The Time is Short!
“Living in Light of the LAST DAYS” Matthew 24:6-9
“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 _________________ 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)
The phrase “you will be hearing” literally means continual hearing or __________ talk of wars & rumors of wars.
i.e. no person exempt from war or threat of war
Wars & rumors of wars are ______ the end, but only the “beginning of birth pangs.” cf. Dan. 7:23-25; 11:40-45 In addition to wars, Jesus predicts famines & plagues, great earthquakes & terrors (“__________ sights”).
cf. Luke 21:9-11 (NKJV)
“This is a wonderful world. It may destroy itself, but you’ll be able to watch it all on T.V..” Bob Hope
III. Birth Pang #3 – PERSECUTION (24:9)
It will be _______ the “birth pangs” that Jesus’ followers will suffer severe persecution. cf. Mk. 13:9; Lk. 21:12-17 Jesus makes it clear that the persecution & “hatred” will be “because of ____ _______.” (v. 9) cf. Lk. 21:12, 17
“Being identified with Christ’s name will cost believers their freedom, their rights, their respect, and often their lives.” John MacArthur
Interesting Comparison – The Seal Judgments of Rev. 6
- 1st – False Christ (24:5)(6:1-2) 4th – Death (24:9)(6:7-8)
- 2nd – War (24:6)(6:3-4) 5th – Martyrs (24:9)(6:9-11)
- 3rd – Famine (24:7)(6:5-6) 6th – Terror (24:7)(6:12-17)
If current trends continue, it is estimated that by 2025, an avg. of __________ Christians will be martyred/year.
Practical Application:
- Destined for Wrath? (Ps. 7:11 – NIV; 1 Th. 1:10; 5:9)
- Consider the Cost (Jn. 15:18-21; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12)
- Share their Suffering (Heb. 10:32-39)
Appointments with God
“The Time is SHORT!” Matthew 24:6-9
Monday, July 11th
Meditate upon the Blessing of Persecution:
- Matthew 5:10-12
These verses are contained in the Sermon on the Mount and specifically ‘the Beattitudes.’ Read up on this context in a study Bible. Pray for God to give you His Kingdom values in your life.
Tuesday, July 12th
Meditate upon the Blessing of Persecution:
- 1 Peter 2:20-23; 3:17; 4:12-14
How does Peter tell us to respond to suffering and persecution? How are you being persecuted? Pray for God’s joy & strength to carry you!
Wednesday, July 13th
Meditate upon the Power of Persecution:
- Matthew 10:16-23
These are Jesus’ instructions to His disciples as He is sending them out. These are strong words! Pray for God to remove fear & anxiety and give you His words to speak when you are opposed.
Thursday, July 14th
Meditate upon the Expectation of Persecution:
- John 15:18-21; Matt. 24:9; Lk. 21:12-17
A disciple of Jesus should expect persecution and hatred because that is what our Master got. mPray for greater boldness to stand up & speak out for Jesus and His Gospel of Truth!
Friday, July 15th
Meditate upon the Expectation of Persecution:
- 2 Timothy 3:10-13; Acts 14:22
Timothy was following Paul’s example, who, in turn, was following Jesus’ & the Apostles’ examples. Who’s example are you following? Who is your mentor? Pray that you will not be deceived!
Saturday/Sunday, July 16-17
Meditate upon our Filling up the Sufferings of Christ:
- Colossians 1:24; Heb. 10:32-39
This is a very interesting verse. What is “lacking” in the afflictions of Christ & how do we fill it? Pray for all those followers of Christ who are being persecuted for their faith today!
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