Keep Watch
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Scripture Introduction: Jesus has already predicted the coming destruction of Jerusalem in . In the passage of Scripture before us He continues to discuss this coming destruction, hints to His return at the end of the age and leaves His followers with some clear instructions regarding how to handle the perilous times that are to come.
If we could summarize what Jesus said to His followers, as well as to us we could sum it up in one word . . . “WATCH.” They were to “keep watch” and I believe in the day and time in which we live and in the society in which we live we would do well to follow His admonition for us as well.
I want to begin by reading as Jesus discusses the coming tragedy upon Jersusalem as well as the coming judgement upon the earth. Notice a few things with me:
Jerusalem Will be Surrounded and Overrun by the Gentiles (note 21:20-24)
Jerusalem Will be Surrounded and Overrun by the Gentiles (note 21:20-24)
This literally happened in AD 70. Christianity Today reports:
In AD 66 Roman Procurator, Gessius Florus, invaded the temple in Jerusalem and took some of the silver. There was an uproar by the Jews and as a result he massacared 3,600 Jewish people. This led to the first Jewish revolt and the attack of Masada, a Roman fortress. The Roman governor at the time, Cestus Callus, sent 20,000 soldiers from Syria to beseige Jersualem for 6 months (remember Jesus predicted they would be surrounded), but this effort failed. 6,000 Roman soldiers died as a result.
Finally, the emperor Nero, decided to intervene and he sent a decorated general, Vespasian, to take care of the job. Vespasian squashed the revolt, and he also surrounded Jerusalem. Nero, died, Vespasian became emporer, and left his son Titus to finish the job he had started. Those in Jerusalem were cut off from the rest of their people and they began to die of starvation. History books tell us that the High Priests’ wife, who once lived in luxury, was searching in the streets from crumbs to eat just to stay alive.
The Romans finally broke through the walls of the city, won the victory, destroyed the temple just as Jesus predicted and the burned the rubble.
Jesus Will One Day Return (note 21:25-28)
Jesus Will One Day Return (note 21:25-28)
Prophecy in Scripture will often jump from things that was predicted to happen relatively soon, to a parrallel event that would happen in the future. It seems that beginning in verse 25 Jesus is referencing events that will happen in the future. I believe Scripture teaches there will be a time when the church is removed from this world, before a time of Great Tribulation comes on this earth and Jesus returns to set up His Kingdom!
In the passage before us Jesus references signs in the sun, moon, stars and on earth. We know for instance Scripture speaks of these similar signs elsewhere:
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For the stars of the heavens and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be dark at its rising, and the moon will not shed its light.
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And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood,
The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.
When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood,
Jesus also references “distress of nations” (verse 25) as a result of disturbances in the seas and waves (could this be a reference to hurricanes—IDK), people fainting with fear over what is to come. He talks about the “powers of the heavens being shaken” (verse 26) and finally the return of Christ coming in the clouds with power and great glory!
He goes on to say (v. 28) that when these things are seen believers are to “lift up their heads” because their redemption is close!
Jesus then proceeds to tell a brief parable about a fig tree and how a fig tree gives signs that the fruit is coming, just like their will be signs that will precede the return of Christ.
There is quite a difference of opinion on when and how all these things that Jesus talked about will take place. We could spend our time on trying to figure out the details on all of these things, however, that is not the intention of my message this morning. I will leave that to the experts. What I want to focus our time on this morning is what Jesus told us to DO as a result of this warning!
MY CONCERN IS THAT SO MANY PEOPLE GET SO WRAPPED UP IN END TIME PROGNOSTICATING, AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT ALL OF THE DETAILS AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT EXACTLY WHEN JESUS WILL RETURN, THAT WE FORGET WHAT HE TOLD US TO DO WHILE WE ARE WAITING. There are all kinds of arguments and blogs and books and novels that be are very, very passionate about, but is that what He told us to focus on? Absolutely not! So let’s focus on what He told us to focus on.
First of all He said to
Watch
Watch
Explanation
The first thing He told us to do is to “watch” (note verse 34) and stay awake (v. 36). This word carries with it the idea of “paying careful attention to.” It is a present active verb, which means we are to “watch and continue to watch.” We are to pay careful attention to what is going on so we are not suddenly surprised and be ready to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ at His return.
It is in the “imperative” mood, which means that it is a command. We are commanded by Christ Himself to pay careful attention to what is going on so we will be prepared for what is to come!
Illustration
The Apostle Paul warned us of the very same thing in
So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
Application
You need to be on guard. You need to be watching for the return of Christ. You need to be aware of the signs of the times. Jesus did not tell you to make predictions, He did not tell you to set dates, He did not tell you to quit your job and move to a mountain and wait for His return . . . but He did tell you to stay spiritually awake, watching and on guard!
However, another thing He told us is there would be some . . .
Distractions to Watching
Distractions to Watching
Explanation
The first distraction Jesus mentions to watching is the “distraction of dissipation.”
What in the world is dissipation and why did Jesus tell them to be on guard against it? According to one Bible dictionary dissipation refers to:
…a lifestyle without discipline resulting in the dizzy hangovers of drunkenness.
It goes on to indicate that this type of lifestyle often comes from . . .
…deception caused by riches and sin.
refers to it this way:
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
Notice it refers to your “old self” and your “former manner of life” that is corrupt through “DECEITFUL DESIRES.” This type of lifestyle is the lifestyle of the “prodigal son.” It is a SELF-DESTRUCTIVE lifestyle. It is often associated with drinking and results in a life that is disorderly and wasteful.
Dissipation
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Dissipation
DISSIPATION Deceptive desires leading to a lifestyle without discipline resulting in the dizzy hangovers of drunkenness. The Greek word apate means “deception” caused by riches (Matt. 13:22) and sin (Heb. 3:13). This is founded in the deceptive lusts of the unredeemed human heart (Eph. 4:22). People following such a way of life will suffer “the penalty for doing wrong” as they continue “reveling in their dissipation” (2 Pet. 2:13 NRSV). Asotia means to be hopelessly sick and refers to a lifestyle by which one destroys oneself. It is the prodigal son’s “wild living” (Luke 15:13 NIV). It is the life of “dissipation” resulting from drinking wine (Eph. 5:18 NASB; cp. Titus 1:6; 1 Pet. 4:3–4). The Bible speaks against a disorderly life, whereas the Greeks used the term to mean a wasteful or luxurious life. The Bible teaches believers to avoid both lifestyles.
Simply put, they are told to stay away from lifestyles that are associated with the deception caused by riches and alcohol. Rich people and intoxicated people are often deceived into thinking they are more powerful than they are, they are somehow above the law, that somehow certain consequences will never catch up with them or doesn’t apply to them. However God’s Word warns us not to be DECEIVED:
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
The second distractions that Jesus mentions is the “distraction of drunkenness.”
Drunkenness
Once again let’s turn to the Holman Bible Dictionary for some insight into this:
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Drunkenness
DRUNKENNESS Result of consuming a quantity of alcohol; the outcome being the impairment of faculties. This impairment may be mild (deep sleep) to severe (dizziness, vomiting, hallucination, and death). The physical symptoms mentioned in Scripture are: staggering (Job 12:25; Ps. 107:27); wounds and beatings (Prov. 20:1; 23:29–35; Lam. 2:12); vomiting (Isa. 19:14; Jer. 25:27; 48:26); and hallucinations (Isa. 28:1–8; Prov. 23:33). The mental effects of alcohol mentioned in Scripture are a false sense of one’s abilities and strengths (Isa. 28:11; Hos. 4:11). The spiritual effects of alcohol are the deadening of one’s self to God and all religious thought (Isa. 5:11–12).
Scripture repeatedly warns us against drunkenness. As Free Will Baptists we have taken a strong stand on the consumption of alcoholic beverages because we believe the liabilities of drinking far outweigh any so-called benefits. I wrote an article a couple of years ago entitled, “Why I Quit Drinking Before I Ever Really Started.” Here were my points:
My flesh longs for pleasure and satisfaction apart from God. Alcohol would only serve as yet another cheap substitute for God in my life. I already run to too many broken and empty cisterns to quench the thirst as it is. There is no need to add one more alternative.
Untold children have been harmed and scarred for life due to alcohol use and abuse. My wife has seen and experienced things in her life that I cannot even begin to comprehend as a direct result of the use and abuse of alcohol. These memories cannot be erased from her mind and the scars cannot be removed from her soul. Alcohol served as a contributing factor to these horrific experiences. My children have suffered from my imperfect parenting, but I am thankful they have never suffered anything as a result of intoxicated parents.
Untold children have been harmed and scarred for life due to alcohol use and abuse. My wife has seen and experienced things in her life that I cannot even begin to comprehend as a direct result of the use and abuse of alcohol. These memories cannot be erased from her mind and the scars cannot be removed from her soul. Alcohol served as a contributing factor to these horrific experiences. My children have suffered from my imperfect parenting, but I am thankful they have never suffered anything as a result of an intoxicated https://alightinerie.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/child.jpg?w=585mom or
If my children decide to use or abuse alcohol it will never be because they followed my example.
If my children decide to use or abuse alcohol it will never be because they followed my example. Since I have absolutely no desire for my children to ever experiment with alcohol, and possibly fall prey to its addictive nature, it is incumbent upon me to set the example in this area.
I understand that the wine referenced in the Bible and the alcoholic drinks available today vary in large degree. First, when you see the word “wine” in the Bible it could mean non-fermented juice of the vine or a fermented beverage. The context must determine the type of beverage being referred to. Second, the alcoholic content in ancient beverages was far less than the alcoholic content of today’s beverages.[i] Fermentation was often impeded and alcoholic beverages were often watered down to prevent intoxication. Distillation (to boost alcohol content) was not invented until the Middle Ages, long after the Scriptures had been written.[ii]
I understand that the wine referenced in the Bible and the alcoholic drinks available today vary in large degree. First, when you see the word “wine” in the Bible it could mean non-fermented juice of the vine or a fermented beverage. The context must determine the type of beverage being referred to. Second, the alcoholic content in ancient beverages was far less than the alcoholic content of today’s beverages. Fermentation was often impeded and alcoholic beverages were often watered down to prevent intoxication. Distillation (to boost alcohol content) was not invented until the Middle Ages, long after the Scriptures had been written.
I have many more choices than my biblical counterparts. In Bible times beverages were very limited. Water sources were often polluted. Milk was available from a variety of animals, but refrigeration was not. Keeping the fruit of the vine from fermenting was challenging, but not impossible. However, today I have hundreds of non-alcoholic, non-intoxicating beverages available to me. I can drink all of these without harming my influence, clouding my judgment or compromising my self-control.
I have many more choices than my biblical counterparts. In Bible times beverages were very limited. Water sources were often polluted. Milk was available from a variety of animals, but refrigeration was not. Keeping the fruit of the vine from fermenting was challenging, but not impossible. However, today I have hundreds of non-alcoholic, non-intoxicating beverages available to me. I can drink all of these without harming my influence, clouding my judgment or compromising my self-control.
Alcohol use can lead to alcohol abuse and addiction.
Alcohol use can lead to alcohol abuse and addiction.
I have absolutely no desire to support an industry that has caused untold heartache for millions of people. More than 55% of highway deaths are alcohol related. There are https://alightinerie.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/drunk-driving.jpg?w=220&h=300more than 17 million alcoholics in America alone. Alcohol use and abuse has left death, disease, disability and fractured relationships in its wake.[iv]
I have absolutely no desire to support an industry that has caused untold heartache for millions of people. More than 55% of highway deaths are alcohol related. There are more than 17 million alcoholics in America alone. Alcohol use and abuse has left death, disease, disability and fractured relationships in its wake.
Drunkenness and other sins resulted both times I decided to drink alcohol. It is crystal clear from Scripture that drunkenness is a sin and that drunkenness is often accompanied by other sins
Drunkenness and other sins resulted both times I decided to drink alcohol. It is crystal clear from Scripture that drunkenness is a sin and that drunkenness is often accompanied by other sins
I do not want my senses clouded, and alcohol use clouds ones senses. This is a scientific fact[v] and is one of the reasons why God did not allow the priests to use any alcohol while preforming their priestly duties (see ). While one may argue this makes it ok to have alcohol when not performing their priestly duties, why would a Christ follower ever want their senses clouded? Repeatedly in the New Testament we are commanded to be “sober-minded.” The idea of being sober minded is the idea of thinking seriously and clearly about things. Alcohol use dulls these senses and impairs rational thinking.
I do not want my senses clouded, and alcohol use clouds ones senses. Repeatedly in the New Testament we are commanded to be “sober-minded.” The idea of being sober minded is the idea of thinking seriously and clearly about things. Alcohol use dulls these senses and impairs rational thinking.
Since alcohol use clouds the senses, decisions made during under the influence of alcohol are not the same ones that would be made under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
My alcohol use may negatively impact others. Even if I did not have an addictive personality and even if I could be content with one glass of low alcoholic wine, those whom I influence and who look up to me may not fare so well.
My alcohol use may negatively impact others. Even if I did not have an addictive personality and even if I could be content with one glass of low alcoholic wine, those whom I influence and who look up to me may not fare so well. This is what led Paul to say: “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble”
It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.
Scripture warns me about the addictive and destructive nature of alcohol.
Scripture warns me about the addictive and destructive nature of alcohol.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.”
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Why do you think Jesus dealt with the issue of drunkenness in reference to things getting tough in life before His return. Could it be, because so many of us are tempted to turn to alcohol and other things to try to numb our pain rather than turn to Him for comfort? I think that is a very real possibility, but we all know that numbing the pain temporarily doesn’t make it go away, and far too often only causes more pain. The problem is too often these things not only temporarily numb one’s pain, but they also strangle one’s spirituality. That is true with alcohol and any number of false promises things like that offer.
The third distraction Jesus refers to are the “Cares of this Life.”
All of us deal with the cares, worries and anxieties of this life. However, Jesus warned us not to allow those things to “weigh our hearts down.” These things can quite literally “weigh us down.” If we are not careful we will become so consumed with “this life” that we will forget “this world is not our home” and we will forget that life is really not all about the here and now but it really about the hereafter.
Stay Awake & Pray
Stay Awake & Pray
Explanation
How are we to deal with these distractions? How are we to face difficult times? How do we stay focused in the midst of the turmoil? Jesus’ answer is found in verse 36—He says we are to “stay awake at all times, praying for strength.”
The idea of staying awake at all times doesn’t mean that we can never sleep, but rather carries with it the idea of staying alert, not letting your guard down spiritually. It is also in the present active tense . . . So we have to take the initiative to stay alert and stay in constant communication with headquarters.
Illustration
William Barclay said: “As Christians we must never come to think that we are living in a settled situation. We must live our lives in a permanent state of expectation.”
Jesus reminds us in of one of the reasons we should stay alert and in constant communion with headquarters:
Barclay, W. (2001). The Gospel of Luke (p. 309). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Application/Action Steps
Be Actively Involved in Fulfilling the Great Commission
Be Actively Involved in Fulfilling the Great Commission
On Tuesday of this week, at 1pm, we are going to have an informational meeting regarding a ministry called GRACE Outreach. If Flagship Church is going to become all God plans for us to be we’ve got to do a better job of reaching our community with the Gospel. I am thrilled we are sending people around the world, but we must also send people into the streets of this city and make a difference right where we are at.
If you can come to Tuesday’s meeting please come. If you can’t come to Tuesday’s meeting please listen for future informational meetings on how you can be involved.
Hand out Gospel literature and tracts explaining to people how they can come to know Jesus.
Invite people to church so they can hear the message of the Gospel.
Get Focused and Stay Focused on God’s Word and God’s Will for Your Life
Get Focused and Stay Focused on God’s Word and God’s Will for Your Life
One of my theme verses for the week has been :
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
I would like to challenge you to memorize this verse this week and ask yourself what you can do to pursue these things?
Make Bible reading, prayer and fellowship with other believers a normal part of your daily life.
Find some good podcasts, uplifting music and sermons and Bible studies to fill your soul with truth—be discerning!
Stay Alert and PRAY!
Stay Alert and PRAY!
Make plans to join us this Thursday as we come together as a church family and pray for our city. I love what Nehemiah said when they finished the wall in
And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.
While we are waiting we need to stay alert and PRAY! We need to seek God’s face and implore Him to intervene in the life of our church and our city and ask Him to do things so BIG and so AWESOME in and through us that EVERYONE would have to say, “LOOK AT WHAT GOD DID!”
Those are some very practical ways, THIS WEEK, you can put some of these things into action!