Class Lesson March 31, 2024

 Week 12 Revelation 19:11 - 20:15

As we enter into what is famously known as “Holy Week,” it begins with remembering Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, mounted on a donkey. Do not miss the significance of this cosmic and redemptive moment: by coming into Jerusalem this way, Jesus was not only fulfilling Old Testament prophecy, but He was identifying Himself as the Savior to come. Yet, the people present drastically missed what Jesus was coming for. The people expected Jesus to come and overthrow the oppressive Roman empire, but Jesus came to die for the sins of the people and overthrow the kingdom of Satan.

While we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry, we know what was to follow. Greater still, we know Sunday is coming. And while Jesus came into Jerusalem as the suffering servant, humbly mounted on the donkey, He is coming again. When Jesus returns, He will come in power and heavenly glory, mounted not on a donkey, but a white horse — a signal of strength and power. In your group this week, celebrate “Holy Week” together, but also pay close attention to how this week is fulfilled in chapters 19-20 in the book of Revelation. Jesus is coming again in glorious splendor, Satan will be defeated, and judgment is coming for all.

 

What does the return of Christ make you feel? (Excited, scared, nervous, expectant, etc.)

 

THE POINT

The humble Savior is coming again as the conquering King.

 

Revelation 19:11-21

The Rider on a White Horse

11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave,[d] both small and great.”

19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. 21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.

Revelation 20

The Thousand Years

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. 4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also, I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

The Defeat of Satan

7 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9 And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven[b] and consumed them, 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The Defeat of Satan

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Revelation 19:10-20:1-15.

 

 

 

 

The King is coming! 

The action in Revelation has been rising for quite some time. We’ve read much about conquered beasts and God’s judgment. Up until this point, God has poured out His wrath through angels and intermediaries. But then John sees an event that can only be described as the climax of God’s judgment. Jesus rides into battle and He has come to win final victory over sin and death once and for all!

The symbolism is rich with deep meaning in reference to our victorious Savior. When Jesus comes again, He’s coming to make war. He is depicted as a King riding into battle. Jesus first came to earth as a humble and helpless baby. He will come again as a righteous and victorious King. His enemies are no match for Him. They are struck down simply by the Word of His mouth. He will rule and reign forever, His enemies will be defeated forever, and He will send all men to their eternal destination forever.

One image in this passage deserves special emphasis. Chapter 19:13 says that Jesus is wearing a robe dipped in blood. This graphic picture might seem off-putting at first. One should note, however, that in this vision Jesus has just ridden through the windows of heaven and has not yet spilt the blood of His enemies. Jesus rides into battle with blood already on His robe. How can this be? Jesus begins this battle with the victory already won. The blood necessary for triumph has already been spilled. The Lamb of God can enter into this final battle with a certain and decided outcome because these enemies have already been defeated. When the victorious King gave up His life on the Cross. He gave all the blood that would ever be needed. In this final victory over sin and death, John reminds us that the work necessary for victory has already been done at Calvary. Praise the Lord!

 

STUDY NOTES

The beast, the woman, and the armies of Satan have been released on the earth. Sin runs rampant, but the Resurrected King comes victoriously to take His Kingdom, His Throne, and to take names from upon the earth.

There are a couple of key things to see from these passages:

1) Jesus comes in glorious splendor.

When Jesus comes again, He will do so in the power and wonder of all of heaven. Jesus will come in the full display of the glory of the Ancient of Days. Also notice how the armies of Satan come to make war on King Jesus, but there is no fight. The armies are destroyed and the beast captured. The war has already been fought on the cross of calvary. Instead, Jesus comes not to fight the battle, but to claim the victory He has already won.

2) Satan will be defeated.

While we have been shown terrifying pictures in the book of Revelation of the war Satan wages against Christ and His Kingdom, his ultimate end, along all those parts of his kingdom, is death in the lake of fire. Not even all the armies of the world can stand against King Jesus.

3) Judgment is coming for all.

Revelation 20:11-15 makes it clear that all humanity must stand before the throne for the final judgment. For those apart from Christ, the final judgment should be the most terrifying picture in all the world, as it will result in eternal separation from God in the lake of fire, along with Satan and his kingdom. Yet, the Christian will stand before the throne in victory because of Christ, and will inherit eternal life, revealed in the following chapter.

While it would be easy to get lost in the hows and whens of the coming of Christ and the final judgment, what is clear is that Jesus is indeed coming soon. The application is simple: are you on the side of Satan and his kingdom or Christ and His kingdom? For the believer, the application is once again simple: the victory is coming. The war is already won. Our victorious, glorious, and reigning Christ is coming for his Church. The author of Revelation seems to be screaming at the top of his lungs, “Take heart, O Christian. Remain steadfast. Our salvation is near.” Our response to this passage should, therefore, be not one of fear, worry, or despair, but hope, joy, and a longing expectation for Christ to return.

 

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

How does the description of Jesus in Revelation 19:11-21 differ from the description of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday?

 

Revelation 19:13 says, “He is clothed in a rope dipped in blood…”. What do you think this means?

 

What is the ultimate end of the beast, the false prophets, Satan, and all his armies?

 

What should the return of Christ and the final judgment presented in these two chapters provoke in the heart of the believer? Fear? Worry?

 

We are living today in what theologians call the “Already but Not Yet.” Christ defeated death by his own death and resurrection, but that is not the fulfillment of all things. How do we see this played out in the passage?

 

What about this week’s passage gives you the most hope?

Quotes:

“In Revelation, we don’t know everything, and we argue about somethings, but we know for certain that Jesus is coming again as King of kings and Lord of lords.” – Stephen Williams

 

“As King of kings, sitting on His eternal throne of Hi eternal kingdom, Jesus will execute eternal judgment and grant eternal life.” – Wayne Bray

 

“Does my life reflect the certainty of Christ’s return?” – Corey Watson

 

“To make light of hell is to not take the cross seriously. We can have confidence in our position with Christ because of what He has done, not because of our own efforts.” – Pat Gillian

 

“Satan cannot take your eternal life away from you, so instead he will try to trick you into believing that you can’t have an abundant life here and now.” – Will Bray

 

 

Class Lesson March 24, 2024

 Week 11 Revelation 17 - 19:10

REVELATION 17-19:10

  

THE POINT

Everyone worships something, but not everything is worthy of worship.

 

This passage is made up of three major images: a woman, a beast, and a city. John writes about these three events in succession and as being shown to him by one angel. These three things are symbolic of one overarching truth that John wants to express about the end times: the woman, the beast, and Babylon are all conquered by the wrath of God.

There is much debate about the identity of these three images. It isn’t altogether clear from the text itself what specific people or places this vision has in mind, or if there are any at all. Instead, these three symbols represent mankind apart from God. God’s wrath is being poured out on mankind for some specific reasons and we don’t want to miss that; what can the pictures painted here show us about who will receive God’s ultimate punishment and judgment in the last days?

These three are being punished for sexual immorality, idolatry, abuse of power, and obsession with material things. God’s wrath will be poured out on all human civilization ultimately because man has rebelled against God. Like the woman, we have given ourselves away to other desires. Like the beast, we have found ourselves opposing God. Like Babylon, we’ve built our systems and kingdoms apart from God.

Praise God: the story doesn’t end there! Almost all of mankind is represented in these three images, but not all. There is yet a great multitude. They see this world and its riches pass away, and they cry out Hallelujah. They are invited into a great marriage feast that will never end. Because they did not give themselves to the things of this world in this life, they will feed on the things of God in the presence of God for all eternity.

  

Revelation 17

The Great Prostitute and the Beast

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of whose sexual immorality the dwellers on earth have become drunk.” 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations.” 6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw her, I marveled greatly. 7 But the angel said to me, “Why do you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. 9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while. 11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast.

13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” 15 And the angel said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and languages. 16 And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, 17 for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth.”

 

Revelation 18

The Fall of Babylon

After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. 2 And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast. 3 For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.” 4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; 5 for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Pay her back as she herself has paid back others and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double portion for her in the cup she mixed. 7 As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, ‘I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see.’ 8 For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.” 9 And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” 11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls. 14 “The fruit for which your soul longed has gone from you, and all your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you, never to be found again!” 15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud, 16 “Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls! 17 For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18 and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?” 19 And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, “Alas, alas, for the great city  where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour, she has been laid waste. 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!” 21 Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more; 22 and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more, 23 and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. and all nations were deceived by your sorcery. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on earth.”

 

Revelation 19

Rejoicing in Heaven

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3 Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” The Marriage Supper of the Lamb 6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” — for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Revelation 17-19:10.

 

Wrong ways to Worship:

1.   Worship Desire

2.   Worship Power

3.   Worship Wealth

Only one Right Way to Worship: Bow before the Throne.

 

 

Study Notes

This is a very lengthy text whose interpretation has been widely debated throughout church history. Many commentaries, scholars, and pastors have spent the majority of their work on this text in trying to determine the identity of the Woman, the Beast, and the City. If you feel that some specific ideas on these symbols would be helpful to you, we hope the resources at the link in this document will provide what you need. More generally, we can say with confidence that the Woman represents sexual immorality and the world’s obsession with the physical. The Beast represents abuse of authority and the world’s greed for power. The City represents material wealth and the world’s obsession with acclaim and attention. These pictures were painted by the author because he wanted to point out the reasons for which God’s wrath was being poured out. They are meant to represent for us the reality of mankind’s rebellion against God. Even at the end of all things, God is saying “this is what your sin looks like.” Chapter 19 might seem disconnected at first, but we cannot rightly understand our first two chapters without it. We might think that the reaction to such wrath, punishment, and devastation would be weeping and grief, and for the sinner it certainly is. However, the great multitude in heaven cries out hallelujah at seeing God tear down the images of idolatry and rebellion. These believers know how lust, greed, power, and pride have corrupted the human heart. They know how these images have destroyed mankind. So, in seeing them destroyed, they rejoice and praise God. Man tried in so many ways to gain for himself but ended up empty in the end. Followers of Jesus know that in giving away all that this world has to offer, one can feast for all of eternity.

 

Recognize this:

1) Sin has Broken Everything

While this text gives us some major categories for what sin has done to us and to our world, it also shows where sin leads. Sin breaks everything. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:13, “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Sin leads to destruction. This passage shows us what our sin looks like and where it leads us.

2) Jesus Alone Can Satisfy

John intentionally juxtapose great destruction and great celebration. How could we not celebrate at the death of death? When sin and rebellion are destroyed, God’s people give Him the praise He deserves. In the marriage supper of the Lamb, Jesus is showing us that in denying the riches of this world, we have ensured we can enjoy the riches of His kingdom for all of eternity.

 

Questions for Discussion

How do the images in Revelation 17 and 18 highlight the reality of our sin? Where do you see some of these same sinful tendencies in your own heart? How have you participated in this rebellion?

 

How does it shape our view of the end times to know that destruction and celebration are so closely tied? Does it change the way you feel about Revelation to see such celebration and feasting?

 

Does this passage make you want to turn more completely to Jesus? To be able to see the end so plainly — does this help clarify anything for us?

 

How can seeing where our sin leads guide us into a deeper desire to turn away from it? How can this text make sin bitter to the taste?

 

What is the most encouraging thing to you about Revelation 17:119:10?

 

Quotes

“Satan promises you the world but leaves you with worms.”

Dallas Wilson

“Will I worship before the throne that brings life or the world that brings death.”

Corey Watson

“You cannot truly worship God by standing on self as king. You must bow down and submit to the one true King.”

Dustin Dozier

“When selfish desire is a man’s primary pursuit, he will only find emptiness and a profound lack of satisfaction.”

Wayne Bray

“Satisfaction is not found in the fulfillment of your desires. Satisfaction is found in the presence of your Savior.”

Will Bray

 

END

Teacher Notes:

The Seventh Bowl – Revelation 16:17-21

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!”  And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake.  The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nation’s fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.  And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found.  And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.

 

The destruction of Babylon mentioned in Revelation 16 is now described in greater detail in chapter 17.

 

Chapter 17

What does it describe?

The original readers probably identified Babylon with Rome, but Babylon also symbolizes any system that is hostile to God.

Chapter 18

What does it describe?

Why isn’t the United States of America mentioned in the end times?

The biblical prophecies concerning the fall of Babylon, as found in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Revelation have never been fulfilled in history.

So, we look for another Babylon. A nation which will fit the biblical description and exist during the correct period.

What does this biblical description look like?

 

Some identifying descriptions of this other Babylon are:

1. This nation will exist at the same time as the restoration of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel – date 1948.
2. The national symbol will be an EAGLE.
3. She is the greatest economic (wealthy) nation in the world.
4. She is the world’s largest consumer nation, purchasing the world’s manufactured goods.
5. She is the world’s most powerful military nation.
6. She is a nation of mingled people. People from many nations woven together.
7. She is a golden cup in the Lord’s hand. A nation used to bless the rest of the world.
8. A nation where the Jewish people will immigrate and prosper.

https://truthonlybible.com/2021/07/29/the-case-for-identifying-babylon-the-great-with-the-united-states-of-america/

1.   

Who else fits this biblical description of Babylon the great but America?

………………………………………………

 

The history of world powers like Babylon, Greece, and Rome suggests that the greatest threats to America’s future lie within. Previous empires have followed a lifecycle something like this: they move out of bondage to spiritual faith; from faith to courage; from courage to liberty; from liberty to abundance; from abundance to complacency; from complacency to apathy; from apathy to dependence; and from dependence back to bondage.

- Herbert C. Hoover, Current History (Philadelphia Events Publishing Company, October 1951), 256.

 

Revelation 17 & 18 are made up of three major images: a woman, a beast, and a city.

• Like the woman, haven’t we given ourselves away to other desires?
• Like the beast, haven’t we found ourselves opposing God?
• Like Babylon, haven’t we built our systems and kingdoms apart from God.

There is much debate about the identity of these three images. It isn’t clear from the text itself what specific people or places this vision has in mind, or if there are any at all. Instead, these three symbols represent mankind apart from God.

 

God’s wrath is being poured out on mankind for some specific reasons and we don’t want to miss this.

The woman, the beast, and Babylon are being punished for sexual immorality, idolatry, abuse of power, and obsession with material things.

 

Merchants in the Roman Empire grew rich by exploiting the sinful pleasures of their society. Businesspeople today do the same thing. Even governments are based on greed, money, and power. People are tempted to take advantage of an evil system to enrich themselves.

 

Christians are warned to stay free from the lure of money, status, and the good life. We are to live according to the values Christ exemplified: service, giving, self-sacrifice, obedience, and truth.

1. People must always be more important than products.
2. Keep away from pride in your own programs, plans, and successes.
3. Remember that God’s will and Word must never be compromised.
4. People must always be considered above making money.
5. Do what is right, no matter what the cost.
6. Be involved in businesses that provide worthwhile products or services – not just things that feed the world’s desires.

John’s overarching truth about the end times explanation of chapter 17 and 18 is this:

the woman, the beast, and Babylon are all conquered by the wrath of God.

 

Chapter 19

Celebration

 

Revelation 19:1-5

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just; for He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality and has avenged on her the blood of His servants.” Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear him, small and great.”

 

Praise is the heartfelt response to God by those who love Him. The more you get to know God and realize what He has done, the more you will respond with praise.

 

Praise is at the heart of true worship. Let your praise of God flow out of your realization of who He is and how much He loves you.

 

Revelation 19:6-10

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” — for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

 

Everyone worships something, but not everything is worthy of worship.

There are several Wrong ways to Worship:

Desire

Power

Wealth

There is Only one Right way to Worship: Bow before the Throne of God

 

“Will I worship before the throne that brings life or the world that brings death.” - Corey Watson

 

Finally, the great choir of heaven once again praises God – the wedding of the Lamb has come. See Matthew 25:1-13 where Christ compares the coming of His kingdom to a wedding for which we must be prepared.

 

This is the culmination of human history – the judgment of the wicked and the wedding of the Lamb and His bride, the church. The church consists of all faithful believers from all time.

 

How does it shape our view of the end times to know that destruction and celebration are so closely tied?

Does it change the way you feel about Revelation to see such celebration and feasting?

 

RONALD REAGAN AND “THE SHINING CITY UPON A HILL”

Ronald Reagan Farewell Address

In 1989, President Ronald Reagan gave his Farewell Address to the Nation. In doing so, he defined his vision of “the shining city upon a hill.”

 

“[I]n my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, windswept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here.”

Class Lesson March 17, 2024

 Week 10 - Revelation 15 & 16

REVELATIONS

The End of God’s Wrath

This is the third and final set of seven in Revelation. The third set also contains a triplet of sevens. Seven angels pour out seven plagues that are contained in seven bowls. This emphasis is to show the finality and completion of God’s wrath. There is an intentional effort on the part of the author to connect the end-time events of this passage with the events of the Exodus. Any mention of plagues should cause our minds to jump to the Exodus. But John also includes the Song of Moses in chapter 15 and many of the plagues overlap with the plagues God sent on the ancient Egyptians.

The connection is important for understanding why God would pour out His wrath on the world in this way. Exodus chapters 6 – 15 record the story of how God poured out His wrath on Pharoah and his people so that he would let God’s people out of their slavery in Egypt. God will not let sin go unpunished and He will not allow His people to be in bondage forever. John connects these events of final judgment to that ancient judgment on the Egyptians because he wants to highlight those same truths. At the end of all things, God’s purpose will be the same. He will be righting every wrong, punishing sin, and leading His people into eternal freedom.

It is for this reason that the One who sits on the throne in Revelation 16:17 can say, “It is done!” along with the One who hung on the Cross. The Passover lamb of Exodus gave its blood to temporarily protect God’s people from His wrath. The Risen Lamb of Revelation gave His blood so He could permanently set God’s people free from sin and lead them to their final Exodus into life everlasting.

This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

 

THE POINT Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God’s plans.

1)  Jesus is the Fulfillment of God’s Justice.

2)  Jesus is the Fulfillment of God’s Deliverance.

 

 

 

Revelation 15-16

 

The Seven Angels with Seven Plagues

Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished. 2 And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire — and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! 4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name?  For you alone are holy. All nations will come    and worship you, 5 After this I looked, and the sanctuary of the tent of witness in heaven was opened, 6 and out of the sanctuary came the seven angels with the seven plagues, clothed in pure, bright linen, with golden sashes around their chests. 7 And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever, 8 and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.

 

The Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath

Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” 2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. 3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea. 4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” 7 And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” 8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9 They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. 10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish 11 and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds. 12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13 And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

 

The Seventh Bowl

17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nation’s fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21 And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.

 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Revelation 15-16

Study Notes:

In a passage like this, it can be easy to get lost in the weeds. Symbolism and figurative language are so prevalent that we might miss the main point if we’re not careful. Remember, the point of this passage is to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God’s plans — even His plans for the end of all things. It’s not an accident that the words of Jesus on the Cross are spoken again here by the One who sits on the throne (Revelation 16:17). This passage shows us that God has always punished sin. It reminds us of the punishment He poured out on Egypt with similar plagues. God will not let sin go unpunished. However, this text also clearly points to the fact that God always makes a way for sin to be forgiven. While the world curses God for His wrath, those who have placed their faith in the Passover Lamb know what He means when He says, “It is done.” We know that God fulfills His promise to punish sin, and it is a great comfort to know that God will one day give sin and evil the final destruction it deserves. But even sweeter still is the knowledge that this same God fulfills His promise to make a way for His children to receive His mercy rather than His coming wrath. Praise the Lord that it is done!

 

Two points to remember: 

1)  God is the Same Forever

There’s an intentional connection for John between Exodus and these plagues. He’s trying to show us that the wrath at the end of times is deeply connected to God’s wrath for all time. This isn’t God acting out of character. It’s Him making good on His eternal covenant. God punishes sin and He’s been doing that for all of history. 

2) Jesus Delivers Justice

In this passage we see God’s justice both through His wrath and His mercy. Regardless, God is always just. This reminds us of our present hope in times of trouble. Though it may seem that the bad guys always win, that no good deed goes unpunished, or that all that’s been done wrong to you has been ignored, God is reminding you that He will one day punish sin and evil finally and ultimately. We must remind our hearts to hope in the sure justice of God.

 

 

 

 

Quotes:

 

“The fact that God is a God of wrath is a reminder that we are not on our own in this broken world. God sees the evil. God hates the evil. God is coming to end the evil.” – Dallas Wilson

 

“The justice of God was poured out on God in flesh so that we could be spared the judgment that we deserved.” – Will Bray

 

“Believers can endure the chaos of a sinful world because Jesus conquered it as the sacrificial Lamb.” – Dustin Dozier

 

“You have a choice today: the judgment of God or the mercy of God.” – Corey Watson

 

“Jesus will ultimately purify the world from sin and deliver His people.” – Stephen Williams

 

 

Questions for Discussion

What are some things in your life that make you question God’s justice? How does this passage teach us to trust and hope in the midst of those doubts?

 

God’s wrath isn’t something new and it’s not something just for the end times. How does that affect our everyday lives? How does that affect our view of God?

 

Why is it important to know that all of God’s promises find their fulfillment in Jesus?

 

Do you sometimes feel afraid thinking about the end of the world? How does the finished work of Jesus on the Cross change our view of the end times? How does it bring us comfort instead of fear?

 

What is the most encouraging thing to you about Revelation 15-16?

END

Teacher Notes:

Click Play to Watch

Now, just a little note of clarification - I don't agree with many things Rob Bell promotes now - but I'm also not going to judge Rob Bell. His video's from past teachings I have found insightful and wanted to use with today's lesson.

Last week we talked about the 6 Stages of Our Journey of Faith:

We also talked about the all important stage of "the Wall" and how we All must Go Through It with God to get to stage 5 and forward in our journey.

This morning I want you to see how "The Walk" aligns with the Journey:

And remember from last week's lesson - God is NOT your coach, cheering you on from the sidelines or being ahead of you and saying to keep going, try harder - you can do it. God is your Gardener - He gets down in the middle of the garden, tends to you, nurtures you, prunes you and develops you - He doesn't holler at you to produce, He cultivates your fruit.

But God is right there with us each step/moment telling us over and over ...

Let's take a quick look back at where we've been in Revelation:

There are many similarities between the bowl judgments and the trumpet judgments, but there are three main differences:

• These judgments are complete whereas the trumpet judgments are partial.
• The trumpet judgments still give unbelievers the opportunity to repent, but the bowl judgments do not.
• Mankind is indirectly affected by several of the trumpet judgments but directly attacked by the bowl judgments.

Remember, the point of this passage is to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God’s plans — even His plans for the end of all things.

 

“You have a choice today: the judgment of God or the mercy of God.” 

Corey Watson

Questions: 

What are some things in your life that make you question God’s justice?

How does this passage teach us to trust and hope during those doubts?

Trust God

“WE PLAN THE way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.”  Proverbs 16:9

MANY YEARS AGO, Max Lucado spent a week visiting the interior of Brazil with an experienced missionary pilot. He flew a circuit of remote towns in a four-seat plane that threatened to come undone at the slightest gust of wind. I could not get comfortable. I kept thinking the plane was going to crash in some Brazilian jungle. I kept shifting around, looking down, gripping my seat (as if that would help).

Finally, the pilot had enough of my squirming. He looked over at me and shouted over the airplane noise, “We won’t face anything that I can’t handle. You might as well trust me to fly the plane.”

IS GOD SAYING the same to you?

Question:

Do you ever feel like you need to be delivered from the world?

Maybe we haven't really faced real persecution in this world, maybe we need to check and be sure we are not becoming more aligned with this world. The more you time you spend in God's Word, the more you will see that this world is NOT your home. 

I talked about the human tragedy going on right now before our eyes with sex trafficking and I said that their is a little boy out there right now waiting on his next abuse. You see, for this little boy as it was for Trace in the video - this storm in his life is his reality.

We want to know, "Where is God in this moment? and God wants to know, Where are we?"

We know these things are happening - ALL AROUND US!!

I pray that these little children hear God saying:

Let's take a quick look at our timeline of events in the last days...

There are 12 Major Events in the Last Days - I want to highlight:

1.   The Rapture of the Church.

Christ comes in the clouds to “snatch away” all those who trust in Him (1 Corinthians 15:52). At this same time, the “dead in Christ” will be resurrected and taken to heaven, too. From our perspective today, this is the next event in the eschatological timeline. The rapture is imminent; no other biblical prophecy needs to be fulfilled before the rapture happens.

1.   The Rise of the Antichrist.

After the church is taken out of the way (2 Thessalonians 2:7–8), a satanically empowered man will gain worldwide control with promises of peace (Revelation 13:1; Daniel 9:27). He will be aided by another man, called the false prophet, who heads up a religious system that requires worship of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20).

 

2.   The Tribulation.

A period of seven years in which God’s judgment is poured out on sinful humanity (Revelation 6–16). The Antichrist’s rise to power is associated with this time. During the tribulation on earth, the Church will be in heaven. It is thought that at this time the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will occur in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 19:6–10).

 

3.   The Battle of Gog and Magog.

In the first part of the tribulation, a great army from the north, in alliance with several other countries from the Middle East and Africa, attacks Israel and is defeated by God’s supernatural intervention (Ezekiel 38–39). (Some commentators place this battle just before the start of the tribulation.)

 

4.   The Abomination of Desolation.

At the midway point of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and shows his true colors. The Jews are scattered, and many of them turn to the Lord, realizing that Jesus is their Savior. A great persecution breaks out against all those who believe in Christ (Daniel 12:11; Mark 13:14; Revelation 12:17).

 

5.   The Battle of Armageddon.

At the end of the tribulation, Jesus returns with the armies of heaven (Mark 14:62). He saves Jerusalem from annihilation and defeats the armies of the nation’s fighting under the banner of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:11–21). The Antichrist and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20).

 

THIS IS HOW FAR WE HAVE COME

 Still to discuss...

7. The Judgment of the Nations.

Christ will judge the survivors of the tribulation, separating the righteous from the wicked as “sheep” and “goats” (Matthew 25:31–46). (It is thought that at this time the Old Testament saints will be raised from the dead.) The righteous will enter the Millennial Kingdom; the wicked will be cast into hell.

 

8. The Binding of Satan.

Satan will be bound and held in a bottomless pit for the next 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1–3).

 

9. The Millennial Kingdom.

Jesus Himself will rule the world, and Jerusalem will be the capital. This will be a 1,000-year period of peace and prosperity on earth (Revelation 20; Isaiah 60–62). Memorial sacrifices will be offered in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40–48).

 

10. The Last Battle.

At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released from his prison for a short time. He will deceive the nations once again, and there will be a rebellion against the Lord that will be quickly defeated (Revelation 20:7–10). Satan will be cast into the lake of fire, never to reappear.

 

11. The Great White Throne Judgment.

All those in hell will be brought forth, and all the wicked from all eras of history will be resurrected to stand before God in a final judgment (Revelation 20:11–15). The verdicts are read, and all of sinful humanity is cast into the lake of fire.

 

12. The New Creation.

God completely remakes the heavens and the earth. It is at this time that God wipes away all tears and there will be no more pain, death, or sorrow. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven, and the children of God will enjoy eternity with Him (Revelation 21–22).

 

Next Week…The Fall of Babylon (Chapter 17 - 19:1-10)

Desire – Power – Wealth