sf930 - The Second Coming Of Christ 8 Of 11 - Ready Or Not (Matthew 24 36-51)

Matthew 24:36-51

Introduction

The familiar expression “Here I come, ready or not” could well be applied to Jesus’ second coming, because He is coming according to the sovereign plan of God, with no regard for worldwide or individual readiness.

In response to the disciples’ question, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (24:3),

Ø Jesus told them of the birth pains that would immediately precede His coming (vv. 4-28),

Ø of the abomination of desolation (v. 15), which would precipitate those signs,

Ø and of the supreme sign of His own appearing on the clouds of heaven (v. 30).

Now He gives them a partial answer to the “when” part of the question.

Although there will be observable, worldwide, and unmistakable indications of His coming just before it occurs, the exact time will not be revealed in advance.

With this in mind Jesus commands believers to…

Be Ready (24:37-42)

Be Faithful (24:45-51)

1A. Be Ready (24:37-44)

1B. Because of the hardness of men’s hearts (24:37)

Genesis 6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

2B. Because of the evil of men’s ways (24:38-39; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)

They will be self-centered (3:1-2)

They will be self-serving (3:3-4)

They will be self-righteous (3:5)

3B. Because the nature of the Lord’s coming (24:40-44)

The Lord’s coming will bring judgment (24:40-41)

Ø The ones taken are taken in judgment; this does not describe the rapture of the church. (24:40-41)

Ø Same as the sheep and goats (25:32-46)

Ø The ones left will be Christ’s sheep, His redeemed people whom He will preserve to reign with Him during the Millennium.

The Lord’s coming will take most by surprise. (24:42-44; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6)

Ø It will be sudden (5:1-2)

Ø It will be traumatic (5:3)

Ø Believers are to be prepared (5:4-6)

2A. Be Faithful (24:45-51)

1B. Because we are all accountable to God

Believers are to be good stewards of God’s grace and gifts (24:45)

Unbelievers are to be good stewards of Gods grace and gifts (24:48-49)

2B. Because we will all be judged by God

The believer will be rewarded for his faithfulness no matter what his assignment (24:46-47)

The unbeliever will be punished for his wickedness. (24:50-51)

Application

So what? – Romans 13:11-14

Cast off the works of darkness

Ø Cast off (apotithemi); lay aside like clothing

Ø Works of darkness – Colossians 3:8-10

Put on the armor of light

Ø Put on (enduo); to clothe

Ø Armor of light – Ephesians 6:11-17

Walk properly

Ø Not in revelry (kosmos); carousing

Ø Not in drunkenness (methe); intoxicated

Ø Not in lewdness (koite); sexual intercourse

Ø Not in lust (aselgeia); to live without moral restraint

Ø Not in strife (eres); discord, quarrels

Ø Not in envy (zelos); jealously

Put on the Lord Jesus

Ø Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Make no provision for the flesh

Ø Do not make plans on how to feed you sinful nature.

Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Matthew 24:36-51

1A. Be ________________________________ (24:37-44)

1B. Because of the hardness of men’s hearts (24:37; Genesis 6:5)

2B. Because of the _____________ of men’s ways (24:38-39; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)

They will be self-centered (3:1-2)

They will be self-serving (3:3-4)

They will be self-righteous (3:5)

3B. Because the _____________ of the Lord’s coming (24:40-42)

The Lord’s coming will bring judgment (24:40-41)

The Lord’s coming will take most by surprise. (24:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6)

Ø It will be sudden (5:1-2)

Ø It will be traumatic (5:3)

Ø Believers are to be prepared (5:4-6)

2A. Be _________________________ (24:45-51)

1B. Because we are all ____________________ to God

Believers are to be good stewards of God’s grace and gifts (24:45)

Unbelievers are to be good stewards of Gods grace and gifts (24:48-49)

2B. Because we will all be ________________ by God

The believer will be rewarded for his faithfulness no matter what his assignment (24:46-47)

The unbeliever will be punished for his wickedness. (24:50-51)

So What!

Romans 13:11-14

Cast off the works of ________________________

Ø Cast off (apotithemi); to put off, lay aside like clothing