Some form of the word “prepare” is used 161 times in the Bible. Some form of the word “ready” is used 89 times (“be ready” – 13 times). Many times these phrases are used in what I would call an “incidental” fashion. In other words, the use is not theologically significant. Our focus in this study will be on a few of the important uses of this word, so that we can better understand the kind of readiness and preparedness that the Lord desires and requires of us.
PREPAREDNESS FOR JESUS AND HIS KINGDOM
From the outset of the New Testament, John’s mission was to prepare mankind for Jesus and His coming Kingdom (see Lk. 1:17). His message involved the necessity of turning to Jesus in repentance and baptism (see Mk. 1:4) in preparation for receiving the eternal kingdom (see Dan. 2:44). This kingdom is also referred to as the church (see Mt. 16:18-19).
Today, mankind must prepare for the kingdom through turning from sin and being baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). At this point, the Lord adds one to His glorious kingdom (see Acts 2:41, 47; Jn. 3:3, 5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27).
This is the beginning of preparedness!
PREPARED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK
The New Testament indicates multiple times that God’s children ought to be ready for good works. While some minimize the need for good works, James describes the Christian without good works as living by a dead faith (see James 2:14-26).
Instead, Paul said that Christians are “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph. 2:10). The word “for” here denotes that good works are the purpose of the Christian life. Thus, Paul told Titus to remind the brethren “to be ready for every good work” (Titus 1:3).
Christians, who are saved by the righteousness of God, strongly desire others to obtain that salvation, and are willing to engage in the work of the Lord toward that magnificent end (see Titus 3:4-5)! Ultimately the works of the Christian are toward an eternal end, or else they are no better than the good works of any other humanitarian organization. Jesus came to “seek and save the lost” (Lk. 19:10). His mission is ours!
PREPARING FOR FUTURE SERVICE
While there are always things Christians can do in the Lord’s service, the Bible also speaks of preparation to make oneself more useful to the Master. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:1, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task” (or, a good work). Yet, as we read the qualifications that follow (along with those in Titus 1), we observe that this is a work that has been prepared for. The same may be said of the work of deacons. In fact, the text says in verse 10, that they are to “be tested first.” In other words, they have faithfully prepared themselves for this position and now meet the divine qualifications.
The truth is that every Christian ought to be in continual training for better and further service in the Lord’s kingdom. Growth in grace and knowledge (2 Pt. 3:18) ought never to be minimized, as it aids in one’s service in any and every area of God’s kingdom.
Hebrews 5:11-14 indicates that some Christians have had plenty of time to be teachers of God’s Word, but they are not because they are “dull of hearing” (v. 11). Sincerely feeding on the Word of God produces good Bible teachers (see 1 Pt. 2:1-2).
Next week we will conclude this brief study concerning our preparation as God’s servants. Let us remain prepared in the kingdom of our Lord by retaining penitent hearts, being ready now for good works, and exercising the discipline needed for greater service in His Kingdom.
Daren Schroeder