Sunday School Lesson May 1, 2022
Subject: Know What’s Coming
The Point: Even in the darkest times, God has not abandoned His people.
The Passages: Matthew 24:15-22
Study The Bible: Matthew 24:15-16
1). The desecration of the temple signals the coming end.
- “So when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place.” (let the reader understand,)
- “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Lasting truths from: Matthew 24:15-16
* God will fulfill the words He gave His prophets.
* Times of tribulation often bring intense challenges for God’s people.
* Even in times of tribulation, God remains in control.
2). The distress that follows will come suddenly.
Matthew 24: 17-20
- A man on the housetop must not come down to get things out of his house,
- and a man in the field must not go back to get his coat.
- Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days!
- Pray that your escape may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.
Lasting truths from: Matthew 24:17-20
* Distress and tribulation will come suddenly one day.
* The suddenness of distress will require people to act quickly without delay.
* We can pray for God to extend His mercy any time.
3). The time of distress will be so severe God will mercifully cut it short.
Matthew 24:21-22
- For at that time there will be great distress, the kind that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again.
- Unless those days were cut short, no one would be saved. But those days will be cut short because of the elect.
Lasting truth from: Matthew 24:21-22
* God’s final judgment will be like nothing the world has ever seen.
* God will mercifully cut short the distress of those final days because of His people.
* We should pray for God’s mercy in the middle of judgment.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Reflect on many who have opposed God greatly during the course of their lives. What was the outcome of their opposition?
- Does it encourage you or concern you that Jesus warns His people about the distress of the end times? As you consider your answer to that question, remember that Jesus intended His words to encourage us.
- The Bible uses the term, “elect” to refer to all who have repented of sin and placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you done so? Have others in your Sunday School class or small group done so?
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.”