SURREY CHAPEL FELLOWSHIP GROUP NOTES – 13th/14th January 2016

Matthew 24:1-14
Birthpains- Be Warned

F.B.Meyer heads this passage up 'Be ready to endure'. 
Tyndale commentary states that the central theme in v1-35 is judgement on Jerusalem. Keep these two statements in mind as you read through and study this passage. Begin reading at Matthew 23v37.

v1-2  DISCUSSION STARTER
Resulting from Jesus words at the end of Chapter 23 the disciples show Him round. The Temple began being built in 20BC, under Herod the Great's reign. It was still under construction during Jesus' life and never finished but destroyed in 70AD. It was a magnificent building, but notice what Jesus says in v2, and how that was totally fulfilled.
How does this verse (2) give you encouragement – and tell you something about Jesus?
How may Christians use interest about the future to talk about eternal matters? 

v3	DATES AND SIGNS
Where was Jesus sitting? This place gave a very good panoramic view of Jerusalem.
What questions do the disciples bring to Jesus?
We are no different today - many ask the same questions. When is the end coming? What will happen? How will it all end? How will we know? See also 1 Thessalonians 5v1-3
Is it possible to centre too much on these questions – and neglect what we should be living?

v4-8  DON'T BE DECEIVED
Do not get too worried by the way this chapter moves from the destruction of Jerusalem and the end when Jesus comes back. One picture helps the other. Really the important thing to take on board- which is developed later in the chapter- is to 'be ready'.
Read v4-6 -This is top of Jesus list -why?
What kind of people will attempt to deceive us? (seev4 & 11) Note  as well v24
v6-7	What type of situations may lead us to think the end is near?
V8		Don't be deceived – don't panic -  what is Jesus telling us here?		
		The Greek word for “sorrows” means “birth pangs” = hence the title.

v 9-14  DISCERN THE SIGNS
Nowadays, including in this country, Christians are marginalised. 
What are the signs mentioned here  that the end is NEAR? (v9-14)
What is the danger for us in v12b?
What is the challenge in v13?
What encouragement can you find in v14?
3 questions we need to ask ourselves -personally:-
•	Are we willing to stand out from the crowd, even if other Christians are not?
•	Are we prepared to love Jesus, first and foremost, even if that causes hurt?
•	Are we willing to get out witnessing to Jesus even if that meets scorn or indifference?

Since the Lord will come – how should we live now? See 2 Peter 3 v 10-13.
																		DJ
PRAYER POINTS:
Make v44 a basis for your prayers following this study.
Pray for the new programme January/February.
20th January – Burning Issues Event at the Nuffield Centre.