LIVING READY FOR CHRIST'S RETURN

LIVING READY FOR CHRIST'S RETURN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 24:36-51

Key Verse: “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Luke 12:35-40; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8; Titus 2:11-13; 2 Peter 3:10-14; 1 John 3:2-3; Revelation 22:12

Description: Since the exact time of Christ's return is unknown, believers must live every day in spiritual readiness, faithfulness, and expectation.

INTRODUCTION
Matthew 24 contains Jesus' prophetic teaching concerning the end times and His second coming. After describing various signs that would precede His return, Jesus emphasized a truth that remains central to Christian living: no one knows the exact day or hour when He will return. Because His coming will be sudden and unexpected, believers must avoid complacency and remain continually prepared. The focus of Christ's teaching is not on predicting dates but on maintaining readiness.

Many people become fascinated with end-time events while neglecting personal spiritual preparation. Throughout history, individuals have attempted to calculate the timing of Christ's return, but Jesus clearly stated that such knowledge belongs to the Father alone. Rather than engaging in speculation, believers are called to live faithfully, knowing that Christ could return at any moment. Readiness is demonstrated through obedience, holiness, watchfulness, and diligent service.

Living ready for Christ's return affects every aspect of life. It influences our priorities, relationships, decisions, and spiritual disciplines. Those who genuinely expect the Lord's coming will seek to honour Him daily and remain faithful in every assignment He has given them. This message explores how believers can maintain a lifestyle of readiness while awaiting the glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. READINESS BEGINS WITH A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST
No one can be prepared for Christ's return without first having a genuine relationship with Him.

a) Salvation Is the Foundation (John 3:3)
A person must be born again to enter the kingdom of God and be prepared for Christ's coming.

b) Christ Must Be Lord of Our Lives (Romans 10:9-10)
True readiness involves complete surrender to the authority and leadership of Jesus Christ.

c) Abiding in Christ Is Essential (John 15:4-5)
Believers must maintain daily fellowship with Christ through faith and obedience.

d) Assurance Comes Through Faith (1 John 5:11-13)
Those who trust in Christ can live confidently as they await His return.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus encountered Christ, experienced genuine transformation, and demonstrated readiness through a changed life (Luke 19:1-10).

2. READINESS REQUIRES SPIRITUAL WATCHFULNESS
Jesus repeatedly commanded His followers to remain alert and watchful.

a) The Time of His Return Is Unknown (Matthew 24:42)
Since no one knows the day or hour, believers must always be prepared.

b) Spiritual Complacency Is Dangerous (Mark 13:35-37)
Neglecting spiritual vigilance can leave a believer unprepared.

c) Discernment Must Be Maintained (1 Peter 5:8)
Watchfulness helps believers recognize and resist spiritual dangers.

d) Prayer Sustains Alertness (Luke 21:36)
Consistent prayer strengthens believers and keeps them spiritually awake.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah remained watchful while rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, combining prayer with vigilance against opposition (Nehemiah 4:9).

3. READINESS DEMANDS HOLY LIVING
The expectation of Christ's return should inspire believers to pursue holiness.

a) Live a Separated Life (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Believers are called to be distinct from the sinful patterns of the world.

b) Pursue Personal Purity (1 John 3:3)
The hope of seeing Christ motivates believers to purify themselves.

c) Walk in Obedience (John 14:15)
Love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to His commands.

d) Reject Compromise (Romans 12:2)
Believers must resist conforming to worldly values and practices.

Biblical Example: Joseph maintained his integrity and purity despite temptation in Egypt (Genesis 39:7-12).

4. READINESS INVOLVES FAITHFUL SERVICE
Jesus taught that believers should remain diligent in their responsibilities until He returns.

a) Be Faithful in Your Assignment (Matthew 24:45)
God expects His servants to remain committed to their duties.

b) Serve with Diligence (Colossians 3:23)
Everything we do should be done wholeheartedly unto the Lord.

c) Use Your Gifts Wisely (1 Peter 4:10)
Believers are stewards of God's gifts and must employ them faithfully.

d) Expect Accountability (Romans 14:12)
Every believer will give account to God concerning their stewardship.

Biblical Example: The faithful servant in Jesus' parable was rewarded because he remained diligent while awaiting his master's return (Matthew 24:45-47).

5. READINESS REQUIRES PERSEVERANCE
Living ready for Christ's return involves enduring faithfully through life's challenges.

a) Trials Will Come (John 16:33)
Believers should expect difficulties but remain confident in Christ's victory.

b) Endure in Faith (Matthew 24:13)
Those who remain faithful to the end will receive God's promised reward.

c) Do Not Grow Weary (Galatians 6:9)
Believers must continue doing good despite delays or difficulties.

d) Keep Looking to Christ (Hebrews 12:2)
Fixing our eyes on Jesus provides strength to continue faithfully.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul endured numerous hardships yet remained faithful to the end of his ministry (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

6. READINESS IS MOTIVATED BY THE HOPE OF CHRIST'S RETURN
The promise of Christ's return gives believers hope, encouragement, and purpose.

a) Christ Will Return Personally (Acts 1:11)
Jesus will return exactly as He promised.

b) Believers Will Be Gathered to Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)
The redeemed will enjoy eternal fellowship with Christ.

c) Rewards Will Be Given (Revelation 22:12)
Faithful service will be recognized and rewarded by the Lord.

d) Eternal Glory Awaits (Romans 8:18)
The future glory prepared for believers far exceeds present sufferings.

Biblical Example: Abraham looked beyond earthly circumstances and anticipated God's eternal promises (Hebrews 11:8-10).

CONCLUSION
Living ready for Christ's return is not a temporary spiritual activity but a daily lifestyle. Jesus taught that because no one knows the exact time of His return, believers must remain spiritually alert, holy, faithful, and committed to God's purposes. Readiness is demonstrated through a genuine relationship with Christ, consistent obedience, faithful service, and steadfast perseverance.

As we await the glorious appearing of our Lord, we must resist complacency and worldly distractions. Every day should be lived with the awareness that Christ could return at any moment. May we be found faithful, watchful, and prepared, eagerly anticipating the fulfilment of God's promise and the joy of seeing our Saviour face to face.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to live every day in readiness for Christ's return in Jesus name.

2. Lord, keep my heart fully devoted to You in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen my spiritual watchfulness in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to walk in holiness and purity in Jesus name.

5. Father, make me faithful in every assignment You have given me in Jesus name.

6. Lord, deliver me from every form of spiritual complacency in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me to persevere through every trial and challenge in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let my love for You grow stronger each day in Jesus name.

9. Father, make me a fruitful witness as I await Your return in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let me be found ready, faithful, and blameless at Your appearing in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall remain prepared for the coming of the Lord.

2. Your faith shall remain strong and unwavering.

3. The Lord shall keep you spiritually alert and watchful.

4. You shall walk in holiness and obedience before God.

5. Every distraction assigned to weaken your devotion shall fail.

6. You shall be faithful in every kingdom assignment entrusted to you.

7. The grace to endure to the end shall rest upon your life.

8. You shall abound in good works and fruitful service.

9. You shall not be ashamed at the appearing of Christ.

10. You shall rejoice with great joy when the Lord Jesus returns in glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.