Matthew 24:40-51

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Be Ready and Watchful for the Lord’s Return!

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The Lord will return like a thief in the night.

  2. The Lord will reward His true servants who are faithful.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let your lifestyle be a litmus test.

QUESTIONS

  1. Define the Rapture and the Return of the Lord.

  2. What are the key passages for the Rapture?

  3. Which of these events does the Olivet Discourse address?

  4. What group is exhorted to be alert in Matthew 24:42-44?

  5. How can the Olivet Discourse be divided?

  6. What is the interpretation of the parable in Matthew 24:45-51?

ANSWERS

  1. The Rapture is the coming of the Lord for His bride, the Church. The Return of the Lord is when the Lord returns in judgment to establish His earthly kingdom.

  2. I Corinthians 15:51-58 and I Thessalonians 4:16-18

  3. The Return of the Lord

  4. The godly remnant of believers during the Tribulation Period

  5. The Jewish Aspect Matthew 24:1-44 The Christian Aspect Matthew 24:45-25:30 The Gentile Aspect Matthew 25:31-46

  6. The evil servant is the professing Christian in Christendom, whose ultimate destiny is hell. The faithful servant, a Christian, will be rewarded.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. It is important to distinguish between the Rapture and the Return of the Lord. A lot of confusion will be avoided if we do this. Discuss the differences between these two events. Are there similarities?

  2. Your lifestyle can be an indication of the sincerity of your belief. Are your actions matching the beliefs and values you profess? Asking these sorts of questions can be a helpful self-check. The danger comes when we begin evaluating other people’s lifestyles. Avoid a judgmental spirit. Evaluate your lifestyle.

CHALLENGE

  1. Just as the Tribulation saints should be ready and alert for the Return of the Lord to earth, so we should be watching and waiting for the imminent coming of our Lord for His Church. If the Lord returned this very moment, how would He evaluate your service?

KEY VERSES

  • “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42

  • “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44

Matthew, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsMatthew 24:40-51