King Jesus and the Queen City
The theme for Pastor Alex’s message this morning from Matthew 24:42-25:30 was “Stay Awake, and Stay in the Game”. As Jesus was talking to his disciples in this passage, he was reminding them to be very alert about His return, but to keep living life well. He went to to reinforce this truth with three parables.
The Parable of the Wise and Wicked Servants
Stay in the Game – v46 “…whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”
Stay Awake – v50 “the master will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know.”
The Parable of the 10 Virgins (attendants to the bride)
Stay in the Game – v4 “but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.”
Stay Awake – v13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
The Parable of the Talents (money)
Stay in the Game – v20, 22 brought more talents
Stay Awake – v15, 19 he went away, and then returned
17 Ways to Stay in the Game
From 2 Thessalonians 5:11
1. Encourage each other
2. Build others up
From 1 Peter 4:7
3. Be self-controlled
4. Be sober-minded
5. Love well
6. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling
7. Serve each other
From 2 Peter 3:8-13
8. Live a life of holiness
9. Live a life of godliness
10. Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)
From 1 Corinthians 16:13
11. Stand firm in the faith
12. Act like men
13. Be strong
14. Be a person of prayer (Colossians 1:9)
15. Resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8)
From Matthew 22:37
16. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength
17. Love your neighbor as yourself
To discuss today
1. Have you been born again? When?
2. Where in your life do you sit on the sidelines instead of staying in the game?
3. What “alarms” can you set in life to help ensure that you “stay awake”? How do you keep a good balance in being ready and living for Him?
Prayer
Holy Father, You are the Creator of all, and I trust Your timing. I know my job is to be ready when you send Your Son back to reconcile all people. At the same time, I need to remember to stay in the game and live for you. Help me, Holy Spirit, to live well by loving God and loving people. Please use me to be a difference maker, and encourager, and an active participant in what You have called me to do!
