THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS

THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 24:4-14

Key Verse: “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:8 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Luke 21:9-19; Mark 13:7-13; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Romans 8:22-23; Joel 2:28-32; Revelation 6:1-17

Description: Jesus taught that the increasing troubles and disturbances in the world are not the end itself but the beginning of events that will lead to His glorious return.

INTRODUCTION
Matthew 24 records Jesus' prophetic teaching concerning the signs that would precede His second coming and the end of the age. When the disciples asked Him about future events, Jesus described a series of developments that would unfold before the culmination of history. Among His statements was the declaration that wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and other disturbances were only "the beginning of sorrows." This phrase indicates that these events are not the final stage but the early signs of greater events yet to come.

The expression "beginning of sorrows" can also be understood as "birth pains." Just as birth pains increase in frequency and intensity before the arrival of a child, so the troubles Jesus described would increase as the world moves closer to His return. These events remind humanity that the present world is not permanent and that God's prophetic timetable is advancing toward its fulfilment.

Many people become fearful when they witness global crises, social unrest, natural disasters, and widespread moral decline. However, Jesus did not give these signs to create panic but to produce preparedness. Believers are called to understand the times, remain steadfast in faith, and continue serving God faithfully. The beginning of sorrows should motivate us to draw nearer to God, strengthen our spiritual lives, and remain watchful for the fulfilment of God's purposes.

1. DECEPTION IS A MAJOR PART OF THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS
The first warning Jesus gave concerned spiritual deception, emphasizing its significance in the last days.

a) False Christs Will Arise (Matthew 24:5)
Many will claim divine authority or present themselves as special messengers sent by God. Believers must carefully examine every claim according to Scripture.

b) False Prophets Will Increase (Matthew 24:11)
Deceptive teachers will emerge, leading many away from the truth of God's Word.

c) Error Will Appear Convincing (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
Satan often disguises falsehood in forms that appear attractive, religious, and acceptable.

d) Discernment Is Essential (1 John 4:1)
Christians must test every spirit and every teaching to ensure it aligns with biblical truth.

Biblical Example: Eve was deceived by the serpent because she accepted a message that contradicted God's command (Genesis 3:1-6).

2. GLOBAL CONFLICTS WILL INCREASE
Jesus identified wars and political unrest as significant indicators of the beginning of sorrows.

a) Wars and Rumours of Wars (Matthew 24:6)
Conflicts among nations will continue to increase, creating uncertainty and instability.

b) Nation Against Nation (Matthew 24:7)
Ethnic tensions, political rivalries, and international disputes will become more widespread.

c) Fear and Anxiety Will Spread (Luke 21:26)
Many people will become fearful as they witness global upheavals.

d) Believers Must Trust God (Psalm 46:1-2)
Despite turmoil, God's people can remain confident in His protection and sovereignty.

Biblical Example: During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, multiple nations came against Judah, but God gave His people victory when they trusted Him (2 Chronicles 20:1-22).

3. NATURAL DISASTERS WILL INCREASE IN FREQUENCY
Jesus described various natural disturbances that would characterize the beginning of sorrows.

a) Famines in Diverse Places (Matthew 24:7)
Food shortages and economic hardships will affect many parts of the world.

b) Pestilences and Diseases (Luke 21:11)
Outbreaks of diseases will continue to challenge humanity.

c) Earthquakes in Various Places (Matthew 24:7)
Natural disasters will remind people of the fragility of earthly life.

d) Creation Groans for Redemption (Romans 8:22)
The suffering of creation points toward the future restoration that God has promised.

Biblical Example: The severe famine during Joseph's time affected many nations, but God provided preservation through His divine plan (Genesis 41:53-57).

4. PERSECUTION OF BELIEVERS WILL INCREASE
The beginning of sorrows will include intensified opposition against those who follow Christ.

a) Hatred for Christ's Sake (Matthew 24:9)
Believers will face rejection, opposition, and hostility because of their faith.

b) Betrayal Among People (Matthew 24:10)
Some relationships will be strained as loyalty to Christ is tested.

c) Pressure to Compromise (Daniel 3:16-18)
God's people will face increasing pressure to abandon biblical convictions.

d) Endurance Is Required (Matthew 24:13)
Those who remain faithful to God despite trials will experience His victory.

Biblical Example: Stephen remained faithful to Christ even in the face of persecution and martyrdom (Acts 7:54-60).

5. MORAL DECLINE WILL CHARACTERIZE THE LAST DAYS
The beginning of sorrows will be accompanied by a significant decline in moral and spiritual values.

a) Iniquity Shall Abound (Matthew 24:12)
Sin and rebellion against God will increase throughout society.

b) Love Will Grow Cold (Matthew 24:12)
Many will lose compassion, commitment, and devotion to God.

c) Self-Centredness Will Prevail (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
People will prioritize personal desires above God's will and the needs of others.

d) Believers Must Remain Spiritually Vibrant (Romans 12:11)
Christians must guard their hearts against becoming spiritually cold and indifferent.

Biblical Example: The generation before Noah's flood became increasingly wicked and resistant to God's ways (Genesis 6:5-8).

6. THE GOSPEL WILL CONTINUE TO ADVANCE
Despite increasing troubles, God's plan of salvation will continue moving forward.

a) The Gospel Will Reach More Nations (Matthew 24:14)
God's message of salvation will continue spreading throughout the world.

b) The Church Must Remain Active (Mark 16:15)
Believers are called to preach, teach, and share the gospel faithfully.

c) God's Purposes Cannot Be Stopped (Isaiah 55:11)
The Word of God will accomplish everything He intends.

d) Christ's Return Draws Nearer (Matthew 24:14)
The progress of the gospel points toward the fulfilment of God's end-time plan.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul carried the gospel across many regions despite opposition, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of God's mission (Acts 13–28).

CONCLUSION
The beginning of sorrows reminds us that the world is moving toward the fulfilment of God's prophetic plan. Jesus warned of deception, wars, natural disasters, persecution, and moral decline. These events are not reasons for fear but signs that God's Word is being fulfilled. They remind believers that earthly systems are temporary and that Christ's return is certain.

As followers of Christ, we must remain spiritually alert, grounded in God's Word, and committed to His mission. Instead of becoming discouraged by the troubles around us, we should use these signs as motivation to deepen our relationship with God, proclaim the gospel, and prepare for the glorious return of our Lord. Those who endure faithfully will experience the fulfilment of God's promises and the joy of His eternal kingdom.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to remain faithful during the beginning of sorrows in Jesus name.

2. Lord, protect me from every form of deception in Jesus name.

3. Father, strengthen my faith amid global uncertainties in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to trust You regardless of world events in Jesus name.

5. Father, keep my love for You burning brightly in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me grace to endure every trial and persecution in Jesus name.

7. Father, make me a faithful witness of the gospel in Jesus name.

8. Lord, grant me spiritual discernment and wisdom in Jesus name.

9. Father, keep me watchful and prepared for Christ's return in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let me remain steadfast until the end in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall remain steadfast in faith despite the challenges of the last days.

2. You shall not be deceived by false teachings or false prophets.

3. The Lord shall preserve you amid global turmoil and uncertainty.

4. Your love for God shall remain strong and unwavering.

5. You shall receive divine wisdom and discernment.

6. Every trial designed to weaken your faith shall strengthen you instead.

7. You shall stand firm upon the truth of God's Word.

8. The Holy Spirit shall empower you to endure until the end.

9. You shall be an effective witness for Christ in your generation.

10. You shall be found ready, faithful, and victorious at the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, in Jesus' name. Amen.