Family Devotional: Living Ready for Jesus’ Return
Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Opening Prayer
Father God, thank you for bringing our family together today. Help us understand your Word and live in a way that honors you. Open our hearts to hear what you want to teach us. We love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
“But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober… But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.”
Family Discussion
The Big Idea
Just like a family prepares for a new baby by getting everything ready before the due date, we need to prepare our hearts and lives for Jesus’ return. We don’t know when He’s coming back, but we can live ready every single day.
Discussion Questions by Age Group
For Younger Children
Questions:
- What does it mean to be ready for something? (Talk about getting ready for school, a trip, or bedtime)
- Who can tell me: Is Jesus coming back one day? (Yes! And we want to be ready for Him)
- What are some ways we can stay close to Jesus every day? (Pray, read Bible stories, be kind, obey Mom and Dad)
For Older Children
Questions:
- What does the Bible mean when it says we are “children of light” instead of darkness?
- Light represents living God’s way—truthfulness, kindness, obedience, faith
- Darkness represents sin and living away from God
- The sermon mentioned being spiritually “asleep” or “drunk.” What are things that distract kids your age from focusing on Jesus?
- Social media, video games, worrying about popularity, comparing yourself to others
- Why do you think it’s important to be ready for Jesus’ return instead of just living however we want?
- What’s one specific way you can “put on the armor of faith and love” this week?
- Maybe standing up for someone being bullied, choosing to read your Bible instead of scrolling, being honest even when it’s hard
For Teens
Questions:
- The sermon asked: “What lies do we believe that cause us to steer away from God?” What lies does our culture tell us about who we are, what matters, or what will make us happy?
- Examples: Your worth is in likes/followers, everyone’s doing it, you need to figure life out on your own, faith is private, being good is enough
- Read Revelation 19:11-16. How does this picture of Jesus as a warrior king compare to how culture often portrays Him? Why does that matter?
- The sermon listed things that can make us spiritually “drunk” or asleep: lust, lies, media consumption, even news addiction. Which of these do you struggle with most? What would spiritual sobriety look like in that area?
- What does it practically mean for you to “put on the breastplate of faith and love” as a teenager today?
- In your relationships, at school, with your family, online
- Why is discipleship so important? Who disciples you? Who are you discipling or could you disciple?
Closing Family Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for being our perfect Father. Thank you that Jesus came once to save us, and that He’s coming again. Help our family live ready—not in fear, but in joyful expectation. Make us children of light who point others to you. Protect us from distractions and lies. Give us vigilant hearts that stay awake and focused on you. We love you and we’re watching for Jesus. In His name, Amen.
