Understanding the Timing Matthew 24:32-44

Most people are aware of an expectation regarding the Lord’s return They may not personally believe it… For those who do believe it, there is concern about when this will actually take place Like the disciples, we what to know, “…when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

The Basic Outline of History (OT) Creation, Fall, Flood, Nations [2046 years] Call of Abraham & Abr. Covenant {1958BC The Patriarchs and Egyptian Bondage [433] Exodus & giving of the Law {1528BC Wanderings, settling the land, judges [510] United & divided kingdoms, exiles [483] Silent years [483 years] TOTAL 4000 years

The Basic Outline of History (NT) The 1st Advent –the incarnation, life, death, resurrection & ascension of Messiah [33] Pentecost and the church age [about 2000] The Rapture –resurrection, translation, Bema Seat, Marriage Supper of the Lamb The Tribulation [3 1/3 yrs/ Abom/ 3 ½ yrs] The 2nd Advent (parousia) of Christ –with judgment on earth and Kingdom begins [1K]

What do we know and what do we not know about the timing? Mt 24:29-30 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (NKJV)

I. Some Generation will know when Christ’s return is near “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!” (Matthew 24:32–33, NKJV)

A. There will be obvious indicators that the time is near A common illustration indicates temporal nearness The events of the Tribulation are such indicators “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:34–35, NKJV)

B. There will be a specific generation to experience these events The identity of “this” generation is indicated in the context The timeframe involved will be within a generation “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (Matthew 24:36, NKJV)

C. There is intentional agnosticism regarding the micro timing The nearness of His coming will be recognized The specific day and hour will be unknown & not disclosed

II. Every Generation should know the Nature of Christ’s Return “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24:37–39, NKJV)

A. The days of Noah provide an illustration of the last days Life will proceed normally until the divine intervention Life is always viewed differently by believers in God “Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” (Mt 24:40–42, NKJV)

B. The days of Noah provide an illustration of judgment The analogy of the flood indicates judgment The reference to being taken refers to judgment The identification of this event has been confused

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (NKJV)

Differences between Rapture & Parousia: Rapture (Church) | Parousia (Kingdom) Translation of believers -No translation Tr saints go to heaven -Tr saints return Earth is not judged -Earth is judged… Immanent, signless -Predicted signs… Not predicted in OT -Predicted often For believers only -Affects all mankind Before day of wrath -Concl of wrath

Differences between R & P: (2) Rapture (Church) | Parousia (Kingdom) No ref to Satan -Satan is bound X comes for His own -Comes with them X comes in the air -Comes to earth X claims His bride -Comes with bride Only His own see Him -Every eye sees Tribulation begins -Kingdom begins

III. Every Generation should be in a State of Readiness “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.” (Matthew 24:43, NKJV)

A. There is practical value in being forewarned The analogy of the thief is one we can all appreciate The analogy of the thief communicates vulnerability The analogy of the thief has a limited application “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44, NKJV)

B. There is spiritual value in being prepared This preparedness relates directly to “this” generation This preparedness has application to every generation Are YOU ready?