93. Watch

[Pastor Ralph]

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

[hanks]

1. What is Jesus' reference to the fig tree supposed to teach His disciples? (21:29-30) 
Jesus tells us to look at the fig tree as just one example of a tree that buds before summer; no special reference to Israel seems to be intended, since He also includes all the trees as well. The idea is that when a fig tree buds, there is an inevitable result - summer is near, and fruit is coming. In the same way, when these signs are seen, the coming of Jesus in glory with His church to this world will inevitably follow. 
 

[hanks]

2. Extra Credit. In verse 31, what does the term "these things" refer back to in the context? 
When these things mentioned in the present context, that is (21:25-28), signs in sun, moon, and stars … take place, then we as believers must recognize that “the kingdom of God” in its final manifestation is at the very door. Christ's royal reign in the new heaven and earth is at hand. The whole idea is to know what is going on, to be aware of the signs that indicate the Lord’s return, their intensity, and if they are growing in both number and power. 
 

[hanks]

3. Extra Credit. If we assume that "this generation" doesn't refer to merely the people who were contemporaries of Jesus, then what DOES "this generation" mean in the context? (12:32) 
This generation refers to the people living when these signs begin to take place. The generation that is alive that sees these things, referring again to the signs in 21:25-28. And those who are alive to see the beginning of the signs would live to see the return of Christ. Every generation will live with the reality that it could happen at any time. All the events predicted would happen within one generation. In other words, if we are alive, are looking (vigilant) for signs, are waiting for the coming of Christ, we see the signs, and we survive through it all, then we will be there when He returns and take us into His Kingdom. 
 

[hanks]

4. Why does Jesus warn us of spiritually-dulling lifestyles? (21:34) How can "the anxieties of life" be just as dulling as drunkenness? 
Since His coming can come at any time and might happen totally unexpectedly, Jesus gives us a solemn warning to be careful that we are not so occupied with mundane cares, and therefore will be caught by surprise. We are not to live careless lives knowing that there is the certainty of salvation for all believers. At the same time, we are not to be tempted to live in uncontrolled pleasure or drunkenness; not to be burdened with sin which will trap us. Nor must we be weighed down with the anxieties of life. All these will have a dulling effect on our spiritual lifestyles and cause us to take our eyes off Jesus resulting in us not being ready for the return of our Lord Jesus. Even though we are aware of the signs it will come upon us unexpectedly, springing upon us like a trap, entangling us in our sin/debauchery. 
 

[hanks]

5. What are Jesus' direct commands to His disciples in light of His teaching on the end-times? (21:36) What will these commands do for us? What will they do for Jesus' cause? 
Jesus commands us to be watchful at all times, and that only through fervent prayer and righteous living can we escape the terrors of that day. Constant spiritual vigilance is essential, we are to be fully alert, and the only way we can maintain this vigilance is by persevering prayer. Jesus had taught us earlier to always pray and not give up (11:1-11; 18:1-8). We need the help of Christ and the Holy Spirit to help us in these end-times, we are not strong enough in ourselves. By doing this we separate ourselves from this ungodly world which is doomed to experience the wrath of God. We need to pray and reach out to the lost telling them about the saving grace of our Lord Jesus, realising that this could be the last opportunity they might have of salvation. We need to save souls for Jesus. 
 

[hanks]

6. What does it mean, to "stand before the Son of Man"? What does that refer to? 
To “stand before the Son of Man” is to be standing before Jesus Christ uncondemned. That is to be standing in judgment and to be found not guilty. On the other hand, all those that are found to be wicked, will be found not worthy to stand before Him, and they will be condemned. To be able to escape the coming calamity we have to know Him as our Lord and Saviour, and only then will we be safe that day. We as God’s people will be able to stand (to hold their heads up high) because we will not be pleading our own righteousness, but the righteousness of Christ. He has washed us from our sins in His precious blood and we have been made clean from every stain of unrighteousness. It refers primarily to believers standing before the Lord at the judgment when He returns to earth to establish His kingdom (Matt 25:31–46). The sheep will enter into the kingdom while the goats will be cast out. 
 

[hanks]

7. Extra Credit. What is the balance between resting in the assurance of the grace of God, on the one hand, and striving to escape the temptations all around us, on the other? 
This reminds me of the question we had earlier when we studied Luke 13:23-24. Being one of the elect and saved by grace before creation we are most grateful for the love and mercy shown to us. The Holy Spirit has given us new life, we are not the same anymore, we have become new creations in Christ (2 Cor 5:17). Although salvation itself does not require effort on our part, it is all of grace, enabling grace, but our sinful nature and our evil desires are still there. Our opponents, our old sinful natures, are still there, so our journey of sanctification begins. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we strive/fight/persevere to become more and more like our Lord Jesus. Jesus said we must strive to enter through the narrow gate. This narrow gate is the new birth - salvation by grace through faith. To strive means we are to exert ourselves fully in our battle with our own will, our own pride, and our own lusts. This will require a constant and sustained effort since this is a battle on three fronts; a combination of the world, the flesh, and Satan. 
 

[Irmela]

 

1.  What is Jesus' reference to the fig tree supposed to teach his disciples? (21:29-30)

As they can see signs on the fig tree of the change of seasons, so the disciples ought to be able to discern that the coming of Christ is at hand. Certain things will be taking place. 

2.In verse 31, what does the term "these things" refer to. Refer to the context?

It refers to times changing. Just as the fig tree changes appearance as the seasons change. So will the times change before Christs coming. The rumors of war and actual wars, the catastrophies in nature, the signs in the heavens, the persecutions. All these things will come and we need to be ready for the Kingdom of God is at hand. (could be the end for us individually or globally) BE READY

3. If we assume that "this generation" doesn't refer to merely the people who were contemporaries of Jesus, then what DOES "this generation" mean in the context? (12:32)

This generation would mean that "type of people", i.e. the ones stubbornly turning their backs on God's purpose. 

4.  Why does Jesus warn us of spiritually-dulling lifestyles? (21:34) How can "the anxieties of life" be just as dulling as drunkenness?

Drunkenness makes the person unaware or unobservant of what goes on around him. Our senses are dulled and so is our watchfullness. When we worry or are anxious, this also happens. We just concentrate on the thing we are worried about and do not keep a watch on what goes on around us. 

[Irmela]

 

5. What are Jesus' direct commands to his disciples in light of his teaching on the end-times? (21:36) What will these commands do for us? What will they do for Jesus' cause?

Be on the watch  (keep awake) and pray. Be fully alert at all time. Pray that we do not fall into temptation. Also pray that we are counted worthy to be able to stand in His presence when He comes. That we have prevailed. Strive to remain faithful to Christ. 

6. What does it mean, to "stand before the Son of Man"? What does that refer to?

That we have remained steadfast in our goal to please Him. 

7.  What is the balance between resting in the assurance of the grace of God, on the one hand, and striving to escape the temptations all around us, on the other?

We know that nothing we do can earn salvation. Christ has paid the price. It is by grace and grace alone that we are saved. We can rest in this and know that no working hard or self-righteousness from our side will earn us salvation. Yet we are to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation to  do evil. Stay away out of satan's clutches. 

[Old Jerry]

What is Jesus' reference to the fig tree supposed to teach his disciples? (21:29-30)

 

A. Jesus’ reference to the fig tree is supposed to teach us that we will be able to see the development of the end of the age. We need to watch for the signs that He has told us about.

 

Extra Credit. In verse 31, what does the term "these things" refer back to in the context?

 

A. “these things” that is mentioned in verse 31 is referring to the things that Jesus was saying would happen when the end times come.

 

Extra Credit. If we assume that "this generation" doesn't refer to merely the people who were contemporaries of Jesus, then what DOES "this generation" mean in the context? (12:32)

 

A. I think that “this generation” refers to the end times.

 

Why does Jesus warn us of spiritually-dulling lifestyles? (21:34) How can "the anxieties of life" be just as dulling as drunkenness?

 

A. If we are not careful we will start be complacent about our spiritual life. If we let the worries of this world take control of us it will dull the spirit lifestyles.

 

What are Jesus' direct commands to his disciples in light of his teaching on the end-times? (21:36) What will these commands do for us? What will they do for Jesus' cause?

 

A. We are to keep in communication with God. We are to talk to Him and study his word so we can keep spiritually alive.

 

What does it mean, to "stand before the Son of Man"? What does that refer to?

 

A. The meaning to “stand before the Son of Man” means that on that great judgment day we will stand and account for our actions.

 

Extra Credit. What is the balance between resting in the assurance of the grace of God, on the one hand, and striving to escape the temptations all around us, on the other?

[Santhi Teja]

What does face of the whole earth means?

[Santhi Teja]

What does heaven and earth pass away means

[Katy]

Q1. Jesus uses the fig tree as an example of a tree that is bare in winter and as summer approaches leaves begin to appear. It is a sign that summer is near. As we see things happening we will know that these are a sign that the end is near and the time for Jesus to return is drawing near. 
Q2.These things are the things quoted in Luke 21v 25-26There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. The seas will be in uproar. Men will be terrified, so afraid they will faint.These are the signs that this world is coming to the end and Jesus is soon to return as He has promised not as a vulnerable baby but as a conquering Powerful God.

 

[Katy]

Q3. This generation refers to those people who are alive when the signs start to happen. This will include both those who believe but also those who stubbornly refuse to believe in Jesus. 

[Katy]

19 minutes ago, Katy said:

Q4.Jesus warns us not to get caught up in this life. We are not at home we are only passing through. It can be very easy to get sucked into the pleasures of this life, and loose our focus on Jesus and become as though drunk, and become dulled in the head. God becomes  more and more distant, and we are not ready and prepared for Jesus return. We are warned time and again to be ready and keep watching otherwise we will realise too late. 

[Katy]

Q5. We do not know the day or the hour of Jesus return. We must be ready at all times, and we must prepare for what is to come, by praying continuously, talking to God throughout the day and if we waken at night. We must share our faith with others because they will face God’s wrath when He returns. His return is going to be frightening and sudden therefore we have to be in close contact with our God so that we will be able to help us at this time.

Q6.We all have to stand before God on the day of Judgement both Christians and those who have not followed Christ. As Christian’s we have nothing to fear because we are saved by Jesus‘s precious blood being shed on our behalf. We are given the righteousness of Jesus if we have sincerely repented and are following in Jesus footsteps and are waiting and watching for His return. For us it is not a fearful time but a time of fulfilment, unlike those who have not decided to follow Jesus. They will experience God’s wrath and eternal punishment. 
Q7.We are saved by grace but every now and again our old sinful nature rears it’s head. So although we are saved we cannot be complacent in this sinful world. There are temptations all around us . It is only by focusing on Jesus , praying constantly and study of His word and having fellowship in the right places that we can be victorious. At the same time we must reach out to those around us who are lost , we must try and meet them where they are at but being cautious not to get caught up in worldly things. 

[haar]

1.    What is Jesus' reference to the fig tree supposed to teach his disciples? (21:29-30)

Just as the fig tree leaves and blossoming is as indication of the specific seasons or times, such as knowing that summer is near. Thus some of happenings around indicate that the time for the Lords coming is near.

2.    Extra Credit. In verse 31, what does the term "these things" refer back to in the context?

Some of the signs of the end times that indicate the soon return of Jesus

3.    Extra Credit. If we assume that "this generation" doesn't refer to merely the people who were contemporaries of Jesus, then what DOES "this generation" mean in the context? (12:32)

This is tough! Jesus did not mean that ‘this generation’ refereed to the one at the time he was in at that moment. He probably meant a generation at the Lord’s time which no one knew.

4.    Why does Jesus warn us of spiritually-dulling lifestyles? (21:34) How can "the anxieties of life" be just as dulling as drunkenness?

Spiritual dulling here refers to the state of insensitivity of the mind that makes it difficult to differentiate wrong or sin and righteousness and right and thus leads us astray on to the way to hell.

Hence we can be so anxious about the issues of life that we become worried and agitated and thus lose our hope and thus our faith in God and thus wonder away from Him.

5.    What are Jesus' direct commands to his disciples in light of his teaching on the end-times? (21:36) What will these commands do for us? What will they do for Jesus' cause?

Jesus instructed the disciples to be alert and ready despite the terrible things that would happened so that they would remain faithful and not to fall and thus miss eternity in heaven.

6.    What does it mean, to "stand before the Son of Man"? What does that refer to?

 

To stand before the Son of man means to appear before Him on the day of judgment to be judged and receive the reward appropriate to your works while on earth.

7.    Extra Credit. What is the balance between resting in the assurance of the grace of God, on the one hand, and striving to escape the temptations all around us, on the other?

Salvation is by the grace God, however, we need to strife to stay in the grace by deliberate determination to stay in the grace obedience in God

[George L]

1. What is Jesus' reference to the fig tree supposed to teach his disciples? Be ready for the first sign of the next season, the harvest.. (21:29-30) The season of Christs rule is coming. As in it is the next season after.
2. Extra Credit. In verse 31, what does the term "these things" refer back to in the context? The terrorizing chaos of the end of the gentiles times. It is the flowering of the next beginning.
3. Extra Credit. If we assume that "this generation" doesn't refer to merely the people who were contemporaries of Jesus, then what DOES "this generation" mean in the context? (12:32) The time period of the “ALL” of humanity available for the full harvest of lost, stolen, stray sheep that Jesus gave his life for upon the cross. He really does desire all should be saved.
4. Why does Jesus warn us of spiritually-dulling lifestyles? (21:34) It is a parallel to the seeds sown and ensnared by the briars and thorns of life. How can "the anxieties of life" be just as dulling as drunkenness? They can overwhelm our attention.
5. What are Jesus' direct commands to his disciples in light of his teaching on the end-times? Watch and Pray..  (21:36) What will these commands do for us? As those that knew by the spirit in the days Jerusalem before the Romans began the seige, “leave now”. What will they do for Jesus' cause? An immediacy of harvesting the last few souls will come upon those who remain assigned to that task.
6. What does it mean, to "stand before the Son of Man"? To me it is judgement day, when we may give account of our self. What does that refer to? Jesus will see if we match the image we were designed to be before we were knit in the womb. “I knew you before..” Not in any man’s perfection, but did we even struggle to try.
7. Extra Credit. What is the balance between resting in the assurance of the grace of God, on the one hand, and striving to escape the temptations all around us, on the other? I find as I rid myself from trophies and collected “stuff” I care less and less for the things of the world. Making more and more room for Christ’s life to flow through me, and much less of my major sin which is “Self wants to…” and I know is His grace, paid for by His beatings and His blood, not anything I could do myself. Like a child trying to imitate his father or older brother.. we are loved for our intent to try, not the perfection of our performance.