Watch

Zephaniah 1:1-18; Mark 13:24-37 / Psalm 102:1-28

I. The Messiah Is Coming

A. When the end comes, no place will be secure from the transformation. “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.” (Mark 13:24-25)

B. There will be no way to continue life as usual; no way to muddle through will remain; the Lion Coming will be a total contrast to the gentle first or Lamb Coming. “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:” (Amos 8:9)

C. According to Peter, the end will come suddenly with cataclysmic, universal force. “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)

D. The settlement of all things will continue till all things are restored to their righteous order; the world will be appropriately terrified, but believers will be comforted. “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26) “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)

E. As God gathers all His elect, He will put an end to all institutions which oppress His people and restrain righteousness. “And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” (Mark 13:27) “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

II. Stay Focused

A. Jesus used a parable to clarify for His people what outsiders cannot understand; His parables always work that way. “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.” (Mark 13:28-29)

B. Calvin taught, “This prophecy does not relate to evils that are distant, and which posterity will see after the lapse of many centuries, but which are now hanging over you, and ready to fall in one mass, so that there is no part of it which the present generation will not experience. So then, while our Lord heaps upon a single generation every kind of calamities, He does not by any means exempt future ages from the same kind of sufferings, but only enjoins the disciples to be prepared for enduring them all with firmness.” “Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.” (Mark 13:30)

C. There will be skeptics as there were in Noah’s day, but do not be distracted as people were then; God keeps His promises and makes good on His threats. “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Mark 13:31) “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4)

III. Work; Don’t Teach What Can’t Be Known

A. Teaching what has not been revealed has always produced tragedy; take Jesus at His word. “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” (Mark 13:32)

B. Instead of speculating, pay attention, watch, and pray. “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.” (Mark 13:33-34)

1. Believers have work to do. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)

2. The Thessalonians severely tarnished their testimony when they neglected their heavenly instructions. “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)

C. When begged to rest during his final illness, Calvin said, “Would you have my Master find me idle?” “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:35-37)

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How To Read The Bible

I. Read with Respect

A. Scripture is without flaw; even people with limited intellect can become wise by interacting with it. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7)

B. Bible students develop keen understanding of reality. “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8)

C. Through Scripture a believer can encounter the standard of righteousness and eternal truth. “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” (Psalm 19:9)

D. Treat the Bible as enormously valuable; Scripture produces enduring value. “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:10)

II. Read for Restoration

A. When the people of God returned from the Babylonian Captivity, they began their restoration by turning to the Bible. “And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.” (Nehemiah 8:3)

B. The spiritual leader of the restoration instructed the nation from Scripture and the faithful leaders supported him in the project. “And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:” (Nehemiah 8:4-5)

C. The Bible teachers explained and taught the Bible till the people understood, repented, and turned to the Lord for the strength they now knew was not in them. “And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:6-10)

III. Read Expectantly

A. Church extension begins with Scripture and leads to an eternal inheritance. “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” (Acts 20:32)

B. The Bible provides all which is needed to equip Christian leaders. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

C. Study the Bible to get to heaven; knowledge of the gospel causes people to have hope in God and His promise of salvation. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

D. Bible preaching is the normal way of leading people to God and all that He has planned for His people. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:13-17)

He Warned Us

Daniel 10:1-21; Mark 13:14-23 / Proverbs 23:1-25

I. God Reveals the Future

A. God tells the end from the beginning; there are no surprises for God. “Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” (Isaiah 46:8-10)

B. Prudent people study the word of God and make provision for it. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” (Proverbs 22:3)

C. The world assumes there will be no accounting for sin, but God promises that sin will be punished. “For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” (Isaiah 26:21)

II. Expect Disaster

A. Disaster will come and those who understand will need to take informed precautions. “But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains.” (Mark 13:14)

B. Daniel often spoke of the abomination that would make desolate as he prophesied about the end time. “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” (Daniel 9:27)

C. In 168 BC, Antiochus Epiphanies erected an altar to Zeus in the Temple and sacrificed pigs. And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanies, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks. [1 Maccabees 1:10] Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundredth forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the Altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Juda, on every side: and burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the streets. And when they had rent in pieces the books of the Law which they found, they burnt them with fire. And wheresoever was found with any, the book of the Testament or if any consented to the Law, the king’s commandment was, that they should put him to death. [1 Maccabees 1:54-57]

D. When Titus besieged Jerusalem in 70 AD, one million Jews were destroyed according to the record of Josephus, but the Christians who assumed Jesus had been speaking of this period fled to Pella. “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.” (Luke 21:20) Let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains.” (Mark 13:14b)

III. Listen to the Warning

A. Jesus reminded the church of Isaiah’s warning that the world’s certainties will fail. “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light.” (Mark 13:24) “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.” (Isaiah 24:20-23)

B. Time will not advance as it always has. “And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.” (Mark 13:25) “For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.” (Isaiah 13:10)

C. When all the other certainties have failed, the world will see Christ return and establish a permanent kingdom. “And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26) “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:9-14)

D. God will gather His people to Himself. “And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” (Mark 13:27) “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” (Genesis 49:10)

Remember Your Trust

1 Timothy 6:11-21

I. Concentrate on the Right Things

A. Christians must both flee bad behavior and seek out righteous replacements. “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1 Timothy 6:11) “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

B. Good testimonies need to be cultivated constantly. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12) “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:” (1 Corinthians 9:25-26)

C. Jesus is the pattern to follow. “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (1 Timothy 6:13-14)

D. Everything will become obvious when the new order develops; the world is investing in wind and dust which will not last. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (1 Timothy 6:15) “But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.” (Jeremiah 10:10)

E. Christ alone distributes immortality; only what is done for Him can last. “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:16)

F. Christ is the Eternal. “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)

1. The Lord does not change. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

2. God’s heart has always been open to the humble. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15)

II. Maintain Godly Standards

A. Command the rich to trust in God rather than ephemeral worldly standards. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17)

B. Rich Christians must become charitable, as God is. “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” (1 Timothy 6:18) “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” (Psalm 37:3)

C. The wise thing is to invest in what will survive the end-time judgment. “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:19) “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

D. People get what they seek. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:8-9)

III. Protect What Is Right

A. People who succumb to the spirit of the age and fashionable mythology lose their sure footing in the experience of historic Christianity. “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:” (1 Timothy 6:20)

B. Each age has a way of discrediting what went before; Christians should not have to personally repurchase every insight which sustains life. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

C. The testimony of believers is undergirded and certified by the faithfulness and love of the Christians who taught historic truth. “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 1:13)

D. Starting with an unscriptural foundation may look wise, but it commonly destroys believers. “Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.” (1 Timothy 6:21)

E. Trust God and He will give what the world cannot supply—grace and truth. “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:16-17)

Impossible Jobs—Part 2

1 Timothy 6:1-10

I. The Rewards Are Worth the Effort

A. Christian contentment is actually incredibly valuable. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

1. Physical exercise brings immediate and valuable benefits but they are not long term like spiritual benefits. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

2. A Christian ought to let God decide what is best rather than attempt to out provide Heaven. “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11)

3. Jesus promised that those who look to God will get what they need from Him. “(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:32-33)

B. Learn to measure realistically. “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” (Psalm 37:16)

C. The treasures of this world are temporary. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:7)

D. Job understood life and blessed God. “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)

II. Only Faithfulness Is Essential

A. All believers really need from the world is enough resources to be faithful to God. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:8)

B. Remember how God provided for Israel in the Wilderness. “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.” (Deuteronomy 8:3-4)

C. Pretty trinkets snare people just as lures catch fish; the trinkets are dangerous but not essential. “Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” (Proverbs 30:8-9)

III. Do Not Clutch at Clouds

A. One wrong path leads to many more wrong paths; bad choices cultivate bad choices. “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Timothy 6:9)

B. Lot chose what he could not keep while Abraham kept searching for the eternal city. “And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” (Genesis 13:10-13)

C. When self-interest becomes more important than faithfulness to God, only bad things follow. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10)