Keeping it Lit

Introduction: On last week on what we’ve been discussing about preaching the gospel because the last days are getting nearer and then judgment.

Transition: Matthew 25 is a continuation of chapter 24 as Jesus continues to teach about being aware and prepared.

I ended last week on Matthew 24:14

The rest of chapter 24 looks like this:

1. The abomination of Desecration – Daniel 9:27, 11:31 – An abomination is ‘something that causes disgust or hatred.’

We take the futurist view, which sees the abomination of desolation prophecy as still future. In our view, Jesus was referring to the Antichrist who, in the end times, will establish a covenant with Israel for seven years and then break it by doing something similar to what Antiochus Epiphanies did in the temple. The sacrilegious object Jesus called “the abomination of desolation” could be the “image of the beast” that the Antichrist’s right-hand man, the false prophet, will order to be set up and worshiped (Revelation 13:14). Of course, for Matthew 24:15 to be yet future, the temple in Jerusalem will have to be rebuilt before the tribulation begins.

Matthew 24:27-35

• Final Coming
  • Will be cosmic.Bitter for unbelieversSalvation for believersThe end of the world does not happen with destruction.
  • Return of Jesus = destruction and salvation
    
    
• NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR HOUR – 25:36
  

Transition: 24:42-25:13

I. Awareness

1. Thief/Burglar is Always on the prowl.

DON’T LET HIM IN!

Don’t even rent or lease a room to Him!

Aware all the time! V. 24:44

So, as opposed to the Thief / Burglar…

• The Faith Servant
  
  
  • A faithful servant is just that… faithful servant.
  • Must always manage his affairs and do things right.
    

II. Preparations – Matthew – 25: 1-5

Trimming the Lamps

• Prayer
• Obedience
• Loving
• Forgiving others

III. Manages his/her Responsibilities – 45-51

Question: What are we responsible for?

• For the faithful Servant – A reward; and more responsibility.
  
  
• Evil Servant – cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. (Where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth)

Conclusion: What were the brides really wanting…to be married to the groom. To have a life moving forward full of protection, fulfillment, grace, and peace.