Vigilance
8/21/2022
There are hundreds of examples of failed doomsday predictions. From apocalyptic Christian novels to forecasts of environmental Armageddon, religious and irreligious people alike have spent centuries speculating how the world will end. And while the Bible has a lot to say about this, the interpretations of those passages are among the most controversial. Join us for part three of Kingdom Values, where we will learn the importance of Kingdom vigilance.
Passage
Luke 17:20-37
Three Questions
- What are we supposed to watch for?
- We should be vigilantly watching for __________ of the ______________ within our ____________ and in the__________ around us.
- How will we know when it arrives?
- Not by __________ ____________________ , but through the movement of His ____________ in the life of His ____________
- What are we to do in the meantime?
- Be vigilant
- About seeking the ______________ . (Matthew 6:33)
- About avoiding ____________________ .
(1 Peter 5:8-9 and Matthew 26:41)
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
How would you define “vigilance”? List examples of vigilance. Can you think of examples of when a lack of vigilance has created a problem for you relationally, financially, spiritually, and/or physically?
HEAR
Read Matthew 26:30-35.
- Whom did Jesus say would fall away from Him? Why would this happen, and how would Jesus respond to the betrayal?
- Why did this conversation turn specifically toward Peter? What does his objection tell you about Him? How does Jesus respond?
- What was Peter’s response to Jesus’ revelation about Peter’s impending betrayal? How did all the other disciples respond? Why does the response of the other disciples matter?
Read Matthew 26:36-46.
- What did Jesus specifically ask Peter, James, and John to do? What was their response to Jesus’ request? How many times did this happen?
- What two things did Jesus tell the disciple to do to avoid temptation? What specifically does it mean to “watch and pray”? What are some practical ways to do this? How does this help you avoid temptation?
- Can you think of a time when your vigilance and prayer life prevented you from falling into temptation? Can you think of a time when your failure to be vigilant and pray led to sin?
Read Matthew 26:69-75.
- Consider Peter’s betrayal in the context of this entire chapter. What were the critical moments and decisions that led Peter to deny Jesus?
- How might Peter’s willingness to keep watch and pray have kept him from denying Jesus?
- What woke Peter up, and how did he respond when he realized what he had done? Do you consider Peter’s actions in the courtyard to be a mistake? Why or why not?
- What are some ways you, your family, your group, and our church can practice being vigilant?
HUDDLE
It is difficult to recognize our blind spots, but if you had to name a potential blind spot in your life, what would it be? How can you practice greater vigilance and pray in this area? What form of accountability do you need in this area? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Readings
In Luke 17, Jesus referenced two passages from Genesis. Spend this week reading these passages and asking the Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply Jesus’ teaching from Luke 17:20-37.
- Day 1: Luke 17
- Day 2: Genesis 6 & 7
- Day 3: Genesis 8
- Day 4: Genesis 9
- Day 5: Genesis 12 & 13
- Day 6: Genesis 18
- Day 7: Genesis 19
Think Deeper
- What is your general impression of apocalyptic predictions and those who make them?
- Do you believe the world as we know it will one day cease to be? If so, how do you think this will come about?
- What role does or should the church play in preparing people for the end of their lives and/or life as we know it?
Suggested Resources
The Great Divorce, by C.S. Lewis
Surprised by Hope, by N.T. Wright
Check out these books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB