“EATING AND DRINKING, MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE”

Matthew 24:37-39

When the Lord Jesus comes again the world will be in the same condition it is in now (vv. 37-39). It will be exactly as it has always been! The world will not be converted before Christ comes. It will be in the same condition it was in when God sent the flood. When our Lord says, “As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be,” He means for us to understand that three things will characterize the world until the end of time. These three things were characteristic of the world in Noah’s day, in the days of our Lord’s earthly ministry, and in our day. And these three things will characterize the world in the day when our Savior comes again.

1. The world is now, forever has been, and forever shall be absorbed in carnal sensual pursuits. There is nothing wrong with eating and drinking. If we did not eat and drink, we could not live. There is nothing wrong with marrying and giving in marriage. “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled” (Heb. 13:5). Did men and women not marry and give themselves to one another in marriage, the human race would cease to be. However, when men and women, possessing immortal souls, live only to gratify themselves with the carnal pleasures of this earth, they live as fools and brute beasts. Do not be so foolish (Matt. 6:31-33). That which is perfectly lawful in normal circumstances becomes a positive evil and a snare when it keeps us from seeking, knowing, and serving Christ (Matt. 13:22). “Woe unto those whose eating and drinking do not include the bread and the water of life; and who marry or are given in marriage, but not to the heavenly Bridegroom!” (C.H. Spurgeon) I tremble for the souls of men and women who gradually allow the things of this world to become the primary concern of their hearts. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21). Nothing in this world is more destructive of men’s souls than worldliness. By worldliness I mean the love of the world. I urge you, as you care for your soul, “LOVE NOT THE WORLD!”

2. The second characteristic of the world is that it is totally oblivious to eternal, spiritual things. Both religious people and irreligious people, the moralist as well as the libertine, all are alike ignorant of and oblivious to the things of God. Just as the people of Noah’s day were oblivious to God’s judgment and his salvation, the people of our day are naturally unconcerned about heaven, hell, immortality, judgment, and the glory of God.

3. Though the gospel shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, the vast majority of those who hear it are guilty of despising it. As in Noah’s day, so it is now, and so it shall be to the end. Most who hear the gospel despise it. As stated above, the world will not be converted before Christ comes. The purpose of God shall stand. God’s elect shall be saved. But in the last day, as in Noah’s day and our day, God’s elect shall be few.

Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For Today Radio Message #645

2734 Old Stanford Road - Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438

Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net