Grace Community Bible Church Sermons

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 25:1-13

In Matthew 25:1-13 Jesus speaks a parable in which He compares and contrasts two groups of bridesmaids as He teaches His disciples that another way of waiting alertly for His return (v. 13) is to be prepared.

1. All the bridesmaids are alike in many ways.
   1. They all were virgins attending to the bride and awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom (v. 1).
   2. They all slept while the bridegroom delayed (v. 5).
   3. They all trimmed their lamps when the bridegroom was announced (vv. 6, 7).
   4. They all desired entrance to the feast (vv. 10, 11).
2. Some bridesmaids were foolish (v. 2a).
   1. They brought torches but no oil (v. 3).
   2. They tried to borrow the oil of others when they recognized their mistake (v. 8).
   3. They were trying to buy oil when the bridegroom arrived (v. 10a).
   4. They were denied entrance to the feast by the bridegroom (v. 12).
3. Some bridesmaids were prudent (v. 2b).
   1. They brought both torches and oil (v. 4).
   2. They made sure they had the oil needed to join the bridegroom’s processional (v. 9).
   3. They entered the feast with the bridegroom because they were prepared (v. 10b).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 24:42-51

In Matthew 24:42-51 Jesus speaks two parables that illustrate two characteristics that should mark our lives as we wait for His return.

1. The parable of the thief teaches us we must be on constant alert for Jesus’ coming (vv. 42-44).
2. The parable of the faithful and evil slaves teaches us we must be found faithfully working when Jesus comes.
   1. The faithful slave:
      1. Given a specific responsibility by his master (v. 45).
      2. Blessed because his master returned and found him faithful (v. 46).
      3. Rewarded with greater responsibility because his master returned and found him faithful (v. 47).
   2. The evil slave:
      1. Given a specific responsibility by his master (vv. 45, 48a).
      2. Proves himself to be unfaithful (vv. 48, 49).
      3. Rewarded with judgment because his master returned unexpectedly and found him to be an unfaithful hypocrite (vv. 50, 51).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 24:29-41

In Matthew 24:29-41 Jesus continues His Olivet Discourse by revealing two broad facets of His Second Coming.

1. The second coming of Christ is marked by certain events that reveal God’s glory.
   1. The darkening of the skies (v. 29).
   2. The appearance of the Son of Man (v. 30a).
   3. The mourning from all the tribes (v. 30b).
   4. The coming of the Son of Man (v. 30c).
   5. The gathering of the elect (v. 31).
2. The second coming of Christ is marked by certain characteristics that reveal our need for readiness.
   1. It is near (vv. 32-34).
   2. It is certain (v. 35).
   3. It’s date and time are unknown (v. 36).
   4. It will surprise most people (vv. 37-39).
   5. It will separate the elect from God’s enemies (vv. 40, 41).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 24:1-28

As Matthew 24 opens we find Jesus turning His back on the temple and everything for which it stands (v. 1), confirming its destruction (v. 2), and responding to two questions asked by the disciples (v. 3). In 24:4-28 Jesus answers the disciples 2nd question by describing the events (“birth pangs”) that will occur between His first and second coming and revealing 6 activities in which believers should by involved during that time.

While waiting for Jesus’ second coming believers should:

1. Be on guard for deceivers (vv. 4-5; 22-26).
2. Be fearless in the face of cataclysmic events (vv. 6-8).
3. Be ready to suffer because of your devotion to Christ (v. 9).
4. Be strong & endure to the end to be saved (vv. 10-13).
5. Be faithful to preach the gospel (v. 14).
   The destruction of Jerusalem: A particularly difficult birth pang (vv. 15-21).
6. Be ready for Christ’s inevitable and visible return (vv. 27-28).