Matthew — Chapter 24

What is the meaning of life? If history is compared with today, it seems that humanity has been going in circles. Wars continue to occur, evil people are in charge of the nations, crime abounds, and it seems that hope is hard to come by. Many put their hope in modern humanity and the achievements they have accomplished in the technological revolution. Bigger strides in medicine and technology have been made in the past hundred years than in all of human history. In this sermon on Matthew 24:1–2 titled “The Living Temple,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines how Jesus shows His disciples that nothing on this earth will last. Jesus correctly prophesied the destruction of the Jewish temple (an architectural feat in itself) to show that the only lasting hope that anyone can have is in Jesus Himself. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that although humanity has had technological innovations, the basic problems still plague humanity. Listeners will learn of the hope that Jesus promises to be, that sins can be forgiven through faith in Him, and people can be granted a life that outlasts this very earth.

Some make the charge that the gospel failed because the world is not a better place. In this sermon from Matthew 24:3–14 titled “The Destruction of the World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones walks through these questions and how to analyze them from a biblical perspective. First, Scripture never claims that its purpose is to reform the world and make it better. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that this is a teaching derived from an evolutionary worldview in which everything gradually improves over time. Second, in stark contrast to this evolutionary teaching, Scripture actually claims the opposite—that things will continue to get worse until Jesus returns. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that this is another reason Scripture can be trusted. Unlike false worldviews, the Bible can explain and account for the present realities in the world. Third, Scripture explains why things are the way they are—the lust of the flesh. If one is seeking to change the world, make it a better place, and long to see right prevail over wrong, Dr. Lloyd-Jones has one question: “what is your attitude towards God?” In order for anything to change, people must individually address the state of their own sinful hearts, ask forgiveness for sins, and believe in Jesus Christ—only then can true, lasting change take place.

Opponents of Christianity will say that the gospel is too narrow and that Christians must conform their worldview. How should Christians respond to this charge and the subsequent challenge? In this sermon on Matthew 24:6 titled “The Christian Message and the World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches through these issues, showing the incompatibilities of the competing worldviews. The world tends to think of people together in groupings. Yet, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones duly notes, Jesus addressed the individual and not the whole. He preached the gospel to all but He was clear in stating that individuals must make decisions themselves about whether or not to accept His offer of forgiveness since they alone will be held responsible for their eternal state. Another area the world falls short in is that it puts care and worry of the body ahead of the soul. Scripture clearly emphasizes that it is useless to gain anything in this life if the soul is lost in the end. Christianity gives its followers hope because they know that this world is not the end due to the offer of salvation made available through Jesus’s death on the cross. The world tries to rob Him of His glory, but He has already won the war.

In this sermon in a series on Matthew 24:14 titled “The Kingdom of God,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones teaches on what the gospel is, not just what it is not. What is the way of escape that is offered to followers of Jesus and what is the kingdom of God found so often in the gospels? First, the gospel is good news. This good news is about God’s action, not humanity’s, and it is directly related to the kingdom of God. This is the realm in which God rules and reigns in the hearts of people. This kingdom is related to the good news of the gospel because it is a demonstration that God has not given up on humankind, thus becoming a beacon of hope for a lost world. Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes with addressing God’s relationship to history. First, He is in control of all things. Second, God has acted, and is still acting, throughout history. From the very first pages of Scripture, God’s hand in the movement of history is clear: from the fall of humanity, to His promise to Abraham of a coming ruler, to the cross of Christ. All can trust His control over history because He has faithfully acted in history, keeping His promises, and staying faithful to His character.

The chaotic world and the glorious kingdom of Heaven are in juxtaposition. In the world there is constant trouble, discord, rebellion, and estrangement from God. The kingdom of Heaven offers hope, safety and relationship with the Creator. There is no impending destruction in God’s kingdom. There is no fear, or terror, or alarm as in the world. In Matthew 24 the Lord Jesus Christ not only foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, but also the destruction of the world. What should the response be to this terrible judgment? Can it be escaped? How may one enter the kingdom of Heaven? In this sermon on Matthew 24:14 titled “Entering the Kingdom of Heaven,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener of the utter importance of such questions and where the ultimate answer is found. It is found in the gospel. God offers a way to escape the terror. All must repent and be born again. Entering the kingdom of Heaven requires looking at Christ the King. As He is looked to with faith and hope, and a confession of foolishness, sin, and rebellion is made, the Christian finds admission into the kingdom. In an age of crisis and uncertainty, listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls the listener to face the future without fear because they have entered God’s kingdom.

In the midst of a prophecy of gloom, there is a good news. In this sermon on Matthew 24:14 titled “The Only Way,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the Messiah of the Old Testament. The world without God is under the wrath of God – where is the hope? It is a different message and perspective, giving the only light in the midst of all darkness. The history of the world and the kingdoms of humankind are competing with the history and kingdom of the eternal God. No one can earn entrance into this kingdom; Jesus Christ is the only door to the kingdom of God. Christ did not come to reform the world politically or socially; His kingdom is completely different. God’s kingdom remains in the spiritual realm until Christ returns. Learn not only what Christ has done and continues to do, but also discover what He will do. The Bible recounts the wonderful works of God. The eternally pure Christ looked into the face of sin and bore the punishment of death; He is the only door to salvation. No one can cleanse themselves – come to Him as He can wash, clothe, and receive His people into the kingdom of God.

In this sermon on Matthew 24:14 titled “A New Humanity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses history from the Lord’s view and the prophesies already fulfilled. While these are prophesies of doom, He also offers good news of a new kingdom. This leads to questions on how one can enter into God’s kingdom and why Christ came into the world. Listeners learn that it is not merely Christ’s accurate prophecy and teaching, but rather His works that make all the difference. Christ paved the way into God’s kingdom by His own living in obedience, conquering Satan, dying for humanity’s punishment, and rising in victory. He opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. A Christian is not defined as someone who is learned and exceptionally able. No one can do or learn enough to enter into God’s kingdom; Christ had to come and make a new humanity. As the representative and last Adam, Christ has done all the things people should have done. Hear about humanity’s ultimate problem and the guilt of sin. The real work was done upon the cross, freeing those who believe in Him. God’s pronouncement of the judgement of sin is death.