Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:36-44

Introduction:

A. One element of an unmistakable Old Testament shadow is found in the words “as” and “so.” (1 Corinthians 15:22; John 3:14; Matthew 12:40)

B. Matthew 24:36-44 teaches us of the coming of the Son of Man by discussing the days of Noah.

1. This is a definite shadow of the second coming of Christ.

C. The truth on this subject is of vital importance.

1. There are things we do not know about the 2nd Coming but we have information that teaches us what to do.

D. There is a profound truth found in 1John 4:16-19 that informs us how to have confidence when the coming of the Son of Man does occur.

Discussion:

I. Things we do not know.

A. We do not know the time. (Matthew 24: 36, 39, 42, 44)

1. The parable of the ten virgins concludes by saying we know neither the day or the hour of the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 25:13)

2. “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels … nor the son.” (Mark 13:32)

3. Jesus teaches that it is unpredictable when the day and hour will come. (Mark 13:33-35)

B. End of time preachers do not know the time.

1. In the last 37 years, all but eight have been predicted as the time for the end of the world.

2. In the same time more than sixty people have predicted the end.

C. We do not know where we will be. (Matthew 24:40-41)

II. Things we do know.

A. Life will be going on as usual. (24:38, 40-41)

B. He will be coming in the clouds. (Acts 1:9-11)

C. Everyone will see him. (Revelation 1:7)

D. His coming will be instantly. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

1. There will be no time to change.

E. His coming will be unmistakable. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

III. Things we must do.

A. Be ready. (Matthew 24:44)

B. Looking for Jesus. (2 Peter 3:10-13)

Conclusion:

If you knew someone was going to break into your house tonight would you do anything about it? Are you doing anything about the coming of the Son of Man?