Stand Firm As Witnesses of Jesus

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Stand Firm As Witnesses of Jesus

Date: Sep. 19, 2017

Passage

Luke 21:5-19 (ESV)

5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 21:19

By your endurance you will gain your lives.

1. Do not be deceived (5-11)

The disciples gazed in wonder at the temple and all its adornments. It was a truly remarkable sight! However, Jesus knew that the temple would soon be destroyed. God's judgment was coming upon Jerusalem and eventually the world itself. Jesus wanted his disciples to remain faithful to the end, so he shared this prophesy of end times with them and warned them about the dangers that would occur. His first warning was about false messiahs who claim to be him and lead people astray. We are not to be deceived by them. The second coming of Jesus will be unmistakable. Many dramatic events such as wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, and even cosmic signs from the heavens will also occur, but the end will not be here yet.

2. Stand firm (12-19)

Jesus went on to warn his disciples about the persecution that would come because of their testimony about Him. The disciples would be imprisoned and forced to testify before kings and governors. They would even be betrayed by the people closest to them: parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends. But through it all, they were to be witnesses of Jesus. He would give them the wisdom and the words they needed and He promised that those who stand firm would win life. True believers will patiently endure these trials and remain faithful to the end.

Prayer: Lord, help us to persevere and be faithful witnesses.

One Word: Stand firm and bear witness to Jesus

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references