Birth Pains Sermon by Dr. Fred W. Penney, Matthew 24:1-14, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

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Birth Pains

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Feb 1, 2024 (message contributor)

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Scripture: Matthew 24:1-14, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Summary: This message unpacks Jesus teaching about how to live as his coming approaches and the church is challenged and persecuted by the secular and pagan culture.

Title: “Birth Pains”

Text: Matthew 24:1-14 (The Olivet Discourse)

Subject: How do we live for Christ as the age moves toward his return?

Complement: We live wisely, fearlessly, courageously, devotedly, missionally…with endurance inspired by his coming.

Big Idea; Jesus calls us to faithfulness as his coming approaches

Introduction - story of giving birth…Our first son,Joel was born after 20 hours of labour. Our first daughter, Heather was almost born in the car…she was ready before the doctor was – my wife had to hold off pushing...You may remember that in Genesis 3 God gives “pain in childbirth to Eve” (and all women!... so, Don’t yell at your husband – yell at Eve - “thanks a lot Eve!!!”

Our text; Matthew 24:1-14

Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2 “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.” 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,”they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Original Context: Olivet discourse – discourse # 5 (for the 12 disciples)

Location - Mt of Olives (same place where Jesus will ascend/return!!!)

There are Many “Apocalyptic” overtones in this passage

Verse 2 - “not one stone will be left untouched…”

When? ask the disciples. (Verse 3)

The fall of the temple occurs about 35 years later in AD 70.

Since then it has never been rebuilt - now the Church is God's temple.

Second question - What will be the sign of your coming?

There is a near and a far-off dimension to the questions and the answer.

These 2 Q – near & future elements are purposely intertwined - The near event, the destruction of Jerusalem, serves as a symbol – wake-up call - for the far event.

Our context in the 21st century ... is it the …“end of the age?”

Honestly - I don’t know… are we in a season of trouble? …are we nearing the end of the age and the coming of Christ?

Jesus’ answer is Watch! ... 4 times in Mt 24-25 = be alert

How are we to live in these days?

Jesus gives us his teaching on how to live in these times of trouble and upheaval...

1. Live Wisely - Beware Of Deception And Deceivers: V. 4-5

“Many will come in my name – I am the messiah”

People agree that we need a messiah – since the world is “in such a mess” – and this isn’t new!

the world is a mess..

Discrimination

Poverty

War