Read Matthew 24

“Watch out that no one deceives you.” As a believer, these are important words for us to live by.

Why? Because there’s a lot out there: lies, propaganda, clever rhetoric, “fine-sounding arguments” and “hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world” (Colossians 2:4, 8 NIV), and fake news. Some of it is nonsense we can easily disregard. But some of it is so expertly wrapped in pseudo-biblical language or pseudo-scientific/psychological terminology, or steeped in subtle post-modern, post-Christian ideology that’s been normalized through media and pop culture that we don’t even notice when we’re being indoctrinated.

Did you know that there are more than 50 warnings in the New Testament against deception and false teaching? When the Lord repeats Himself on a topic that many times, it’s extremely important because it’s something you are guaranteed to face all the time. In this instance, Jesus warns against false teachers in the period between His first and second coming (a.k.a. the “last days”).

To be clear, we’ve been living in the last days since Jesus ascended. So, Jesus offers this warning about people who will brandish His name and pretend to be Him or His representatives, but these people are liars and not of Jesus.

Many preach false gospels using Jesus’ name—progressive Christianity, universalist movements, prosperity gospel, and a variety of cults. The world is full of falsehoods that propagate lies about the gospel, sin, salvation, faith, and our Savior. But this has been happening pretty much since Jesus ascended. The New Testament is full of the apostles combatting false teachings (Gnosticism, Docetism, Legalism, license, and more).

The same applies to wars and rumors of wars, nation against nation, natural disasters, famines, tragedies, and atrocities. It’s all happened and continues to happen. Why? Because again, since Jesus ascended, we’ve been living in the last days!

Discussion Question 1: What does it mean to be living in the last days? 

Discussion Question 2: Read Colossians 2:1-8 and Ephesians 4:1-16. Why does the New Testament contain so many warnings against false teaching?

So, what should our response be to this revelation?

First, we must “watch out that no one deceives” us. John tells us, “Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world” (1 John 4:1 NLT). Jesus warns, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15 NIV).

Second, we must remember “about that day or hour no one knows” (Matthew 24:36 NIV) and how “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2 NIV).

So, instead of focusing on the temporal and momentary, on finding security and comfort in the things of this world, or on building palaces (or temples of worship) of splendor, ivory towers, or ornate monuments, or arguing about when He’s coming back or when the world will end, we must “occupy till [He] comes” (Luke 19:13 KJV). We must be about kingdom business, making disciples, standing guard, and walking and living according to the will of God and in the guidance of the Spirit.

Discussion Question 3: How does our focus determine the direction of our lives?

Have you ever had to pull an all-nighter? For some, when 9 pm hits, falling asleep is coming like a freight train . . . but for others, the so-called “night owls,” this is their most active and productive time! But even night owls have days where they’re particularly spent, where they find themselves nodding off while watching a movie, reading, or working on a hobby. Why? Because sometimes, it’s hard to stay awake and alert, especially on long, hectic, difficult days. With that in mind . . .

Have you ever wondered why Jesus shared everything He did with the disciples—and us—regarding the “last days”? Was it so we’d know everything that would happen? Was it so we’d theorize, try to link it all to our present time, identify specific names, and interpret things based on current events? Was it so we’d engage in arguments or write endless amounts of books, essays, commentaries, lectures, seminars, and sermons about when, where, and how exactly these things would take place? The answer to that is a big, bold, all-caps NO!

Consider that Jesus said, “not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son” (Matthew 24:36 NIV) knows when the end would come. How is it that even the Son doesn’t know? Part of being emptied (Philippians 2:5–10) means Jesus set aside during His time on earth certain benefits and privileges of His deity (kenosis).

During His life, Jesus operated within the limitations of humanity making Him “a high priest who is able to empathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). He knew what God intended Him to know for the fulfillment of the work He was sent to accomplish (John 15:15). After His ascension, the Son returned to His fullness with all His divine privileges as a deity, and thus He, along with the Father and Holy Spirit, knows the day and hour. But while on earth the Son knew what the Father intended Him to know for the purpose of His saving work, but the revelation of the day and hour was not pertinent to that work. That is so important… In fact, it’s a lesson we must learn and live by:

It doesn’t matter when these things are going to happen. Only two things matter.

• Jesus is victorious in the end—and if we’re on His team, we have victory in Him and with Him.
• Until He comes back, we must be on mission!

We must WATCH OUT to KEEP WATCH! This has been His point since the beginning of this discourse, and He says it over and over again—particularly in Mark’s account of this discourse, where Jesus gives the charge to “watch out,” “be on guard,” or “be alert” eight times in 37 verses!

Jesus tells us these things so we won’t be caught off guard by persecution, trouble, calamity, war, or false teachers; so we won’t be found “sleeping” on the job we were given when the Master returns—“inactive in the exercise of grace, and negligent in the performance of duty; unprepared for his coming, and unfit for service” (John Gill).

He tells us so we’ll be prepared while giving us everything we need to know to accomplish the work He’s called us to.

We’re to be on guard for these things to walk faithfully, persevere, live in reliance on Him, live on mission, and be about His work. We’re to be about His business of making disciples and occupying until He comes. We’re to be sober-minded and ready because it could happen at any time—and that’s all we need to know!

Discussion Question 4: Why does God not tell us the day and hour of Jesus’ return? Why is it not important to know this?

Discussion Question 5: What can we do each and every day to keep watch, live on mission, and be ready for His return?

This Week

As we move into the last few chapters of Matthew and the arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus (the work of redemption done by Jesus), commit this week to staying alert and living on mission. Put yourself in His Word, in prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Walk in accordance and obedience to His Word and will, and be open to the work the Spirit calls you to.

Memory Verse 

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”—Matthew 24:42–44 (NIV)

Prayer Guide

Jesus, help me be vigilant and wise. Through Your Spirit, keep my heart and mind in submission to Your truth. If I believe anything that is not of You, if I have adopted worldly ideologies or philosophies that don’t align with Your heart, character, and will, reveal them and remove them! I desire to abide fully in You and Your truth! Amen.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at CalvaryFTL.org/Questions.