Revelation – Lesson 18 (Various Scriptures)

 

Suffering

Suffering has been and will be a part of our lives until Jesus returns.  Suffering is a great mystery known only to God.  We know that God is just, wise and powerful.  All people suffer because we live in a fallen sinful world.  Suffering humbles us and benefits us.  Jesus promised that in this world, we would have trouble, but to take heart, because He has overcome the world.  We must trust God in our suffering; He has a plan that is ultimately leading to salvation.

Romans 8:18-25 gives us hope when we suffer.  Our sufferings cannot compare to the glories that will be revealed at some future time to saved believers.  Those endless glories must be incomprehensibly wonderful, satisfying, and meaningful.

Jesus suffered physically and well as great humiliation through betrayal, torture and then death on the cross.  God made Him to be sin; He was treated as sin itself for our sake.  He was sent by God to die for us. (Isaiah 53:10-11; Matthew 16:21; Acts 2:23; Romans 4:25)

Why do we suffer?  We suffer sometimes because we are disobedient to God.  Sometimes it’s a test of our faith.  Sometimes we need to be broken in order for God to build us up.  Sometimes it is to encourage others.  Sometimes it’s simply because we live in this evil world.  Suffering reminds us of our dependence on the Lord.  God allows suffering because He want us to be more like Christ, to fully rely on Him, and to see His glory on display.  We are children of God, His heirs; we share in His inheritance so we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory. 

These passages tell us what suffering does for us:

Psalm 73:26-28 – when we suffer, we’re brought closer to God because we know He is our refuge.

Proverbs 3:11-12 – when we suffer, we know God loves us.

Romans 5:3-4 – we are to rejoice in suffering, because it produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 8:17 – we are heirs with Christ and will share in His glory, so we should share in His suffering.

Romans 8:28-30 – all things, even suffering, work together for good.

Philippians 3:8-9 – nothing else should compare to Christ; like Paul our single goal should be Christ.

Hebrews 5:8-9 – we learn obedience through suffering.

God equips His people for suffering which gives us hope:

Psalm 23 – God gives us great provisions and blessings.

Matthew 11:28-29 – when we are weary and burdened, God will give us rest.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – God is faithful and will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.

2 Corinthians 12:6-10 – we should delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties; when we are weak Jesus makes us strong.

Hebrews 4:14-16 – we should have confidence in Jesus, because He can sympathize with our weaknesses.

Revelation 21:4 – one day there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.

Since God equips us in our suffering, we should:

John 15:12 – love one another as Jesus loves us.

1 Peter 4:12-19 – we should not be surprised when we suffer, but rejoice that we are participating in the suffering of Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 – He comforts us in our suffering and suffering produces patient endurance.

Principles:  

God equips His people for suffering.

God strengthening His people in their suffering.

God allows suffering because He want us to be more like Christ, to fully rely on Him, and to see His glory on display.

Next week we will study Revelation 14.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Revelation 13 – Lesson 17

 

Revelation 13:1-10 – The Beast Out of the Sea (The Antichrist)

John saw a beast coming out of the sea.  He had 10 horns, 7 heads, 7 crowns and on each head a blasphemous name.  He looked like a leopard with feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion.  The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne and his authority.  One head seemed to have a fatal wound that had healed.  The world was astonished and followed him.  Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast.  They also worshiped the beast.

The beast is a man.  He is the Antichrist rising up out of the sea.  The sea represents the Gentile nations of the world.  The Antichrist is the false messiah we’ve all heard about that will come someday.  He will set himself up as ruler and God.  He will be the final ruler of the world.  He is also known as the little horn in Daniel 7:8.  This will be a time of confusion and uncertainty and people will be looking for a leader.  They will get their wish, but he will be much more than they bargained for.  He will not protect them, but will be a cruel dictator and demand that all worship him.  He will oppose Christ and God’s people.  He is Satan’s answer to Christ, hence the name Antichrist (1 John 2:18).

The sea means large numbers of people.  The heads of the beast show dominion.  The 10 horns show power.  He looks like a leopard, a bear and a lion which refers to the 3 beasts in Daniel 7 representing the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece.  All these empires come out of the Roman Empire.  We see the beast again in Revelation 17.

The beast and the dragon counterfeit or imitate Jesus and the Father.  Satan has his own false trinity.  He acts as a father, the Antichrist as the son, and the False Prophet as the spirit who attempts to bring glory to the Antichrist.  The Antichrist will declare himself as God.  He will have Godlike characteristic, perform miracles, and will deceive many people.  The whole world will be astonished and follow the beast.

John said God will allow the dragon to give the beast authority for 42 months (3 ½ years).  The beast will speak proud words and blasphemies to exercise his authority.  He blasphemes God and slanders His name.  He is granted authority to make war with the saints.  This is the beginning of the Great Tribulation Daniel called the Abomination of Desolation – also in Matthew 24:15.

The last 3 ½ years of the Tribulation is called the Great Tribulation.  During these last years the Antichrist will be a man endowed with demonic powers. During that time he will act as Satan himself.

In Matt. 24:15-21 Jesus warned the Jews.  “So when you see standing in the holy place the abomination that causes desolation spoken of through the prophet Daniel – let the reader understand – then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.  Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house.  Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak.  How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!  Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.  For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now – and never to be equaled again.”

When the Antichrist stands in the holy place (the temple) and proclaims himself to be God, there will be world-wide persecution of the Jews greater than ever before.  Daniel calls this abomination of desolation.  How will God protect them?  It is believed they will flee to a city called Petra, which is about 90 from Jerusalem.  There many Jews will finally believe in Jesus and be saved.

Revelation 13:7-8 – He will make war with the saints and all the people on the earth whose name is not written in the book of life will worship him.  The unbelievers will be deceived in believing he is God.  Only those whose names are written in the book of life will refuse to worship the Beast.  “He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.” – 2 Thess. 2:4:11.  God’s people must be strong through suffering.  Many will go to prison or be killed.  They must suffer with patience.  God will save them for their eternal home.

The book of life – There are some who believe that there are 2 books – the book of life and the Lamb’s book of life.  There are disagreements about this, but we really don’t know the right answer.  I believe they are the same book.  I believe God registered the names of everyone in this book before the world began.  In this book, He knows who will accept Him.  The book belongs to the Lamb.  Those who are saved never have their names removed from this book.  If you choose not to believe in Jesus during your lifetime, your name will be blotted out of the book of life and you will not go to heaven.  “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.” – Exodus 21:33  “He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white.  I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.” – Revelation 3:5

Some look at this book as having 3 categories of people:

The people – all names are written in the book, but if they die before believing in Jesus their names are blotted out.

The saved or the elect– all names are written in the book and if they believe in Jesus their names are retained in the book.

The beast worshipers in Revelation 13:8 – these people are hardened and are destined to reject Jesus and their names were never written in the book.

Again, we really don’t know since there are scriptures that are used to argue all points.  When it comes down to it, all that should matter to us is that if we believe in Jesus and stand firm in our faith, our names are in the Lamb’s book and we will go to heaven when we die.

The Bible gives us another warning to not let this go in one ear and out the other.  “He who has an ear, let him hear.” Revelation 13:9.  John is saying to pay attention to what he just said.  Obeying the beast will bring serious consequences.  People will be enslaved and even killed if they refuse to bow down to the Antichrist. We are called to have patient endurance and faithfulness.  We are to remain steadfast under trial and we will receive the crown of life. (Revelation 13:10) 

Revelation 13:11-18 – The Beast Out of the Earth (The False Prophet)

John saw another beast coming out of the earth.  He had 10 horns like a lamb, but spoke like a dragon.  He exercised all authority of the first beast on his behalf and made all inhabitants of earth  worship the first beast.  He performed great and miraculous signs, because he, too was given power to deceive people.  He ordered an image of the first beast to be made and caused it to come alive.  He demanded that all people worship the image.  He forced everyone no matter who they are to receive a mark on their right hand or forehead so no one can buy or sell unless they had the mark.  This mark is the name of the beast or the number of his name.

How can Satan give life?  Satan doesn’t have the power to create life.  Only God can create life.  I believe this giving life to the image will probably be done through modern technology like holograms or robotics or it may be another one of his miraculous signs that he was given the power by God to do.  What about the mark of the beast?  How can that be done?  This can probably be done through microchips under the skin, like they do for pets.  These chips can be easily scanned or maybe even traced by satellite.  So you can see we are living in the end times and God’s judgments are not far away.  Are you ready?

This second beast is the False Prophet.  He will speak the words of Satan.  He will cause people to worship the Antichrist.  Now Satan’s false trinity is complete.  Christ received His power from the Father (Matthew 11:27).  The beast (Antichrist) and the (second beast) False Prophet receive their power from Satan.  The Holy Spirit is the agent on behalf of Christ (John 16:14).  The False Prophet is the agent for the Antichrist (Revelation 13:12).

Those who do not worship the Antichrist will be killed – beheaded.  See Revelation 20:4.  Jesus warns us to watch out for false prophets in Matthew 7:15.  Before the Antichrist comes there will be many antichrists.  Some have already come and are working in the world today.  They are people who oppose Christ.  They try to destroy who Christ is and what He has done.  They are enemies of the church and hate all those who belong to Him.

“This calls for wisdom.  If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number.  His number is 666.” – Revelation 13:18.  Sometimes people use numbers instead of letter for a name.  There are many views about this number, but we really don’t know exactly what this mean.  We can find wisdom through prayer and study of God’s Word.

The mark of the beast – DO NOT TAKE THIS MARK!!  People will need food for their families so the pressures at this time will be very strong.  Jesus will help you to stand strong.  If anyone accepts this mark during the Tribulation he is permanently disqualified for heaven.  Give your allegiance to God and not the Antichrist even if it means death.  Remember you will live forever with Christ in heaven.  This earth is not your home. 

Can you take the mark of the beast accidentally?  I don’t think so.  To accept the mark you would have to willing renounce God. 

Summary:

The dragon is Satan.

The 1^st beast from the sea is the Antichrist.

The 2^nd beast from the land is the False Prophet.

The false trinity is Satan, Antichrist and the False Prophet.

The mark of the beast is a mark that is forced upon people during the last 3 ½ years in order to buy or sell.  Those who take this mark are renouncing God and will not enter heaven.

The book of life or Lamb’s book of life is a record of all people written before the foundation of the world.  If you choose not to believe in Jesus during your lifetime, your name will be blotted out and you will not go to heaven.

Satan will mock the Holy Trinity by setting up his unholy trinity in order to deceive the world.

The work of Holy Trinity is defined by peace, wisdom, gratitude in our hearts to God, forgiveness, love, humbleness, faithfulness and thankfulness.  The false trinity is defined by war, threats, fear, dictatorship and authority over people.

Wow!  This study is really scary.  Remember the Bible is telling us all these things so we will be knowledgeable and know what is going to happen.  Then we won’t be surprised; we will know exactly what to do and not to do.  We will be able to recognized false teachings and false prophets and especially be aware of the coming Antichrist and his agenda.  God doesn’t want us to be deceived.  He wants us to be assured that He wins in the end.

Next week we will continue our study of Revelation.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Revelation 12 – Lesson 16

 

Revelation 12:1-6 – The Woman and the Dragon

The events that follow are about the seventh trumpet, which are the last 7 judgments.  These are described in chapters 15 - 18.  Chapters 12, 13, and 14 summarizes the same period.  This period is called the Great Tribulation.  John wrote about events that happen before those troubles or judgments.  He takes us back to the original rebellion when Satan is cast to earth along with 1/3 of his angels.

John saw a great sign in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, moon at her feet and crown of 12 stars on her head.  She was with child and cried out being in labor and in pain as she was to give birth. (Rev. 12:1-2).  This woman is the nation of Israel and the child is Jesus.  This refers to the birth of Jesus and Christianity.  The pain is the period when Israel waited for the promised Messiah to come.

Then he saw another sign, a red dragon with 7 heads and 10 horns and on his head were 7 crowns.  This red dragon is Satan.  His tail swept away 1/3 of the stars and threw them to earth.  These stars are angels who followed Satan.  The dragon stood before the woman (Israel) ready to devour her child (Jesus).  She gave birth to a son who is to rule all the nations.  God protected her child and took Him up to His throne. (Rev. 12:3-5).  This refers to Jesus’ resurrection and is now setting on the right hand of God.  When He returns, He will rule over all nations and the King of Kings.

The dragon is described as red because of his blood thirsty character and nature and for his murderous and destructive personality.  His 7 heads, horns and crowns are evil governments that come from Satan himself.  He rules over them.  His tail sweeping 1/3 of the stars is the description of the original demonic uprising against God.  These are called fallen angels who serve Satan.

We learn more about Satan in these Scriptures:

Genesis 3:1-15 – he was more crafty than any of the wild animals, he lies and deceives, God cursed him.

John 8:44 – he is a murderer, not holding to the truth, no truth in him, he is a liar and the father of lies.

1 Peter 5:8 – he is the enemy and prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Satan influences human nature by tempting and deceiving through our desires – sinful desires of hearts to sexual impurities, exchanging the truth of God for a lie, worshipping and serving other things rather than God.  He causes people to be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, lovers of evil instead of good, and lovers of pleasures rather than of God. (Romans 1:26-32; 2 Timonthy 3:1-5).  But there is hope, because there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

Revelation 12:5-6 – God protected the infant and mother.  She woman fled into the wilderness prepared by God and there  nourished by 1,260 days.  During the last 3 ½ years Satan will try to kill all the Jews, but God will protect those who believe and will keep them safe.  I think this refers to a time when Israel will take refuge among the Gentiles nations where God will care for her during the Great Tribulation.

Revelation 12:7-9 – War In Heaven

John saw a war in heaven with Michael and his angels against the red dragon (Satan) and his angels.  This war will happen sometime during the tribulation.  Satan and his angels will be defeated and be thrown down from heaven forever. (Rev. 12:7-9)  Remember Satan use to be an angel, but wanted to be equal with God.  He was thrown out of heaven along with angels who followed him, but still could go back and forth from earth and heaven.  Michael is one of the chief angels of God.  In this war that John is seeing, Michael defeated Satan and his forces and now they had no access to heaven.   Not only will Satan be defeated in heaven, but he will be defeated on earth as well when he and his demons will be thrown into the Lake of Fire. 

We see in Job 1-2 that God is in control and Satan must ask God for permission before he messes with God’s people.  1 John 4:4 tell us that we are from God; He is greater than the one who is in the world (Satan).  This should give us great comfort and courage.

Revelation 12:10-12 – A Voice From Heaven

Then John heard a loud voice in heaven.  “Now have come the salvation, and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ.  For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.  They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” – Rev. 12:10-11

Phrases in verse 11 explained…

“They triumphed over him” – Satan was defeated by the cross.

Colossians 2:15 – He triumphed over them by the cross

James 4:7 – submit to God and we resist the devil, he will flee from you.

“By the blood of the Lamb” - When Jesus became the perfect Lamb sacrifice, Satan was defeated.  We have the ultimate victory through His sacrifice. 

Romans 5:9-11 – We have been justified by His blood shed on the cross, we can rejoice in God through Jesus whom we have now been reconciled.

Ephesians 1:6-10 – Through His blood we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.

“And by the word of their testimony” - When we open our mouths and declare Jesus is Lord and believe in Him and what He did, we are saved.  When we speak His truths, we are witnesses for Him to others.

1 John 5:11-12 – The testimony is that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son, if you believe in the Son, you have life.

Revelation 1:3 – Blessed are those who read, hear and take to heart the words of Revelation.

“They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” - Life on earth is not valuable.  Only life in heaven is important.  That is where our home is.

Matthew 16:25-28 – Death to self is required to follow Jesus; following Him comes at a cost, but the alternative is to permanently lose your life.

John 15:13 – The greatest love is to lay down your life for friends.

SATAN IS REAL!  Satan is also called the serpent of old, the father of lies, a deceiver, and a murder.  His mission is to lead the whole world astray.  God is more powerful than Satan.  Satan is under God’s control and he can only do what God allows.  He cannot be everywhere at once like God.  He can temp only 1 person at a time, but his demons are everywhere.  He does not know the future, but only knows what God allows him to know.  He runs around the world seeking to devour anyone he can.  He knows his time is short so he is working extra hard.  He doesn’t bother the lost, because he already has them.  He is after the believer.  He causes trouble, doubt and sickness.  He accuses us before God, but we know we are triumphal.  We know who wins in the end.

While the war was going on in heaven, the devil was making havoc on earth releasing his fury.  He knows his time is growing short so his rage against God’s people grows. He works hard to deceive and destroy mankind.  He is not omniscient (all knowing), but he knows the Scripture that foretells his appointment with eternal judgment.  “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.” – Rev. 12:12. 

Revelation 12:13-17 – God Protected the Woman

Satan could not kill the child (Jesus) so he turned his attention to the woman (Israel).  These are the believing remnant Jews and possibly Gentiles who are true believers and trust God.  God will protect them in the last 3 ½ years.  The dragon will try to hurt the woman, but will not be able.  God promised to protect Israel during the last days and He will do what He promised.  God will save Israel.   “Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring”. (Rev. 12:13-17)  Satan can’t get Jesus so he goes after His followers.

Many will suffer during those last 3 ½ years; even God’s people will die because of their belief in Jesus.  What a terrible time that will be. 

Romans 5:12-19 – God provided us with a Savior, Jesus Christ who overcame Satan, sin, and death.  Adam, through one sin brought sin into the world to all men; now all face God’s judgment.   Jesus, through one act of righteousness, brings justification and salvation to all who believe.

Next week we will study Revelation 13 and learn about the beast that comes out of the sea, which is the Antichrist.  You don’t want to miss that.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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