End Times
What did Jesus say would happen to the temple buildings? (24:2)
“…not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
What will be going on in the world spiritually and physically before Jesus returns? (24:24, 29)
Spiritual: False Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect – if that were possible.
Physical: “Immediately after the distress of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”
God’s kindness to those who don’t deserve it.
Grace
“…Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like ________ _________, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
little children
Name at least 3 troubles Jesus said would come before He returned. (24:1-14)
Vs. 4-5, 11 – Deceivers who claim to be Christ; many false prophets will appear and deceive many people
Vs. 6-7 – Wars and rumors of wars; nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom
Vs. 7 – Famines and earthquakes
Vs. 9 – Handed over to be persecuted and put to death
Vs. 9 – You will be hated by all nations because of Christ
Vs. 10 – Many will turn away from the faith, betray, and hate each other
Vs. 12 – Increase in wickedness; the love of most will grow cold
What will Jesus’ return look and sound like? (24:30-31)
A loud trumpet call
All nations on the earth will mourn
Jesus will appear in the sky – everyone will see Him
All nations on the earth will mourn
Angels will gather the elect
God leads us in the way we should go.
Guide
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is __________, but with God all things are _________.’” –Matthew 19:26
What warning did Jesus give?
Watch out that no one deceives you. (24:4)
What will people be doing before Jesus returns? (24:38-41)
Normal everyday activities: Eating, drinking, marrying, giving in marriage, working – normal everyday activities
Many will be distracted and not paying attention to the signs
God does not change. We can count on Him always to be holy, always to be good, always to be faithful, always to love us, always to hate sin. God’s Word is like Him; it does not change. We can count on His promises. Because God never changes, we can trust Him always.
Immutable
“…and whoever wants to be ________ must be your _______ - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:27-28
first; slave
How can believers be careful that we are not deceived?
Know the truth of the Bible
Abide in the Lord
Surround yourself with other believers to encourage you
Pray continually
Listen to the Holy Spirit
When will Jesus return? (24:42, 44)
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
When we least expect Him
God is right in all He does. He always has been right and always will be right. All of His words and actions are right. All of His plans are right. God has no sin and is positively perfect.
Righteous
“For those who __________ themselves will be __________, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” –Matthew 23:12
exalt; humbled
What should believers do in response to Jesus’ warnings about the end times?
As a warning so we can be prepared and know how to respond.
Be on the lookout, aren’t deceived, or caught by surprise
Realize that this period of God’s mercy and salvation is for a limited time and won’t last forever
Be reassured of His intentions to care for His own in these times and reward the faithful
How can people prepare for Christ’s return?
Confess sins, receive salvation
Tell others about Jesus
Keep watch – thoughts focused on Jesus; daily prayer/Bible study
Look forward to His coming
Remain faithful
Don’t get distracted by earthly things
God is all-knowing. Nothing is hidden from God. God knows the past and the future; He knows every person even before we are born. He knows the number of our days and all the plans He has for us. He knows what every person thinks, feels, says and does. Only God knows the choices people would make if their circumstances were different. Therefore, we can trust God to judge perfectly. Only God knows all things.
Omniscient
“So you also must be _______, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not ______ him.” –Matthew 24:44
ready; expect