CLOSED DOORS
Matt 24:32-33
Introduction:
1. The Disciples had asked of the Lord;“When shall these things be”?
2. “NOW learn of a parable of the fig tree”
3. Note the word “WHEN”: He was beginning to discuss the end of time and His return.
4. We see in the first part of his statement that it could apply to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. as well as the end of time. (vs. 32-35)
5. However, Jesus definitely said this passage had to do with the end of time only: and the coming of the Son of Man. (vs 37, 39)
6. When will Christ return? He reveals four significant points:
a. The time can generally be discerned (32-35) (happen within one generation)
b. The actual day and hour are known only to God (36)
c. The day will come suddenly-unexpectedly-shattering the world of unbelievers (37-39)
d. The day will be a time of separation and judgment.
7. Jesus said this will happen, even at the doors: but what doors does he speak?
1. The Door that Shuts the Lord in: the Door of Prayer
a. Matt 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
b. Literally, this means to pray behind closed doors.
c. This does not forbid prayer in the open, or encourage cowardice.
d. It does forbid prayer for display
e. When we pray we should shut out all interferences and interruptions, placing all thoughts upon God.
f. Jesus said: “pray to the Father”
2. The Door that Shuts the Lord out: the Door of Luke-warmness (indifference)
a. Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
b. Note the context:
c. Christ had been on the inside: but now is on the outside>
d. He had been crowded out by the lukewarmness of the Laodicean Christians.
e. But he knocks, seeking admittance again!
f. Has he been crowded out of your heart by lukewarmness?
g. Why not admit Him and commune with Him?
3. The Door that shuts man in: the Door of Preparation.
a. God shut Noah and his family in
i. Made them secure from the ravages of the flood because they were prepared.
1. Gen 7:16 And they that went in; went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.
2. The Lord shut the door for the five wise virgins
a. These were admitted inside because of their preparedness
b. Against the dangers and the darkness of the outside
i. Matt 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
b. Preparation is everything to God in your life
i. YOU MUST PREPARE
1. your mind
a. Job 8:8 For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:
2. your family
3. your brethren
a. 2 Chr 35:6 So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
4. your friends and neighbors
a. (1 Samuel 7) Samuel to Israel= “prepare your hearts towards God, and He will deliver you form the hands of the Philistines”
5. If you don’t prepare all of these=
a. Jer 22:7-8 And I will prepare destroyers against thee, every one with his weapons: and they shall cut down thy choice cedars, and cast them into the fire. And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Why has the LORD done thus unto this great city?
6. Jesus said;
a. John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
4. The Door that Shuts the Man Out: The Door of Negligence. (lack of Preparation)
a. The same door that shut Noah and his family in: also shut the wicked world out!
b. The same door that shut the wise virgins in , also shut the foolish virigns out.
i. Matt 25:11-12 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said,Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
ii. Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Conlcusion:
1. Which door do you stand behind?
a. Do you shut the Lord in with the Door of prayer?
b. Do you shut the Lord out through indifference?
i. Are you Lukewarm in your heart and faith?
c. Are you shut in safely behind the door of preparation?
d. Or are you shut out because of the lack of preparation by negligence?
e. Consider today what side of the door you stand;
i. And does God’s Son, Jesus Christ stand there with you?
