“ESCAPISM VS. TRIUMPHALISM – Pt. IV”

TEXT: Matthew 24; Revelation 7 (see also Mk. 13; Lk. 21).

INTRO: Differences in eschatology (end times views) shouldn’t separate us relationally.  We should be willing to examine our views in light of Scripture, and  adjust our views as God gives additional revelation from His Word.

I. ARE BELIEVERS EXEMPT FROM TRIBULATION?

A. Most of the apostles were martyred.

B. Christians have faced tribulation  throughout church

     history, including today (2Cor. 11:23b-28; Acts 7, 12).

C. Can a tribulation be much worse than what some have

     already endured?

D. Why should we be exempt from suffering but not the

    Christians who have already suffered?

E. Scriptures: Matt. 24:9, 13; Jn. 16:33; Acts 14:22; 1Thess.

     3:4; 2Tim. 3:12; Rev. 2:10.

F. Which eschatology is the most comfortable to the flesh?

II. ARE BELIEVERS EXEMPT FROM “THE GREAT”

     TRIBULATION?

A. The Bible doesn’t say the tribulation is 7 years!

B. “The” tribulation (Rev. 1:9a; Matt. 24:29).

C. “The great” tribulation (Rev. 7:9, 13-14, 16-17; Matt.

     24:21, 29).

     1. Rev. 7:14 - You can’t come out of something you

          weren’t in!

     2. Rev. 7:16-17 - Comfort is promised to those who have

          suffered tribulation.

     3. Matt. 24:1-4, 6-9, 13, 15-21, 23, 29-30, 33-34

          a. This chapter is mostly about the destruction of

               Jerusalem and the temple (70 A.D.) (vv. 1-3).

          b. Jesus said this would be fulfilled in that generation

               (23:36; 24:34). Who’s the “you”?

          c. Where’s the pre-tribulation rapture in Matt. 24?

          d. It’s the wicked taken, not the righteous (vv. 37-41)!

CONCLUSION: Seek God for truth. Be ready for whatever is ahead. What if Jesus doesn’t return in our lifetime?