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Sunday Worship 22 September 2024 : They will gather together His elect

Text: Matthew 24:29-31
22 September 2024

INTRODUCTION

1. The tribulation of those days

a) The Lord Jesus taught that it was only the beginning of sorrows   (Matthew 24:8)
b) The Lord Jesus warned that it will only get worse   (Matthew 24:21)

2. The focus now shifts to the elect of the Lord

3. The elect remain part of God’s plan even though there is suffering   (Matthew 24:22)

4. The Lord Jesus had a word of exhortation for His elect

THE ELECT OF THE LORD JESUS

1. Context during Biblical times

a) The Lord Jesus had explained who the elect were   (Matthew 24:22)
b) Those who experienced great hardship but endured to the end   (Matthew 24:13)
c) The Jews and believers who obediently fled Judea   (Matthew 24:16)

2. Future context

a) The concept of the elect is not limited to those during Biblical times
b) The concept of the elect remains intact in the future
c) The elect of the Lord (this will be mentioned in greater detail subsequently)
i. Those who took heed and were not deceived   (Matthew 24:24-25)
ii. Those who are watchful and ready   (Matthew 24:44; 25:13)
iii. Those who are serving faithfully and wisely   (Matthew 24:45; 25:21)
iv. Those who exercise their faith in the Lord practically   (Matthew 25:40)

THE ANGELS OF THE LORD WILL BE INVOLVED IN THE GATHERING OF THE ELECT

And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.   (Matthew 24:31)

1. The Son of Man will send His angels

a) This represents divine involvement
b) They fulfill God’s will
c) They will carry out God’s plan

2. With a great sound of a trumpet

a) This will be a time for great rejoicing for the elect
b) This will be a time for celebration for the elect
c) This will be a time for the elect to look forward to

3. They will gather together His elect

a) This will be done on a global scale across the world
i. From the four winds
ii. From one end of heaven to the other
iii. The elect would be found in all nations because of the gospel   (Matthew 24:14)
b) They will discern who the elect of the Lord Jesus are
c) They will be at the right hand of the Son of Man   (Matthew 25:33)

4. The Apostle Paul wrote about the elect concurring with the Lord Jesus   (2 Thessalonians 1)

a) These are those who endure and by doing so express patience and faith
b) These are counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which they suffer
c) The troubled are given rest
d) The angels will gather the elect to the Lord Jesus

THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT THE LORD’S ELECT

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.   (Matthew 24:29-30)

1. The Lord Jesus forewarned that it will be a time of mourning for those who aren’t His elect

a) Weeping and gnashing of teeth
b) Deep sorrow and regret

2. They will mourn for they would not be found to have taken heed to the word of God

a) The cosmic and cataclysmic signs
i. These will portend the coming of the Son of Man
ii. These signs also confirm that God’s word will definitely come to pass
b) And yet these words of warning concerning judgment will not be taken heed to
i. No remorse and repentance
ii. No turning to the Lord in faith   (John 5:24)
(α) To have everlasting life
(β) Not come into judgment
(γ) Pass from death into life
iii. No change in their lives but they will continue in their own wicked ways

3. Paul wrote about how these will be judged by the Son of Man   (2 Thessalonians 1-2)

a) God will repay with tribulation those who trouble His elect
b) Vengeance will be taken
i. On those who do not know God
ii. On those who do not obey the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ
c) They shall be punished with everlasting destruction

PRACTICAL CHALLENGES FOR THE ELECT TO CONSIDER

1. Mindfulness   (2 Peter 3:1-9)

a) Words of warning
b) Knowing that there will be scoffers and those who willfully forget
c) Not forgetting that the Lord is not slack concerning His promise

2. Conduct   (2 Peter 3:11)

a) What manner of persons we ought to be
b) Holy conduct and godliness

3. Anticipation   (2 Peter 3:12)

a) To be in expectation
b) To desire earnestly

4. Diligence   (2 Peter 3:14)

a) To be found by Him in peace
b) Without spot and blameless

5. Guard ourselves   (2 Peter 3:17-18)

a) To be steadfast
b) Not to fall from our own steadfastness
c) Keep growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus

LESSONS TO ENCOURAGE THE HEART

1. Let us rejoice that the salvation of the elect of the Lord is part of God’s plan

2. Let us be ready for the Lord Jesus’ return

3. Let us be responsible in ensuring that we are the elect of the Lord