This week’s focus is on the “beginning of the birth pains” as described by Jesus in Matthew 24:4-8. Drawing from the metaphor of childbirth, just as the joy of new life is preceded by intense labor, so too will the coming of Christ be preceded by a period of increasing turmoil and suffering. Jesus, speaking to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, outlined a series of events—false Christs, wars, famines, and earthquakes—that would mark the onset of the end times. These are not isolated incidents, but rather signs that will grow in frequency and intensity, culminating in His return.

The context of Jesus’ words is crucial. He spoke to Jewish disciples, addressing both their immediate concerns about the destruction of the temple and the broader, future reality of His second coming. While the destruction of the temple in AD 70 fulfilled part of His prophecy, the full scope of His teaching points to a future period of tribulation, unparalleled in human history. This period, often referred to as the “day of the Lord,” will be marked by God’s judgment on a rebellious world, but also by the ultimate deliverance of His people.

The birth pains Jesus described are echoed in the seal judgments of Revelation 6, where the rise of the Antichrist, war, famine, and death are unleashed upon the earth. These events are not merely historical cycles, but prophetic markers of a coming age. Yet, for those who are in Christ, there is assurance: believers are not destined for wrath, for Jesus has already borne it on their behalf. This hope should not only comfort but also compel action—urging us to warn others of the coming judgment and to share the message of reconciliation found in Christ.

In light of these truths, the call is twofold: to examine one’s own standing before God and to actively engage in sharing the gospel. The increasing chaos and evil in the world are not reasons for despair, but reminders of the urgency of the gospel and the certainty of Christ’s return. As we witness the “birth pains” in our world, may they stir us to deeper faith, greater hope, and bold evangelism, knowing that our Deliverer is coming soon.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The metaphor of birth pains teaches that suffering and turmoil are not the end, but the necessary prelude to new life and ultimate redemption. Just as labor intensifies before the arrival of a child, so too will the world experience escalating distress before Christ’s return. This perspective invites us to endure present hardships with hope, knowing that God’s purposes are being fulfilled even in pain. [33:10]
• 2. Jesus’ warnings about false Christs and widespread deception highlight the importance of discernment and steadfastness in faith. In a world increasingly marked by confusion and counterfeit hope, believers must anchor themselves in the truth of God’s Word and resist the allure of easy answers or charismatic deceivers. The proliferation of deception is a sign of the times, but also a call to spiritual vigilance. [45:17]
• 3. The inevitability of wars, famines, and natural disasters is not a sign of God’s absence, but of His sovereign plan unfolding. These events, though tragic, are permitted as part of God giving humanity over to its own corruption, and as a means of awakening people to their need for Him. Rather than being alarmed, we are called to trust in God’s ultimate justice and redemption. [49:18]
• 4. The assurance that believers are not destined for wrath is rooted in the finished work of Christ. Jesus has already absorbed the full measure of God’s judgment for sin, so those who trust in Him can face the future without fear. This truth should deepen our gratitude, embolden our witness, and give us peace amid uncertainty. [59:47]
• 5. The reality of coming judgment is both a warning and a motivation for evangelism. Knowing that the “birth pains” will culminate in God’s righteous wrath, we are compelled to warn others and offer the hope of salvation in Christ. Our calling is to be ambassadors of reconciliation, urging those around us to flee from the wrath to come and to embrace the grace freely offered in Jesus. [69:15]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - Church Announcements and Survey Request
• [05:30] - Personal Request: Fragrance Sensitivity
• [09:00] - Introduction: Birth Pains and Eternal Perspective
• [13:30] - Setting the Scene: Matthew 24 Context
• [18:00] - Jesus’ Prophecy of the Temple’s Destruction
• [22:00] - The Disciples’ Questions on the Mount of Olives
• [26:00] - The Olivet Discourse Overview
• [29:30] - The Beginning of Birth Pains: Matthew 24:4-8
• [33:10] - False Christs and Widespread Deception
• [37:00] - Wars and Rumors of Wars
• [40:00] - Famines and Earthquakes
• [44:00] - Old Testament Background: Day of the Lord
• [48:00] - Birth Pains in Revelation and Their Sequence
• [52:00] - Why This Matters: Warnings and Assurance
• [56:00] - The Call to Evangelism and Hope in Christ
• [72:14] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
• [80:19] - Final Announcements and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Matthew 24:4-8 (ESV) — > 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.”

Observation Questions

1. What specific events does Jesus list as the “beginning of the birth pains” in Matthew 24:4-8?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus using the metaphor of birth pains to describe these events? [33:10]
3. How did the destruction of the temple in AD 70 relate to Jesus’ prophecy, and what part of His teaching does the pastor say is still future? [34:35]
4. What warnings does Jesus give about deception and false Christs, and how does the pastor describe the impact of these deceptions? [45:17]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus tell His followers not to be alarmed by wars, famines, and earthquakes, even though these are frightening events? What does this reveal about God’s sovereignty? [49:18]
2. The pastor connects the “birth pains” in Matthew 24 to the seal judgments in Revelation 6. What does this connection suggest about the purpose and meaning of these events? [59:47]
3. How does the assurance that believers are “not destined for wrath” (1 Thessalonians 5:9) shape the way Christians should view the coming tribulation and God’s judgment? [59:47]
4. The sermon emphasizes the need for discernment in a time of widespread deception. What does it look like for believers to “anchor themselves in the truth of God’s Word” in practical terms? [45:17]

Application Questions

1. The metaphor of birth pains teaches that suffering and turmoil are not the end, but a prelude to new life. When you face hardship or see chaos in the world, do you tend to lose hope, or does it remind you of God’s bigger plan? How can you remind yourself to endure with hope? [33:10]
2. Jesus warns about false Christs and deception. Are there voices, teachings, or influences in your life right now that could be leading you away from the truth? How can you practice discernment this week? [45:17]
3. The pastor said that the increasing chaos in the world is not a reason for despair, but a reminder of the urgency of the gospel. Who in your life needs to hear the hope of Christ? What is one step you can take to share your faith with them this month? [01:09:15]
4. The sermon calls us to examine our own standing before God. Are you confident that you have trusted in Christ and are not destined for wrath? If not, what is holding you back from making that decision? [01:07:14]
5. The message says that believers should not be alarmed by world events, but trust in God’s justice and redemption. Is there a current event or personal situation that is causing you anxiety? How can you bring that to God in prayer and trust Him with it? [49:18]
6. The pastor shared that the reality of coming judgment should motivate us to warn others and offer the hope of salvation. What are some practical ways you can be an “ambassador of reconciliation” in your daily life? [01:09:15]
7. The sermon mentions that the “birth pains” should stir us to deeper faith, greater hope, and bold evangelism. Which of these three areas do you most need to grow in right now, and what is one specific action you can take this week to pursue that growth? [33:10]