Matthew - Day 31: Jesus Talks About End Times Pt. 2

In Jesus’ conversation about the end times, it is clear to see that He is battling an opponent. Ephesians 6:10-13 says that our opponent is Satan and his team of demons. Our struggle in this life and in end times is not against flesh and blood but rather the devil and his team is the opponent. For us to minimize the opponent is to go in to the game with our guard down. Paul also encourages us not to be outwitted by Satan:

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. And no wonder,for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.”
2 Corinthians 11:3, 14-15

Satan does not show up in predictable ways. His desire is to outwit us, to destroy us, to masquerade what he is doing to try to sack our lives! The great news about the end is that Jesus wins! For those that have said Yes to Jesus the game has already been decided, the victory is won!

Read Matthew 24:26-51

Q: What names, pictures and images are depicted of Satan and God’s enemies during the Tribulation? What adjectives would you use to describe them during this time?

Q: Satan’s team persecutes, deceives and distracts humanity during the Tribulation? How is it similar/different from their work today?
Q: How do we properly acknowledge Satan’s influence today and in the Tribulation without minimizing the power of God?

Q: How does the picture of Jesus as the Triumphant King change your response to Him?

Q: Compare and contrast the first coming of Jesus with His second?

Q: Think about spending eternity with Jesus. What do you think it will be like? What do you look forward to the most?

For Further Study: Ephesians 6:10-18, John 8:48, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5