What practical steps can we take to discern "summer is near" spiritually? Setting the Scene: Understanding “Summer is Near” “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door.” (Matthew 24:32-33) Jesus uses the simple rhythm of seasons to teach vigilance. The visible change in a fig tree tells farmers that literal summer is only weeks away; likewise, unfolding prophetic signs show believers that His return is close. The call is not to calculate dates but to cultivate readiness. Step 1: Know the Signs Through Scripture • Daily reading—immerse in passages that outline end-time markers: Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. • Memorize key verses—hide them in the heart to filter current events (Psalm 119:11). • Compare news to prophecy—observe cultural, geopolitical, and moral shifts in light of Scripture, never letting headlines replace the Bible as the authority. Step 2: Guard the Heart from Deception • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1). • Hold to “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) rather than isolated verses. • Reject teachings that downplay sin, deny Christ’s bodily return, or twist prophecy for profit (2 Peter 2:1-3). Step 3: Cultivate Watchful Holiness • Live sober-mindedly—“be self-controlled and alert” (1 Peter 5:8). • Prioritize personal repentance; unconfessed sin dulls spiritual perception (Hebrews 3:13). • Practice regular fasting or times of focused withdrawal to sharpen sensitivity to the Spirit (Matthew 6:16-18). Step 4: Stay Rooted in the Church • Commit to corporate worship—“not neglecting to meet together…encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). • Submit to sound elders who “keep watch over your souls” (Hebrews 13:17). • Engage in mutual accountability—small groups, prayer partners, and Titus 2 relationships help believers stay awake. Step 5: Engage in Gospel Mission • Share Christ urgently—“The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near” (Romans 13:12). • Support global evangelism, recognizing that the gospel “will be preached in all the world…then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). • Serve sacrificially; stewardship of time, talent, and treasure reflects readiness (Luke 12:35-37). Step 6: Nurture an Eternal Perspective • Meditate on promised glory—Revelation 21-22 ignites hope that purifies (1 John 3:2-3). • Hold possessions loosely; set minds “on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). • Sing and speak of heaven regularly; worship tunes hearts to Christ’s imminent return. Step 7: Persist in Prayerful Expectation • Pray “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). • Intercede for endurance of the saints (Ephesians 6:18). • Ask for wisdom “to discern the times and seasons” (1 Chronicles 12:32 applied). Living the Lesson When the branches of prophecy swell and leaf out before our eyes, these practices keep disciples awake, pure, and fruitful—ready to welcome the Lord who stands at the door. |
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