By Chuck Williams
Interim Pastor, First Baptist Church, Milan
Focal Passage: Matthew 24:1-14
Destruction (vv. 1-3). The first few verses refer to King Herod who had taken the existing temple and completely refurbished and remodeled it. He doubled its size and doubled the land on which it sat. This was his finest building project of which he had many. Its grandeur was a wonder to behold.
All of that changed in 66 A.D., just as Jesus prophesied. The Jews rebelled against the Roman Empire and four years later in 70 A.D. Roman legions, under Titus Caesar Vespasianus, attacked and destroyed Jerusalem.
The temple desecration was the saddest part of the destruction. Just as Jesus prophesied, “There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (v. 2).
“The temple building was set ablaze. The heat from the fire was so intense the stones crumbled. The rubble was then sifted to retrieve the melted gold” (John McArthur Study Bible) which was then used in the building of the Roman Coliseum.
The destruction of churches is always a sign. What kind of sign? A sign that evil is running rampant and unabated. In the end times, churches will be attacked and destroyed, but this will only serve to multiply the spreading of the gospel.
Deception (vv. 4-8). Another sign will be the willingness of many to believe lies. Even though a false gospel is being presented by one who claims to be the next Messiah, those who have turned from the Truth will follow the lie. What are the lies and who is behind them? I Timothy 4:1 says, “In the last days some will follow after doctrine of demons.”
Evil spirits will be constantly questioning God’s Word to such an extent that what has been held in high regard will be thrown aside for the pursuing of the desires of the flesh. Are we seeing this now? Today’s events certainly line up with Scripture’s warnings.
Defection (vv. 9-12). Another sign is defection from the faith. To fall away is the Greek word “skandalon,” which means to put out a trap or cause to stumble. Jesus used this term 13 times in Matthew.
This is the time of terrible apostasy, betrayal, suffering and death. Not only will people fall away from Jesus, but these apostates will betray and hate believers (Holman N.T. Commentary).
People will then do everything that is contrary to the will of God. Our country seems to be on a fast track to such. People’s minds have grown numb to the needs of others and focused on their own pleasure and protection. Their love has grown as cold as an iceberg.
Determination (vv. 13-14). Endurance is the key word found in this passage. Will the saints hold strong and have faith? Endurance or perseverance is proof of the genuineness of faith that leads to spiritual maturity. It is also proof of the genuineness of our salvation. We must remain ourselves in godliness, teach your children the solid truths of right and wrong in scripture. Okay, I changed my mind; don’t just teach them, indoctrinate, and saturate with the Bible.
Christ has overcome the grave, hell, Satan and sin. His life abides in us, therefore the one who endures is also a Christ overcomer! B&R