Task-Oriented – Pt 1

Matthew 25:1-13 (NLT)

1 “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’

7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’

9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’

12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

1. In God’s kingdom, followers of Jesus are both servants and friends.

John 15:15 (NIV)

15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

– Serve like you’re hired. Live like you’re loved.

2. Stay spiritually alert to prepare for Christ’s return.

– A delay breeds complacency.

– A looming deadline sharpens focus.

3. Let the promise of His return shape your priorities today.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT)

23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Reflection: How often do you reflect on Jesus’ return, and how does it shape your daily choices?

SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Where your faith intersects with real life!

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message notes.

Big Idea: Be prepared to live with God-given purpose while anticipating Jesus’ return.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

▶ Do you find it easier to view yourself as a servant or a friend to God, and why? How can we live out our roles as both servants and friends without neglecting one or the other?

▶ Read Matthew 25:1-13. What are some distractions or excuses that keep us from being spiritually alert and prepared for Christ’s return? How can we overcome complacency as we wait?

▶Read Hebrews 10:23-25. How does the promise of Christ’s return encourage you to be more intentional about your relationship with Him and with others?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.

Share an area in your life where you’ve been spiritually procrastinating. In what ways can we challenge one another to live with purpose and be faithful with what God has entrusted to us?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Pray that we would stay spiritually alert and live with purpose, prioritizing God’s Kingdom so that our hearts would be ready for His return.