Main Text: Matthew 24:32–35 (ESV) 32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

Preaching Point: Knowing Christ’s words will outlast the world should cause you to trust his promises and live for what will last.

Teaching Points:

1. Trust the Certainty of Christ’s Words (vv. 32–34)
2. Invest in What Lasts (v. 35)

Application Questions

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Isaiah 55:10–11 and Isaiah 46:9–10. What do these passages teach about the certainty of God’s Word?
3. What would treating Christ’s words as more certain than even your own death practically look like this week?
4. Christ says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” What are some things in this world that you are tempted to treat as though they will last forever?
5. Read Matthew 6:19–21 and Colossians 3:1–4. How should the temporary nature of this world change what you value and pursue?
6. If someone examined your calendar, bank account, and topics of discussion from the past month, what might they conclude you are investing your life in?
7. What areas of your life (your time, relationships, money, career, or possessions) do you need to invest more intentionally in what will last?
8. What are one or two specific changes you can make this week to ensure those areas are eternally focused?

Main Text: Matthew 24:29–31 (ESV) 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Preaching Point: Every Christian should long for the glorious return of Christ, when he will unmistakably appear to judge the nations and establish his kingdom!

Teaching Points:

1. Remember the Fleeting Nature of This World (v. 29)
2. Pray for the Return of Christ (v. 30)
3. Look Forward to the Inauguration of Christ’s Kingdom (v. 31)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week’s sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Psalm 102:25–27, 2 Peter 3:10–13, and 1 John 2:15–17. What do these passages teach about the danger of loving or building your life around anything other than Christ in this fleeting world?
3. Have you been treating anything as permanent that will ultimately pass away? What would holding those things more loosely and investing more deeply in eternity look like practically in your life?
4. Read Matthew 6:9–10 and Daniel 7:13–14. How does Jesus’ instruction to pray “your kingdom come” help you understand what Jesus’ ultimate plan is for the world and your life?
5. How often do you genuinely long for and pray for Christ’s return? What do you think would change in your life if you spent more time praying for Christ’s coming Kingdom?
6. Read Revelation 19:11–16. How does this vision of Christ as the conquering King who judges the nations shape the way you should think about his second coming?
7. Where in your life are you currently resisting the authority of King Jesus, and what would it look like to submit that area to Christ as you anticipate his coming Kingdom?
8. Read Isaiah 27:12–13, Zechariah 12:10–13:1, and 1 Thessalonians 3:13. How does knowing that Christ will gather his elect from across the earth and unite them with those who return with him to establish his kingdom shape the way you persevere in this age as you look forward to the defeat of evil and the triumph of Jesus in the age to come?

Main Text: Matthew 24:15–28 (ESV) 15 “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

Preaching Point: Jesus’ warnings to those living during the Tribulation should compel us to remain watchful in our own day as we eagerly await Christ’s return to abolish evil and establish his Kingdom.

Teaching Points:

1. Scripturally Identify the Abomination of Desolation (v. 15)
2. Grasp the Severity of the Great Tribulation (vv. 16-22)
3. Keep Your Focus on Christ’s Return (vv. 23-28)

Application Questions:

1. Write down one observation or application you found helpful from this week's sermon. Why did it stand out to you?
2. Read Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, Daniel 9:24–27, and 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4. What do these passages teach you about the identity of the abomination of desolation? Why is understanding this future event important for Christians?
3. Read Matthew 24:16–22. What does Jesus’ description of the Great Tribulation teach you about the severity of God’s future judgment?
4. Matthew 24:22 shows that even the most severe period of human suffering will operate within limits established by God. What do these limits teach you about God’s sovereignty over evil and suffering and his mercy toward those he loves?
5. Read Matthew 24:23–27. According to this passage, why will those living during the Tribulation not need anyone to convince them that Christ has returned?
6. How does Jesus’ description of his unmistakable return help you evaluate claims that Christ has already returned or that the events described in this passage have already been completely fulfilled?
7. Read Titus 2:11–14 and 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10. What is the difference between eagerly awaiting the return of Christ versus simply agreeing that he will return someday?
8. What should eagerly waiting for Christ’s return look like in your life right now?
9. As one pastor once put it: “The plain things are the main things and the main things are the plain things.” How can this principle help you keep your eschatology in its proper perspective as you pursue greater biblical clarity while maintaining unity with other believers?