Points of Meditation & Reflection
Sermon Title & Text “Distracted Disciples” Mark 13:1-13 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: When disciples are distracted by the pressures of life they are led astray from Christ, but those that persevere Christ to the end are saved.
1. Mark 13 is a difficult but important chapter, that outlines the details and expectations about the 2nd coming of Christ. As we get closer to the return of Christ there will be increasingly difficult days. Christ encourages us to keep our faith fixed on Him - until the end.
2. Distractions are things that keep us from giving our full attention to Christ. The disciples marvel at the construction of Herod’s temple with it’s enormous, ornate stones. The Jews thought these structures to be indestructible and an architectural wonder. Christ prophesied that this collection of buildings would be destroyed.
a. Near Perspective: Applies to immediate audience & situation.
b. Far Perspective: Future implication & application beyond the immediate, present reality.
3. Andrew’s private questions to Jesus, remind us that as disciples of Christ we can ask Jesus our questions and concerns.
4. Christ warns Andrew, as well as Christians today to, see to it that you are not taken astray. The necessary birth pains:
a. Fake Me Out Jesus’
b. Headlines
c. Natural Disasters
5. Be on Your Gaurd: Both in the near and far, Christ followers should expect a number of deeply personal, painful attacks. They are necessary to spreading the gospel. “But the one that endures until the end will be saved”.
6. We put value on the people, places and things of this world. Be sure that stress & distress will come into your life. The purpose of challenges in your life is not to overcome you, don’t be led astray, be on your guard - endure until the end.
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 13:1-13 Lord, teach us how to keep our faith fixed on you.
· Monday: Read Mark 13:1-13 As a disciple, Andrew had a relationship with Christ and privately asked questions. Do you have questions or concerns that you don’t know the answer to? Ask Jesus your, “what does this mean” or “how will I know” questions.
· Tuesday: Read Mark 13:1-13, it was thought that the temple was indestructible & would stand forever. Today, ask the Lord where you have put your faith too much in people, places or things that won’t always be. Instead of finding your security in Christ alone.
· Wednesday: Read Mark 13:1-13, Jesus warns not to be led astray by, false teachers, troubling headlines & natural disasters. Tough situations are both necessary & certain to occur. These things are real, ask God to give you strength to endure. Then ask God to point you to 3 people that you can pray for and encourage that they too will endure.
· Thursday: Mark 13:1-13 Be on your Guard. In order for the gospel to be proclaimed to all nations, Christ followers will be beaten, handed over, drug before councils, betrayed by their own family. Today, praise God for your personal challenges and attacks against you, through each of them, God is providing opportunity for you to spread the gospel.
· Friday: Read Mark 13:1-13 Jesus instructs not to worry about what to say when questioned, the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say. Ask the Lord for the strength to submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life and specifically in what you speak.
· Saturday: Read Mark 13:13 Meditate on v.13, But the one that endures until the end will be saved. Life is filled with challenges, they have a purpose, “Lord, use me for your glory in every challenge, that you may be pleased with how my life reflects the gospel message. Give me strength to endure”.