LifeGroup Leader Podcast

Main Text: Matthew 25:14–23 (ESV) 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Preaching Point: We are called to multiply what God has entrusted to us, knowing that he will return to evaluate and reward our faithful stewardship.

Teaching Points:

1. Multiply What God has Entrusted to You (vv. 14–18)
2. Expect God to Settle Your Account (v. 19)
3. Live for God’s “Well Done” (vv. 20–23)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read John 15:4–8. What should be the inevitable outcome of “abiding” in Christ, and how does this outcome relate to multiplying what God has entrusted to you?
3. How would you evaluate your current commitment to multiplying what God has entrusted to you? What evidence supports your evaluation?
4. Read 2 Corinthians 5:9–10 and Romans 14:12. What crosses your mind when you hear that you will give an account of yourself to God?
5. What stewardship commitments can you make today to ensure that you, like the two faithful servants, are ready to “settle accounts” when you meet Christ face-to-face?
6. Read 2 Timothy 4:7–8 and Matthew 25:19–23. What do you think it will be like to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”?
7. Consider what the life of someone who is “living for God’s ‘well done’” looks like. What are some characteristics of that person’s life?
8. Write down specific ways you can “run the race” and “fight the good fight” today so that you can have the same confidence Paul had as he approached the end of his life. Be ready to share them in LifeGroup.

Main Text: Matthew 25:1–13 (ESV) 1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Preaching Point: You must spiritually prepare to meet Christ, or risk being left out of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Teaching Points:

1. Don’t Delay Your Preparation (vv. 1-5)
2. Don’t Depend on Someone Else’s Preparation (vv. 6-12)
3. Stay Prepared (vv. 10-13)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Hebrews 4:1–7 and Isaiah 55:6–7. Why is “rolling the dice” and delaying your preparation to meet Jesus dangerous?
3. What current area in your life (i.e., salvation, obedience, repentance, forgiveness, etc.) do you need to address to prepare yourself spiritually to meet Jesus face-to-face?
4. Read Matthew 25:7–12 and Matthew 7:21–23. Why might someone expect to enter Christ’s Kingdom and yet be excluded?
5. What distinguishes false assurance, which is excluded from Christ’s Kingdom, from saving faith, which enters Christ’s Kingdom?
6. Even as a genuine believer, how might you become overly dependent on someone else's spiritual maturity (a spouse, parent, etc.) rather than cultivating your own relationship with Christ?
7. Read Romans 13:11–14 and Luke 12:35–38. What does maintaining a constant readiness to meet Jesus look like?
8. How would your daily priorities and habits change if you cultivated greater readiness to meet Christ face-to-face?

Title: The End Times According to Jesus: Stewardship in the Interim

Main Text: Matthew 24:45–51 (ESV) 45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Preaching Point: Knowing our Master will return should motivate us to faithfully steward what he has entrusted to us while he is away.

Teaching Points:

1. Know God Requires Your Faithful Stewardship (v. 45)
2. Expect God to Reward Faithful Stewards (vv. 46-47)
3. Expect God to Judge Bad Stewards (vv. 48-51)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 and Romans 13:11–14. What would it look like for you to live this week with a greater awareness that God has entrusted your life to you as a stewardship for his Kingdom?

a. In what area of your life are you most tempted to act like an owner rather than a steward? How can you change that this week?

3. Read Revelation 22:12 and 1 Corinthians 3:10–15. Why should the prospect of Christ rewarding his servants at his return motivate you toward greater faithfulness?

a. What area is the Holy Spirit currently convicting you to choose eternal reward over immediate gratification?

4. Read Matthew 25:14–30. What does the “Parable of the Talents” teach you about God’s ownership of your life and your accountability for what he has entrusted you?

a. How should you think about your life, resources, relationships and salvation as stewardships that God has given you with expectations that you produce a return for the Kingdom of God?

5. Read Luke 12:47–48 and 2 Peter 3:3–7. Does the certainty of God’s judgment toward those who reject God motivate you evangelistically? Why or why not?

a. How can you use these passages, or others like it, to compassionately show an unbeliever that God is going to judge their rejection of the gospel with specificity and perfect justice?

Main Text: Matthew 24:36–44 (ESV) 36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Preaching Point: Since we don’t know the day or hour of the end, we must remain vigilant and ready at all times for Christ's return.

Teaching Points:

1. Don’t Try to Guess the Date (v. 36)
2. Stay Vigilant (vv. 37–42)
3. Stay Ready (vv. 43–44)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Deuteronomy 29:29 and Acts 1:6–8. How can focusing on what God has not revealed about Christ’s return distract you from what he has clearly commanded you to do?
3. How does continual vigilance concerning the return of Christ help you prioritize and advance in your mission to make disciples today?
4. Read Luke 17:26–30, Luke 21:34–36, and 1 Thessalonians 5:1–6. How does being consumed with the ordinary concerns of life cause you to become spiritually asleep regarding the return of Christ?
5. Which parts of your life most easily distract you spiritually — work, entertainment, money, your kids’ schedules, relationships, possessions, or something else?
6. What does staying spiritually “awake and sober” look like for you this week?
7. Read Titus 2:11–13, 1 John 3:2–3, and 2 Peter 3:11–14. What do these passages say should characterize a Christian who is preparing to meet Christ?
8. What areas of your life need greater spiritual discipline so that you are living prepared to meet Christ?

Main Text: Matthew 24:32–35 (ESV) 32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Preaching Point: Knowing Christ’s words will outlast the world should cause you to trust his promises and live for what will last.

Teaching Points:

1. Trust the Certainty of Christ’s Words (vv. 32–34)
2. Invest in What Lasts (v. 35)

Application Questions

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Isaiah 55:10–11 and Isaiah 46:9–10. What do these passages teach about the certainty of God’s Word?
3. What would treating Christ’s words as more certain than even your own death practically look like this week?
4. Christ says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” What are some things in this world that you are tempted to treat as though they will last forever?
5. Read Matthew 6:19–21 and Colossians 3:1–4. How should the temporary nature of this world change what you value and pursue?
6. If someone examined your calendar, bank account, and topics of discussion from the past month, what might they conclude you are investing your life in?
7. What areas of your life (your time, relationships, money, career, or possessions) do you need to invest more intentionally in what will last?
8. What are one or two specific changes you can make this week to ensure those areas are eternally focused?

Main Text: Matthew 24:29–31 (ESV) 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Preaching Point: Every Christian should long for the glorious return of Christ, when he will unmistakably appear to judge the nations and establish his kingdom!

Teaching Points:

1. Remember the Fleeting Nature of This World (v. 29)
2. Pray for the Return of Christ (v. 30)
3. Look Forward to the Inauguration of Christ’s Kingdom (v. 31)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Psalm 102:25–27, 2 Peter 3:10–13, and 1 John 2:15–17. What do these passages teach about the danger of loving or building your life around anything other than Christ in this fleeting world?
3. Have you been treating anything as permanent that will ultimately pass away? What would holding those things more loosely and investing more deeply in eternity look like practically in your life?
4. Read Matthew 6:9–10 and Daniel 7:13–14. How does Jesus’ instruction to pray “your kingdom come” help you understand what Jesus’ ultimate plan is for the world and your life?
5. How often do you genuinely long for and pray for Christ’s return? What do you think would change in your life if you spent more time praying for Christ’s coming Kingdom?
6. Read Revelation 19:11–16. How does this vision of Christ as the conquering King who judges the nations shape the way you should think about his second coming?
7. Where in your life are you currently resisting the authority of King Jesus, and what would it look like to submit that area to Christ as you anticipate his coming Kingdom?
8. Read Isaiah 27:12–13, Zechariah 12:10–13:1, and 1 Thessalonians 3:13. How does knowing that Christ will gather his elect from across the earth and unite them with those who return with him to establish his kingdom shape the way you persevere in this age as you look forward to the defeat of evil and the triumph of Jesus in the age to come?

Main Text: Matthew 24:15–28 (ESV) 15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

Preaching Point: Jesus’ warnings to those living during the Tribulation should compel us to remain watchful in our own day as we eagerly await Christ’s return to abolish evil and establish his Kingdom.

Teaching Points:

1. Scripturally Identify the Abomination of Desolation (v. 15)
2. Grasp the Severity of the Great Tribulation (vv. 16-22)
3. Keep Your Focus on Christ’s Return (vv. 23-28)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, Daniel 9:24–27, and 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4. What do these passages teach you about the identity of the abomination of desolation? Why is understanding this future event important for Christians?
3. Read Matthew 24:16–22. What does Jesus’ description of the Great Tribulation teach you about the severity of God’s future judgment?
4. Matthew 24:22 shows that even the most severe period of human suffering will operate within limits established by God. What do these limits teach you about God’s sovereignty over evil and suffering and his mercy toward those he loves?
5. Read Matthew 24:23–27. According to this passage, why will those living during the Tribulation not need anyone to convince them that Christ has returned?
6. How does Jesus’ description of his unmistakable return help you evaluate claims that Christ has already returned or that the events described in this passage have already been completely fulfilled?
7. Read Titus 2:11–14 and 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10. What is the difference between eagerly awaiting the return of Christ versus simply agreeing that he will return someday?
8. What should eagerly waiting for Christ’s return look like in your life right now?
9. As one pastor once put it: “The plain things are the main things and the main things are the plain things.” How can this principle help you keep your eschatology in its proper perspective as you pursue greater biblical clarity while maintaining unity with other believers?

Main Text: Matthew 24:4–14 (ESV) 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Preaching Point: The worldwide birth pains that precede Christ's return and mark the beginning of God's judgment will not keep the gospel from advancing, but they should remind us to warn others to flee God's wrath by turning from sin and trusting in Christ today, so they will not undergo the Tribulation to come!

Teaching Points:

1. Envision Unimaginable Escalation of Worldwide Turmoil (vv. 4-8)
2. Grasp the Intensifying Difficulties of Tribulation Saints (vv. 9-13)
3. Expect Worldwide Gospel Proclamation (v. 14)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Revelation 6:1–8 and Matthew 24:3–14. Although many of these troubles have occurred throughout history, how do the descriptions and imagery in these passages reveal the unimaginable escalation of worldwide turmoil to come during the seven-year Tribulation?
3. Read Revelation 13:5–7, Revelation 6:9–11, and Matthew 24:9-13. What difficulties will those who turn to Christ during the Tribulation face, and what do these passages reveal about the cost of remaining faithful to him?
4. According to Matthew 24:13, what will distinguish those who genuinely belong to Christ from those who fall away in the midst of such intense persecution?
5. How should the future endurance of Tribulation Saints challenge you to remain faithful to Christ amid the comparatively lesser pressures you face today?
6. Read Revelation 7:9–14, Revelation 14:6–7, and Matthew 24:14. What do these passages reveal about the worldwide advancement of the gospel and the salvation of sinners during the Tribulation?
7. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16–5:9. In light of everything we have studied, how should knowing that believers will be caught up to be with Christ while unbelievers alive at that time will enter the Tribulation increase your urgency to warn others of God's coming wrath and call them to turn from sin and trust in Christ today?

Main Text: Matthew 24:1–3 (ESV) 1 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

Preaching Point: To properly grasp what Jesus says about the end times, we must understand both the disciples' historical understanding of the end times and the intentional gap God created in salvation history.

Teaching Points:

1. Understand God’s Kingdom Program (vv. 1-3)
2. Recognize the Prophetic Gap (vv. 1-3)
3. Grasp the Disciples' Questions (v. 3)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Isaiah 9:6–7, Daniel 7:13–14, and Acts 1:6. What do these passages reveal about the kind of kingdom the disciples were expecting? Why is it important to let Scripture, rather than our own assumptions, define our expectations about the future?
3. How can you wrongly allow culture, headlines, or a theological system shape your expectations about the future instead of starting with what God actually promised?
4. Read Zechariah 9:9–10 and Luke 19:11. How does understanding the gap between Christ first coming and his second coming help you understand many Old Testament prophecies better?
5. Read Matthew 23:37–39 and Matthew 24:1–3. What events prompted the disciples’ questions, and why must we understand exactly what they were asking before interpreting Jesus’ answer in Matthew 24–25?
6. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1–2 and Jude 1:3. How can you have charity in your eschatological views while remaining convictional about what you believe is to come?
7. How have you either dismissed eschatology as unimportant to keep the peace or caused dissension amongst brothers or sisters in Christ with how you’ve handled your eschatological views?
8. Read Revelation 1:3 and Titus 2:13. Why is disregarding eschatology because it can be divisive or confusing the wrong attitude for a Christian to have?
9. How can avoiding end times teaching, because it feels complicated or controversial, hinder your faith and your attitude about Christ's return?

Main Text: Psalm 51:1–19 (ESV) To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. 1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Preaching Point: When confronted with the reality of your sin, we must respond to God in penitent faith, seeking his forgiveness and restoration.

Teaching Points:

1. Request God’s Mercy (vv.1-2)
2. Repent of Your Sin (vv.3-6)
3. Ask for Inward Restoration (vv.7-12)
4. Respond with Outward Profession (vv.13-17)
5. Rebuild Communal Fractures (vv.18-19)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Psalm 51:1-2 and Luke 18:9–14. When you sin, how should you approach God?
3. How does this differ from the ways our culture typically responds to sin and guilt?
4. Read Psalm 51:3–6 and 2 Corinthians 7:9–10. What do these passages teach about the anatomy of genuine repentance? What does David recognize about his sin, himself, and God in Psalm 51:3-6?
5. Read Psalm 51:7–12 and Ezekiel 36:25–27. What do these passages teach about the kind of cleansing and restoration you need from God?
6. Read Psalm 51:13–17 and 2 Corinthians 5:17–20. How should experiencing God's mercy and forgiveness change the way you speak about him and serve him?
7. What is one way you can publicly testify to God's mercy and grace toward you this week?
8. Read Psalm 51:18-19 and Matthew 5:23–24. Why should genuine repentance include concern for how your sin affects others and the people of God? What responsibility do you have to pursue reconciliation when your sin has damaged relationships?
9. Compare a healthy church that works to rebuild relationships damaged by sin with an unhealthy church that neglects that responsibility. What do these two churches look like?