Reading
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Keys to the Text
Satan: The name Satan, meaning "adversary" or "enemy," appears especially in Job and the Gospels. The term devil comes from a Greek verb meaning "to slander" or "to falsely accuse." The Bible identifies him as a murderer, a liar, a roaring lion seeking to devour, the god of this evil age, the tempter, the dragon, the serpent, and the "accuser of the brethren" (Revelation 12:10). His accusations against the believers are unsuccessful because Christ is our Advocate (1 John 2:1). The Lord provides His saints with sufficient armor to combat and thwart the adversary (Ephesians 6). Ultimately, Satan's power over Christians is already broken and the war is won through Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, which forever conquered the power of sin and death.
Antichrist: A false prophet and evil being who will set himself up against Christ and the people of God in the last days before the second coming of Christ. Used only in the writings of John in the New Testament, the term refers to one who stands in opposition to all that Jesus Christ represents (1 John 2:18; 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). John wrote that several antichrists existed already in his day - false teachers who denied the deity and the incarnation of Christ - but that the supreme Antichrist of history would appear at some future time. Paul called him the "man of sin" and the "lawless one" (2 Thessalonians 2). This man is not Satan, although Satan is the force behind him. He exalts himself, declaring himself to be God and demanding the worship of the world. In this act of satanic self-deification, he defies God. Antichrist (the first beast) will be primarily a political and military leader, but the false prophet (second beast) will be a religious leader. Politics and religion will unite in a worldwide religion of worshipping the Antichrist (see Revelation 17:1-9, 5-17).
1. Give 2 biblical situations (referencing the verses) where Satan has confronted or afflicted someone. How did the person(s) deal with the attack?
2. What does the Scripture teach about the fate of the Antichrist?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Terrible Triumvirate - Part 1 - Devo for 02/23/2009
Reading
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Drawing Near
1. How do the media and Hollywood films portray supernatural evil and demonic activity? Is this accurate according to the Bible's view?
2. Have you ever been in a situation or around a person that seemed to epitomize "evil"? Describe your experience of coming "face-to-face" (either literally or figuratively) with such blatant, intense wickedness.
3. What speculations have you heard about the identity of the Antichrist?
The Context
Our world is the theater where God's glorious story of redemption is played out. Satan and his demonic hosts have attacked the human race, turning the earth into the main battleground in their cosmic war against God, the holy angels, and the elect. This study focuses on the terrible three enemies to come: Satan (the dragon), Antichrist (the first beast), and the false prophet (the second beast). The beasts represent the final Antichrist, whose career spans the same time period as the seal and trumpet judgments.
In the future, Satan will serve God's purpose by being permitted to launch another deadly assault against the human race. That attack will take place during the Great Tribulation. He and his demonic forces will unsuccessfully battle Michael and the heavenly host (that is, the holy angels of God). As a result of their defeat, the devil and his demons will be permanently cast down to the earth. With his theater of operations then restricted and his time running out, Satan will marshal all of his malevolent, fallen angels in an all-out attempt to deceive and destroy the souls of men.
Chapters 12-14 are actually a digression in John's vision, taking readers back through the Tribulation from Satan's perspective. These chapters are filled with difficult apocalyptic imagery and symbolism. Take your time as you work through these chapters. It would benefit you to use a commentary or concordance as you study.
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Drawing Near
1. How do the media and Hollywood films portray supernatural evil and demonic activity? Is this accurate according to the Bible's view?
2. Have you ever been in a situation or around a person that seemed to epitomize "evil"? Describe your experience of coming "face-to-face" (either literally or figuratively) with such blatant, intense wickedness.
3. What speculations have you heard about the identity of the Antichrist?
The Context
Our world is the theater where God's glorious story of redemption is played out. Satan and his demonic hosts have attacked the human race, turning the earth into the main battleground in their cosmic war against God, the holy angels, and the elect. This study focuses on the terrible three enemies to come: Satan (the dragon), Antichrist (the first beast), and the false prophet (the second beast). The beasts represent the final Antichrist, whose career spans the same time period as the seal and trumpet judgments.
In the future, Satan will serve God's purpose by being permitted to launch another deadly assault against the human race. That attack will take place during the Great Tribulation. He and his demonic forces will unsuccessfully battle Michael and the heavenly host (that is, the holy angels of God). As a result of their defeat, the devil and his demons will be permanently cast down to the earth. With his theater of operations then restricted and his time running out, Satan will marshal all of his malevolent, fallen angels in an all-out attempt to deceive and destroy the souls of men.
Chapters 12-14 are actually a digression in John's vision, taking readers back through the Tribulation from Satan's perspective. These chapters are filled with difficult apocalyptic imagery and symbolism. Take your time as you work through these chapters. It would benefit you to use a commentary or concordance as you study.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Two Witnesses - Part 6 - Devo for 02/21/2009
Reading
Revelation 10:1-11:19
Truth for Today
As an exile on the island of Patmos, John had no opportunity to preach to all nations. But John recorded these prophecies to warn all sinners that, while judgment is presently restrained, a future day is coming when the seventh angel will sound his trumpet and sin's dominion will be broken. In that day the freedom of Satan and his demons will come to an end, godless men will be judged, and believers will be glorified. These chapters present an interlude of hope tinged with bitterness that reminds all Christians of their evangelistic responsibilities to warn the world of that day.
Reflecting on the Text
1. In his vision, John ate the "little book" and it was both bitter and sweet to him. In what ways is what you're studying bitter and sweet to you?
2. John's calling to tell the world all that had been revealed to him is reminiscent of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). How passionate are you about sharing God's truth with family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers? What keeps you from being a more active witness for Christ?
Revelation 10:1-11:19
Truth for Today
As an exile on the island of Patmos, John had no opportunity to preach to all nations. But John recorded these prophecies to warn all sinners that, while judgment is presently restrained, a future day is coming when the seventh angel will sound his trumpet and sin's dominion will be broken. In that day the freedom of Satan and his demons will come to an end, godless men will be judged, and believers will be glorified. These chapters present an interlude of hope tinged with bitterness that reminds all Christians of their evangelistic responsibilities to warn the world of that day.
Reflecting on the Text
1. In his vision, John ate the "little book" and it was both bitter and sweet to him. In what ways is what you're studying bitter and sweet to you?
2. John's calling to tell the world all that had been revealed to him is reminiscent of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). How passionate are you about sharing God's truth with family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers? What keeps you from being a more active witness for Christ?
The Two Witnesses - Part 5 - Devo for 02/20/2009
Reading
Revelation 10:1-11:19
Going Deeper
The problem of evil is not new. King David encountered many enemies of God and saw evil men flourish. Read what he observed in Psalm 2:1-12.
Exploring the Meaning
1. Describe the nations' attitude toward God. What is the psalmist's advice to them?
2. Who is the "King of Zion" mentioned here (vv. 6-7)? What will he accomplish?
3. In Revelation 11, we've seen how the two witnesses play a major role in the unfolding of the events. Read Mark 9:1-10. Why do many commentators and Bible scholars believe that the two witnesses will be Moses and Elijah?
(Verses to consider: Deuteronomy 18:15-18; 34:5-6; 2 Kings 2:11; Malachi 4:5, 6; John 1:21; James 5:17)
Revelation 10:1-11:19
Going Deeper
The problem of evil is not new. King David encountered many enemies of God and saw evil men flourish. Read what he observed in Psalm 2:1-12.
Exploring the Meaning
1. Describe the nations' attitude toward God. What is the psalmist's advice to them?
2. Who is the "King of Zion" mentioned here (vv. 6-7)? What will he accomplish?
3. In Revelation 11, we've seen how the two witnesses play a major role in the unfolding of the events. Read Mark 9:1-10. Why do many commentators and Bible scholars believe that the two witnesses will be Moses and Elijah?
(Verses to consider: Deuteronomy 18:15-18; 34:5-6; 2 Kings 2:11; Malachi 4:5, 6; John 1:21; James 5:17)
The Two Witnesses - Part 4 - Devo for 02/19/2009
Reading
Revelation 10:1-11:19
Questions
1. What happened with the sounding of the seventh trumpet (11:15-19)?
2. How does this passage demonstrate God's sovereignty?
Revelation 10:1-11:19
Questions
1. What happened with the sounding of the seventh trumpet (11:15-19)?
2. How does this passage demonstrate God's sovereignty?
The Two Witnesses - Part 3 - Devo for 02/18/2009
Reading
Revelation 10:1-11:19
Questions
1. In 10:1-2, John saw and angel come down from heaven. What happened next? What did the angel do? What was John commanded to do?
(Verses to consider: Deuteronomy 32:39-42; Psalm 19:7-11; 69:24; Jeremiah 15:16; 25:30)
2. Why was John given a measuring rod and what did the angel tell him to do?
3. Summarize the work of the two witnesses (11:1-14). What will result from their ministry?
Revelation 10:1-11:19
Questions
1. In 10:1-2, John saw and angel come down from heaven. What happened next? What did the angel do? What was John commanded to do?
(Verses to consider: Deuteronomy 32:39-42; Psalm 19:7-11; 69:24; Jeremiah 15:16; 25:30)
2. Why was John given a measuring rod and what did the angel tell him to do?
3. Summarize the work of the two witnesses (11:1-14). What will result from their ministry?
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