Love Amidst Hostility
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Faith, Hope & Love
Matthew 24:1-14 (ESV)
1 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Sermon Outline
The enduring nature of love signifies its necessity in periods of turmoil.
1. Growing Cold
v12 "because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold"
v10 "many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another"
2. Lead Astray
v4 "see that no one leads you astray" (v5, v11)
v6 "see that you are not alarmed"
3. Enduring in Love
v13 "but the one who endures to the end will be saved"
v14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed"
Questions for Reflection
How are you experiencing this season of life? What effects are current events or cultural trends having on you? What emotions are you feeling lately?
What helps you feel or experience the warmth of love? What causes you to turn cold?
Is there anyone or anything you feel contempt towards? What negative attitudes towards others arise from a sense of superiority within you? Where do these feelings come from or what occasions incite them?
What can you do when you recognize you have feelings of contempt? How do you deal with them faithfully?
Does fear make it harder for you to love? What role does fear play in your choices or how you act? How does fear impact love, or how does your love impact fear?
How are Christians supposed to follow Jesus in chaotic times where confusion makes it hard to see him? Do you need human leaders? If so, how do you discern who is a reliable guide?
Have you ever treated God with contempt? Do you ever feel contempt towards God?
Jesus loved us because he is loving, not because we deserve it. What impact is that having on your life? How do you think this truth can cause you to change and grow in love?
How is the mission of the church meant to be an expression of love? Why is love necessary to announce the good news of the kingdom to all people?
Prayer of Confession
Our mighty God, whose steadfast love endures forever: forgive us. Forgive our lack of love, our prideful ways, our self seeking actions, and our contempt of others. We have hated when we should have loved. We have dismissed when we should have moved towards. We have followed our misguided hearts; we have followed misguided people. We have not been diligent in following Jesus. Our love for you has not been fervent. We believe that because Jesus loves us, we can endure. Grant us the grace to love you and others more truly and deeply. Amen.