The TIME is SHORT!
“Living in Light of the LAST DAYS”
Matthew 24:10-14
“The coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah…” Jesus (Mt. 24:37)
“Birth pangs” (v. 8) imply: a. Sudden onset b. Increasing frequency c. Magnifying intensity d. Leading to an Exciting ____________! cf. Is. 13:6-11; 1 Th. 5:1-3
I. Birth Pang #1 – DECEPTION (24:4-5,11,24)
Increasing spiritual deception along with decreasing spiritual discernment is a lethal combination in the “Last Days.” cf. 2 Tim. 3:13; 2 Th. 2:3; Rev. 12:9
II. Birth Pang #2 – DEVASTATION (24:6-8)
In addition to wars, Jesus predicts famines & plagues, great earthquakes & terrors (“__________ sights”). cf. Luke 21:9-11 (NKJV)
III. Birth Pang #3 – PERSECUTION (24:9)
Jesus makes it clear that the persecution & “hatred” will be “because of ____ _______.” (v. 9) cf. Lk. 21:12, 17
IV. Birth Pang #4 – DEFECTION (24:10-14)
NOTE – The word “_________” is used six times in verses 4-12 of Matthew 24. cf. 24:5,5,10,11,11; 7:13-14, 21-23
The phrase “fall away” is a passive mood verb which means these people were __________ to stumble & fall away!
cf. Matt. 13:21, 24-30; 2 Thess. 2:3, 10-13; 2 Tim. 4:2-4
3 Reasons for Last Days’ Defection:
1. _______________ will be too tough to take. (vv. 9-10)
2. Deception will be too _________ to recognize. (v. 11)
3. Sin will be too rampant to _____________. (v. 12)
The true test of Christianity is _______________. (v. 13)
“I tell people that the pigs will eventually end up in the pigpen and the prodigal sons will all find their way back to the Father’s house…” J. Vernon McGee
The Apostle John declares that such ______________ leave Christian fellowship because they were never truly part of it to begin with. cf. 1 Jn. 2:18-19 Jesus’ concern is for all Nations to hear the __________.
Practical Application:
- Time will Tell (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43)
- Look for Fruit (Matt. 7:15-23)
- Examine Yourself (2 Cor. 13:5)
Appointments with God
Monday, July 18th
Meditate upon the Necessity of Endurance:
- Hebrews 3:12-14; Matt. 24:13
How is sin “deceitful” (v. 13)? How can we help one another “hold fast” to our faith “firm until the end?” Allow God to search you to remove any doubts or discouragement.
Tuesday, July 19th
Meditate upon the “Many” who are Deceived:
- Matthew 7:21-23
Why do you think so “many” think they are in the Kingdom when they aren’t? How are they deceived? Examine your own heart and “make certain His calling” in your life. (2 Pet. 1:10)
Wednesday, July 20th
Meditate upon the Parable of the Wheat & Tares:
- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Notice it is the “devil” who sows the tares and that The “harvest” is at the “end of the age.” We are getting close! Sow the Seeds of the Gospel today & trust God for true, eternal fruit!
Thursday, July 21st
Meditate upon Perseverance & the End Times:
- Matthew 24:3-14
Endurance is a prerequisite of salvation. The end times are very dangerous to the faint of heart. Ask God for spiritual strength & protection for you & the church!
Friday, July 22nd
Meditate upon Perseverance & Bearing Fruit:
- Matthew 13:1-9, 21
Which soil can you most identify with? Don’t miss the “rocky soil” & the words “falls away” (v. 21). Pray for God to deepen & strengthen your faith to give you endurance & to strengthen others!
Saturday/Sunday, July 23-24
Meditate upon Perseverance & God’s Call:
- 2 Peter 1:10-11; 1 Thess. 5:24; 2 Cor. 13:5
Make certain God’s Call on your life. Thank God for His Faithfulness. Allow His Spirit to search your heart as to Genuine Faith!
[audio:http://www.marshalltownefc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/27-The-Time-Is-Short-Mat.-24_10-14.mp3|titles=27 The Time Is Short (Mat. 24_10-14)]27 The Time Is Short (Mat. 24_10-14)
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