Enduring Love and Faith in the End Times

Summary

In our journey through the Gospel of Matthew, we have arrived at a pivotal chapter that speaks to the heart of our faith and the future of our world. Matthew 24, known as the Olivet Discourse, is where Jesus outlines the signs of the end times, providing us with a roadmap to navigate the trials and tribulations that will precede His glorious return.

At the core of this discourse is the call to love God wholeheartedly and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love is the bedrock of our faith, and when it grows cold, it signals a departure from our devotion to God and our compassion for others. We are witnessing a world where love is diminishing, and this is a clarion call for us to rekindle that flame.

Jesus speaks of the abomination of desolation, a term that echoes through the corridors of history, from the Prophet Daniel to the destruction of the temple in 70 AD, and into the future as described in the Book of Revelation. This abomination is a marker, a sign for us to discern the times and to stand firm in our faith.

The Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed to all nations, not as a precondition for Christ's return, but as a certainty that His word will reach every corner of the earth. This is not merely a task for us to complete but a promise that God's truth will prevail across the globe.

As we delve into the mysteries of the end times, we are reminded that our understanding is only made possible through the Holy Spirit. It is He who opens our eyes to the deeper meanings within Scripture, allowing us to grasp the complexities of prophecy and revelation.

In this discourse, Jesus answers the disciples' questions about the end of the age with a layered approach. He speaks of immediate events, such as the persecution they will face, and extends the view to encompass future fulfillments that we, too, must be prepared for. This includes the trials and tribulations that will test the faith of believers throughout the ages.

We are called to endure, to stand firm against deception, and to hold fast to the truth of God's word. The love of many may grow cold, but we must ensure that ours does not. We must be vigilant, aware of the false prophets and the rise of lawlessness, and remain steadfast in our love for Christ and for one another.

In summary, the Olivet Discourse is a powerful reminder of the trials we will face, the deceptions that will arise, and the ultimate victory that awaits those who endure to the end. It is a call to vigilance, to understanding, and to unwavering faith in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways:

- The love we have for God and for our neighbors is the greatest commandment and the true measure of our faith. When this love diminishes, it is a sign that our devotion is waning, and we must take action to rekindle it. This love is the antidote to the growing coldness and lawlessness of the world. [56:36]

- The abomination of desolation is a historical and prophetic signpost that calls for our discernment and understanding. It is a reminder to delve deeper into Scripture, seeking the wisdom that only God can provide, so that we may stand firm in times of spiritual confusion and deception. [59:44]

- The proclamation of the Gospel to all nations is not a task we must complete before Christ's return, but a divine assurance that His truth will be known worldwide. This is a testament to the power and sovereignty of God's word, which will not return to Him void. [57:19]

- The Holy Spirit is essential in our understanding of Scripture, especially when it comes to the mysteries of the end times. We must rely on His guidance to navigate the complexities of prophecy and to discern the signs of the times. [40:39]

- Endurance is a key theme in the Olivet Discourse. We are called to persevere through trials, to resist deception, and to remain faithful to Christ until the end. Our endurance is not just a personal triumph but a witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ. [01:11:49]

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Matthew 24:3-14 (ESV)
> "As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?' And Jesus answered them, 'See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, "I am the Christ," and they will lead many astray. 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. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.'"

2. Daniel 11:31 (ESV)
> "Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate."

3. Revelation 13:5-8 (ESV)
> "And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain."

### Observation Questions

1. What are the three specific questions the disciples ask Jesus in Matthew 24:3? [41:13]
2. According to Matthew 24:12, what will happen to the love of many people as lawlessness increases? [56:36]
3. In Daniel 11:31, what event is described that is referred to as the "abomination that makes desolate"?
4. What authority is given to the beast in Revelation 13:5-8, and what actions does it take with that authority?

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of not being led astray by false prophets and false Christs in Matthew 24:4-5? [50:32]
2. How does the concept of the "abomination of desolation" in Daniel 11:31 and its future implications in Matthew 24:15-16 and Revelation 13:5-8 help us understand the trials believers might face? [59:44]
3. What does Jesus mean when He says that the love of many will grow cold, and how does this relate to the greatest commandment to love God and our neighbors? [56:36]
4. How does the proclamation of the Gospel to all nations in Matthew 24:14 serve as both a promise and a challenge for believers today? [57:19]

### Application Questions

1. Jesus warns about being led astray by false prophets and false Christs. How can you ensure that you are not deceived in your faith journey? What practical steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Scripture? [50:32]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt your love for God or others growing cold. What factors contributed to this, and how did you or how can you rekindle that love? [56:36]
3. The sermon mentioned the importance of endurance through trials and tribulations. What are some current challenges you are facing, and how can you rely on your faith to endure them? [49:53]
4. Considering the abomination of desolation and its historical and future implications, how can you prepare yourself spiritually for potential trials and deceptions? [59:44]
5. The Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed to all nations. How can you personally contribute to this mission in your community or globally? What specific actions can you take this week to share the Gospel? [57:19]
6. Jesus speaks of the importance of vigilance and awareness of the signs of the times. How can you stay spiritually alert and discerning in your daily life? What habits or practices can help you stay focused on Christ? [50:32]
7. Reflect on the idea of enduring to the end as a witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ. How can your endurance through personal trials serve as a testimony to others about your faith? [49:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Reigniting Devotional Love
Love for God and neighbor is the pulse of our faith. In a world where indifference and self-interest often prevail, it is imperative to examine the state of our love. Is it fervent and selfless, reflecting the heart of God, or has it grown tepid amidst the distractions of life? This love is not a passive feeling but an active choice, a deliberate action that stands in stark contrast to the growing coldness around us. It is a love that compels us to reach out, to serve, and to embody the compassion of Christ in every interaction. As the love of many grows cold, the call to rekindle our love becomes urgent, reminding us that our devotion to God is authenticated by our love for others. This is the antidote to the spiritual malaise that threatens to engulf our communities and our hearts. [56:36]

"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." - Revelation 2:4-5 ESV

Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate God's love to someone in your community this week, and what steps will you take to ensure this love is a reflection of your devotion to Him?

Day 2: Discerning Prophetic Markers
The abomination of desolation stands as a prophetic signpost, urging believers to discern the times with spiritual acuity. This term, steeped in historical and eschatological significance, serves as a call to delve into the Scriptures with a heart seeking wisdom. It is a reminder that the unfolding of God's plan often comes with signs that require a discerning spirit, one that is attuned to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Understanding these prophetic markers is not about predicting the future with precision but about preparing one's heart and mind to stand firm in faith when faced with spiritual confusion and deception. It is a call to be vigilant, to study the Word of God diligently, and to seek His wisdom above all else. [59:44]

"For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand." - Matthew 24:24-25 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a discerning heart to recognize spiritual deception in today's world, and how will you apply this discernment in your daily life?

Day 3: Assurance of the Gospel's Reach
The proclamation of the Gospel to all nations is a divine promise, not merely a human endeavor. This key takeaway reassures believers that the truth of Christ will reach every corner of the earth, not as a precondition for His return but as a certainty rooted in the sovereignty of God. It is a testament to the power of God's Word, which will not return void but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. This assurance should embolden believers to participate in the Great Commission with confidence, knowing that their efforts are part of a larger, unstoppable divine plan. The spread of the Gospel is not contingent upon human effort alone but is undergirded by the faithfulness and omnipotence of God. [57:19]

"The Lord gave the word; great was the company of those who proclaimed it: 'Kings of armies flee, they flee, and she who remains at home divides the spoil.'" - Psalm 68:11-12 ESV

Reflection: What role can you play in supporting the global mission of the Gospel, and how can you be an active participant in God's promise to reach all nations?

Day 4: Guided by the Spirit in Understanding
The Holy Spirit is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the end times and the complexities of biblical prophecy. It is through His guidance that believers can gain insight into the deeper meanings within Scripture and discern the signs of the times. The Holy Spirit illuminates the Word, enabling us to grasp truths that go beyond human understanding. This divine Helper was promised to teach us all things and to bring to our remembrance all that Jesus has said. As we navigate the challenges of interpreting prophetic revelation, it is essential to rely on the Holy Spirit's wisdom and not lean on our own understanding. [40:39]

"These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." - John 14:25-26 ESV

Reflection: How can you more intentionally seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your study of Scripture, and what practices can help you be more receptive to His teaching?

Day 5: The Call to Endure
Endurance is a central theme in the Olivet Discourse, calling believers to persevere through trials and remain faithful to Christ until the end. This endurance is not a passive waiting but an active, steadfast resistance to deception and lawlessness. It is a demonstration of faith that becomes a witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to hold fast to the truth, to support one another in love, and to keep our eyes fixed on the hope of Christ's return. This endurance is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which enables us to stand firm in the face of adversity and to overcome the world through our faith. [01:11:49]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

Reflection: What specific challenges to your faith are you currently facing, and how can you practice steadfast endurance in these areas to be a witness to Christ's power in your life?

Quotes

- "If love is growing cold, that means that devotion to God and love for others through that devotion has grown cold; the world is becoming empty of those who believe." [57:19](Download | Download)

- "The abomination of desolation is a historical and prophetic signpost that calls for our discernment and understanding." [59:44](Download | Download)

- "The Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." [57:19](Download | Download)

- "We must rely on the Holy Spirit to navigate the complexities of prophecy and to discern the signs of the times." [40:39](Download | Download)

- "The one who endures to the end will be saved. Our endurance is not just a personal triumph but a witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ." [01:11:49](Download | Download)

- "Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray, and because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold." [56:36](Download | Download)

- "We as Believers need to be aware that people will try to deceive you; they will lie to you and do whatever they can to try to get you off track from Jesus." [01:13:42](Download | Download)

- "Jesus says, 'Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.' If you put your faith in him, you will endure to the end no matter what comes." [01:15:32](Download | Download)

- "We as Believers will suffer, and there is a work to be done in the Believers that requires suffering." [48:44](Download | Download)

- "Jesus is telling his disciples to prepare them for persecution, and we too must be prepared for when persecution comes." [49:53](Download | Download)

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Transcript

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