Editorial note: Words in italics are from Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete).
“ ‘And Jesus answered and said to them (his disciples), “See to it that no one misleads you” ’ ” (Matt. 24:4, parentheses added).
“ ‘For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will mislead many’ ’’ (Matt. 24:5).
“ ‘You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end’ ” (Matt. 24:6).
In Matthew 24:4, Christ foretells the going forth of deceivers. He begins with a caution, “See to it that no one misleads you.” The disciples expected to be told when these things should be, to be let in on that secret. But this caution only peaked their curiosity. Christ wanted the disciples to mind their duty, follow Him, and not be seduced from following Him. The fact is that Christ conceals much of the prophetic knowledge because of evildoers, not Bridal members. If Christ had revealed what the Father has concealed, the lawless men would use it to mislead many. Most inquisitive types need to be kept away from the secret things of God; for otherwise, they will use them to seduce. 2 Thess. 2:3 tells us: “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”
Christ reveals that seducers are more dangerous enemies to the Church than persecutors. In this discourse, He mentions the appearing of false prophets three times. The appearing of these seducers was the occasion of dividing the people into parties and factions, which made their ruin the more easy and speedy; and the sin of the many that were led aside by them, helped to fill the measure. Secondly, it was a trial to the disciples of Christ, and therefore agreeable to their state of probation (trial), that they which are perfect, may be made manifest. This is the message for the Bride - that we would be perfected by staying on our toes.
APOSTASY MUST COME
Most conservative Christians are annoyed by other “Christians” who are liberal in their thinking – not believing the Word to be literal. In the end-times, many Bridal members will view the Word of God to be primarily “cultural” - not literal and absolute. Christ warned us of these times. By the way, we are in those times right now. This period of Christianity is called the Apostasy – there will, first, come a falling away. We may not be in the middle of the Great Apostasy, but we certainly are entering the warm-up phase.
The primary evidence we need to watch for is the Bridal members becoming more offended by what Christ says than non-Christians. This is why the divorce rate in America is higher within the Christian church than it is in the world. The Bridal members are abusing the Scriptures to prove their “rights” as humans. This has become my overall experience, as a counselor, as I have much better working relationships with non-believers than I do most Christians. These are the “birth pangs” of apostasy.
This apostasy will not be within civil government, but in spiritual or religious (Christ) matters, from sound doctrine, instituted worship and church government, and a holy (live by His absolutes) life. The apostle (Paul) speaks of a very great apostasy, not only of some converted Jews or Gentiles, but such as will be with Christians in general, though gradual. The purpose of the apostasy is to reveal the rise of the Antichrist, Satan. Take note of this: no sooner was Christianity planted and rooted in the world than there began to be a defection in the Christian church. Whenever God lays absolutes down, Satan starts an apostasy. It was so in the Old Testament church; presently after any considerable advance made in religion (Christianity) there followed a defection: soon after the promise there was revolting. The warning for those of us that believe God in what He says must be prepared for Satan to create in us a “falling away” each time we decide to “put our foot down.” Apostasy always follows covenant, unless blocked by embracing absolutes.
James 1:2-4 tells us: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” The suffering state of the Bride of Christ in this world is represented in this passage. In a very instructive manner, if we attend to what is plainly and necessarily implied, together with what is fully expressed, we will experience joy.
It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot in life for most Christians, even those who have a “spoiled” or “overprotective” lifestyle. We can walk in a constant state of joy, yet endure very grievous afflictions. Joy does not mean living a pain-free life. The Bride of Christ must not think it strange if they encounter troubles. These outward afflictions and troubles can only provide a temptation to walk in despair; they cannot force us to give up our joy. Satan uses hardship and sufferings to draw men to sin and deter them from their duties as Bridal members.
Our afflictions are in God's hands. They are intended for the trial and improvement of our walk in Christ. The only way to remove the impurities in raw gold is to purify it by fire. So it is with the Christians; we, too, must be baptized by fire. It is a part of our commitment to the Groom. Our trials may be of many and different kinds, and therefore we have need to put on the whole armor of God. We must be armed on every side, because temptations lie on all sides. The trials of a good man are such as he does not create to himself, nor sinfully pull upon himself. But they are oftentimes a result of a passionate love life with the Groom.
Please take a few minutes to look up the stated verses.
- Do Not Be Frightened About The End: Matt. 24:6
- Don’t Exchange Truth for Fear: Matt. 24:7
- These Things Are The Beginning of the End: Matt. 24:8
- The Bride Delivered to Persecution: Matt. 24:9
- Many Bridal Members Will Fall Away: Matt. 24:10
- Many Bridal Members Will Grow Cold: Matt. 24:11-12
- Members that Endure Shall Be Saved: Matt. 24:13
- After The Tribulation: Matt. 24:29
- Signs In The Sky: Matt. 24:30
- Then He Will Gather His Bride: Matt. 24:31
- Learn From The Fig Tree: Matt. 24:32-36
- Be On Alert: Matt. 24:42-44
Next: Claiming the Hebrew Victory
Tough Times Will Come Copyright © 2013 IOM America. Permission to reproduce for educational purposes. Please keep author’s name intact.
James, chapter 1. Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete), originally written 1706, public domain.
Matthew, chapter 24. Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete), originally written 1706, public domain.
2 Thessalonians, chapter 2. Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete), originally written 1706, public domain.
All Scriptures, unless otherwise stated, are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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