Hope and Readiness in Understanding the End Times
Summary
In today's message, we explored the often daunting topic of the end times, or eschatology, with a focus on understanding it through a lens of hope and readiness rather than fear and speculation. Many people approach the study of end times with preconceived notions or for the wrong reasons, such as spiritual politics, theological insecurity, or confirmation bias. Instead, we should approach it with an open mind, seeking to understand who is coming and whether we are prepared to meet Him.
The book of Revelation, along with other prophetic books like Daniel and Ezekiel, provides insight into the events surrounding the second coming of Christ. However, it's crucial to remember that the purpose of these prophecies is not to incite fear or division but to encourage and prepare us. Jesus Himself emphasized that no one knows the exact time of His return, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father. Therefore, our focus should be on living by faith, spreading the gospel, and being ready for His return.
We discussed four major views of eschatology: Dispensational Premillennialism, Historic Premillennialism, Amillennialism, and Postmillennialism. Each offers a different perspective on the sequence of events leading to Christ's return. While these views can lead to debate, the core message remains that Jesus will return, and we are called to be His witnesses in the world.
Ultimately, the study of end times should not distract us from our primary mission of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Revelation was written to encourage believers, reminding us that we are on the winning team and that Christ will reign victorious. As we navigate the challenges of this world, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting in His promises and finding peace in His presence.
Key Takeaways:
1. Approach Eschatology with Openness: Studying the end times should be about understanding who is coming and preparing to meet Him, rather than focusing on when and how it will happen. This requires an open mind and a willingness to let go of preconceived notions. [08:14]
2. The Purpose of Revelation: The book of Revelation is meant to encourage and prepare believers, not to incite fear. It reminds us that Jesus will return and that we are on the winning team. Our focus should be on spreading the gospel and living by faith. [31:32]
3. Avoiding Speculation and Division: Many people get caught up in predicting the exact timing of Christ's return, leading to unnecessary fear and division. Jesus emphasized that no one knows the time, and our focus should be on being His witnesses. [19:58]
4. Understanding Different Views: There are various interpretations of the end times, such as Dispensational Premillennialism and Amillennialism. While these views can lead to debate, the central message is that Jesus will return, and we must be ready. [26:50]
5. Finding Peace in Christ: In a world full of struggles and deception, we must fix our eyes on Jesus and trust in His peace. This peace surpasses worldly understanding and empowers us to face challenges with confidence. [44:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:33] - Introduction to End Times
- [02:14] - Survey and Eschatology
- [03:59] - Hope in Eschatology
- [05:33] - Wrong Reasons for Studying End Times
- [07:03] - Living by Faith
- [08:14] - Confirmation Bias in Theology
- [09:57] - Conspiracies and Misinterpretations
- [11:40] - Parables of the Second Coming
- [13:31] - False Predictions of Christ's Return
- [15:31] - The Speed of Information vs. Discernment
- [17:18] - Importance of Connecting with God
- [19:58] - Jesus' Focus on Spreading the Gospel
- [21:03] - Avoiding Division Over Eschatology
- [21:51] - Four Views of Eschatology
- [26:50] - Dispensational Premillennialism Explained
- [29:35] - Historic Premillennialism Overview
- [33:41] - Amillennialism Perspective
- [36:10] - Postmillennialism Understanding
- [38:19] - Encouragement from Revelation
- [39:20] - The Centrality of Jesus in Scripture
- [40:40] - Finding Peace in God's Spirit
- [41:36] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
- [44:33] - Prayer for Peace and Trust in God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:36 - "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
2. Acts 1:7-8 - "He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'"
3. Revelation 22:12 - "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the wrong reasons people study eschatology, as mentioned in the sermon? ([05:33])
2. According to the sermon, what is the main purpose of the book of Revelation? ([31:32])
3. How does the sermon describe the different views of eschatology, and what is the central message they all share? ([21:51])
4. What does the sermon say about the importance of living by faith in the context of eschatology? ([07:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the passage in Matthew 24:36 challenge the idea of predicting the exact timing of Christ's return? What does this imply about our focus as believers?
2. In Acts 1:7-8, Jesus emphasizes being witnesses over knowing the times or dates. How does this align with the sermon's message about our primary mission? ([19:58])
3. Revelation 22:12 speaks of Jesus' return and reward. How does this promise encourage believers to live faithfully in the present?
4. The sermon mentions the danger of confirmation bias in studying eschatology. How can believers ensure they approach the study of end times with an open mind? ([08:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own approach to studying eschatology. Have you ever been tempted to focus more on the "when" and "how" rather than "who" is coming? How can you shift your focus? ([08:14])
2. How can you actively live out the call to be a witness for Christ in your daily life, as emphasized in Acts 1:8? What specific steps can you take this week? ([19:58])
3. The sermon encourages finding peace in Christ amidst worldly struggles. Identify a current challenge in your life. How can you fix your eyes on Jesus to find peace in this situation? ([44:33])
4. Consider the different views of eschatology discussed in the sermon. How can you engage in discussions about these views without causing division or fear? ([21:03])
5. The sermon warns against letting the study of end times derail our primary mission. How can you ensure that your focus remains on spreading the gospel and living by faith? ([21:03])
6. Think about a time when you felt fear or anxiety about the future. How can the promise of Jesus' victorious return in Revelation encourage you to trust in God's plan? ([31:32])
7. How can you cultivate an open mind and heart when studying the Bible, especially on topics like eschatology, to avoid confirmation bias? ([08:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Eschatology with an Open Heart
Understanding eschatology, or the study of end times, requires an open heart and mind. It is not about predicting dates or deciphering cryptic messages but about preparing to meet the One who is coming. Many approach this topic with preconceived notions or biases, often driven by fear or a desire for control. However, the true purpose of studying eschatology is to deepen our relationship with Christ and to live in readiness for His return. By letting go of our assumptions and focusing on the person of Jesus, we can find hope and assurance in His promises. [08:14]
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What preconceived notions about the end times do you need to release to approach this topic with an open heart?
Day 2: Revelation's Encouragement for Believers
The book of Revelation is often misunderstood as a source of fear, but its true purpose is to encourage and prepare believers. It reminds us that Jesus will return and that we are part of His victorious team. Instead of focusing on the fear of the unknown, we are called to live by faith, spreading the gospel and embodying the hope that Revelation offers. This perspective shifts our focus from fear to faith, empowering us to live as witnesses of Christ's love and truth in the world. [31:32]
"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Revelation 22:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you live today as a witness of the hope and victory promised in Revelation?
Day 3: Avoiding Speculation and Division
Many people become entangled in predicting the exact timing of Christ's return, leading to unnecessary fear and division. Jesus Himself emphasized that no one knows the time, not even the angels or the Son, but only the Father. Our focus should be on being His witnesses, living out the gospel in our daily lives. By avoiding speculation and division, we can unite as a community of believers, supporting one another in our shared mission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. [19:58]
"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." (Matthew 24:36, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to unity within your faith community, avoiding speculation and division about the end times?
Day 4: Understanding Diverse Eschatological Views
There are various interpretations of the end times, such as Dispensational Premillennialism, Historic Premillennialism, Amillennialism, and Postmillennialism. While these views can lead to debate, the central message remains that Jesus will return, and we must be ready. Understanding these perspectives can enrich our faith and encourage respectful dialogue among believers. By focusing on the core truth of Christ's return, we can appreciate the diversity of thought within the Christian community and grow in our understanding of God's plan. [26:50]
"Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you engage in respectful dialogue with others who hold different eschatological views, focusing on the shared hope of Christ's return?
Day 5: Finding Peace in Christ Amidst Chaos
In a world full of struggles and deception, we must fix our eyes on Jesus and trust in His peace. This peace surpasses worldly understanding and empowers us to face challenges with confidence. By anchoring ourselves in Christ, we can navigate the uncertainties of life with a sense of calm and assurance. His presence offers a refuge from the chaos, reminding us that we are never alone and that His promises are true. [44:33]
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to anchor yourself in the peace of Christ amidst the chaos of the world?
Quotes
1) "Studying the end times should not be about knowing how and when it's going to happen. It should be about who is coming, and are we ready to meet Him? Sometimes I see in churches two parties, if you want to call it parties, but one that have a posture of, I'm not going to Revelation. That's it. And they quote that Bible verse saying, who could know, who could understand God, and they prefer to not go there at all. Now, that is one party. The other party is the one who go into full conspiratorial, almost said constipation, but I think that's going to be another sticker for Influence Church." [08:14] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "The danger in today's world is that the speed of information outpaces the speed of discernment. Information, knowledge without God's spirit can lead to sin. We cannot study, we cannot talk about end times without reading a verse from beginning of time. For this reason, I'm going to go all the way down to Genesis. Chapter 2, verse 16 and 17. And the Lord God commanded the man, you are free to eat from any tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. For when you eat from it, it will certain, you will certainly die." [15:31] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "What Jesus is saying again to the disciples, that they were so focused on end times, that they were missing the point of spreading the good news. So what Jesus is saying, like, don't worry about the end times. You will receive power to be my witnesses, and let other people know about how to have life and life abundantly through me, through Jesus Christ. With other words, what we need to know is that we will receive the Holy Spirit, and we need to be witnesses. That means spreading the gospel. I'm not saying do not study the revelation." [19:58] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Revelation was written to the church to be encouraged to be uplifted to point believers to look back to God's promises and forward to his glorious. Coming culminating with culminating with Christ reigning. To show us that in the end Jesus wins to show us believer that we are on the winning team. As I just said earlier, although we may not be exempt from some challenges some trials some struggles in the end we win. How many of you will be full of fears and terror if Vikings play Packers? And you knew Vikings will win. Right? None of you because you knew the end." [38:19] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Revelation was given to us was written to us as something that we should look forward to it. We are called to read it. We are called to understand it. But if the book of Revelation if the end times is creating panic. It's creating fear. It's creating concerns in your life. I think you did not truly discover God's heart for each one of us yet. If I can have everybody please stand up. Because to be able to understand God's heart for each one of us is not about information. It's not about knowledge. It's about God's spirit that brings life from his word." [40:40] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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