The Signs of Christ's Coming, Part 3 (Matthew 24:6–14) John MacArthur

Matthew Chapter 24: The Olivet Discourse

Introduction to the Discourse

• The speaker expresses excitement about revisiting Matthew chapter 24, emphasizing its significance as a teaching on Jesus' second coming.

• This chapter is known as the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus responds to the disciples' questions regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and signs of His return.

Questions from the Disciples

• The disciples inquire about when certain events will occur, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the establishment of God's kingdom.

• They believe these events are imminent, possibly just days or weeks away, due to Jesus’ previous statements about desolation.

Jesus' Response and Future Events

• In response, Jesus provides an extensive answer detailing future events leading up to His return, indicating that His coming is not immediate.

• He describes "birth pains" that will precede His kingdom's establishment, suggesting a series of significant occurrences before His arrival.

Understanding Birth Pains

• These birth pains symbolize various tribulations that will intensify as they approach Christ’s second coming.

• The discourse highlights a time called "the Great Tribulation," which is characterized by severe trials and challenges for humanity.

Prophetic Insights from Old Testament

• The disciples misunderstood Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's first and second comings; they expected one singular event without recognizing a gap between them.

• Paul refers to this period between comings as a mystery now revealed in New Testament teachings.

Signs Before Christ's Return

First Sign: Deception

• Jesus warns against deception by false Christs who will arise during tumultuous times, misleading many people.

• This deception is particularly relevant in future tribulations when societal systems collapse under sinfulness.

Second Sign: Wars and Rumors of Wars

• Following deception, there will be widespread wars and conflicts among nations. This signifies escalating global tensions leading up to Christ’s return.

• While wars have always existed, their intensity during this period will be unprecedented with continuous reports of conflict globally.

The Nature of Warfare in End Times

Global Conflict Described by Daniel

• Daniel prophesies significant warfare involving major world powers converging on Israel during end times.

• Antichrist emerges as a dominant figure amidst these conflicts, establishing control over Europe while facing opposition from other global forces.

Zechariah's Prophecy on Final Battles

• Zechariah predicts all nations gathering against Jerusalem for battle; this aligns with earlier prophetic insights regarding end-time warfare.

Devastation During Tribulation

Third Sign: Devastation through Natural Disasters

• Alongside wars and deceptions, natural disasters such as famines and earthquakes will plague various regions simultaneously during this period.

• These calamities signify not only physical suffering but also spiritual turmoil as humanity faces divine judgment amid rampant sin.

This structured summary captures key themes from Matthew Chapter 24 based on provided timestamps while maintaining clarity for study purposes.

The Beginning of Tribulation and Its Consequences

Overview of the Tribulation

• The church and all redeemed individuals are taken away before the tribulation begins, leading to a period where evil is unrestrained.

• Revelation 9 describes hell opening up, releasing demons that multiply and deceive humanity through signs and wonders as sin escalates.

Earthquakes as Signs

• Revelation 6:12 introduces the Sixth Seal, marking significant earthquakes as part of the beginning of sorrows.

• By Revelation 16:18, another great earthquake occurs at the end of tribulation, causing massive destruction including islands fleeing and mountains flattening.

Famine During Tribulation

Economic Devastation

• Revelation 6:6 indicates severe famine conditions where a day's wage only buys minimal food supplies.

• Chapter 8 reveals further devastation with hail and fire destroying crops, exacerbating famine across a quarter of the earth.

Water Crisis

• A third of sea creatures die due to plagues affecting water sources; fresh water becomes scarce leading to widespread death from thirst.

Pestilence and Plagues

Escalating Health Crises

• As bowls of wrath are poured out in chapter 16, painful sores afflict those who worship the beast.

• The sun scorches people with heat while darkness envelops the earth, creating an environment filled with unimaginable suffering.

Demonic Activity and Warfare

Release of Evil Forces

• In chapter 9, demonic beings torment humanity akin to scorpion stings; people seek death but cannot find it.

• Satan's expulsion from heaven leads to increased chaos on earth as he brings forth unprecedented evil.

Bloodshed and Judgment

Catastrophic Events

• Revelation 14:20 depicts bloodshed so vast it reaches horse bridles over a distance equivalent to 200 miles in Israel.

• Final judgments include turning seas into blood and devastating plagues that lead to extreme suffering among populations.

Signs from Heaven

Cosmic Disturbances

• Prophecies indicate celestial bodies will be affected; stars fall like figs shaken by wind signaling divine judgment.

Conclusion on Birth Pains

• All these events are described as "the beginning of birth pains," indicating they precede Christ's return. Jewish teachings recognize this concept well.

Persecution of Believers

Widespread Affliction

• True believers will face intense persecution during this time; many will be arrested or killed for their faith in Christ.

Role of Witnesses

• Two witnesses will proclaim truth during tribulation despite facing murder by those rejecting their message.

Defection Among Believers

Betrayal Under Pressure

• Many believers may defect under pressure; some betray fellow Christians rather than face persecution themselves. This reflects superficial faith lacking true commitment.

The Signs of the End Times

The Nature of Wickedness in the Last Days

• The speaker describes a future where gross immorality will be prevalent, leading to widespread wickedness and causing many to lose their love for good ().

• Reference is made to 2 Timothy 3, highlighting characteristics of people in the last days: lovers of self, ungrateful, disobedient, and traitors ().

• The idea that pleasure-seeking will overshadow love for God is emphasized as a sign of moral decline ().

Endurance as Evidence of Salvation

• Endurance through trials is presented as a hallmark of true believers; those who endure until the end will be saved ().

• Jesus' teaching in Matthew 10:22 reinforces that enduring persecution demonstrates one's salvation ().

• Revelation 2:10 mentions "overcomers," indicating that perseverance amidst challenges signifies genuine faith ().

The Role of the Gospel Before the End

• A declaration is made about the necessity for the gospel to be preached globally before Christ's return; this serves as a precursor to establishing His Kingdom ().

• Despite impending chaos and lawlessness, there will be a worldwide proclamation of the gospel as part of God's plan ().

Final Evangelization Before Judgment

• Revelation 14 describes an angel tasked with preaching the everlasting gospel just before final judgment occurs on Earth ().

• This supernatural evangelization aims to call all nations back to God before catastrophic events unfold, emphasizing urgency in repentance and faithfulness ().

Living with Eternity in View

• The speaker encourages listeners to live righteously and prepare for Christ’s return by focusing on eternal values rather than temporal concerns ().

• A prayer concludes with an appeal for readiness and awareness regarding those without Christ, urging action while there is still time before His return ().