Introduction

Good morning, beloved members of our church family. Today, we are going to explore a message from the Gospel of Luke that encourages us to always be ready, prepared, and on our toes for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Luke 12:40, it is written,

"You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

This Scripture passage reminds us of the unforeseen timing of Jesus’ return and the importance of always being prepared.

In the wise words of A.W. Tozer “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This emphasizes the importance of having a correct understanding and relationship with God as a fundamental preparation for His coming.

Let us bow our heads in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for this gathering and for the wisdom of your Word. We pray for understanding as we explore the significance of being prepared for the arrival of your Son, Jesus Christ. May we grow in our faith and become more aware of the journey we need to take to be truly ready for His return. Amen.

Now, let's dive into the heart of today's sermon.

The Importance of Being Prepared

As believers, we are called to be vigilant and prepared for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. This call to readiness is not a mere suggestion but a command that carries significant weight and importance. It is a call to live our lives in a state of preparedness, always ready to meet our Savior.

This verse is a clear reminder that the timing of Jesus’ return is unpredictable. We do not know the day or the hour when He will come, and so we must always be prepared. This is not a call to live in fear or anxiety, but rather a call to live in anticipation and readiness.

Living a life of obedience to God’s commandments: It means living a life that is pleasing to Him, a life that is marked by love, kindness, and generosity. It means being a good steward of the resources that He has entrusted to us, using them not for our own selfish gain, but for the advancement of His kingdom.

Being spiritually ready: It means having a strong and vibrant relationship with God, grounded in prayer and the study of His Word. It means being filled with the Holy Spirit, who guides us and empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Being ready to share the gospel with others: As believers, we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love and grace. We are called to share the good news of salvation with those who do not yet know Him. This requires preparation, as we need to be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15).

Not a one-time event, but a continuous process: It involves daily surrendering our lives to God, daily seeking His will, and daily striving to live in obedience to His Word. It involves constantly examining our hearts and lives, and making necessary adjustments to align them with God’s will.

The importance of being prepared cannot be overstated: It is a matter of eternal significance. For when Jesus returns, only those who are prepared will be ready to meet Him. Only those who have lived their lives in obedience to His Word, who have nurtured a deep and intimate relationship with Him, and who have faithfully shared the gospel with others, will be ready to meet Him.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about how you practice being prepared.

The Journey of Preparation

The journey of preparation is a journey that involves the transformation of our hearts, minds, and souls to align with the teachings and commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO