How should believers prepare for the events described in Matthew 24:3? The Question on the Mount of Olives “While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?’” (Matthew 24:3) Hearing Jesus’ First Instruction—Guard Against Deception • “See to it that no one deceives you.” • False messiahs and teachers will be persuasive; truth must be anchored in Scripture. • Compare 1 John 4:1—“test the spirits.” Practical response: – Read, study, and memorize the Word daily. – Evaluate every message—sermons, podcasts, social media—through the lens of Scripture. Staying Calm Amid World Upheaval • Wars, rumors, famines, earthquakes are “the beginning of birth pains.” • “See to it that you are not alarmed.” • Exchange anxiety for prayer and thanksgiving. • God’s peace “will guard your hearts and your minds.” Persevering in Love and Holiness • Wickedness multiplies; love can “grow cold.” • “The one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” • Holy, godly living hastens the Day. Daily habits: – Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). – Practice tangible acts of love within family, church, neighborhood. Keeping the Mission Central • The gospel preached “in all the world” precedes the end. • “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” Ways to participate: – Share personal testimony. – Support missions through prayer, giving, or going. Living Watchfully Every Day • “Keep watch… be ready.” • Stay awake, sober, clothed in “faith and love” and “the helmet of our hope of salvation.” Practical watchfulness: – Begin each morning inviting the Spirit’s guidance. – End each day with gratitude and self-examination. Fortifying with the Armor of God • “Take up the full armor of God… having done everything, to stand.” Pieces to check daily: – Truth, righteousness, gospel readiness, faith, salvation, the Word, prayer. Leaning on Christian Community • Do not neglect gathering; encourage “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Community rhythms: – Worship together weekly. – Small-group study and accountability. – Mutual care in trials and needs. Building Ourselves Up in the Faith Jude 20–21 • “Building yourselves up… praying in the Holy Spirit… keep yourselves in the love of God.” Daily disciplines: – Scripture meditation. – Spirit-led prayer, including tongues if so gifted. – Continual remembrance of God’s mercy. Fixing Hope on Christ’s Certain Return • “Prepare your minds for action… set your hope fully on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Living hope means: – Looking forward with anticipation, not dread. – Letting future glory reshape present priorities—time, finances, relationships. Summary Checklist for Prepared Hearts • Saturate your mind with Scripture. • Stay alert to deception; measure everything by the Word. • Pray instead of panic; receive God’s peace. • Persist in love and holiness even when wickedness abounds. • Keep the gospel on your lips and in your lifestyle. • Live each day as though Jesus could return before nightfall. • Suit up in God’s armor for spiritual battle. • Invest deeply in Christ-centered community. • Fix your hope on the promised appearing of the Lord. |
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