Part 2 - The King and His Kingdom - Wise Readiness “The secret of the Kingdom of God has been given to you..” Mark 4:10 Study by: Dean Brookes Sermons can be viewed on the [Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel](INSERT URL HERE) GATHERING / WORSHIP / PRAYER Take a few minutes to catch up with each other and build community. If you have new people present give time to getting to know each other. You may like to play the song: “Jesus, God’s righteousness revealed.” Join together in praying the Lord’s Prayer, praying for the Kingdom to come. FOCUS The Kingdom of God (also referred to as The Kingdom of Heaven) is a multilayered theme mentioned often in the four gospels. It refers to God’s universal rule over all of creation, for “the Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything” (Psalm 103:19). It also describes God's spiritual rule within the hearts of God’s children as they surrender to Jesus, who said, “...give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). When Jesus spoke on the Kingdom he often taught in parables, which were simple stories rich in metaphors, to illustrate deep spiritual truths. Ultimately, they teach us to know and serve Jesus, the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15). SETTING THE SCENE In ancient Israel there were three stages leading to marriage. First was the engagement in which the parents engaged in a search for a suitable match for their daughter or son, sometimes when they were still a child. Second was the betrothal when the couple neared marriageable age. It was binding and was celebrated with ceremony and feasting - a bit like engagement today. Thirdly, a year later, was the marriage proper. It was customary for bridesmaids to greet the bridegroom when he came, but if he came quite a distance, he could easily be delayed - and with no mobile phone to give an ETA! Hence the setting for the parable. OPENING GOD’s WORD Warm Up Question: How punctual are you? Do you tend to make it just on time and perhaps hope everyone else will be late? Relate a time when you were unprepared for something? What happened? How did you handle it? Read: Matthew 25:1-13 Read the parable in a number of translations to get a good feel for it. In what way were the ten girls alike? In what way were they different? What is the message of this parable? How does it relate to Matthew 24, especially verses 42-44? Why is readiness so important regarding the second coming of Christ? What encourages you and what might bother you from this parable? What life issues does it raise for you? What is the ‘oil’ that keeps your lamp lit? How does this teaching of Jesus challenge you? LIVING OUT GOD’s WORD What unexpected event has happened in your life in the last twelve months? To what extent were you ready to handle it? How will what you have learnt change how you live? PRAYER Pray for each other, for those beyond the group, and especially for the clear and effective communication of the Gospel so that more people know and follow the King and his Kingdom. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au