As we begin part 6 of this discourse, I would ask that you notice the flow of Jesus' speech. Verse 9 of Matthew 24 begins with the word "then." Jesus says, "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted...." This last phrase is translated "tribulation" in many versions of Scripture which has led to much confusion. The Greek word is thlipsis, and appears many times in the New Testament. (e.g. John 16:33; Romans 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Hebrews 10:32-33; Acts 14:21-22) In these places, as well as others, thlipsis translated as tribulation is not speaking of some special period of time known as The Tribulation. Tribulation is presented in the New Testament as something which is the normal lot through which the Christian must travel.
Jesus does use the word thlipsis when in Matthew 24;21 He says, "For then there will be a great tribulation [mega thlipsis], such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world, nor ever will." What has happened between the general tribulation of Matthew 24:9 and Matthew 24:21? We won't be able to cover all of it during this part 6, but Matthew 24:10 - 14 which we looked at last week speak of betrayal, apostasy (turning from true faith), hatred, false prophets, deception, increase in wickedness, and cold love. This sounds a lot like Paul's last-day's list in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Remember Jesus' admonition to stand firm until the end, and thus be saved. Almost anyone can start almost anything; not everyone can finish. That's what this ministry is all about - helping people finish; pointing out signs along the way so that we won't be found sleeping and unprepared. This is so important that Jesus said it clearly in Matthew 10:22 and Matthew 24:13; and then He illustrated it with several parables, four of which are in Matthew 24:36 - 25:46.
One very clear way in which we stand firm is to "preach the gospel of the kingdom in the whole world as a testimony to all nations." (Matthew 24:14) We know from Scripture that this gospel is to be preached in word and in deed. We are to do this in spite of persecution, even when it comes from "church people." Jesus says, "then the end will come." This is one reason I believe strongly that a proper view of end-times places the Great Commission and the Great Commandment under a huge microscope. The necessity of the church obeying Jesus is only magnified; everything the church (the Bride of Christ) should be comes to the forefront.
What will be going on while the church is doing all of this? Matthew 24:15 says, "So, when you see standing in the holy place the abomination that causes desolation...." Those are familiar words, so let's stop right there and examine this statement. This will serve as a bit of an interlude, after which we will stop for now, continuing with the action in part 7.
Jesus says that this event was spoken of by the prophet Daniel. It's in chapter 9, verse 27.This prophecy was fulfilled by an antichrist (Antiochus Epiphanes IV in or about 168 BC) and will be fulfilled literally by the antichrist at sometime in the near future. Paul identifies this very same event, which along with the great apostasy of the church are two specific things which must happen before the return of Christ. "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him (sound like the rapture?) we ask you brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion (apostasy) occurs and the man of lawlessness (the antichrist) is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." (the abomination that causes desolation).
Some of the rest of his activities are described in Revelation 13, and we will go there next time. In the meantime, please let me remind you that this antichrist is a created being. He certainly does oppose Christ, and he seeks to take the place of Christ, but he falls way short of being equal to Christ.
In closing, be greatly encouraged by the words of Isaiah (God speaking):
"See, it is I who created the blacksmith (a type of the devil who makes weapons to destroy) who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. (Remember, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but powerful through God to the pulling down of strongholds....) And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc; (so that) no weapon forged against you will prevail..." (Isaiah 54:16-17) The creator is infinitely greater than the created. Trust Him.
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