GROWTH QUESTION #1
Who would like to share a highlight, praise report, or testimony from this week?
“Stay Busy & Stay Ready”
MEETING AGENDA
- OPENING PRAYER – Ask one person to open the meeting in prayer.
- GROWTH QUESTIONS – Ask everyone the Growth Questions.
- ATTENDANCE – Take attendance through the DG Attendance System.
- TODAY’S LESSON – Go over this week’s DG lesson.
- GIVING – Encourage everyone to give on the App.
- CLOSING PRAYER – Ask for prayer requests and pray.
GROWTH QUESTION #2
What did you learn from this week’s sermon?
GROWTH QUESTION #3
What was your most important accomplishment this week?
TODAY’S PASSAGE:
Matthew 24:42-51 NLT 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. 45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
INTERACTIVE QUESTIONS
What did you learn from what we just read?
TRUTH #1
It is better to “stay ready” than it is to “get ready.”
- Jesus encourages us to “keep watch” (keep watching, don’t look away).
- Like a watchman on the wall, who maintains surveillance, we too should anticipate the return of King Jesus.
- Watch: give strict attention to; be cautious; stay active; keep awake
- Staying actively alert will keep you from being passively defeated. The Bible warns us not to be complacent as we wait upon the Lord’s return.
- It is easier to stay in shape than it is to get in shape. We must exercise consistency in our service to the Lord.
- We keep a close eye on things we anxiously await. Just like we wait for an important package coming in the mail, Jesus wants us to “keep watch” for His return.
INTERACTIVE QUESTIONS
What are some things we should be doing while keeping watch for Jesus return?
TRUTH #2
God will reward those He finds doing His will.
- While we are waiting for the return of Jesus, we are to stay busy about His business.
- We are not simply gazing into heaven, waiting for Him to come; instead, we are actively completing His great commission of making disciples and nurturing them in the things of God.
- When Jesus does come, He will find us taking care of His people, then we will be celebrated, promoted and rewarded.
Matthew 24:45-46 NLT 45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.”
- We work for the Lord, not for people. It is important to know that our servanthood is unto Christ. If we keep this in mind, we will not discriminated or disqualify the people we serve.
- The job description for the Lord’s work is: people. We serve people as we serve the Lord.
- The Lord rewards us for our work. People may not always recognize your good work, but rest assure, God is always keeping record.
INTERACTIVE QUESTIONS
What ways are you serving God by serving His people?
TRUTH #3
God expects His servants to conduct His affairs in a worthy manner.
Matthew 24:47-51 NLT 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
- We, as servants, have been entrusted with God’s creation.
- We must be extremely careful how we care for others.
- Jesus expects His servants to practice holiness and remain obedient while waiting for His return.
- A certain judgment awaits all those who practice wickedness.
INTERACTIVE QUESTIONS
What are some standards and ways we can approach our duties as we serve the Lord?
CLOSING QUESTION
What is one thing you have learned from today’s lesson?
GIVING
Helping God's people in their time of need turns our resources into instruments of kindness and our lives into a testament of His love that compels us to care for one another.
Romans 12:13 (NLT)
When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Encourage everyone to give their tithes and offerings.
CLICK HERE TO GIVE
PRAY
QUESTION #1
Who are you praying for to be saved?
QUESTION #2
Who can you invite to the next meeting?
QUESTION #3
What are your prayer requests?