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Definition and Importance
Being prepared is a state of readiness, both spiritually and practically, that is emphasized throughout the Bible. It involves anticipating future needs or events and taking appropriate action to ensure one is equipped to handle them. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, where preparedness is often linked to wisdom, faithfulness, and obedience to God.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1.Noah and the Ark
One of the earliest examples of preparedness is found in the account of Noah. God instructed Noah to build an ark in anticipation of the coming flood. Noah's obedience and preparation saved his family and the animal species.Genesis 6:22 states, "So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him."

2.The Parable of the Ten Virgins
InMatthew 25:1-13, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, which underscores the importance of being spiritually prepared for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. Five virgins were wise and took oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and did not. When the bridegroom arrived, only the prepared virgins were able to enter the wedding feast.Matthew 25:13 warns, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."

3.The Ant and the Sluggard
Proverbs 6:6-8 uses the example of the ant to teach the value of preparation and diligence: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; observe her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer; she gathers her food at harvest." This passage encourages believers to be industrious and forward-thinking.

4.Spiritual Armor
Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armor of God, which believers are to put on to be prepared for spiritual battles. This includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith, among others.Ephesians 6:13 advises, "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."

5.Joseph in Egypt
Joseph's account inGenesis 41 illustrates the importance of preparation in times of abundance to withstand future hardships. Interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph advised storing surplus grain during seven years of plenty to prepare for the subsequent seven years of famine. His foresight saved Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation.

Practical Applications

·Spiritual Readiness: Believers are encouraged to maintain a state of spiritual readiness through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. This readiness is crucial for facing life's challenges and for the anticipated return of Christ.

·Wise Stewardship: The Bible advocates for wise management of resources, including time, talents, and finances.Proverbs 21:20 states, "Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them."

·Community and Service: Being prepared also involves serving others and being ready to meet the needs of the community.Acts 2:44-45 describes the early church as sharing possessions and resources to ensure no one was in need.

Conclusion
The biblical principle of being prepared is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual vigilance, practical foresight, and communal responsibility. It is a call to live wisely and faithfully, anticipating both temporal and eternal realities.

Topical Bible Verses

Matthew 24:44
Therefore be you also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes.
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Luke 12:40
Be you therefore ready also: for the Son of man comes at an hour when you think not.
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Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
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1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
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Greek

2093. hetoimos -- readily
... Cognate: 2093 -- the state ofbeing ready (prepared). See 2092 (). Word Origin adverb
from hetoimos Definition readily NASB Word Usage ready (3). ready....

53. hagnos -- free from ceremonial defilement, holy, sacred
... nos') Short Definition: pure, chaste Definition: (originally, in a conditionprepared
for worship... even within (even down to the center of one'sbeing); not with...

Library

That the Righteous Shall ever Abide with Christ Our Lord we have...
... the sun, and be adorned with the splendour of the stars and of this firmament, for
whom the life and conversation of God's angels arebeing prepared in heaven...

A PeoplePrepared for the Lord
... We sang over and over again those words, "Just as I am," "Just as I am," and we
are prone to protest against the idea ofbeing prepared for Christ; we preach...

Concerning the Canaanitish Woman. Meaning of the "Borders of Tyre...
... Only, the Canaanitish woman came out of those borders and went forth from the state
ofbeing prepared for humiliation, crying and saying, "Have mercy on me, O...

Knowledge and Self-Confidence
... Knowing the cause well is one essential point forbeing prepared in other respects,
and listening attentively to all the opponent states, is another....

Of the Most Excellent Exercise we Can Make in the Interior and...
... body to the strikers, and my cheeks to them that plucked them: I have not turned
away my face from them that rebuked me and spit upon me;being prepared to let...

Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ.
... 1291] (that is, with Christ's precepts, for Christ is in many ways and figures
predicted as a rock [1292] ); therefore the man who wasbeing prepared to act as...

Preface.
... We may feel assured that similar lights are shining in the darkest places now, and
that millions of young minds arebeing prepared, as was the mind of Chickka...

The Westminster Assembly and the Directory of Worship.
... Assemblies of 1639 and 1640 legislated, and yet in such terms as seem to indicate
that already the mind of the Church at large wasbeing prepared for change....

The World was not Formed by Angels, or by any OtherBeing...
... by angels who are themselves under His power, or by any otherbeing, as if... creation;
and He will be regarded as having made the world whoprepared the causes...

Letter xiii. --Peace and Confidence.
... "I agree to all, Lord, I wish what You wish, I resign myself entirely to Your will."
This is called desiring nothing andbeing prepared for everything; nothing...