Sermon Application Questions

First Baptist Church Delray

January 25, 2026

Pastor Jimmy’s Message: “Ready or Not”

Scripture: Luke 12: 35-48

Introduction:

1.     What does it say about the likelihood of Christ’s return that in the 260 chapters in the New Testament Christ’s return is mentioned no less than 318 times in those chapters, and statistically, one verse in twenty-five mentions the Lord’s return?

2.    Since it has been 2000 years since Jesus ascended to Heaven, what do we do while we wait to keep from becoming complacent?

Review the Exegesis of the Scripture:

Read Luke 12:35-36:

(Jesus said,) “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.”

3.     What kind of imagery did Jesus use to help His audience at the time compare His return with what they understood of a wedding feast?

4.     Is readiness a momentary posture or a sustained way of life?

Read Luke 12:37-38
(Jesus continues,) “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at the table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!”

5.     What kind of imagery did Jesus use to help them understand what will happen when they are found awake at His return?

6.     What is the great reversal Jesus is describing, that is, who will honor who?

Read Luke 12:39-40

(Jesus continues,) “But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

7.     What kind of imagery did Jesus use to help them understand the unpredictability of the timing of His return?

8.     Will anyone know when to expect His return?

Read Luke 12:41-44

Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.”

9.     Describe the kind of person Jesus said He will bless at His return:

a.     Faithful: trustworthy with responsibility

b.     Wise: understands the master’s priorities

c.     Manager: able to obediently care for the master’s household

d.     Consistent: proves himself by doing the right thing even when unseen

Read Luke 12:45-48

(Jesus continues,) “But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”

10.  Did this servant know his master’s will and believe that the master would return?

11.  If this servant believed in his master, what was it about him that would cause his master to call him unfaithful?

12.  What was Jesus teaching about judgement and reward?

Make Personal Applications of the Scripture:

13.  Do you find yourself more concerned with the timing of when Jesus will return than how He will find you living?

14.  What are some common ways you find yourself thinking more of how successful you are, how busy you stay, or how impressive you look than how faithful you are with what He entrusted to you?

15.  Are you more anxious about yourself, even in all your privilege, than you are about the lonely, hurting, and lost?

16.  Make and write down specific plans to live a life ready for Christ’s return to judge the world face to face when you will have to give an account for how you used your knowledge to help other people get ready for it:

a.     Live with eternal urgency: If you truly believe Christ will return at any moment, how will change your daily priorities in terms of times meditating on scripture and prayer and in regular worship service and Life Group attendance?

b.     Serve faithfully where God has placed you: If you truly believe Christ will return at any moment, will you recognize that God has intentionally placed you in your current season, relationships, and responsibilities (neighborhood, work place, school, family) for His good purposes; will you obediently meet real needs using what God has given you as an act of worship showing your trust in His sovereign plan; and will you stop waiting for a new assignment instead?

c.     Guard against spiritual complacency: If you truly believe Christ will return at any moment, will you quit being casual about the most important relationship in your life, the one with Him, and protect it with regular prayer, engagement with scripture, repentance, obedience, and accountability from a mature believer?

d.     Treat people as stewardship, not obstacles: If you truly believe Christ will return at any moment, will you examine how you speak to and use power over those you lead as if He was visibly present, rather than for self-benefit?

e.     Remember that privilege brings responsibility: If you truly believe Christ will return at any moment, how will you prepare yourself with your knowledge of His Word and His Spirit; look for opportunities to teach others what you know; and live it out visibly for the world to see Him through you?

17.  Bottom line:

a.     When do you meet with Jesus every day in prayer and in His Word?

b.     Do you participate in Sunday worship and weekday Life Group every chance you get?

c.     Are you practiced in how to share how Christ came into your life and the plan of salvation?

d.     Are you looking for places to meet unsaved people and building loving relationships with them?

e.     Are you unhappy with God and anxious because you don’t like this season of your life that He has purposed for you in His sovereign will?

f.      Do you have a place of service in the church where you are part of building the kingdom of God?

g.     Are you being open and real with anyone more spiritually mature than you, such as your Life Group, to help you guard against spiritual complacency?

h.     Are you looking down on someone in sin, or are you building a bridge to reach out to them in love as you know Christ would want you to if He was standing right beside you?

i.      What are some favorite Bible verses or examples of Bible characters that God has used in your life? Will you share one with someone who needs it as the Spirit nudges you?

j.      Who do you know is in trouble and needs you to look up a passage of scripture to share and to pray with them?

k.     Will you be the “faithful manager” that Jesus will find doing one of these things when he surprises you with His sudden return?

“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.”