8. Discuss four things mentioned in w . 6,7—are there any indications that these could take place soon? What are the causes of these things? What will be the consequences of their taking place? Are you glad that you will not be in the world when the tribulation period breaks upon men? Can you be sure that you will be in heaven with our Lord when these things come to pass? (cp. Luke 21:36; Rev. 3:10.) 9. About whom is Christ speaking in w . 9-11? See v. 16 for your answer. He is talking about the Jews. This means that they must be back in Pal estine during the tribulation period. Are the Jews back in their land now? Are others returning today? Is not this a direct fulfillment of the Word of God? 10. Is there any indication of anti- Semitism or Jew-hatred in the world to day? Is this not a fulfillment of our Lord’s words of Matthew 24:9, or at least the trend in the direction toward the ful fillment? 11. According to v. 12, what will hap pen during that period? Is this warning not also pertinent for you today? Oct. 10, 1954 Faith To Conquer Uncertainty Romans 8 :31-39; 1 Cor. 15:55-58 DA ILY READINGS Oct. 4 — Continuing in the Faith Oct. 5 — Abounding Hope in Him Oct. 6 — Looking Unto Jesus Oct. 7 — Trust in the Lord Oct. 8 — Strength in the Lord Oct. 9 — Victory by Faith HEART OF TH E LESSON The Christian is not pessimistic, be cause he understands from the prophecies of the Bible that this present age is going to end in dismal failure as far as man is concerned. He is not pessimistic because he knows that God is working out His sovereign purpose and that one of these days Christ is coming back, first to receive His true followers, and then to establish His righteous Kingdom in the world. Be lievers are the only people in the world who have a right to be optimistic. STUDY QUESTIONS 1. What gifts has God given the be liever according to 2 Tim. 1:7? 2. Discuss the three wonderful things mentioned in this verse. Is not God the Christian’s only-needed psychiatrist? 3. See Phil. 4:6,7. What does this passage teach? Is it possible for the Christian to have the “ peace of God” in this upset world? What are the condi tions for this peace? What kind of peace is it? What two areas of the human per sonality are guarded by this peace? 4. What is the only possible answer to the question of Rom. 8:31? 5. What pledge do we have from God that He is eternally interested in you? (v. 32.) Is this pledge sufficient for you? Col. 1:23-29 Rom. 15:13 Heb. 12 : 1 , 2 Prov. 3:1-7 Isa. 40:28-31 1 John 5:1-5
world. He has this knowledge through study of the prophetic Scriptures. Our lesson today concerns the future as our Lord predicted it. W e should thrill as we note the marvelous accuracy of our Saviour as He outlined the closing years of this present dispensation. STUDY QUESTIONS 1. Should the Christian be concerned with prophecy? (2 Pet. 1:19-21.) 2. What was it that the disciples wanted to know in their question asked of the Lord Jesus in Matt. 24:3? Note: every believer ought to want to know what ever God has been good enough to tell him, and he also ought to be inquisitive about the future. Knowing the future helps him to plan and aids him in the formulation of a working philosophy of life. God has not kept us in the dark about coming events because He wants the Christian to know about these things and to expect them and to make prepara tion in the light of them. (cp. Rom. 13:11-14; 1 Thess. 5:1-11.) 3. What warning does our Lord give in Matt. 24:4? Is there danger of de ception today in the matter of religion? How can the believer guard against being deceived by false teachers? (cp. 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1 John 4:1-4; Psalm 119:11.) 4. When will the events of Matt. 24 take place? (cp. vv. 14,21,29.) You will observe that these words of Christ place the fulfillment of this chapter during the Tribulation period, the last seven years of this present dispensation. W e see the stage being set and everything moving into readiness for this period even now. 5. What event must take place before the tribulation period can begin? (cp. 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 2:7.) This latter verse indicates that the restraining influ ence of the Church will be removed and then all will be in readiness for the be ginning of the tribulation period. 6. What other “ signs” will characterize the end time? (w . 6, 7.) 7. Must these come to pass or can they be averted? (v. 7.) Are we then to expect world peace through the efforts of men in the light of this statement by our Lord?
Helps for Christian Endeavor and Other Young People's Groups By Chester J. Padgett, D.D. Assistant Professor of English Bible Talbot Theological Seminary Oct. 3, 1954 Facing Uncertainty Matt. 24:3-13 DAILY READINGS Sept. 27 — He is Able 2 Tim . 1:12-14 Sept. 28 — God's Guidance
Isa.30:15-21
Sept. 29 — Uncertainty of Life on Earth
James 4:13-15
Sept. 30 —
Watchfulness
Mark 13:32-37
Oct. 1 —
Joyful Anticipation
Titus 2:.l 1-14
Oct. 2 —
Our Eternal Home
2 Cor. 5:1-5
HEART OF THE LESSON Life has always been uncertain and short at the very longest (see Psalm 90). This fact has led many to a spirit of indifference or of despondency. But the Christian need not be, and should not become, the victim of a wrong attitude because he knows what the ultimate fu ture holds both for himself and for the
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