Days of Discontent
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Seeking discernment as we long for the return of our Lord in the days of discontent.
Text: Luke 17:22-25
Date: 09/22/2024, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 166
Description:
After establishing Himself as the unquestionable King of the Kingdom of God, Jesus turns to His disciples with critical information concerning the days to come after His Ascension. He recognizes that His true disciples will lament His absence and passionately yearn for His return. Although this is a sign of true love and discipleship, it is also a dangerous point of manipulation for the enemy to fool even the elect into following false prophets and false christs. But Jesus makes it perfectly clear to them and to us that far from having to figure out obscure signs as to when the Son of Man returns-- it will be impossible to escape! We will apply the principles learned in this passage to both unbelievers and believers and ultimately ask ourselves: "What is the reason we long for the return of Jesus?" Do we seek His glory, or our comfort-- in these days of discontent?
View:
Options:
I. Introduction, Phil. 4:11; 1Tim. 6:8; 2Cor. 12:10; Heb. 13:5; Luke 5:33-35.
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 17:22-25.
A. Context
B. Seeking discernment in the days of discontent.
1. The days of the Son of Man, vs. 22.
a. Noticing the audience.
b. Looking at the words.
i. Introduction to the Eschaton, Luke 5:35, 21:6.
ii. A passionate desire, Luke 15:16; Rev. 9:6.
iii. Defining "days of the Son of Man".
1) Revisiting the meaning of "Son of Man", 1Pet. 1:12.
2) Considering the options.
a) The disciples' time with Jesus.
b) The Parousia, 1Cor. 16:22.
c) The beginning of the Messianic age, John 20:1.
iv. The idea of discontent, Psa. 84:10.
c. Probing the meaning.
2. Ignoring false christs, vs. 23.
a. Looking at the words.
i. Defining "they", Luke 12:1; Matt. 7:15, 24:11.
ii. Looking in the wrong places, Luke 17:21.
iii. The warning.
1) Do not be deceived, Matt. 8:18.
2) Do not lead others astray, John 21:17; Matt. 16:18; Ezek. 34:4,9-10.
b. Probing the meaning, Matt. 24:23-24.
3. The Second Coming, vs. 24.
a. The metaphor of the lightning.
b. Probing the meaning.
i. Interpreting "His day".
ii. A "clear" meaning, Rev. 6:12-17.
iii. "Mystery Messiahs" then and now, Luke 17:20-21.
4. Prophesying the Passion, vs. 25.
a. Another prediction of the Passion, Luke 9:22,44.
b. Couched in eschatological language.
III. Application
A. A word to the unbeliever, John 12:35-40, 48; Mark 1:15.
B. A word to the church, Mark 1:15.
C. The reason for discontent?
IV. Conclusion
