Sermon Outline: “Enduring in the Last Times”
Text: Matthew 24:4-12
Theme Statement: Jesus warns His disciples of deception, distractions, and trials in the last days, but promises salvation to those who endure to the end.
Big Idea: The Christian life in the last days requires endurance through distractions and discouragement, with eyes fixed on God and His promises.
1. Signs of the Last Days (Matthew 24:4; Acts 2:17; 1 John 2:18)
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The Spirit has been poured out since Pentecost — evidence we are in the last days.
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Even in John’s day, many antichrists were already in the world.
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False Christs, deceivers, and cult leaders (Koresh, Jones, etc.) continue to rise.
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We live in days of grace and deception, where standing strong in faith is essential.
2. Why Jesus Warned Us (Matthew 24:4-12)
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These are tests of faith, meant to expose the true endurance of believers.
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Distractions keep people focused on temporary life instead of eternal destiny.
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Discouragement tempts believers to give up before reaching the finish line.
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The devil works overtime to distract and discourage — that is his field of labor.
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Real-world example: Choosing between worldly pleasure (football) and spiritual encouragement (revival).
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Jesus says, “He that endures to the end shall be saved.”
3. The Call to Enduring Faith (Matthew 24:13)
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Salvation belongs to those who remain faithful until the end.
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Christianity is not part-time; it’s 24/7, 365 days a year.
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Faith must be proven by fruit — “by their fruits ye shall know them.”
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Question is not whether distractions or discouragements will come, but how we respond when they do.
4. Five Words for Endurance (The 5 P’s)
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Perspective – Look at trials through God’s lens; rewards are eternal, not temporal.
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Promises – Lean on God’s promises: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
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Purpose – Remember why we gave our lives to Christ — eternity is greater than this short life.
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Patience – Endure tribulations with patience, knowing trials will come to both just and unjust.
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Prayer – Stay in fellowship with God through prayer; prayer anchors us in His will.
Conclusion / Invitation
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We are living in the last days — deception, distractions, and discouragement are everywhere.
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But salvation is promised to those who endure to the end.
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Where you start with God is important, but where you finish is eternal.
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Stand strong in faith, keep your eyes on God, endure until the end — and you will be saved.