Signs: Questions on Prophecy•
A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
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I. CONTEXT OF PROPHECY
A. BIBLICAL DILEMMA
1. JEWS WERE A CONQUERED PEOPLE
John 8:31-33
2. JEWS LIVED ON HOPE/CHANGE
Genesis 12:3
Isaiah 9:6-7
Isaiah 11:1-2
Jeremiah 23:5-6
Zechariah 14:3,8,11
Daniel 2:44
B. UNREASONABLE EXPECTATION
1. COMPILATION
2. DETAILS – 10 signs from Jewish writings (not New Testament)
Preceded by terrible tribulation
Elijah-like Forerunner
Messiah appears
Rebellions
Destruction of these nations
Restoration of Jerusalem
Regathering Jews from the entire world
Palestine = center of all world activity
Temple = center of all worship
New, eternal age of peace
C. MESSIANIC FULFILLMENT
1. JESUS WAS FULFILLING THIS “PLAN”
2. HOWEVER, NOT ALL ONE EVENT
II. STATEMENT OF PROPHECY
A. DISCIPLE’S OBSERVATION
1. DAY OVER?
Mt 24:1a As Jesus was walking away from the Temple mount
2. STILL IN AWE
Mt 24:1b His disciples pointed out to Him the buildings of the temple, Lk 21:5b with its splendid stones and adorned with consecrated gifts.
B. MESSIAH’S PROCLAMATION
Mt 24:2 But He responded, “Do you see all these Mk 13:2 great buildings? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here two stones on top of each other that will not be thrown down.”
1. SPIRITUAL VISION
2. JAW-DROPPING PROPHECY
Messiah is PURIFYING His temple!
Messiah is RESTORING His temple!
Messiah is REBUILDING His temple!
Malachi 3:1-3
GOTTA BE . . . NOW??
III. QUESTIONS ABOUT PROPHECY
A. ARE WE THERE YET?
Mt 24:3a As He sat on the Mount of Olives, Mk 13:3 opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be?”
1. INTERLUDE
2. IMPORTANT ISSUE
B. ARE WE AT LEAST CLOSE?
1. IF NOT TODAY, SOON?
Mt 24:3b “What will be the sign of Your coming?”
2. IF NOT SOON, WHEN?
Mt 24:3c “[What will be the sign] of the culmination of this age?”