Introduction

Good morning, folks. Have you ever thought about being caught off guard? You know, those moments when something unexpected happens and you're left in a state of shock or surprise. Well, our scripture today from Matthew 24:42-51 talks about this very thing and the importance of always being prepared.

Let me read this for you:

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This idea of "staying awake" doesn't only talk about physical alertness, but more importantly, spiritual vigilance. It's about being prepared for when Jesus returns.

In the words of A.W. Tozer,

"When He returns is not as important as the fact that we are ready for Him when He does return."

So, let's get down to it. Today we're going to talk about the urgency of staying awake, the consequences of not staying awake, and the necessity of being prepared.

But before we dive in, let's take a moment to pray.

Dear God, thank you for this day and for the opportunity to gather together and learn from your word. We ask for open hearts and minds as we explore your teachings. Guide us and give us wisdom to understand the urgency of staying spiritually awake and the necessity of being prepared for your return. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Let’s dive in!

The Urgency of Staying Awake

The urgency of staying awake, as mentioned earlier, is not about physical alertness but rather spiritual vigilance. It's a call to be constantly aware, alert, and ready for the return of Jesus Christ.

The word 'urgency' is key here. It implies that this is not something we can put off or delay. It's not a task we can procrastinate on or a responsibility we can shirk. It's a pressing matter, a critical duty that requires our immediate and constant attention.

Emphasized throughout the Bible: In 1 Peter 5:8, we are warned to "be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." This scripture underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance. We are in a spiritual battle, and our enemy is always on the prowl, seeking to lead us astray. If we are not spiritually awake, we become easy prey for the enemy.

Tied to the uncertainty of the timing of Jesus' return: As we read in Matthew 24:42, "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." We don't know the day or the hour when Jesus will return. It could be today, tomorrow, or many years from now. But the point is, we need to be ready at all times. We cannot afford to be caught off guard.

The parable of the ten virgins: Found in Matthew 25, this further illustrates this point. Five of the virgins were wise and brought oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and did not. When the bridegroom was delayed, the foolish virgins ran out of oil and had to go buy more. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. The wise virgins went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins returned, they found the door shut and were not allowed in. This parable is a stark reminder of the consequences of not being prepared for Jesus' return.

Living in a state of righteousness: We should be keeping our hearts pure and our actions in line with God's commands. It means being diligent in prayer, studying the Word, and living out our faith in our daily lives. It's about being proactive in our spiritual growth, not complacent or passive.

Not meant to induce fear or anxiety: It’s meant to inspire a sense of purpose and diligence in our spiritual lives. It's a call to action, a reminder that our time on earth is limited and that we should make the most of it by living in a way that honors God and prepares us for His return.

The Consequences of Not Staying Awake

The consequences of not staying awake, in the spiritual sense, can be severe ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO