A Call to Preparation

Small Group Discussion Guide

A Call to Preparation
By Don Vess

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Scripture Focus

John 14:1–3 (NLT)
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home… When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

Additional Scriptures:
•Matthew 28:19–20
•Amos 4:12
•2 Corinthians 5:21
•Hebrews 10:5–10
•1 John 3:3
•James 4:8
•Psalm 105:19

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Opening Question (Icebreaker)
1.When you hear the word “preparation,” what comes to mind?
2.Can you think of a time when preparation helped you succeed in something important?

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Devotional Summary

The Holy Spirit continues to emphasize one important word: Preparation.

Many people find comfort in faith but never move toward transformation. They may be encouraged by messages, attend church regularly, or feel connected to a Christian community—but true spiritual preparation requires intentional change and alignment with God.

When Jesus said in John 14:1–3 that He was going to prepare a place for us, He was pointing to the work He would accomplish through His death and resurrection. Through the cross, Jesus prepared the way for us to enter into relationship with God and ultimately eternity with Him.

However, Scripture makes it clear that preparation is not passive.

Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20), teaching them to obey His commands. This is part of preparing hearts for eternity.

The prophet Amos warned the people of Israel to “prepare to meet your God.” God had given them opportunities to return to Him, but many ignored His mercy.

Through Christ, everything needed for salvation has been prepared. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us Jesus became sin so that we could become righteous before God. Hebrews 10 explains that Christ’s sacrifice once and for all made a way for true cleansing.

But the Bible also teaches that preparation involves personal responsibility.

1 John 3:3 says that those who truly hope in Christ will purify themselves. Genuine expectation of Christ’s return produces a desire for holiness.

Preparation means:
•Turning away from sin
•Aligning our thinking with God’s Word
•Releasing bitterness and unforgiveness
•Walking in love toward others
•Refusing divided loyalty between God and the world

God is preparing His people, but we must respond.

Sometimes the difficult seasons we experience are not punishment—they are preparation. Like Joseph, whose character was tested before his promotion (Psalm 105), God often develops us before He entrusts us with greater purpose.

So the real question is not simply “When will Jesus return?”
The deeper question is “Am I ready to meet Him?”

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Discussion Questions
1.John 14:1–3 speaks about Jesus preparing a place for us.
How does knowing this promise affect the way we live today?
2.The devotional says many people are comforted but not prepared.
What might that look like in a believer’s life?
3.Matthew 28:19–20 calls us to make disciples.
How does discipleship help prepare people to meet God?
4.Amos warned the people to prepare to meet God.
Why do you think people sometimes ignore spiritual warnings or conviction?
5.1 John 3:3 connects hope with purity.
Why does expecting Christ’s return motivate believers to pursue holiness?
6.The devotional mentions areas of preparation such as forgiveness, repentance, and aligning with God’s Word.
Which of these areas do you think believers struggle with most today?
7.The devotional suggests that trials may be preparation rather than punishment.
Can you share a time when a difficult season helped shape your character or faith?

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Practical Application

Encourage each group member to spend time this week asking God to search their heart.

Consider these reflection questions:
•Is there any area of sin I have been ignoring instead of surrendering?
•Is there someone I need to forgive?
•Have I allowed worldly influences to shape my thinking more than God’s Word?
•Am I actively growing spiritually, or simply attending church?

Take one intentional step this week:
•Repent where necessary
•Forgive someone who has hurt you
•Recommit to daily Scripture reading
•Ask God what He is preparing you for in this season

Remember: Preparation begins with humility and obedience.

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Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank You for preparing the way for us through Jesus Christ. Thank You for the sacrifice that made our salvation possible. Search our hearts and reveal anything that is not aligned with You. Help us turn away from sin, release bitterness, and walk in love and obedience. Strengthen us to live lives that reflect Your holiness. Prepare us for the purposes You have for us and for the day when we will stand before You.

Refine our hearts and make us ready.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.