Points of Meditation & Reflection
Sermon Title & Text “God’s Word In Tribulation” Mark 13:14-27 ESV
Message Series: Astonished! Our current study in the book of Mark is an opportunity to grow in our understanding of Christ’s power & authority. Message in a Sentence: Both in the, now & then, God pours out Grace & Mercy to His disciples.
1. Jesus’ answer to the disciple’s question (v.4), speaks to both the near (temple destruction) and the far (2nd coming of Christ). In both the near and the far, God will pour out Grace and Mercy.
2. A person of known disdain for God will sacrifice in the temple. That sacrifice is an Abomination of Desolation. Literally a profanation or idol that appalls or offends the temple. Jesus doesn’t specify who this abomination is, but the Jews would know [let the reader understand].
3. [Near & Far] When the Abomination of Desolation stands in the temple (to sacrifice to God) The tribulation will be great/terrible, unbearable. God’s plan for His people is Grace & Mercy
a. Mercy: Cut the days short or no person could survive
b. Grace: Cut the days short for the sake of the elect
4. As hard times increase, false christ’s & false prophets doing Christ like activity, will increasingly arise. These false prophets and fake Christ’s will seek to lead God’s elect away, if they can.
5. 7 Qualities: 2 Peter 1:3-15 outlines qualities that are to be added you your faith and increasing in your life: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, love
6. Christ warns His disciples of times of tribulation, so they will be on guard against these spiritual attacks.
7. This difficult, much debated passage can be boiled down to a few simple truths both in the near and the far of your life:
a. Know Christ of the Bible [not of man]
b. Tribulation is expected [global not personal]
c. God’s plan is Grace and Mercy
d. False christ’s & false prophets will try to lead the elect away
e. God’s Word is your wisdom

To continue to develop your relationship with Christ, spend time every day this week praying and meditating on this passage and it’s truths [EveryDay Jesus - below].

Edward

Everyday Jesus: Mark 13:14-27 Lord, teach us how to endure tribulation.

· Monday: Read Mark 13 As you read this chapter you will see the repeated understanding that Christ’s word is and will be the strength that enables disciples/elect to remain faithful to Christ in tribulation. Today, ask God to give you strength to endure and a clarity of understanding that will not allow you to be led astray.
· Tuesday: Read Mark 13:14-27, 2 Pet 1:3-15 False christ’s & false prophets will arise to lead God’s elect away. Re-read the 7 qualities in 2 Pet 1, ask God to show you how to continually increase these qualities in your life, so that you may not be led astray.
· Wednesday: Read Mark 13:14-27 Christ tells of a time of intense tribulation. Whatever your view of the timing of this tribulation, ask God to prepare your heart and mind for the certainty of near and far tribulation.
· Thursday: Mark 13:14-27 God’s compassionate plan in tribulation is, Grace and Mercy. Today, in your prayer time, thank God that His Grace and Mercy are sufficient in time of tribulation to come.
· Friday: Read Mark 13:14-27 Jesus speaks of false christ’s & teachers that will lead the elect away, if possible. Ask, God to continually sow His word deep into the fabric of your life.
· Saturday: Read Mark 13 Christ repeatedly puts forth His word as the disciples strength. Ask God to examine your life, is His word the strength of your actions, thoughts and decisions.