Be Ready!

DCC Small Group Discussion Guide: Be Ready!
By Don Vess

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Scripture Focus
•Matthew 24:42–44 (NKJV)
•Matthew 24:9–14
•Matthew 24:46–51
•1 Thessalonians 5:1–8
•1 John 3:1–3
•James 4:6–10
•1 Corinthians 16:13–14
•Colossians 4:2

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Opening Thought

Spring is a season of visible change. Trees bud, birds return, and life begins to emerge again. These are signs that something new has arrived—but those signs were forming long before the full bloom appeared.

In the same way, Jesus told us to watch for the signs of His return. The danger is not that there are no signs—it’s that people miss them, just like many did when Jesus first came. They expected one thing, overlooked what God was actually doing, and missed their moment.

The call for us today is clear:
“Be ready. Get your house in order.”

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Group Discussion Questions

1. Recognizing the Season
•What are some “spiritual signs” you see today that remind you of Jesus’ return?
•Why do you think people in Jesus’ time missed the signs of His first coming?
•How can we avoid missing what God is doing right now?

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2. The Danger of Delay
•In Matthew 24:48, the servant assumed the master was delaying. How can that mindset affect our spiritual lives today?
•Have you ever found yourself becoming spiritually passive or distracted? What contributed to that?

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3. Staying Spiritually Awake
•Jesus warns that many will fall away and grow cold (Matt. 24:12). What causes spiritual “coldness”?
•What are practical ways to keep your heart “on fire” for God?

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4. Living Ready, Not Reactive
•What does it practically mean to “be ready” for the Lord’s return?
•If Jesus returned today, what areas of your life would you want to have in order?

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5. Purity and Preparation
•According to 1 John 3:3, hope in Christ leads to purity. Why do you think expectation changes how we live?
•Which of the four preparation steps speaks most to you right now?

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Key Teaching Points

How Do We Stay Ready?

1. Separate from the World’s System
•(1 John 2:15–17)
•Recognize and reject cultural patterns that pull you away from God.

2. Draw Closer to God Daily
•(James 4:6–10)
•Humility, repentance, and surrender position us for grace.

3. Stay Alert and Stand Firm
•(1 Corinthians 16:13–14)
•Be watchful, courageous, and grounded in truth.

4. Be Devoted to Prayer
•(Colossians 4:2)
•Prayer keeps your spirit sensitive and aligned with God.

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Group Activity (Optional but Powerful)

“House Check” Reflection Moment
•Take 2–3 minutes of silence.
•Ask each person to quietly reflect:
“Lord, what in my life needs to be aligned or surrendered right now?”

Then invite (not force) anyone to share.

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Application

This week:
•Identify one area where you need to “get your house in order.”
•Commit to one intentional action:
•Remove a distraction
•Increase prayer time
•Re-engage in serving
•Restore a relationship

Be intentional. Readiness is not accidental—it is cultivated.

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Closing Prayer

Lord,
We thank You that You have not left us without warning, but You have given us signs and Your Word to prepare us. Help us to stay awake, alert, and ready for Your return.

Search our hearts and reveal anything that is out of alignment. Give us the grace to turn away from the things of this world and draw closer to You. Stir the fire within us again, that we would not grow cold, but remain passionate and faithful.

Make us trustworthy servants—faithful in what You have given us, caring for others, and living with expectation.

We say yes to Your call:
We will be ready.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Leader Notes (Optional)
•Keep the tone urgent but hopeful, not fear-driven
•Allow space for the Holy Spirit to convict and encourage
•Encourage honesty, not perfection
•Bring it back to relationship with Jesus, not just behavior