SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES
- Matthew 25:1-13
- Mark 13:35
- Luke 12:40
- Revelation 3:3
Just a knowledge that we are living in the last days does not make us ready for Jesus’ coming. We are commanded to watch for His coming, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13). True watching is an attitude of mind and heart, which would joyfully and quickly turn from any occupation or activity to meet the Lord. In this lesson we will consider how we can be ready. It is vital to prove by our daily living that we both know and are prepared for the most exciting event of all ages—the Rapture of the Church.
QUESTIONS
- At Jesus’ coming, the Bride of Christ will be raptured to meet Him in the air. Look up the following Scriptures and determine what qualities the Bride will have.
Psalm 15:1-3
Psalm 24:3-4
Matthew 5:8
Ephesians 5:27
Titus 2:11-13
Revelation 19:7-8 - A number of sins are listed in Galatians 5:19-21, including adultery, fornication, witchcraft, and drunkenness. The sins listed are commonly accepted by many in the world today, even in some so-called religious circles. What does the Bible say about those who do such things? How do the above sins compare with those of Noah’s time?
- Use Hebrews 9:28 and 1 John 3:2 to fill in the blanks in the following statements: The purpose of Christ’s first coming was to bear the _________________________ with His death on Calvary. To those who look for Him, He shall appear the second time without ________________________________ unto ______________________. We know that, when He shall appear, __________________________; for our bodies shall be changed to be like Christ’s glorified body. These promises apply to those who can say, “Now are we the ____________________________.”
- Read the parable of the ten virgins given in Matthew 25:1-13. Why were some of the virgins left behind? What will it take to be a “wise virgin”? Use 1 John 1:6-7 as a supplementary Scripture in formulating your response.
- Prior to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry at His first coming, John the Baptist preached, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” The message of the Gospel to mankind today anticipates Jesus’ second coming. Compare the responses of men in those days, with the responses of men today.
- Compare Matthew 24:42-44 and 1 Thessalonians 5:6. What point do these verses make?
- In spite of Noah’s warnings for about 120 years, life continued as before, with man’s attention diverted to things other than the coming Flood. List some things that you think capture the attention of people today, preventing them from being ready for Jesus’ return.
- What will be the consequences of our not being ready? See Revelation 21:8.
THEME THOUGHTS
Time is running out! The human race today is facing a crisis that is literally unimaginable for most people. But indicators in God’s Word reveal that the dramatic events happening all around us signal the end time is at hand. In this quarter we will be delving into these events and their meanings in light of prophecy. In the heart of every true believer is the assurance that Jesus Christ will come back to earth and deal with the insurmountable troubles that face this globe, and will establish His dominion here upon earth. This quarter revolves around the statements made by a group of ancient Hebrew prophets, whose predictions and statements have the stamp of divine authenticity. Much of what they prophesied is yet to come. But we can have confidence in their predictions. All of their prophecies whose time for fulfillment has already come have been literally fulfilled with 100 percent accuracy. The events detailed by John in the Book of Revelation are interwoven with these earlier prophecies. The first lesson focusses on Christ. By establishing the validity of prophetic statements concerning Him, we provide a basis for the remaining lessons in the quarter and for our faith that soon the end-time prophecies will be fulfilled. The second lesson moves on to explore prophecies concerning the nation of Israel which have already been fulfilled. The third lesson, Signs of the Times, establishes where we now stand on the time-line of history. Succeeding lessons move on into events prophesied which are yet to come. The purpose of this quarter is to help us understand the events we are facing in this world and to recognize the urgency of being ready for the most exciting and glorious event of all—the Rapture of the Church.