PREPARING FOR THE END

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   We are at the very end of the year 2023. 

1.    This is the last day.

2.    Tonight, we will welcome in a New Year, 2024.

 

B.   The last day of the year does not fall on Sunday very often.

 

C.   Since it is “the end” of the year, I thought it would be good to focus our minds on the final end. 

1.    We will be looking primarily at the passages of Scripture that use the word “the end.”

2.    We have entitled the lesson:  “Preparing for The End.”

 

I.             THE EVENTS AT THE END

 

A.   The Separation of Humanity

1.    In Matthew 13, Jesus sets forth two parables that reveal a great separation that will occur at the end.

a.    The Parable of the Tares of the Field.

b.    The Parable of the Net.

2.    The Parable of the Tares

a.    Jesus tells the parable in its simple terms in Matthew 13:24-29.

b.    When the multitudes were sent away, the disciples asked him, “saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field” (Matt. 13:36).

c.    In the parable, Jesus talks about “the end” in verses 39-40.

 

The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

 

1)    At the end of the world, all humanity will be harvested.

2)    There will be both wheat and tares that will be gathered.

3)    The tares are the children of the wicked one (Matt. 13:38).

4)    They will be separated from the wheat, and will be “burned in the fire.”

a)    Matthew 13:42 is more commentary on this aspect of the end.

 

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire:  there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

 

b)    None humanity will miss the end.  And, many who will be gathered there will not experience joy, but, instead, will suffer eternal condemnation.

3.    The Parable of the Net (Matt. 13:47-49)

a.    Jesus began the parable with a very common event, a successful fishing day.

b.    A net was thrown into the sea, “and gathered of every kind.”  When it was full, it was drawn to the shore.  The fishermen then sat down, “and gathered the good the vessels, but cast the bad away.”

c.    In Matthew 13:49-50, Jesus reveals the application of the parable.

 

So shall it be at the end of the world:  the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire:  there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

 

4.    In both of these parables, we find there is a separation of the good and the bad at the end of the world.  Jesus focuses on the wicked and how they will be severed and burned when the end comes.

 

B.   In 1 Corinthians 15:22-24, Paul writes about the end.

 

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  But every man in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.  Then cometh the end, which he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule, and all authority, and power.

 

1.    The resurrection of the righteous dead is at the end.

2.    Too, the kingdom leaves Jesus’ hands and is returned to the Father.

3.    NOTE:  Both of these things involve a refutation of Premillennialism.

a.    When the righteous dead are raised, the end comes. 

1)    There is no tribulation period.

2)    There is no kingdom established on earth for a thousand years.

b.    When the end comes, Jesus will give up the kingdom to the Father.  He will not establish the kingdom at that time.  This is only possible if the kingdom is presently in existence, and it is (See Col. 1:13).

 

II.           PREPARING FOR THE END

 

A.   There will be a separation of the righteous and the ungodly at the end of the world.

 

B.   As God’s children, we do not want to be separated from God and cast into the fiery furnace. 

 

C.   The Scriptures note several things that we can do to prepare for the end.

1.    Matthew 10:22

 

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake:  but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

 

a.    To be saved in the end, we must endure.

b.    Endure:

1)    Strong (5278):  to stay under…, that is, remain…bear, have fortitude, persevere.

2)    Thayer:  to remain, i.e., abide, not recede or flee, to persevere:  under misfortunes and trials, to hold to one’s faith in Christ, to endure, bear bravely and calmly:  ill treatments

3)    Vine:  to abide under, to bear up courageously (under suffering)

2.    Hebrews 3:6; 3:14

 

…whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of our hope firm unto the end…For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.

 

a.    The key word is “hold fast.”

1)    Definition:  “to hold fast, keep secure, keep firm possession of” (Thayer, e-sword)

2)    Example:  Playing with a dog and trying to take his toy from him.

 

 

b.    The writer tells us to hold fast our confidence and the rejoicing of hope.

1)    Confidence = assurance

2)    Rejoicing of hope:  our inner gladness about what we will receive in the end.

3.    Hebrews 6:11

 

And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.

 

a.    We need to show diligence.

b.    Diligence:  interest, eagerness, earnestness

c.    Many become Christians and exhibit a great zeal for the cause of Christ.  They want to do and do and do.  In time, however, some Christians back off in their service to the Lord.  They quit doing the things that they use to do.

d.    Paul tell us to “show the same diligence” unto the end.  Don’t back off.  Don’t slack up.  For sure, do not quit.

4.    1 Peter 1:3

 

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 

a.    Gird up the loins of your mind:

1)    The picture involves the dress of those in Bible times.  They wore long robes.  When it was time to move quickly, they would pull them up and bind them to their wastes.

2)    The idea involves the preparation of the mind to be ready at all times to discharge one’s duties, to suffer the trial of life, or to serve the needs of others.

b.    Be sober.  It literally means to be free from intoxicants.  We are not to become intoxicated with things that would take us from our service to God.  We are always to be seriously minded when it comes to our Christian walk.

c.    Hope to the end.  Keep your deep desire and earnest expectation for those things which are above and eternal in nature.

5.    Revelation 2:26

 

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.

 

a.    We must overcome. 

1)    We must prevail, conquer, subdue, and gain the victory.

2)    Over Satan, temptation, sin, self, the world, and the enemies of God’s people.

b.    Keep the Lord’s works

1)    We must keep the Lord’s words, commands, and labors.

2)    Example:  Jesus (John 9:4).

 

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day:  the night cometh, when no man can work.

 

D.   Summary of what we must do to prepare for the end.

1.    Endure

2.    Hold fast our confidence (assurance)

3.    Show the same diligent effort

4.    Gird up the loins of our mind

5.    Be sober

6.    Hope to the end

7.    Overcome

8.    Keep the Lord’s works

 

III.         THE LORD’S PART

 

A.   Man plays a crucial role in his salvation, but so does the Lord.

 

B.   When man does his part, the Lord will do His.

1.    He will be with us to the end (Matt. 28:20).

 

…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

 

2.    He will confirm us unto the end (1 Cor. 1:8).

 

Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

3.    He will provide us with the salvation of our souls (1 Pet. 1:9).

 

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   Just as the end of this year will come tonight when the clock strikes midnight, one day the clock will strike midnight for the end of the world.

 

B.   When it comes:

1.    There will be a great separation between the children of God and the children of the evil one. 

a.    The children of God will shine. 

b.    The children of the evil one will be punished.

2.    Each one of us needs to prepare for the end. 

3.    If we will prepare, the Lord will do His part, and will enter our eternal reward.

 

C.   There’s A Great Day Coming

 

There’s a great day coming,

A great day coming,

There a great day coming by and by,

When the saints and the sinner shall

Be parted right and left,

Are you ready for that day to come?

There’s a bright day coming,

A bright day coming,

There’s a bright day coming by and by,

But its brightness shall only come

To them that love the Lord,

Are you ready for that day to come?

 

There’s a sad day coming,

A sad day coming,

There’s a sad day coming by and by,

When the sinner shall hear his doom,

“Depart, I know ye not!”

Are you ready for that day to come?

 

Are you ready?  Are you ready?

Are you ready for the judgment day?

Are you ready?  Are you ready?

For the judgment day?