November 18, 2019
Jesus Saves. Endure in Him.
Matthew 24:1–14
Joshua Lindsey
Central Truth
Jesus Christ will return one day. Until He does, the enemy will do what it takes to deceive you. Trust in Jesus Christ for your salvation, and you will be saved. Once you have trusted in Christ, He commands us to persevere in our faith and in God's promises.
Key Verse | Matthew 24:13
"But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
Matthew 24:1–14
Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple
1 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
Signs of the End of the Age
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away 1 24:10 Or stumble and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 24:1–14
With the rise of social media and the internet, we have the ability to receive news faster than ever. This causes us to be more aware of how scary the world around us really is and that many things Jesus mentioned are occurring. Earthquakes are happening in locations where they aren't supposed to. Evil is rising. Television is pushing agendas to make us a more tolerant society. We can even fit the largest library of pornography in our pockets to access anywhere at anytime.
But the brokenness of the world isn’t new, even with new devices. Cain killed Abel in an open field (Genesis 4:8). The devices we use to sin are not the problem; it is our hearts. And our hearts are the engine behind our ability to endure.
This passage warns us with a long list of things to watch for and not be deceived by, so long as we cling to this promise: "The one who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:13) With my renewed focus on Jesus a few years ago, I became free from an addiction to pornography. That addiction started at age 11, and the enemy constantly tries to lure me back. When that doesn’t work, he turns to other outlets such as busyness, financial stress, or pride. Enduring against temptation is a daily choice as a believer in Christ. I have seen firsthand the joy that comes from making Jesus my primary focus, and I will continue to endure.
I challenge you today to not focus on the when and how, but the who. Focus on Jesus. Go out and tell others your victories over sin—over the ultimate deception. Be on guard because the devil will always try to deceive you in new ways. Endure, friends. It will be so worth it now and in eternity!
Discussion Questions
1. What lies or deceptions do you have to resist the most?
2. Who is someone you could positively impact by sharing your struggles and victories?
3. What does Jesus mean in Matthew 24:2 when He answers the disciples' comment in Matthew 24:1b with, "Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."?
4. What is the best way to endure to the end?