Bible study:
In Mtt 24 Jesus answers the question raised by the disciples (v.3) regarding the second coming of Christ and the end of the world. He takes them through a series of happenings which will take place.
Coming of many in the name of Christ and deceive many is the first (vs.4,5). In the last few decades we have been witnessing a lot of popular self appointed evangelists who have impressed up on the masses in the name of Christ healing, doing miracles, bringing fire down and even declaring themselves to be Christ himself. They have been from the west as well as east, from Americas, Africa and Korea. They all usually end up with non biblical or extra biblical teachings and petty doctrines which people are enticed with. Even among traditional religious gurus some have claimed Christ indwelling them. More than a life in the Kingdom with God by the help, guidance and control of His indwelling Spirit, man is after physical, psychological, emotional and material gains which are easily and readily offered by these false representations.
In vs 6-8, Jesus warns them about a turbulent world- politically, economically and with natural calamities. It is not the end but an increase of such indicating a progression of sorrows. This is being experienced today by the expression of grief and sorrow by world leaders to each other for what is happening in countries around the world and at the same time hideously helping the process or causing them to happen. The accumulation of atomic and chemical warfare and the treacherous arms trade from the developed nations proves this.
Institutionalized and organized persecution of Christians universally is what Jesus speaks of in vs.9 and 10. This is initiated with draconic liberal and secular as well as immoral laws in the west, governmental and social alienation in some religious nations, social discrimination and civil right alienation in other countries. Hating in the name of religion is becoming a common modern phenomenon.
An increase of false and heretical teaching within the Church and coldness in an active relationship with God is the next in vs.11 and 12. Nominal and religious Christianity is becoming very popular even among Evangelicals and charismatics including Pentecostals. Form and expression are increasingly giving way to true doctrine and integrity of heart. Worship songs, music, concerts with emotional and forms of ‘Bhakti’ are becoming the norm without faith, commitment and a life style which follows and proves them.
In v.13 Jesus challenges His disciples for a consistent and committed holding on to faith which last till the end assuring salvation- entrance into the eternal Kingdom. He had taught them the same through the Kingdom parables before. Not all who call themselves Christians, who commit themselves for a term in mission and spiritual journey, or even those minister in the church or do miracles in His name are accepted into the Kingdom. This consistent and committed holding on to faith is not possible with any human effort but by a continuous and humble dependence on the indwelling Holy Spirit in conscious submission to Him on a daily basis and trusting on the grace of God which sustains us. It is humbling but amazingly true- not me but Christ (Gal 2:20) and it is His work in me (Phil 1:6) and all praise and glory belongs to Him.
In v 14 Jesus gives a sign of the end with an essential duty assigned to His Church. His message has to be made known and His presence and power displayed universally through the presence of a local church- the community of believers. We need a church everywhere, though small and insignificant it needs to be present everywhere emanating the message and His living presence in their midst. We need churches in every locality, every village, every people group and we need to be communicating the message in every language. That is the mission of the church towards the apocalypse- the fulfillment of things eternal.
For this every Christian is equipped by God in Acts 1:8 and local churches have to call out their members to be active witnesses wherever they are- in the market place, cultivating fields, offices, schools and colleges. They have to live and spell out the message whenever there is an opportunity. They should not hide their burning lamps under a bed, but shine out. This mission is not for the missionaries, the Pastors and church leaders; it is for every Christian who acknowledges Jesus as Lord.
Then Jesus goes on to explain from 24:15 through Chr 25, some of the events, its effects and the preparedness we need to have in accomplishing the mission. He follows on with the results as well as warning through the parables of talents, virgins etc and finally showing them the dramatic final judgment. So Christians are called to God’s mission on earth in the context of what Jesus has accomplished, the church is doing here and now and the final judgment of the saints before the Lord. It is an opportunity and challenge with a warning to heed and act.
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