Signs of the Times

Introduction:

Tonight we are going to be looking at some signs of the times. It seems like we are certainly getting closer to Jesus return and what is happening around us can make us a little fearful. So, let’s take a closer look tonight at what Jesus had to say.

Matthew 24:1–14 ESV

1 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Pray

The world is definitely getting interesting. I saw today where China is now starting to threaten the United States over sending warships through the Taiwan Strait. We have a world on the brink of global conflict, and on top of that, we have inflation going through the roof combined with food shortages, gas prices are now at all time highs not seen since the 1980s, and we have viral pandemics that keep causing shutdowns and supply chain issues. I really think that we’ve only seen the beginning of things to come.

With all of these things combining into what feels like the perfect storm, what should we as believers do? How do we process all that is going on around us?

First, we need to understand the signs of the times, and then we need to remember who holds everything in His hands. Let’s take a look at what Jesus had to say about the things that would happen.

1. Recognize the Signs of the Time

False Messiah’s (v.5)

Wars and Conflict (v.7)

Famine (v.7)

Natural Disasters (v.7)

Persecution (v.9)

A Falling Away (v.10)

Lawlessness (v.12)

Lukewarm Churches (v.12)

Increased Global Missions (v.14)

2. Keep on Guard Against False Teaching and Teachers (v.4-5, 12)

There have always been false prophets and teachers that have sought to lead people astray

3. Do Not Be Alarmed (v.6)

There is a YouTube Bible teacher named Spencer Smith that likes to say on his channel,

“Things are looking good, because things are looking really bad.”

Jesus gives these signs for His disciples, and for us, so that we will not be surprised when they happen. He wants us to be prepared and to realize that God is in control of everything, even when it seems like everything is spinning out of control.

Application:

For you and I, we have to realize that what is happening today is really a test run for what is going to happen in the future.

Now, let me take a brief moment to say that I personally believe that the Bible teaches us that the Church will be raptured out before the Great Tribulation. However, that does not mean that we will not go through any tribulation or not be affected by things as they are shaping up.

We also should not look at the Rapture as an excuse for us to think we won’t have to suffer any for Jesus. The point of the Rapture is not about us not suffering, but has more to do with the plans of God regarding the nation of Israel.

I also hold this position somewhat loosely, understanding that I could be wrong. I think that as believers we should prepare as if we are going to be here during the Great Tribulation, but live with the hope that we will not.

In either case, God is still in control and Satan always has to ask permission of God before he can do anything in heaven or on earth.

4. Preach the Gospel to the Lost (v.14)

There’s two ways to look at this.

If you are waiting for the Rapture, it won’t happen until the mission of God is accomplished to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth. So, in other words, we need to get busy!

If you are worried about the condition of the world right now, you need to witness so that you can help people change and help our world change.

Every Christian should try to make this world a better place by being a gospel light. You don’t know the day nor the hour. Don’t sit back and just decide to let the world go up in smoke. Realize that real people are going into an eternity without Christ. We must preach the gospel and not worry.