DCLM Search The Scripture Youth For February May 14, 2023 : Topic – SIGNS OF THE END
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YOUTH STS
LESSON 61
SIGNS OF THE END
Memory Verse: “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3).
TEXT: Matthew 24:1-51; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 17:20-37: 21:5-38
In the previous chapter, Jesus had driven out those who abused the temple with their commercial activities. He condemned the Pharisees and Sadducees for their pride and hypocrisy. As He stepped out of the temple, He responded to His disciples’ observation about the temple. “And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down (Matthew 24:2). This statement by Christ led to the questions of the disciples in verse three of Matthew twenty-four. “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3). In His response, Jesus revealed to them the signs that would precede His coming and the events that would happen towards the end of the world.
Question 1: What do you understand by the term “end of the world”?
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up”(2 Peter 3:10). The end of this present and temporary would be marked with a significant and great event called the “rapture”. The dead in Christ and the saints on the earth would ascend to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Those that would be alive but missed the rapture because of their unpreparedness will suffer severely from the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation. This will last for a period of seven years and, thereafter, Jesus will literally come to the earth upon mount Olive termed the “Second Coming of Christ”
1. THE DISCIPLES’ ENQUIRY ON THE SIGNS OF THE END
(Matthew 24:1-3;Mark 13:1-4; Luke 17:20,37;Luke 21:5-7; Hosea 4:6;2 Timothy 2:23-25;Titus 3:9)
“And as he sat upon the mount of 0lives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” (Mark 13:3,4). Many youths have been lost to Satan because of lack of knowledge. The disciples of Jesus Christ enquired of Him on the signs of the end times. On this basis, our great Master uncovered what to observe as the world gets to an end.
Question 2: What are the benefits of asking relevant questions?
A wise youth asks salient questions that will better his academics, spiritual and social life. Coming to church is not just to make up the crowd but to add to knowledge and clarify doubts on uncertainties where they exist. Instead of asking questions from their God-fearing leaders and parents, some youths would rather go outside the fold and eventually become victims of deception. A right question from any youth will produce deep revelations like the disciples got from Christ in Our text.
“Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?“ (Matthew 22:17). The reason for this question by the Pharisees was to entangle Christ in His word. Some un godly youths would ask questions like the Pharisees from their teachers or parents with an evil intention. This wickedness will hinder them from being successful in life because as Jesus condemned the Pharisees, so they would be judged. However, youths should ask relevant questions that will help them academically, spiritually, socially and otherwise. “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes” (2 Timothy 2:23). Questions asked with sincere, humble, and open minds will receive revelation from God.
2. CHRIST’S EXPLANATION OF THE END-TIME SIGNS
(Matthew 24:4-41,Mark 13:5-31;Luke 17:22-37;21:8-33)
Christ was fond of clearing the doubts of His followers by responding, instructing and
enlightening them on any difficult issues that were brought to Him. Youth leaders must follow
the example of our Lord in responding to the questions and doubt of their flocks, referring difficult matters to the appropriate quarters to help them further.
Question 3: According to our texts, mention the signs of Jesus’ second coming and of the end of the world.
Jesus expounded on the events that would precede the end of this age. One, there would be fake christs or impostors around the world (verse 5). Two, wars and rumors of wars as nation shall rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom; there shall be famines and pestilence (outbreak of disease )
and earthquakes (verses 6,7). Three, the haters of the gospel would deliver believers up to be afflicted and killed for Christ’s sake (verse 9). Four, there shall be offences, mass betrayal and hatred of one another (verse 10). Five, many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many (verse 11). Six, iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold (verse 12) and Seven, the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations (verse 14). “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:34,35). The word of God is infallible. It has life and spiritual power and cannot go unfulfilled. Taking a closer look at these signs, it is clear that many have been fulfilled. This tells us that we are already in the last “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time”(1 John 2:18).
“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all” (Luke 17:26-29). In those days, Noah preached righteousness like Christ’s ministers today; unfortunately, only few heeded the word of salvation and were rescued from the flood. Youths who hear the word of God but refuse to repent, will be disappointed on the last day. “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly” (2 Peter 2:5).
3. CHRISTIAN PREPARATION FOR CHRIST’S COMING
(Matthew 24:42-51;Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-38; Luke16:19-30)
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come… Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:42,44). The days of a mortal man is limited on earth. His finite knowledge cannot predict the actual time he would die. Every serious, faithful and wise youth or servant of Christ should be aware of this so as to watch, prepare and be ready for heaven.
Question 4: How can youths prepare for heaven?
To be ready for heaven, sinning and backslidden youths should sincerely repent, return and be genuinely converted. Saved youths should seek higher Christian experience and be watchful. To be watchful means to quard against carelessness and ensure abstinence from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22); fight a good fight of faith and follow peace with all men at all costs (1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:14); avoid all worldliness and worldly amusements (1 John 2:15- 15); regularly observe the quiet time (Mark 1:35); fellowship with believers of like precious faith (Hebrews 10:25); avoid bad peers or friends (2 Corinthians 6:1 7 word God (Joshua 1:8). “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all then that dwell on the face of the who le earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:34-36). Some would miss heaven because of what men call a little sin but in the sight of God is a serious sin. A Christian youth therefore should watch against sin in words, actions, thoughts, character and habits. “And what I say unto you l say unto all, Watch” (Mark 13:37).