:13 – Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Paul remained faithful throughout his life and ministry, and he was confident that a crown of righteousness awaited him at Christ’s return.
CONCLUSION:
The second coming of Christ is an event that will forever change the course of human history. As believers, we are called to be ready, to live in constant anticipation, and to prepare ourselves spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Jesus has given us clear instructions on how to prepare—through holiness, vigilance, faithful service, and endurance in faith.
The signs of His return are evident, and the world is gradually moving towards fulfillment of prophecy. Let us not be caught off guard. Let us live with the awareness that Jesus could return at any moment. Therefore, we must make our calling and election sure, living every day with readiness and expectation.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to live with the constant expectation of Your return.
2. Father, empower me to live a holy and obedient life, pleasing to You.
3. Holy Spirit, grant me the grace to remain vigilant in prayer and watchfulness.
4. Father, help me to be faithful in serving You, advancing Your kingdom until the end.
5. Lord, strengthen my faith to endure until the day You return.
