NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the MasterWork curriculum.
Bible Passage: Luke 12:35-48
Discussion Questions:
- On a scale of 0 to 10, how prepared are you for the return of Jesus? Explain.
- What role should the receiving of gifts in heaven play in our motivations while on earth?
- How does what we do here prepare us for what we will do in heaven?
Food for thought with Greg Laurie*
“Be prepared” has been tied to the scouting movement since it began in 1907 under the leadership of Robert Baden-Powell. The term defined scouts’ original purpose and continues to be featured on many scouting medals. When asked about what they were to be prepared for, Baden-Powel is reported to have replied that they were to be prepared for anything. In truth, they were to be prepared to face emergencies, at the ready and watchful.
This study of heaven concludes with an examination of Luke 12 and Jesus’ teachings about watchfulness. Luke tells us that Jesus called on believers to be watching for the return of their Master, anticipating that the return could be at any time.
Jesus also compares this watchfulness to a steward working while the master is away and to people protecting themselves from theft. The return time is unknown in all three settings, but what is certain is the return will take place. Considering this passage, Greg Laurie, in his book, “As It Is in Heaven,” reminds us that we should be lights in the darkness, be watchful, be expectant and be working.
These four actions help us define what it means for believers to be prepared. We do not know the day or time of the return of Jesus. His tarrying gives us the opportunity to make a difference in this fallen world, pointing others to Him in word and deed. We can be both earthly and heavenly minded, longing for God’s presence to be demonstrated in both places.
This study began with a call to prepare and ends with the same call. God has more for us to do in His heaven. What we do now prepares us for that work. Pointing to Luke 12:44, Laurie explains that one of the rewards of faithful service on earth is an assignment in heaven. While we are not sure what kind of work will be waiting for us, we can be assured that it will be what God intended before the fall, meaningful, and for sure not boring.
*Greg Laurie is senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship based in Riverside, Calif.
MasterWork
MasterWork is an ongoing Bible study curriculum based on works from a variety of renowned authors and offers pertinent, practical messages that adults will find uplifting and enriching. The list of authors and their books to be studied in upcoming months can be found at www.lifeway.com/masterwork.
