Sermon Title: THE DAYS OF DISTRESS
Sermon Text: MARK 13:14-23
Sermon Series: UNTIL HE COMES: THE KING PREPARES A WATCHFUL CHURCH
By: PTR NIC SY
Mark 13:14-23 NIV
“When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out.Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak.How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!Pray that this will not take place in winterbecause those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.“If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them.At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.
SERMON NOTES
I. DON’T FREEZE – HEED THE URGENCY
One of the most dangerous spiritual postures is that of assuming there will always be more time.
Across Scripture, one of the recurring marks of faith is not merely agreement with God’s Word, but timely obedience to God’s Word.
When Jesus shows clear danger, wisdom responds quickly.
Reflect: What would be hardest for you to leave behind if obedience to Jesus required it?
II. DON’T FEAR – HOLD ON TO HIS SOVEREIGNTY
Jesus loves his disciples too much to let them assume that faithfulness and comfort will always travel together.
Tribulation may be severe, but it is never sovereign.
Biblical endurance grows out of confidence in the character of God.
Reflect: When life becomes heavy, the story we tell ourselves about God matters.
III. DON’T FOLLOW – HANG ON TO JESUS
Reflect: When you feel afraid or unsettled, where do you instinctively look first for reassurance?
Reflect: What voices are shaping your understanding of the future more than the words of Jesus?
Do not wait for the day of deception to begin building discernment.