Scripture; Matthew 24: 3–14
SPIRITUAL DECEPTION – v 4, 5, 11.
- There will be many deceived, as well as many deceivers.
- They will come masquerading ‘in my name’.
- Performance of great signs and wonders to deceive.
Response
- Be doctrinally diligent
- Feed your spirit to align with the Spirit of truth
- John 14:17
- John 15:26
- John 16:13
- Do away with things that grieve the Spirit
- Ephesians 4:30
TROUBLING TIMES (General) – v. 6-8
- Wars and rumours of wars
- Famines, pestilences and earthquakes, in divers places.
- The beginning of sorrows.
Response
- v.6…….see that ye be not troubled
- TROUBLING TIMES – (Personal) – v. 9-10
- Affliction
- betrayal
- hatred and death of the saints
According to “Voice of the Martyrs”, a Christian agency that defends religious liberties, more of Christ’s followers have been killed for their faith in the last century than in most of the previous centuries combined
- Increasing anger toward Christians.
- Denigration and persecution of people of faith. Read article with the title:
Muslim truck drivers refuse to deliver beer, win $240,000 lawsuit
Response – v.6 ‘…See to it that you are not alarmed…’
- Titus 2:13 – 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
- Psalms 37:7 – ‘Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes’ (NLT).
- Daniel 4:17 – God’s hand is still on the wheel. ‘…the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men…’.
Conclusion
v. 13-14: ‘But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come’
Our mandate
To work, pray, give, and take the gospel to the whole world—then Christ will return.
Remember
Every prophecy concerning Christ’s first coming was fulfilled in detail. Why would it be any different this time? .
Prayer Points
- That the elect be not deceived, that God will open the spiritual eyes of the elect, reveal Himself to and protect those who are earnestly seeking Him that they do not fall prey,
- That we ourselves will remain engaged with God and stay in His work plan for the nations. Remember we are all where we are for a purpose. May God continue to reveal to us our roles in the scheme of things for our respective countries and regions,
- That the global Church and the body of Christ in our respective countries will receive grace and be strengthened to play its role in God’s redemption plan, and to fulfill the mandate to work, pray, give, and take the gospel to the whole world, so that Christ will return.