Matthew 24:44
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of being ready for the end times, as Jesus' prediction of the destruction of the Temple and the signs of the end are fulfilled.
Chuck Smith discusses the signs of the end of the world as foretold in Matthew 24:44, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and prepared for Christ's return. He explains that the disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the end of the age reflect a Jewish context, not the church, and warns against false prophets who distract from the truth of Scripture. Smith highlights the signs of the times, including wars, famines, and natural disasters, urging believers to focus on God's eternal purposes with Israel and to read the Bible for guidance. He concludes with the call to watch and be ready, as the exact time of Christ's return is unknown.
Text
"THE END OF THE WORLD"
Intro: "The end of the world is near." We used to associate this warning
with sandwich boards. Now it is being said by men with PhD's who have
majored in Ecology. By men who are considered military experts, and by
diplomats and analysts who study the world.
I. THE QUESTION OF DISCIPLES.
A. Prompted by Jesus prediction of the destruction of the Temple.
1. "Not one stone."
2. Amazing fulfillment.
B. When shall these things be?
What shall the sing of Thy coming?
And of the end of the aionios.
C. The rapture of the church is not at all in view here.
1. This address to nation Israel not to church.
a. "Let them that be in Judea."
b. "Pray your flight be not on the Sabbath day."
2. Those who fail to recognize God's eternal purposes with
Israel, the restoration of the nation have prophesy all
messed up.
a. The disciples question concerning the end of
age, which age? Jewish.
b. If they constancy say "send for my booklet."
"Read my pamphlet." "Read our books or
magazines." Why?
c. Read the Bible!
II. THE SIGNS OF THE END.
A. "Nation shall rise against nation," and kingdom.
1. Signifies worldwide state of war.
2. Famines 10,000 starved to death in China.
3. Pestilences.
4. Earthquakes.
5. "Many false prophets shall arise."
a. How can I tell a false prophet?
b. If they consistently say "send for my booklet,"
"Read my pamphlets," Read our books or
magazines." Why?
c. Read the Bible!
6. The gospel shall be preached vs. 14.
7. "The abomination of desolation."
a. The image of the anti-Christ.
8. "For then shall be great tribulation," Elect here not
church but Israel.
III. THE NEW AGE VS. 30.
A. Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man.
1. Mourn?
2. Gather His Elect.
B. Parable of the Fig tree.
C. Impossibility of knowing day or hour.
D. Watch ye therefore and be ye ready.
Sermon Outline
- The Question of Disciples points: - Prompted by Jesus' prediction of the destruction of the Temple - When shall these things be? - The rapture of the church is not at all in view here
- The Signs of the End points: - Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom - Many false prophets shall arise - The gospel shall be preached
- The New Age points: - Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man - Parable of the Fig tree - Impossibility of knowing day or hour
Key Quotes
“Not one stone shall be left upon another, every stone shall be thrown down.” — Chuck Smith
“Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” — Chuck Smith
“Watch ye therefore and be ye ready, for ye know not the day nor the hour.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Be ready for the end times, as the day and hour are unknown.
- Recognize false prophets by their promotion of their own writings and materials instead of the Bible.
- The gospel being preached is a sign of the end times, and we should be prepared to share it with others.