Small Group Study Guide– 1/10/10

Sermon: Keeping Watch (Matthew 24:36-51) Theme: Living Expectantly

Overall impressions:

1. What stood out to you in the message this week? How would it look for you apply it?

2. Did you disagree with or question anything that was said? If so, what?

3. Was there anything said that was new to you? If so, what and what did you think about it?

Discussing the specifics:

1. One day Jesus Christ is going to return – one day all will be made right – one day justice will be served. Many have predicted when His return would be, but none have gotten it right – nor will they ever, because God has said that no one knows the time of His return but God the Father Himself. Why is it that we so desperately want to know when Christ is coming back? Is the motivation good or bad? How would your life change if you knew when Christ was coming back – be specific and be honest.

2. If the point of this passage is to encourage us to live our lives expectantly – eagerly awaiting and being prepared for Christ’s return, what does that look like? How do we live expectantly in the midst of normal living – normal carrying out of responsibilities? Or can it happen in the midst of normal living – perhaps it requires us to do things differently? If so, what and how?

3. Keeping watch, being ready, living expectantly – all take teamwork and fellow travelers if we are to succeed. The Bible is full of “One Another” passages that talk of how we are to relate to one another. Name as many “One Another” passages as you can. How can following these admonitions help us to live expectantly?

4. The world and all around us is only going to get worse. Persecution for being a Christ-follower is going to become increasingly more prevalent. We must be prepared to stand strong and stand alone if necessary – but standing together affords a much higher survivor rate. Are you ready for Christ’s return? What do you need to address in your life to make you ready for Christ’s return?

So What?!? – Based on what we discussed tonight – how will my life be different this week? Be specific.