Birth Pains

• Events leading to Jesus coming

• Pain and hardship that will result in something new

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”
—1 Peter 4:12-13

1. External trials

• False teachers - don’t be led astray

• Disasters - don’t be alarmed

“Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first..” —2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a

• Persecution

2. Internal Trials

• Many will fall away

• Many will be led astray

• Love of many will grow cold

3. Our Hope

• Endurance is possible

• Proclaim the gospel

• The end will come