Sure Hope: Understanding Christ's Return and Prophecy

Today’s focus is on the sure hope we have in Christ’s return and the importance of understanding what God has revealed about the future. The journey through Matthew’s Gospel resumes with the beginning of chapter 24, where Jesus’ longest recorded teaching on the end times unfolds. The disciples, having just heard Jesus’ pronouncement of judgment on Jerusalem and the temple, are left with burning questions about the timing and signs of His coming and the end of the age. Their questions reflect not only their longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises but also their limited understanding of how those promises would unfold.

The context of this passage is crucial. The disciples, like most Jews of their day, expected the Messiah to bring immediate political deliverance and establish a kingdom of peace and prosperity. They did not foresee the two comings of Christ—first as the suffering servant and later as the reigning King. Jesus’ prediction of the temple’s destruction was shocking, and it prompted the disciples to seek clarity about the future. Jesus responds not with ambiguity but with a detailed and compassionate explanation, meant to bring clarity and encouragement rather than confusion or fear.

Understanding prophecy is not a matter of idle speculation or controversy but is meant for our good. God has given us these revelations to equip us for faithful living, to anchor our hope, and to guard us against deception. The study of prophecy reminds us that history is moving toward a divinely appointed goal: the return of Christ, the end of evil, and the renewal of all things. This hope is not wishful thinking but a sure promise that shapes how we live, endure trials, and pursue holiness.

It is also important to approach these passages with humility and grace. While there are different interpretations regarding the details of the end times, the central truths are clear: Christ will return, judgment will come, and God’s people will dwell with Him forever. These truths unite us and call us to live with joyful expectation, to encourage one another, and to remain steadfast in faith and mission. As we begin this study, let us do so with open hearts, eager to know the Lord more deeply and to live in light of His coming.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s prophetic word is given for our good, not to confuse but to equip and encourage. The Lord wants His people to know what is coming so that we may be prepared, hopeful, and steadfast. Avoiding prophecy because of controversy or complexity robs us of the blessing and clarity God intends for us. [41:36]
• 2. The hope of Christ’s return is a sure and living hope, not mere optimism. This hope anchors us in the midst of a fallen world, reminding us that suffering, injustice, and death are not the final word. Our future is secure, and this certainty should shape our perspective and priorities each day. [44:40]
• 3. Understanding the trajectory of history through God’s promises guards us against deception and despair. The world’s systems and values are passing away, and the enemy seeks to distract and deceive. By grounding ourselves in God’s truth, we are less likely to be swayed by false hopes or overwhelmed by the darkness around us. [46:29]
• 4. Prophecy is not just about information but transformation. Knowing what is to come should motivate us to holy living, to renounce ungodliness, and to pursue lives that please God. The reality of future judgment and reward calls us to live intentionally, making the most of our days for God’s glory and the good of others. [49:43]
• 5. Humility and unity are essential as we study the end times. While the details of prophecy can be complex and Christians may differ in their interpretations, the foundational truths are clear and non-negotiable. We must hold fast to what is central—Christ’s return, judgment, and eternal life—while showing grace to those who see the details differently, always seeking to grow in understanding and love. [64:47]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [14:13] - Worship: The Holiness of God
• [15:47] - Assurance of Salvation and Eternal Hope
• [17:04] - Personal Update and Introduction
• [18:16] - Overview of Matthew’s Gospel
• [20:44] - The Foretelling of the King’s Return
• [22:37] - Holy Week Context and Jesus’ Final Public Statement
• [23:54] - Jesus’ Lament Over Jerusalem
• [25:14] - The Disciples’ Questions About the End
• [27:44] - The Temple’s Grandeur and Jesus’ Prophecy
• [29:37] - The Destruction of the Temple Foretold
• [32:40] - The Disciples’ Longing for Signs
• [35:10] - Approaching Prophecy with Simplicity
• [41:36] - Why Prophecy Matters for Believers
• [44:40] - The Blessed Hope of Christ’s Return
• [46:29] - Guarding Against Deception and Worldliness
• [49:43] - Prophecy’s Call to Holy Living
• [52:16] - Core Doctrines: Christ’s Return and Judgment
• [54:09] - Interpreting Prophecy: Hermeneutics and Approaches
• [58:35] - The Premillennial Perspective
• [61:06] - Other Views on the Millennium
• [63:35] - Living in Light of Christ’s Return
• [66:36] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice

Bible Reading

Matthew 24:1-3 (ESV) — > Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
> 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?”

Titus 2:11-14 (ESV) — > For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV) — > Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Observation Questions

1. What were the disciples’ main questions for Jesus after he predicted the destruction of the temple? (Matthew 24:1-3)
2. According to Titus 2:11-14, what does the “blessed hope” refer to, and how is it supposed to affect the way believers live?
3. In Revelation 21:1-4, what are some of the specific promises God makes about the future for his people?
4. The sermon mentioned that the disciples expected the Messiah to bring immediate political deliverance and a kingdom of peace. How did Jesus’ teaching challenge or correct their expectations? [[37:44]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The disciples asked Jesus about “the sign of your coming and of the end of the age.” Why do you think they were so concerned about the timing and signs, and what does this reveal about their understanding of God’s promises? [[25:14]]
2. The sermon emphasized that prophecy is given “not to confuse but to equip and encourage.” In what ways can knowing about the future help believers face present challenges? [[41:36]]
3. Titus 2:11-14 connects the hope of Christ’s return with living a godly life now. Why is it important that prophecy leads to transformation, not just information? [[49:43]]
4. The sermon called for humility and unity when studying end times prophecy, since Christians may differ on the details. Why is it important to focus on the central truths, and how can disagreements about the details be handled in a healthy way? [[01:04:47]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said that avoiding prophecy because of controversy or complexity “robs us of the blessing and clarity God intends for us.” Have you ever avoided studying prophecy or the end times? If so, what held you back, and what might help you approach it differently now? [[41:36]]
2. The hope of Christ’s return is described as a “sure and living hope, not mere optimism.” When you face suffering, injustice, or loss, how does this hope shape your perspective and daily priorities? Can you think of a recent situation where remembering Christ’s return would have changed your response? [[44:40]]
3. The sermon warned that the world’s systems and values are passing away, and that the enemy seeks to distract and deceive. Are there specific ways you feel pulled by the world’s values or discouraged by current events? What practical steps can you take to ground yourself in God’s truth this week? [[46:29]]
4. Prophecy is meant to motivate holy living. Is there an area of your life where you need to “renounce ungodliness” or pursue a life that pleases God more intentionally? What is one step you can take this week to live in light of Christ’s coming? [[49:43]]
5. The sermon encouraged approaching prophecy with humility and grace, especially when Christians disagree on the details. Have you ever experienced disagreement about end times views in a church or family setting? How did you respond, and what would it look like to show humility and unity in those conversations? [[01:04:47]]
6. The disciples’ longing for Jesus’ return was rooted in their desire to be with him. How can you cultivate a deeper longing for Christ’s return in your own heart? Are there habits or practices that help you keep your focus on eternity? [[01:03:35]]
7. The sermon mentioned that understanding prophecy should lead us to encourage one another and remain steadfast in faith and mission. Who is someone you can encourage this week with the hope of Christ’s return? What will you say or do? [[01:03:35]]