Sermon Outline Title: Staying Faithul in These Last Days
Bible Text: Matthew 24:4-12
Theme: Enduring Faith in Troubled Times
Big Idea: We are living in the last days, surrounded by deception, distraction, and discouragement. Only those who endure in faith to the end will be saved.
1. Signs of the Last Days (Matthew 24:4-12)
a. Jesus foretold what life would be like in the final days of human history — days of deception, iniquity, and spiritual decline.
b. The outpouring of God’s Spirit since Pentecost and the rise of many antichrists show we are already in those days.
c. Though we are not yet in the Great Tribulation, these are still perilous times — the days of grace and deception.
d. In these troubling times, believers must remain steadfast, drawing strength from God to endure faithfully to the end.
2. The Purpose of These Warnings (Matthew 24:6-12)
a. Jesus warned us because these last-day events are tests of our faith and distractions from eternal priorities.
b. The devil’s greatest weapon today is distraction — keeping people busy chasing worldly comfort instead of heavenly truth.
c. Discouragement and distraction make believers lose focus on God’s promises and grow weary in faith.
d. Those who stay faithful through deception, division, hatred, and trials will endure and be saved, as Jesus promised.
3. The Requirement for Salvation (Matthew 24:13)
a. “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” — salvation requires steadfast faith until life’s finish line.
b. Enduring faith is not a part-time religion; it’s a full-time relationship with Jesus.
c. True believers keep their eyes on God through all distractions and discouragements of this life.
d. Our perseverance proves the sincerity of our faith and secures our eternal reward.
4. The Power of Endurance (Five Words That Strengthen Faith)
a. Perspective – Keep your focus right. Remember: serving God isn’t about what you get, it’s about what you give. Rewards come in heaven, not here.
b. Promises – Recall God’s promises: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” His Word sustains you when your strength fades.
c. Purpose – Remember why you began this journey — to gain eternal life, not temporary comfort. Keep your heart fixed on heaven.
d. Patience – Trials are part of the Christian walk. Endure them patiently, knowing God is faithful through it all.
e. Prayer – When life overwhelms you, take it to the Lord in prayer. Prayer keeps you centered in God’s will and gives strength to carry on.
Illustration / Example:
A man once said, “The devil doesn’t need to destroy a Christian to defeat him — all he has to do is distract him.” The man’s point was simple: when you take your eyes off Jesus and focus on the world, you’ll lose your peace and power. Stay focused, and you’ll stay faithful.
Alliterated Main Points:
Peril – Recognize the signs of the times.
Purpose – Understand why Jesus warned us.
Perseverance – Endure in faith to the end.
Power – Draw strength through perspective, promises, purpose, patience, and prayer.
Conclusion / Invitation:
We are living in the last days, and the devil is working overtime to distract and discourage believers. But those who endure to the end will be saved. Where you start with God matters, but where you finish means everything. Keep your eyes on Jesus, hold your faith firm, and press on until the end — your reward awaits.