How should Christians respond to "birth pains" as signs of the end times? Key Passage: Matthew 24:8 “ ‘All these are the beginning of birth pains.’ ” Setting the Scene: What Jesus Means by “Birth Pains” - Jesus lists wars, famines, earthquakes, and other upheavals (Matthew 24:6-7) and calls them “the beginning of birth pains” (v. 8). - Literal childbirth begins with contractions that increase in frequency and intensity until delivery. In the same way, end-time disturbances will intensify until His return. - Because Scripture is accurate and trustworthy, believers can take Christ’s words at face value: these signs are real, observable markers that the end is approaching. What the Signs Are Telling Us - God is allowing a world in labor to signal the nearness of His kingdom (Romans 8:22). - The increasing intensity warns that time is limited for repentance and readiness (2 Peter 3:9-10). - The signs are not meant to terrify believers but to remind them that God’s plan is unfolding exactly as foretold. How Christians Should Respond Stay Watchful • “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42) • Cultivate daily awareness, evaluating news and world events through the lens of Scripture, not sensationalism. Guard the Heart from Fear • “See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place.” (Matthew 24:6) • Replace anxiety with trust, knowing every contraction moves history closer to Christ’s reign (John 14:1). Remain Faithful in Gospel Witness • “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) • View turmoil as open doors to share the hope of salvation while people’s hearts are softened by uncertainty. Encourage One Another • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together… and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Frequent fellowship, mutual exhortation, and practical care help believers stand firm when contractions intensify. Persevere in Holiness • “Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13) • Guard against moral drift; choose obedience when the culture presses compromise. Live with Eternal Urgency • “While people are saying, ‘Peace and security,’ destruction will come upon them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3) • Make decisions—work, family, finances, ministry—in light of Christ’s imminent return, valuing what lasts forever. Further Scriptures to Anchor Our Perspective - Mark 13:8 — parallel birth-pain teaching - Luke 21:28 — “When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” - Revelation 6:12-17 — intensified contractions in the seal judgments Summing It Up Birth pains are God-given alerts. They call Christians to vigilance without panic, courage without complacency, and holiness without compromise, until the final “delivery” of Christ’s visible, victorious return. |
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