Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Watch Out! (Part 4)

Bryan Schneider · January 6, 2024

Mark 13:23-32

sharonrpc.org/sermons/watch-out-part-4

Summary

Jesus distinguishes the approaching destruction of Jerusalem and its temple from his final visible return, while using the former as a foretaste of the last judgment.
Prophetic images of darkened sun, moon, and stars communicate a cosmic upheaval whose reality exceeds ordinary language rather than minimizing the event as unreal.
The Son of Man will return in clouds with unmistakable power and glory, openly before the nations rather than secretly or as an already-completed event.
Christ will send his angels to gather all his elect from earth and heaven, bringing resurrection and a worldwide reunion of God's people.
Jesus' fulfillment of his warning about the temple confirms that heaven and earth may pass away but his words cannot fail.
Because no creature knows the exact day or hour, Christians reject date-setting and proud certainty about disputed details while firmly confessing Christ's reign, return, resurrection, judgment, and everlasting kingdom.

How should I distinguish Jesus' warning about Jerusalem from his promise of the final day?
Do I allow prophetic imagery to communicate the weight of judgment without forcing every image into a speculative timeline?
What truths about Christ's return are clear enough to confess firmly even when details remain disputed?
Why does a public gathering of the elect rule out claims that Christ's return occurred secretly in the past?
Does Jesus' fulfilled word about the temple strengthen my confidence in his still-future promises?
Can I discuss end-times disagreements with humility, gentleness, and willingness to be corrected?
How should the certainty of the returning King reshape my ordinary life, mission, worship, and priorities?

Eschatology: The study of the last things, including Christ's return, resurrection, judgment, and the completion of his kingdom.
Apocalyptic language: Symbol-rich prophetic imagery that communicates realities of divine judgment and glory too weighty for ordinary description.
Son of Man: Jesus' royal title from Daniel 7, identifying him as the human and divine King who receives everlasting dominion.
Elect: God's chosen people whom Christ knows, saves, preserves, and finally gathers from every place.
Second coming: The future, public, powerful, and glorious return of Jesus Christ to raise the dead and judge the world.
Already and not yet: The biblical tension that Christ already reigns and his kingdom is present, while its resurrection and final judgment await completion.