Series: Thy Kingdom Come
Sermon Title: The Return of Christ…
Passage: Luke 12:31-48
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Pastor Dave Pretlove
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Pastor Dusty Braun
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Series: Thy Kingdom Come
Sermon Title: The Return of Christ…
Passage: Luke 12:31-48
SERMON POINTS:
The Return of Christ…
- For 2,000 Years Great Christians Have Disagreed About the Details.
- Historical Premillennialism
- Dispensational Premillennialism
- Postmillennialism
- Amillennialism
- Partial Preterism
- For 2,000 Years All Christians Have Agreed on These Essentials.
- He will Return gloriously, Bodily and Visibly
Acts 1:11
Matthew 25:31 - No One Knows the Exact Time
Matthew 24:36 - He will Judge the Living and the Dead
2 Corinthians 5:10
John 5:28-29 - His Return Will Usher in the New Heavens and New Earth
Revelation 21:1
- He will Return gloriously, Bodily and Visibly
- Should Determine The Way We Live Today
- Jesus Is Inviting Us to Live In the Kingdom While We Wait For The King.
luke 12:31-32 - The Kingdom Is Our Source of Courage and Hope… Not Earthly Kings or
Material Goods.
Luke 12:32-34- Faithfully Representing the Master
Luke 12:41-42 - Diligently Seeking the Masters Reward
Luke12:37-38
Luke12:43-44 - Fully Trusting the Masters Justice
Luke 12:45-46Jesus Is Calling Us To Live With Vigilance, Expectancy, and readiness.
Luke 12:35-40 - Wisely Embracing The Masters Priority and Obedience Over Knowledge
Luke 12:47-48
- Faithfully Representing the Master
- Jesus Is Inviting Us to Live In the Kingdom While We Wait For The King.
GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Why do you think Jesus’ return has been such a debated topic for over 2000 years?
- Read Acts 1:11 and Matthew 25:31. How does knowing that Jesus will return bodily and visibly shape the way you think about Him today?
- Jesus said no one knows the exact time of His return (Matthew 24:36).
- How does this truth affect the way we live daily? Are we more prone to complacency or urgency?
- Jesus calls us to seek His kingdom first (Luke 12:31-32).
- What does it practically look like to live with God’s kingdom as our primary focus instead of material security or political power?
- Luke 12:35-40 calls us to be vigilant and expectant for Christ’s return.
- In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually “asleep”? How can you cultivate a readiness for Jesus’ return?
- Jesus describes a faithful servant as someone who represents Him well (Luke 12:41-42).
- What are some ways we can be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us?
- Luke 12:47-48 warns about prioritizing knowledge over obedience.
- How do we sometimes substitute gaining knowledge for actually living out what Jesus commands?
- Jesus’ return will bring justice (2 Corinthians 5:10, John 5:28-29).
- How does the reality of His coming judgment give us both comfort and urgency in sharing the Gospel?
- Revelation 21:1 describes a new heaven and new earth.
- How does this promise of renewal and restoration give you hope in the midst of current struggles?
- Jesus warns about the servant who abuses power while the master is away (Luke 12:45-46). Where do you see this temptation in your own life or community?
- How can we guard against drifting into self-centered living while we wait for His return?
- Are you living for TODAY or for THAT DAY?
- What are some daily practices that could help us shift our focus from just surviving today to preparing for eternity?
- Jesus calls us to seek His reward diligently (Luke 12:37-38, 12:43-44).
- What motivates you more—earthly rewards or eternal rewards? How can we learn to desire God’s rewards above all else?
DAILY PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Day 1: Letting Go of Fear
- Reflection Question: What’s one fear that pops up when you think about Jesus’ return, and how might trusting that He’s coming back gloriously start to ease that today?
- Scripture: Acts 1:11 – “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
- Takeaway: Jesus isn’t a stranger—He’s the same One we know and love, coming back for us. Sit with that for a minute today.
Day 2: Embracing the Mystery
- Reflection Question: How does not knowing the exact time of Jesus’ return free you up to focus on trusting Him right now instead of worrying about the ‘when’?
- Scripture: Matthew 24:36 – “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
- Takeaway: The mystery isn’t meant to scare us—it’s an invitation to lean into God’s timing. What’s one way you can rest in that today?
Day 3: Finding Peace in His Justice
- Reflection Question: The idea of Jesus judging the living and the dead can feel heavy—where do you see His love in that, and how can it calm your heart today?
- Scripture: John 5:28-29 – “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live…”
- Takeaway: His judgment comes from love, not anger. Reflect on how that shifts your perspective as you go through your day.
Day 4: Hoping in the New Creation
- Reflection Question: Picture the new heavens and new earth—how does that hope give you strength to face something tough today instead of feeling afraid of the end?
- Scripture: Revelation 21:1 – “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.”
- Takeaway: The end isn’t destruction—it’s renewal. Let that fuel one small act of courage today.
Day 5: Living in the Kingdom Now
- Reflection Question: Jesus says not to be afraid because the Father gives us the kingdom—what’s one way you can choose His kingdom over fear or stress today?
- Scripture: Luke 12:32-34 – “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Takeaway: The kingdom is ours now—live into it! Maybe share a little love or generosity today and see how it feels.
Day 6: Waking Up with Purpose
- Reflection Question: If Jesus came back tonight, what would He find you doing? How can you take one step today to live with that kind of expectant passion?
- Scripture: Luke 12:35-36 – “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet.”
- Takeaway: Readiness isn’t fear—it’s purpose. Pick one thing to do today that reflects His heart.
Day 7: Passion Over Panic
- Reflection Question: How has this week shifted you from fear to excitement about Jesus’ return? What’s one way you want to live passionately for His kingdom starting today?
- Scripture: Luke 12:37-38 – “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.”
SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:
RESOURCES:
- ARTICLE | JOHN PIPER | ARE WE LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS
- ARTICLE | MICHAEL F BIRD | N.T. Wright and the (Not Quite) Second Coming
- PODCAST | BIBLE PROJECT | JESUS’ RETURN: WHAT PETER WROTE ABOUT THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
- PODCAST | KNOWING FAITH | IS THE BOOK OF REVELATION ABOUT THE PAST, PRESENT, OR FUTURE?
MONTHLY SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE: THE PRAYER OF EXAMEN
I want to unpack why the Prayer of Examen is such a gift—especially as we think about Jesus’ return in Luke 12-13. Picture this: Jesus says, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35). That’s not just a “someday” thing—it’s a today thing. Examen is like a daily pause and retreat with Jesus, helping us live awake, humble, and ready for Him. Let’s continue to dive into this discipline.
What’s It All About?
The Prayer of Examen comes from Ignatius of Loyola, a 16th-century follower of Jesus, but it’s timeless. It’s not a guilt trip or a to-do list—it’s a quiet conversation with God about your day. You look back with Him, and notice where He was moving, where you joined Him, and where you wandered off. It’s simple but deep: stillness, gratitude, examination, response, and hope. And here’s the beauty—it keeps us tethered to Jesus in a world that’s always pulling us away.
Why It’s So Valuable?
It Wakes Us Up to God’s Presence. John Mark Comer Is big on this idea, he says we’re drowning in distraction, chasing “today” instead of “that day”. The practice of Examen pulls us out of the noise and distractions. We take time to replay our day and see, “Oh, Jesus was in that smile from a stranger, that tough talk I didn’t dodge.” It’s like turning on a lamp in a dark room, you start noticing Him everywhere.
It Grows Us in Humility. Abba Anthony, one of our Desert Fathers, said, “Expect temptation to your last breath.” That should challenge us alittle? Examen keeps us grounded in the reality that we are not perfect, and we don’t have to be. When I ask, “Where did I miss You today, Jesus?” I’m not beating myself up; I’m staying humble, and learning to surrender to God’s love and gentle grace, trusting Him to guide me. Luke 12:47-48 warns about knowing but not doing—Examen helps us close that gap without pride sneaking in.
It leads us to trade Fear for Trust. Ruth Haley Barton, one of my favorites, calls Examen a “prayer of awareness”, it’s where we hear God’s gentle invitations. Thinking about Jesus’ return can stir fear—judgment, the unknown (Matthew 24:36). But sitting with Him daily, thanking Him for the good, confessing the mess, shifts us. We hear Luke 12:32, “Do not be afraid, little flock,” and it sticks. Fear fades; trust grows.
It Shapes Us for Kingdom Living Spiritual disciplines aren’t about earning God’s love. They’re about becoming people who live in union with and in God’s love naturally. Examen tunes our hearts to Jesus’ agenda and it trains us to be ready when He knocks.
It Points Us to Hope. This weeks message ends with that big question: “Are you living for today or that day?” Examen doesn’t leave us stuck in the failures of the day, it lifts our eyes to Jesus and to tomorrow. We end by saying, “Jesus, keep me ready,” picturing His return living with joy and hope, living alive with God, daily and in practical way.
Why You Should Try It?
I’ve been doing Examen for a while, and it’s changed me. I used to rush through my days, missing God’s whispers. Now? I catch them—sometimes in the chaos, sometimes in the quiet. It’s not about being super-spiritual; it’s about being real with Jesus. Comer would say it’s countercultural. Barton would say it’s sacred listening. I say it’s a lifeline to stay ready for Him.
Daily Practice Reminder (Step-by-Step Recap):
- Stillness: Quiet down, invite Jesus in (1-2 min).
- Gratitude: Thank Him for today’s gifts (2-3 min).
- Examine: Ask, “Where was I with You? Where wasn’t I?” (2-3 min).
- Respond: Celebrate, confess, ask for help (1-2 min).
- Hope: Look to tomorrow with trust (1 min).
Start with 5 minutes, grow to 10-15. Tie it to a routine—like after dinner or before bed.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
Imagine Jesus knocking on your door tonight—not with a clipboard to grade you, but with a grin, ready to bring you home. That’s the heartbeat of Luke 12 when He talks about His return: “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35). It’s less about nailing every detail and more about living like the celebration’s already in motion.
For 2,000 years, brilliant folks have wrestled with the “when” and “how” of His coming. Me? I’m learning we don’t have to figure it all out—humility keeps us grounded. What we do know is amazing: He’s returning gloriously, visibly (Acts 1:11), on a day no one can predict (Matthew 24:36). He’ll judge the living and dead (John 5:28-29) we do not have to, and He will usher in a new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). That’s not a puzzle to solve—it’s a promise to hold onto.
Here’s where it gets real: Jesus invites us into His kingdom now, not with pride like we’ve got it all mapped out, but with open hands, trusting Him over stuff or status (Luke 12:32-34). He’s looking for servants humble enough to keep serving, watching, waiting—not for bragging rights, but because we love Him (Luke 12:37-38). Are you living for today’s hustle or that day’s hope?