Sunday School Lesson April 24, 2022
Subject: Stand Strong to the End.
The Point: Expect difficulty when you choose to follow Christ.
The Passages: Matthew 24:1-14
Study The Bible: Matthew 24:1-3
1). It is OK to wonder about the end times.
- As Jesus left and was going out of the temple, his disciples came up and called his attention to its buildings.
- He replied to them, “Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down.”
- While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Lasting truths from: Matthew 24:1-3
* We should place our faith in God rather than in earthly structures or systems.
* People today wonder where history is going, but it is not our of God’s hands.
* We should go to God’s Word with our questions about the end times.
2). Don’t let the traumatic events of the world deceive you.
Matthew 24:4-8
- Jesus replied to them, “Watch out that no one deceives you.
- For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will deceive many.
- You are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, because these things must take place, but the end is not yet.
- For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
- All these events are the beginning of labor pains.
Lasting truths from: Matthew 24:4-8
* False messiahs will appear as Jesus’ coming approaches. We must not be deceived.
* We must not be alarmed by traumatic events of the world.
* Jesus Christ does not want us to be discouraged because God is in control.
3). Don’t let persecution keep you from sharing the gospel of Christ.
Matthew 24:9-14
- “Then they will hand you over to be persecuted, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name.
- Then many will full away, betray one another, and hate one another.
- Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
- Because lawlessness will multiply, the love of many will grow cold.
- But the one who endures to be end will be saved
- This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Lasting truth from: Matthew 24:9-14
* Believers will face opposition just as Jesus did.
* Times of persecution will refine the church and reveal the true condition of people’s hearts.
* Believers who stand strong sitting to the end will know the joy of God’s salvation.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Why do you think hard times result in some people turning away from the faith, while others cling to their faith even more?
- What part can you, your small group, and your church play in reaching the nations for Jesus?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”