Awake and Alert: Living in the End Times
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Mark chapter 13, one of the most challenging chapters to interpret and apply in Scripture. Jesus speaks to His disciples about the destruction of Israel and seamlessly transitions into discussing the end of the age and His second coming. This chapter serves as a call to stay awake and alert, avoiding spiritual slumber. Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the exact time of His return, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father. Therefore, we must live each day as if He could return at any moment, while also planning and working as if He might not return in our lifetime.
We explored the concept of eschatology, the study of the end times, which includes the return of Christ, the Great Tribulation, and the final judgment. Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of the temple was a shocking revelation to His disciples, who marveled at the grandeur of Herod's temple. Yet, Jesus used this moment to teach them about the signs of the end times, such as wars, earthquakes, and the rise of false prophets. These signs have been escalating, especially in the last century, indicating that we are living in the end times.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of staying spiritually awake. Spiritual slumber can occur when we focus too much on the temporal and neglect the eternal, replace intimacy with Jesus with mere religious form, or fail to feed our hunger for the Word of God. Jesus warns that spiritual slumber can lead to falling into temptation, allowing spiritual thieves to access our lives, and letting weeds grow in the soil of our hearts.
In conclusion, the call is to wake up and stay alert, recognizing the brevity of life and the imminent return of Christ. This is not a time for complacency but for fervent devotion and readiness for His coming.
### Key Takeaways
1. Stay Spiritually Awake: Jesus' prophecy in Mark 13 serves as a wake-up call to avoid spiritual slumber. We must stay alert and be on guard, recognizing the signs of the times and living each day as if Jesus could return at any moment. This awareness helps us maintain a focus on the eternal rather than getting lost in the temporal. [02:34]
2. Eschatology and the End Times: Understanding eschatology, the study of the end times, is crucial for every believer. It includes the return of Christ, the Great Tribulation, and the final judgment. These events remind us of the urgency to live a life pleasing to God and to be prepared for His return. [04:33]
3. The Danger of Spiritual Slumber: Spiritual slumber can occur when we focus too much on the temporal, replace intimacy with Jesus with religious form, or neglect feeding our hunger for the Word. This can lead to falling into temptation, allowing spiritual thieves to access our lives, and letting weeds grow in our hearts. [23:32]
4. Signs of the End Times: Jesus mentioned several signs that indicate the end times, such as wars, earthquakes, and the rise of false prophets. These signs have been escalating, especially in the last century, indicating that we are living in the end times. We must not grow numb to these signs but stay vigilant and prepared. [12:01]
5. Living with an Eternal Perspective: Keeping an eternal perspective helps us live differently. It influences our priorities, our giving, and our relationships. By focusing on eternity, we can avoid the distractions of the temporal and live a life that is pleasing to God, ready for His return. [24:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Introduction to Mark 13
[02:34] - Key Text and Audience Participation
[03:19] - The Call to Stay Awake
[03:57] - Spiritual Slumber vs. Physical Slumber
[04:33] - Understanding Eschatology
[05:35] - Personal Testimony and Fear of God
[06:50] - Different Views on the Tribulation
[08:04] - Living as if Jesus Could Return Today
[08:40] - Signs of the End Times
[09:27] - Jesus' Prophecy about the Temple
[12:01] - Birth Pains and Signs of the End Times
[13:34] - Moral Collapse and Deconstruction of the Bible
[15:55] - The Love of Many Growing Cold
[17:43] - The Generation that Will See His Return
[20:16] - The Mystery of His Return
[23:05] - How to Avoid Spiritual Slumber
[30:20] - The Consequences of Spiritual Slumber
[33:09] - The Call to Wake Up
[34:39] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 13:26-27, 32-37 (NIV)
> "At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. ... But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
### Observation Questions
1. What are the signs mentioned in Mark 13 that indicate the end times? ([12:01])
2. According to Jesus in Mark 13, who knows the exact time of His return? ([02:34])
3. What analogy does Jesus use to describe the need for vigilance in Mark 13? ([03:19])
4. What are some consequences of spiritual slumber mentioned in the sermon? ([30:20])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that no one knows the day or hour of His return? How does this uncertainty affect the way believers should live? ([20:16])
2. How does understanding eschatology, the study of the end times, influence a believer's daily life and priorities? ([04:33])
3. What does it mean to stay spiritually awake, and how can believers avoid falling into spiritual slumber? ([23:32])
4. How do the signs of the end times, such as wars and earthquakes, serve as a wake-up call for believers? ([12:01])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. Are there areas where you might be spiritually asleep? What steps can you take to stay spiritually awake and alert? ([23:32])
2. How can you balance living each day as if Jesus could return at any moment with planning and working as if He might not return in your lifetime? ([08:04])
3. In what ways can you ensure that your focus remains on the eternal rather than getting lost in the temporal? ([24:09])
4. Have you ever experienced a period of spiritual slumber? What were the signs, and how did you overcome it? ([23:32])
5. How can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with Jesus to avoid replacing it with mere religious form? ([26:01])
6. What practical steps can you take to feed your hunger for the Word of God and avoid spiritual malnutrition? ([27:35])
7. Considering the signs of the end times discussed in the sermon, how can you stay vigilant and prepared for Jesus' return? ([12:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Stay Spiritually Awake
Jesus' prophecy in Mark 13 serves as a wake-up call to avoid spiritual slumber. We must stay alert and be on guard, recognizing the signs of the times and living each day as if Jesus could return at any moment. This awareness helps us maintain a focus on the eternal rather than getting lost in the temporal. Spiritual slumber can occur when we focus too much on the temporal and neglect the eternal, replace intimacy with Jesus with mere religious form, or fail to feed our hunger for the Word of God. Jesus warns that spiritual slumber can lead to falling into temptation, allowing spiritual thieves to access our lives, and letting weeds grow in the soil of our hearts.
In conclusion, the call is to wake up and stay alert, recognizing the brevity of life and the imminent return of Christ. This is not a time for complacency but for fervent devotion and readiness for His coming. [02:34]
Mark 13:33-37 (ESV): "Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning—lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you have become spiritually complacent? How can you actively stay alert and focused on your relationship with Jesus today?
Day 2: Understanding Eschatology
Understanding eschatology, the study of the end times, is crucial for every believer. It includes the return of Christ, the Great Tribulation, and the final judgment. These events remind us of the urgency to live a life pleasing to God and to be prepared for His return. Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of the temple was a shocking revelation to His disciples, who marveled at the grandeur of Herod's temple. Yet, Jesus used this moment to teach them about the signs of the end times, such as wars, earthquakes, and the rise of false prophets. These signs have been escalating, especially in the last century, indicating that we are living in the end times.
The study of eschatology helps us to understand the bigger picture of God's plan for humanity and the world. It encourages us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, knowing that our time on earth is limited and that we will one day stand before God to give an account of our lives. [04:33]
2 Peter 3:10-12 (ESV): "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God."
Reflection: How does understanding the events of the end times change the way you live your daily life? What steps can you take to live a life that is pleasing to God and ready for His return?
Day 3: The Danger of Spiritual Slumber
Spiritual slumber can occur when we focus too much on the temporal, replace intimacy with Jesus with religious form, or neglect feeding our hunger for the Word. This can lead to falling into temptation, allowing spiritual thieves to access our lives, and letting weeds grow in our hearts. Jesus warns that spiritual slumber can lead to falling into temptation, allowing spiritual thieves to access our lives, and letting weeds grow in the soil of our hearts.
To avoid spiritual slumber, we must stay spiritually awake by maintaining a close relationship with Jesus, regularly feeding on the Word of God, and being vigilant in prayer. We must also be aware of the signs of the times and live each day as if Jesus could return at any moment. This awareness helps us maintain a focus on the eternal rather than getting lost in the temporal. [23:32]
Ephesians 5:14-16 (ESV): "For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed spiritual slumber to creep into your life? What practical steps can you take to stay spiritually awake and vigilant?
Day 4: Signs of the End Times
Jesus mentioned several signs that indicate the end times, such as wars, earthquakes, and the rise of false prophets. These signs have been escalating, especially in the last century, indicating that we are living in the end times. We must not grow numb to these signs but stay vigilant and prepared. The signs of the end times serve as a reminder that Jesus' return is imminent and that we must be ready at all times.
By recognizing these signs, we can stay spiritually awake and avoid falling into complacency. We must also be discerning and not be led astray by false prophets and teachings. Instead, we should hold fast to the truth of God's Word and live in a way that honors Him. [12:01]
Matthew 24:6-8 (ESV): "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains."
Reflection: How do the signs of the end times impact your sense of urgency in your spiritual life? What can you do to stay vigilant and prepared for Jesus' return?
Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Keeping an eternal perspective helps us live differently. It influences our priorities, our giving, and our relationships. By focusing on eternity, we can avoid the distractions of the temporal and live a life that is pleasing to God, ready for His return. Recognizing the brevity of life and the imminent return of Christ helps us to prioritize what truly matters and to live with a sense of purpose and urgency.
Living with an eternal perspective means that we are not swayed by the temporary pleasures and concerns of this world. Instead, we are focused on building God's kingdom and living in a way that honors Him. This perspective helps us to stay spiritually awake and to be ready for Jesus' return at any moment. [24:09]
Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
Reflection: How does having an eternal perspective change the way you approach your daily life? What specific changes can you make to ensure that your priorities align with God's eternal purposes?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So here's what I came up with. We need to live every day of our lives as if Jesus could come today. Here's some wisdom. Live your life today as if Jesus is coming this afternoon. But plan and work like he won't be back in your lifetime. And you're going to be all right. Amen?" [08:04] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Lord wants you to live with an awareness of the brevity of your life. That in fact, Christ could come at any time. It's a message we don't hear enough. And in our Western eyes, American eyes, culture eyes, Christianity, we talk about things like how to have a better marriage. That's important. How to get your finances order important, how to have good mental health or physical health and on and on." [21:12] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want you to understand the brevity of your life. I want you to understand that your days are numbered and we have this moment, this precious moment in time to be fruitful, to come alive in Christ, to wake up." [33:09] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So today, if you're in some spiritual slumber, if you're a believer but you feel that malaise and your passion for the word, your intimacy with Jesus, a focus on eternity has faded, he comes in grace and he says, wake up. Wake up." [35:56] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How much do you long for his appearing? Is there something in your heart that says, come Lord Jesus, come Lord Jesus. Spirit and the bride say, come. So I'm praying for the nation a lot right now. Hope you are too. I'm fasting every Thursday from now until election, joining thousands of Christians now praying for return and righteousness. I'm praying for our nation. But at the same time, I got something else going on. Something rises up in my heart as I spend time with the Lord is this. Come Lord Jesus, come. I want to see him." [37:28] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The big idea of this is to stay awake, to be alert, to not fall into spiritual slumber. So I'm going to read the main key text here. And as I do that, it'll come up on the full screen, all locations. What I want you to do is have a little audience. There'll be some lines from the words of Jesus that are in bold and underlined." [02:34] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So how do we fall into spiritual slumber? Number one, when our life is overly focused on the temporal to the neglect of the eternal, we fall into spiritual slumber. You know, there's some Jesuit priests that they take their protegees and they train them in monasteries. And every morning during morning devotions, they encourage them to consider the final day of their life." [23:32] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When intimacy with Jesus is replaced with religious form. So when I begin to grow cold, I still know why I should still go to church. They tell me I should be in a small group. I know someone said, if I don't tithe, I'm robbing God. That's a twist of theology a little bit, but I'm going to give, I'm going to do the, I'm going to keep the rules. And at the same time, Jesus says to the church in Revelation two, you're doing, you're doing the stuff." [26:01] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If God has given you a hunger for his word, your soul needs something to feed on. That's the way. We're wired. We feed our souls every day. What are you feeding your soul with? Because if we start feeding our soul with the junk food of this world, we're going to lose our appetite for the word of God and we will fall into spiritual slumber very practically." [29:10] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So what happens while we are spiritually asleep? Let me give you these. Number one, we're overtaken by temptation as we slumber. Remember, Jesus said, he said in Matthew 26, he's in the garden getting ready to go to the cross. He looks at his disciples and he says, watch and pray. There's our word again. Watch and pray. So that what you do not enter into temptation. Jesus goes to pray, comes back out to see the boys. They're like, they're just snoring it up. And sure enough, a few hours later, they fell into temptation." [30:20] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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