Jesus said in Mark 13:33 “Be on your guard [constantly alert], and watch and pray; for you do not know when the time will come.”
Define the following words:
Alert________________________________________________________________________
Guard_______________________________________________________________________
1. What does it mean for you to be “on guard” or “on the alert?” Mark 13:33-37
2. What is Peter asking you to do? 1 Peter 1:13-16
3. Read 1 Thessalonians 5 and then describe in your own words what the Father, through Paul, is telling you/warning you/asking you to do as you walk in this world, waiting for His return.
4. List what you need to do personally to live a holy life in an unholy world?
5. How do you overcome in this world? Revelation 12:11, Proverbs 12:6, 1 John 4:4
6. What is your reward for overcoming? Revelation 3:11-12
Why Did God Create Us?
Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7
We were created to glorify God. You can read it in 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” And again in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The way to accurately glorify God is to allow Him to work through you. To truly glorify Him, you need to give Him every part of your life. Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Many Christians only allow God to rule in part of their lives. God cannot be glorified the way He deserves if we do not give Him everything!
Picture the world champion Lego builder. He has built people, buildings, animals, etc. out of Legos. You give him a tub of Legos and tell him to glorify himself as a master Lego builder. His finished product is a stack of 5 Lego blocks. Not that impressive. However, all you gave him was 5 blocks. The world champion Lego builder cannot glorify himself with 5 blocks the way he should be glorified. God cannot be glorified the way He deserves either when you only give Him part of your life. God is the Master Creator who designed you and the world you are living in. If you give Him your whole life, He can and will turn it into something beautiful. Once you do the Romans 12:1 and give Him every part of your life, now you must do the Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” You renew your mind by daily reading the Word of God (Joshua 1:8) and memorizing key scriptures that remind you of God’s promises and what He has instructed you to do. As you do this, God will manifest Himself and reveal His plans for your life (John 14:21). As you follow that plan, God will be glorified!
Mark 13:33 – Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.
1 Peter 1:14-15 – 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
Bonus: 1 Peter 1:16 – 5because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”