C.A.C SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR DECEMBER 18, 2022 : TOPIC – THE END-TIME REVIVAL

Now 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?” (Matthew 24:3)

The candlesticks of the end-time Church must shine so brightly to give Christ’s light to the ageing and perishing world.

BRIEF COMMENT:

Every time, either past, present, or in the future has its own peculiarities and realities. The end time that we are in has its own waves too, and we are privileged to be part of the people to experience it, a time of great and mighty happenings – the end-time realities.

The Word of God must be fulfilled and is being fulfilled as revealed in the realities of the age we are in. However, God has a plan which is to see the gospel preached to all the nations of the world. The disciples asked Jesus for the signs of His second coming and of the end of the age: Tell disciples asked Jesus for the signs of His second coming and of the ending of the age: Tell us, when will these things be?! And what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age? These questions are too loaded to makes us, the end-time believers, to be privy to the realities of the end-time. They immediately suggest to us: Firstly, that these are happenings we should be expecting in these latter days. Secondly, that Jesus is coming back again, and there are evidences that can help us to be vigilant as we expect His second advent. Then, thirdly, the signs of the end of the age are evidences to let us realise we are approaching the end of everything.

The response of Jesus, which is not included in the memory scripture: “Take heed that no one deceives you’ Matt. 24:4, quickly assists us to know what we are going to be facing in this end-time – deception and falsehood. These will be so rife in the end-time that even some believers shall be victims

Many had already been deceived because of their unguarded susceptibility for signs, wonders and miracles. Thus, many false prophets with counterfeit spiritual power and authority would lure some people from the Way of Truth and Life. Serious end-time revival would be the only thing to help the believers and church at large to sail through end-time satanic onslaught. Cry to God for revival!

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS FOR WEEK ONE

Mon. Dec. 12: Let Every Nation Walk with God (Psa. 9:7)

Tue. Dec. 13: Let No One Deceive You (2 Thess. 2:3

Wed. Dec. 14: Love Of Pleasure Breeds War (Jas. 4:1-3)

Thur. Dec. 15: Loving God Overcomes Famine (Psa. 34:10)

Fri. Dec. 16: Lord Jesus Hates Denial (Matt. 10:33)

Sat. Dec. 17: Lord Jesus’ Grace Is Expedient (Rev. 22:21)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS:

1. The urgent need of the church now is the end-time revival that will usher in the coming off our Lord and His kingdom.

2. Yes, the end time revival is the means through which the church at the end time realises its full potential in Christ Jesus and triumph against end time satanic onslaught. Are you eagerly waiting for the promised end-time revival?

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:1-31; Revelation 20::1-15

AIM AND OBJECTIVES:

AIM: To make us know that end-time revival is what the church urgently needs to be saved from the realities of the end-time.

OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:

i. identify some of the realities of the end-time;

ii. identify and discuss some of the tools needed to bring about the end-time revival;

iii. know some of the prophecies that are being fulfilled and those yet to be fulfilled; and

iv. show eagerness and hunger for Evangelism and Revival.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: MATTHEW 24:3-31; 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-9; REVELATION 20:10-15; 21:8

Blessed be the name of the Lord for the revelations He daily loads us with through His Word. May we not be found guilty of these precious and undeserved privileges of knowing His hidden secrets in Jesus’ name. Amen. The previous lesson, the eleventh in the series, THE JOY OF TRUE REVIVAL, which is the result of true repentance and desire to follow the Lord uncompromisingly, has come and gone. Yet, we are not elusive of this wonderful and glorious joy of the Lord. May the refreshing presence of the Lord continue to give us everlasting joy. Amen.

This lesson marks the end of this Sunday school series (July – December 2022), and it is the consciousness of the realities of the end-time, i.e. things that must happen at the end of this age–wars and its rumours, natural disasters, religious persecution, apostasy, etc, which are already happening around us, as we are in the last days. The knowledge of these realities is meant, among other things, to encourage, strengthen, realign, revive and restore the believers towards the glorious coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, our prayer is that, this one-week lesson will help to re-establish our faith and increase our hunger for the promised end-time revival, even as we make ourselves selflessly and sacrificially available, in Jesus’ name.

INTRODUCTION TO EACH DIVISION:

This is a one-week lesson, divided into parts A and B, respectively.

DIVISION I—-THE END-TIME REVIVAL:

This lone division takes on two crucial issues, A: the realities of the end-time and B: revival in the end-time. The books of Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy are the point of call as we examine the realities of the end-time. While the same Matthew 24 from verse 14 through 31 and Revelation 20 verse 10 through 15; 21:8 avail us the opportunity to examine the revival in the end time.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. THE END-TIME REVIVAL

A. REALITIES OF THE END-TIME

B. REVIVAL IN THE END-TIME

LESSON EXPOSITION

I. THE END-TIME REVIVAL (Matthew 24:3-31; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; Revelation 20:10-15; 21:8)

The end time revival simply refers to the spiritual reawakening, and awareness that the church and our society at large must experience, to be free from some of the end time realities as are with us. Unless we experience revival — spiritual alertness, rejuvenation and awakening we may not be able to be free from the satanic spirit and anti-Christ in charge of this time we are in. Be ready for the end-time revival.

A. REALITIES OF THE END-TIME (Matt. 24:3-12; 2 Tim. 3:1-9)

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold (Matt. 24:12)

i. 2 Tim. 3:1-9: It is obvious we are in the end-time, with its attendant realities. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come… Part of the realities of the end time is the fact that the time is perilous; a time that is characteristically dangerous/unsafe.

ii. vv. 2-5: Why the dangers? Unbridled love for money and pleasure, self-concerned, pride, deceit, immorality, hypothetical living, among others.

iii. Matt. 24:4: Jesus’ first response to the question asked by His disciples concerning signs of the end-time is, Take heed that no one deceives you. Deceit is one of the killers of revival and characteristic of the end-time. In fact, many false prophets have risen, deceiving many (v.11), fulfilling the mission of their father, the devil (Jn. 8:44).

iv. vv. 6-7: World violence and natural disasters are part of the realities we hear of in this age, in different parts of the world. What of epidemic outbreaks? Is COVID-19 over?

v. For nation will rise against nation… famine and earthquakes. This is another reality. However, Jesus encourages us not to be troubled for these things must come to pass. God’s Word must be fulfilled; the end is here. Beware! Be at alert!

vi. vv. 12: Another realities is …lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold, i.e. lukewarm attitude to the things of God would be prevalent. Sin and wickedness shall also run wild in the last days (2 Thess. 2:1ff; 2 Tim. 3:1ff). In the midst of these, are we still expecting revival?

vii. Many people have been doomed by the perils of the end-time, including believers in Christ Jesus. Only those who are alert, awake and awaiting revival and the arrival of the bridegroom wit their lamps trimmed and filled with oil with be triumphant.

B. REVIVAL IN THE END-TIME (Matt. 24:24-31; Rev. 20:10-15; 21:8)

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and the end will come (Matt. 24:14).

i. Matt. 24:29-31: The urgent need of Church, now, is the end-time revival that will usher in the coming of our Lord and His kingdom.

ii. vv. 14: This gospel of the kingdom …The end-time revival is the revival of the Word. God’s Word will be preached in all the world before the end comes—Revival and Evangelism (cf. 28:18).

iii. The gospel, amongst other things, is God’s tool/power to bring men to salvation and establish the saved (Rom. 1:16; 10:12-14).

iv. Missions and Media must be maximised appropriately to enhance the propagation of the gospel. We are in information age!

v. Rev. 20:10-15; 21:8: The end time revival will mop up uncleanliness, immorality and ungodliness that are prevalent everywhere, and mark the distinction between those serving God and those who are not.

vi. Like the Psamist (85:6) and Prophet Habakkuk (3:2), we shouldn’t just preach about revival, we must consciously pray for it. Prayer is another veritable tool to revival (2 Chr. 7:14; cf. Lk. 22:40; 1 Thess. 5:17).

vii. It is selfishness and against God’s will for us who have been saved to hesitate, or be reluctant in carrying out the great commission, God’s only tool to win the world over to Himself and get them discipled for His eternal agenda.

LESSONS DERIVED

1. We are in the end-time. Let us be more concerned with being prepared to face the realities God’s way, so that we don’t become victims.

2. Satan is desperately recruiting people for the end-time challenge. We must therefore intensify efforts to stay alert and be watchful.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the realities of the end-time as taught in this lesson?

2 there are some tools to bring about the end-time revival. Discuss some of these.

SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:

ANSWER TO QUESTION 1:

i. The end-time beginnings immediately after the ascension of Jesus back to heaven. Prior to His ascension in Matthew 24, Jesus cleared air on what the latter time will be; it evidences and happenings.

ii. The realities of the end-time include the coming of the perilous times i.e. dangerous period and alluring deceitfulness (1 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Tim. 3:1-5)

iii. World violence and natural disasters, famine and earthquakes are evidently rampaging the world at large.

iv. Lawlessness, lukewarmness and backsliding which have become cankerworm eating into the fabric of all sector of our society attest to the truth that we are in the end-time.

v. The fulfillment of the prophecies from God’s word starting from the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ and those of Jesus while on earth are all realities of the end time.

vi. Christians are obliged to be on guard, awake and alert against the onslaught of the end-time spirits.

ANSWER TO QUESTION 2:

The tools include:

i. Aggressive evangelism; living and preaching the Word of God till every part of the world is reached.

ii. Genuine intercessors are needed.

iii. Without genuine, unceasing and heartfelt prayers, revival may tarry (Why revival tarries). 1 Thess. 5:17

iv. Forsake not the fellowship of the brethren.

v. Do not take your quiet time for granted.

vi. Read your Bible everyday. Rom. 12:2, Jn. 17:17

vii. Endure hardship as true soldier of the Cross

viii. Persecution is part of the end time deal; be ready for it and endure it (2 Tim. 3:10-12).

LIFE APPLICATION:

It is no gainsaying that we are in the days where all of the signs prophesied by Jesus Himself are already happening. Every nation of the world is having its own fair-share of the effect and impacts of the happenings, Our duty is to wake up and ask that the Lord fulfills the promise of the end-time revival which will help to awaken, strengthen and sustain the sleeping, lukewarm and backslidden disciples of Jesus at this end-time. We must know that they are bound to take effect not to destroy us but to prepare us for our ultimate salvation. Also, we must also play our part by maximising the tools for revival for a more aggressive evangelism even as we trust God to see the nations lightened with the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION:

We have come to the end of the lesson 12, which is the last of the 12 lessons in the series (July to December, 2022) of the Sunday School to the glory of God. We have been overwhelmingly blessed by God through the instrumentality of His Word through the Sunday school. May we all be alert and awake as we await the arrival of the end time revival, which will usher in the coming official Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.