Be Wise (Mark 13:1-8)

April 25, 2010

I.     A teachable moment, vv. 1-4.
A.     This was the last time Jesus taught in the temple.
     1.     Wednesday evening of the Passion Week.
     2.     The temple was the pride of Jewish life.
          a.     Herod made many impressive additions.
          b.     The Jews connected the temple with God's presence.
     3.     Jesus answered the first question while at the temple.
          a.     It seemed like the temple would last forever.
          b.     The temple was destroyed by Rome in AD 70.
B.     Four disciples asked about Jesus' comment later.
     1.     The Mount of Olives overlooks the temple.
     2.     Jesus' comment sparked their curiosity.
          a.     When would the destruction happen?
          b.     How would they know it was about to happen?
     3.     The disciples were still confused about Jesus.
          a.     They didn't understand what He was about to do.
          b.     Temple destruction/return of Jesus at the same time.
C.     God wants to help us grow as believers.
     1.     Teachable moments can happen at any time.
     2.     Cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

II.     Use your mind the way God intended, vv. 5-8.
     A.     Don't let people deceive you, vv. 5-6.
          1.     There will be many false teachers.
               a.     Some will teach wrong things about Jesus.
               b.     Some will claim to be Jesus.
          2.     What can we do not to be deceived?
               a.     Learn the truth about God from the Bible.
               b.     Test what people say against the Bible.
     B.     Don't be afraid, vv. 7-8.
          1.     Signs that the end is near- birth pains.
               a.     Increased conflict among nations.
               b.     Increased natural disasters.
          2.     Jesus did not give a time for the end.
          3.     The point is that we can trust God to be in control.
               a.     The end will happen in God's time.
               b.     When we belong to Him there is no need to fear.
     
Personal Challenges
1.     Cultivate your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
     a.     Ask God to help you distinguish His voice from the rest.
     b.     Focus this week on quality prayer time each day.
      c.     Read your Bible each day looking for ways God is speaking to you.
2.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?