This sermon addresses one of the most sobering warnings Jesus gave regarding the end times. It is a call to vigilance, reminding us that while the atmosphere of the world may grow cold and cynical, the heart of the believer must remain a hearth of divine love.
A Burning Love in a Cold World
Base Text: Matthew 24:12
"And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold."
Proposition: Although wickedness increases in the world, the true Christian must keep their love for Christ burning and constant.
Introduction
In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus pulls back the curtain on the future to prepare His disciples for what is to come. He speaks of a world in labor pains: wars, famines, earthquakes, and intense persecution (Matthew 24:7–9).
However, the most dangerous sign He mentions isn't a geopolitical conflict or a natural disaster—it is a spiritual one. He warns that the external pressure of "lawlessness" or "wickedness" (maldad) will have an internal effect on people: their love will grow cold.
We live in a reality today where cruelty, indifference, and immorality are on the rise. If we are not careful, the "chill" of the world will seep into our souls. Today, we look at how to protect the fire of our first love.
I. The Mechanics of the Spiritual Chill
Jesus identifies a direct "cause and effect" relationship: as lawlessness increases, love decreases.
• What it means to "grow cold": This implies a gradual loss of fervor, zeal, and spiritual passion. It is the transition from a "burning heart" to a "lukewarm" spirit, and finally to a heart of stone.
• The Weight of Wickedness: Constant exposure to evil, injustice, and betrayal can produce discouragement and spiritual apathy. When we see "lawlessness" winning, the temptation is to stop caring, stop serving, and stop loving.
• The Reality Check: Not everyone who faces wickedness falls away, but Jesus warns that "many" will. Perseverance is not automatic; it is a choice made in the face of opposition.
II. Examples of Resilience: Staying Warm in the Cold
Scripture provides us with "spiritual anomalies"—people who lived in frozen, wicked environments but kept their hearts warm toward God.
1. Lot in Sodom: (Genesis 18:20; 2 Peter 2:7–8)
Lot lived in a society defined by perversion. Peter tells us that Lot's "righteous soul was tormented day after day" by what he saw. Yet, despite the environment, Lot did not become like Sodom. He was distressed by the evil, not converted by it.
2. The Old Man in Gibeah: (Judges 19:16–22)
In a time when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes," this man lived in a city of wicked men but maintained his integrity and hospitality.
The Lesson: Environment does not have to dictate character. As Exodus 23:2 says, "You shall not follow a crowd to do evil." You can be in the world without the world being in you.
III. The Indestructible Nature of True Love
If our love is rooted in Christ, the "waters" of this world cannot put it out.
• Extinguish-proof Love: Song of Solomon 8:7 tells us, "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it." The "floods" of lawlessness may rise, but they cannot drown a love that is anchored in the Creator.
• The Inseparable Connection: Paul reminds us in Romans 8:35–39 that neither tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nor sword can separate us from the love of God. If nothing can separate God's love from us, then nothing should be allowed to separate our love from Him.
• Love Remains: While knowledge and prophecies may pass away, love remains (1 Corinthians 13:13). It is the only thing that will survive into eternity.
IV. Guarding the "First Love"
The warning to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:4 is a solemn reminder: you can have correct doctrine and hard work, yet still "abandon your first love."
• A Gradual Decline: Spiritual cooling is rarely an overnight event. It is a slow drop in temperature—a little less prayer, a little more cynicism, a little more worldliness.
• The Remedy: To keep the fire burning, we must continually "fan the flame" through the Word, fellowship, and a life of worship. We must refuse to let the darkness of the world dim our light.
See Also
- Preaching on Noah: A Pattern of Exact Obedience
- Preaching on Micah 4:1–8 A Future Vision of the Kingdom
- Preaching on Psalm 78 - Forgetting the Power of God
Conclusion
Wickedness has always existed, and as we approach the end, it may continue to increase. But the increase of darkness only makes the light of a loving heart shine brighter.
Jesus concluded this section by saying, "But the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13). Endurance is love that refuses to give up. Examine your heart today: Has the cruelty of the world made you cynical? Has the increase of sin made you apathetic?
The Call: Don't let the world set your temperature. Let the Holy Spirit set your heart on fire.
