Several days before I go on a trip, I begin to prepare. My executive assistant briefs me on what my responsibilities will be. My travel assistant goes over flight and hotel arrangements. I call the host to get briefed on the meetings I will participate in, and I then prayerfully decide the messages I will give and the clothes I will wear. I make arrangements for my pets to be cared for and my home to be secure in my absence. And to make sure nothing is forgotten, I make a checklist. Preparing to leave takes time, thought, and energy.
The Bible teaches that all followers of Jesus are to prepare for a “trip.” This trip not only signifies when we move to Heaven following our death, but it also takes place at the end of human history as we have known it. We are told that followers of Jesus in the last generation will not experience physical death but will be caught up in what is called the rapture—the “snatching away” to meet Jesus in the air—and be reunited with loved ones who have gone before us. It will be the trip of a lifetime—a trip that is truly out of this world. Are you ready?
Read John 14:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
I. The Coming Trip
What is the primary purpose of this trip? John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 5:10.
What phrases indicate we will leave suddenly? 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Matthew 24:36-44.
What are two blessings of knowing about our trip in advance? Matthew 24:44; 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11.
The four Jewish spring feasts in the Bible were each fulfilled by Jesus. And many people believe that the first of the three fall feasts, the Feast of Trumpets, will also be fulfilled by Jesus at the rapture. Give the phrases from 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 that link this feast with the rapture.
The trumpet will sound with no forewarning. Will you be ready when that moment comes?
II. The Checklist
A. Abounding in Love
Where does the command to love others come from? John 13:34-35; 1 Thessalonians 4:9.
Give aspects of this love from the following verses: Romans 12:10; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 1:22; 3:8.
What is our motivation to love? 1 John 3:23; 4:11.
Who do you know that needs to hear of God’s love as expressed in John 3:16 before you take this trip?
B. Established in Faith
How is faith established? Romans 10:17.
What do you need to do to make sure your faith is rooted and grounded?
Will genuine faith be a common characteristic of people before Jesus returns? Proverbs 20:6; Luke 18:8; Matthew 24:10.
How critical is our faith as we prepare for this trip? Hebrews 11:5-6; Romans 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:13-20.
Who in your circle needs to understand authentic faith before you go?
C. Confident in Hope
Who and what is our hope? Titus 2:13.
Put Psalm 33:20-22 into your own words, as a prayer.
Putting 2 Peter 3:9 with 3:15, why have we not left yet?
If you are hopeless concerning the future, what do you need to do? Hebrews 13:1-3.
How can you share your confidence regarding the future with others?
D. Unblameable in Holiness
Define holiness. 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7.
Explain in your own words what it means to be holy.
How important is it to be found holy when Jesus returns for us? Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:11-14; 1 John 2:28.
Is holiness optional? 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 John 2:28.
What do you need to do now to be more holy today than you were yesterday? More holy tomorrow than you are today?
E. Steadfast in Service
As the time for our trip draws closer, what two types of servants does Jesus describe? Matthew 24:45-51.
Why are some servants not steadfast? 2 Peter 3:3-7; Matthew 25:5.
What encouragement do you receive from 1 Corinthians 15:58? Galatians 6:9?
What is your service for Jesus? How can you serve Him even more as the time for departure draws near?
III. The Clarion Call
How will we know when it’s time to leave? 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.
When the call to leave comes, what regrets will you have?
What items on your checklist will you wish you had “packed”?
We haven’t left yet, so there is still time to prepare. Live your life so that five minutes before the trumpet sounds, you have no regrets.
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
