Background:
Herod the Great - the ruler of Judea at the time of Jesus’ birth. He was not well liked by the Jews. Reasons: a) Herod was not a true Jew. Descendant of the hated Edomites. His father converted to Judaism for political purposes. b) The Jews viewed Herod as a puppet of the hated Romans. c) Herod was not only hated by the Jews but also feared. He had a violent temper particularly in the last years of his reign which is when the story of the wise men takes place. Herod was believed to have been responsible for burning a monastery in 8 B.C. The Romans placed a golden eagle (a symbol of Roman authority) at the entrance of the Temple. Two popular Jewish teachers encouraged their pupils to riot in order to have the eagle removed. Herod had the teachers and pupils burned alive. Herod’s hold on power was shaky at best which fed an overwhelming paranoia that he had enemies everywhere including family members. Herod put to death two wives and two sons. The Roman emperor Augustus joked that it was preferable to be Herod's pig than his son.
Wise Men – also known as the Magi. They probably were Persians. They were highly respected in Persian society. The magi were a combination of scientist, astrologer, and royal adviser. They were not kings. The magi investigated the works of nature (such as the stars) for the purpose of becoming acquainted with truth. They believed that Heaven communicated its desires and intentions through signs, comets, stars and astronomical phenomena. They believed the stars and planets foretold the coming of major events – death of a king, birth of a king, whether or not a king should go to war, etc. Indeed, a person's destiny was considered determined by the stars under which one was born. Persian rulers rarely made any decision without consulting the magi first.
Messianic prophecy – Around the time of Jesus’ birth, Judea was caught up in Messianic fever. The Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of a mighty ruler who would crush the enemies of the Jews, in their case the Romans, and restore Israel to glory. He would be a descendant of King David. Around the time of Jesus’ birth, some Jewish scholars had discovered that seventy-six generations had passed since the Creation, and there was a well-known prophecy that the Messiah was to deliver Israel from its foreign rulers in the seventy-seventh generation. Several Jewish men who claimed to be the Messiah attempted to lead revolts against Roman rule. Herod put them down mercilessly.
Read Matthew 2:1-12
The magi/wise men saw a new astronomical wonder in the night sky. A bright new star appeared in the western sky. They interpreted its appearance to mean a new king had been born for what group of people? The Jews. The star was such a wondrous sight the magi/wise men felt compelled to go see this new king and pay their respects. As we’ll see in a moment, God played a role in their decision to go west. The journey of wise men/magi was a long one. At least two years. (Read Matthew 2:16) They travelled 500-1000 miles across desert and over mountains. They most likely travelled only at night. There was probably many a night when their view of the star was obstructed by clouds, sandstorms, etc. The new star was their only point of reference for where the magi/wise men were going.
1) Where do you think the wise men expected to find the newborn king? In what kind of residence? Probably a palace. Certainly not a barn.
2) Where did the wise men stop at first and why? Jerusalem. Several possible reasons why:
a) Bethlehem, where Jesus lived, was located only 5 miles from Jerusalem. The close proximity of the star to Jerusalem probably led the wise men there first thinking the newborn king was there. Jerusalem was the capital of Judea. Home of King Herod. Where else would a new king be born? b) There was also the possibility that the wise men lost sight of the star due to inclement weather. Went to Jerusalem to see if someone knew where the child was at and get directions to his residence. c) God led the wise men to Jerusalem. He used Gentiles to make aware to His people the Jews about the birth of THE Messiah.
3) What question did the wise men ask? Where is he who is born king of the Jews?
4) What was Herod’s reaction to the wise men’s visit and question? He was disturbed/troubled. Why? Last time he checked, Herod was king of the Jews. Moreover, he had not had a child in a long while. If what the wise men said was true, somewhere was a child who posed a threat to his position/authority. His paranoia began to well up.
5) What was the people of Jerusalem’s reaction to the wise men’s visit and question? Disturbed/troubled also. Why? Whenever Herod was troubled people usually ended up dead. People were fearful of how Herod would react to the news of a new king being born.
6) vs. 3. What did Herod do? Herod probably told the wise men “Hold on and I’ll get back with you.” He called together the Jewish religious leaders and asked them where the Christ/Messiah was to be born. Wise men asked where a “king” was to be born not the Messiah. They had no clue what a Messiah was or what he meant to the Jewish people. Herod did know and immediately concluded the king the wise men referred to was the Messiah. He ordered the Jewish religious leaders to search the Scriptures to discover where the Messiah was to be born.
7) Where did the Jewish leaders tell Herod the Messiah was to be born and how did they discover it? Bethlehem which was 5 miles south of Jerusalem. Found the location in Micah 5:2.
8) After learning of the Messiah’s birthplace, Herod met with the wise men in secret. Why? Herod did not want this information to become public. People might use it against him. Force him out of power.
9) What did Herod want to learn from the wise men and why? The exact time when the wise men first saw the star. Read vs. 16. He wanted to know how old the child was for the purpose of identifying him so that Herod could have him killed.
10) vs. 8 What did Herod tell the wise men? When you find the child be sure to let me know so that I can pay my respects as well.
11) When they got to Bethlehem, where did the star lead the wise men? To a house. Not a barn, stable, or manger. A house with four walls, a roof, and a carpenter shop. What was their reaction when the star stopped over a house? Overjoyed. Exceedingly happy. Probably not where the wise expected to find the newborn king. Yet, they were not disappointed by the fact the child lived in an ordinary house and not a palace.
12) When the wise men entered the house, what did they see? A child/toddler and his mother. Not a baby in a cow stall. What was their reaction when they saw the child? Bowed on their knees and worshipped. Again, probably not what the wise men expected a newborn king to be. Yet, they were not disappointed by the fact the child was not of royalty. Why is it that the wise men are present at Jesus’ birth in the Nativity scenes? During the Middle Ages, there were travelling plays where people performed Bible stories for the public. The most popular plays were the Nativity (birth of Jesus) and the Passion play (death and resurrection of Jesus.) When performing the Nativity, they included the visit of the wise men without the disclaimer, “Two years later …” and changing the set pieces. Kept it simple for the audience.
13) What did the wise men give the child as gifts? Gold, incense/frankincense, and myrhh. Tradition associates the gifts with Jesus as king (gold) and priest (incense) and his death (myrhh.) It was common for the newborn of royalty to receive valuable gifts out of respect. All three were very valuable items. They may have been given to help support Jesus and his family while they were in a foreign land, Egypt (vs. 13-15)
14) Did the wise men return to Jerusalem to inform Herod of the child’s location? No. When back to their own country by a different route.
15) How many wise men were there to visit Jesus? Nobody knows. Tradition says three based on the number of gifts. My guess is there was a lot more. Three would have been too few to create such a commotion in Jerusalem.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Prelude to Christmas – Birth of John the Baptist pt. 2
8) Why did God select Zechariah and Elizabeth to be the parents of this special child? Read verse 6-7. They would raise the child in the knowledge and righteousness of God. He would be in an atmosphere of godliness in the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Also the fact that they were an older couple with no child may have played a factor. God wanted to bless their faithfulness. Finally, Elizabeth’s relation to Mary, the soon to be mother of Jesus was a factor. The first person Mary goes to after she receives the news from the angel that she will bear God’s Son is Elizabeth. The only person who can relate to Mary’s experience is Elizabeth.
Read Luke 1:57-66
9) Read verse 59. What were Zechariah and Elizabeth’s relatives and friends wanting to do? Name the child Zechariah. What was Elizabeth’s response? No. His name will be John!
10) When they asked Zechariah what was his response? He wrote on a tablet “His name is John!” What happened after he wrote his response? Zechariah could speak. He proceeded to give praise to God.
11) Read verse 66. What did Zechariah and Elizabeth’s friends, family, and neighbors recognize about the child John? The Lord's hand was with him.
In verses 67-75, Zechariah filled with the Holy Spirit prophesies the imminent coming of the Messiah and how he would bring salvation to Israel.12) Read verses 76-79. What did Zechariah have to say about his son? He would prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah by proclaiming salvation through forgiveness of sins. John’s role was to be the Opening Act for the Main Event. He was to lay the foundation that Jesus would build upon. John was to get the people focused on the coming of Jesus.
Read Luke 1:57-66
9) Read verse 59. What were Zechariah and Elizabeth’s relatives and friends wanting to do? Name the child Zechariah. What was Elizabeth’s response? No. His name will be John!
10) When they asked Zechariah what was his response? He wrote on a tablet “His name is John!” What happened after he wrote his response? Zechariah could speak. He proceeded to give praise to God.
11) Read verse 66. What did Zechariah and Elizabeth’s friends, family, and neighbors recognize about the child John? The Lord's hand was with him.
In verses 67-75, Zechariah filled with the Holy Spirit prophesies the imminent coming of the Messiah and how he would bring salvation to Israel.12) Read verses 76-79. What did Zechariah have to say about his son? He would prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah by proclaiming salvation through forgiveness of sins. John’s role was to be the Opening Act for the Main Event. He was to lay the foundation that Jesus would build upon. John was to get the people focused on the coming of Jesus.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Prelude to Christmas – Birth of John the Baptist
The events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist. A prelude to the Christmas story so to speak. Scripture readings - Malachi 4:4-6; Luke 1:5-25, 57-80.
Read Malachi 4:4-6
1) Who did God say he would send in the last days? Elijah. What would be his task? Read vs. 6
Read Luke 1:6-25
2) Characterize in your own words Zechariah and Elizabeth? A godly, righteous couple.
3) What was the one shortcoming of their marriage? They had no children. At this point in their lives, they were too old to have children. Zechariah and Elizabeth were the Abraham and Sarah of their day. Despite their advanced age, they continued to pray that
God will bless them with a child. See verse 13. Zechariah probably praying for a child at the moment he was burning incense in the temple.
4) How was that viewed in Jewish culture? It was a negative. See vs. 25. Barren couples were perceived as being cursed by God. They were denied children because they had sinned.
5) List what all the angel told Zechariah said about his future child, particularly his tasks.
a) a joy and delight to Zechariah and Elizabeth
b) many will rejoice because of his birth
c) he will be great in the sight of the Lord
d) He is never to drink alcohol. Why? Symbol of consecration (being set apart) to do God’s work. Example – Nazirites/Recabites
e) He will be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. John would be anointed by God from conception to be a prophet. He will do God’s work/proclaim God’s Word.
f) John will bring back to God many of the people of Israel.
g) John will have the spirit and power of Elijah. If Israel had a top ten list for prophets, in the top three without a doubt would be Elijah. Elijah stood up to the king of the Northern Kingdom (Samaria/Israel) and condemned him for his sins and leading the Northern Kingdom into sin. Elijah prophesied that it would not rain for three and a half years and it didn’t. Elijah took on hundreds of prophets of Baal in a contest to determine which god was the true God – Baal or God. Elijah was the prophet who called down fire from heaven to win the contest. Elijah was the prophet who prayed that rain would return and it did. Elijah was the prophet who did not know death. God took him up in a chariot of fire. The Jews regarded Elijah with great reverence. The angel informed Zechariah that his boy would be like this great prophet for what purpose? The angel quotes Malachi 4:5-6 - to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous so that they may be prepared for the coming of the Lord – Jesus Christ. For more on Elijah read I Kings chapter 17 – II Kings chapter 2.
Review list.
6) How did Zechariah respond to the news? Disbelief. How did the angel respond to Zechariah's response? Punished Zechariah for his lack of faith by denying him the ability to speak until John is born.
7) Read verses 23-24. What happened? Elizabeth became pregnant.
Read Malachi 4:4-6
1) Who did God say he would send in the last days? Elijah. What would be his task? Read vs. 6
Read Luke 1:6-25
2) Characterize in your own words Zechariah and Elizabeth? A godly, righteous couple.
3) What was the one shortcoming of their marriage? They had no children. At this point in their lives, they were too old to have children. Zechariah and Elizabeth were the Abraham and Sarah of their day. Despite their advanced age, they continued to pray that
God will bless them with a child. See verse 13. Zechariah probably praying for a child at the moment he was burning incense in the temple.
4) How was that viewed in Jewish culture? It was a negative. See vs. 25. Barren couples were perceived as being cursed by God. They were denied children because they had sinned.
5) List what all the angel told Zechariah said about his future child, particularly his tasks.
a) a joy and delight to Zechariah and Elizabeth
b) many will rejoice because of his birth
c) he will be great in the sight of the Lord
d) He is never to drink alcohol. Why? Symbol of consecration (being set apart) to do God’s work. Example – Nazirites/Recabites
e) He will be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. John would be anointed by God from conception to be a prophet. He will do God’s work/proclaim God’s Word.
f) John will bring back to God many of the people of Israel.
g) John will have the spirit and power of Elijah. If Israel had a top ten list for prophets, in the top three without a doubt would be Elijah. Elijah stood up to the king of the Northern Kingdom (Samaria/Israel) and condemned him for his sins and leading the Northern Kingdom into sin. Elijah prophesied that it would not rain for three and a half years and it didn’t. Elijah took on hundreds of prophets of Baal in a contest to determine which god was the true God – Baal or God. Elijah was the prophet who called down fire from heaven to win the contest. Elijah was the prophet who prayed that rain would return and it did. Elijah was the prophet who did not know death. God took him up in a chariot of fire. The Jews regarded Elijah with great reverence. The angel informed Zechariah that his boy would be like this great prophet for what purpose? The angel quotes Malachi 4:5-6 - to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous so that they may be prepared for the coming of the Lord – Jesus Christ. For more on Elijah read I Kings chapter 17 – II Kings chapter 2.
Review list.
6) How did Zechariah respond to the news? Disbelief. How did the angel respond to Zechariah's response? Punished Zechariah for his lack of faith by denying him the ability to speak until John is born.
7) Read verses 23-24. What happened? Elizabeth became pregnant.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The End - Revelation chapters 21 and 22
Read Revelation chapter 21:1-5; chapter 22:1-5
1) Describe life in the New Jerusalem.
a) Rev. 21: 1-3, Rev. 22: 3-4 - See God face to face. After the tribulation, the Second Coming - The New Jerusalem comes down from heaven to the spotless new earth. Who dwells in the new Jerusalem? God Himself. After millennia of separation, God makes His home among humanity. God Himself will be in our midst. Do you know what that means? We can see Him, we can talk to Him, we can worship Him, we can praise Him, we can sing to Him – join the heavenly choir in singing praises with no song books, we can bask in His glory, take in His awesome majesty, or just stand there in awe at the wonder of it all.
b) Rev. 21: 4-5a – God will wipe away all tears. From now on, no more tears. Only joy/happiness.
c) No more death – What causes death? Diseases (cancer, heart disease, strokes, ALS, MS, Alzheimer’s – share about Uncle Travis/pancreatic cancer, Wayne liver failure age 22, Jimmy’s wife ALS mid-30’s). What else causes death? Famine, murder, war, terrorism (no planes crashing into buildings). None exist in New Jerusalem.
d) No more mourning - Mourning – long term sadness/depression. What causes you to be depressed? Stress, anxiety, fears, worry brought on by job related burdens (deadlines, quota to meet), financial burdens, parental responsibilities, spouse responsibilities. All these factors, individually or in combination, can lead to depression/cause one to be sad/melancholy for a long period of time. In New Jerusalem, there is no stress, no anxieties, no worries, no fears therefore no mourning/depression.
e) No more crying - What are some things that bring tears to your eyes? What causes you to cry? Saying goodbye – I hate saying goodbye to someone close who I won’t see for a long period of time. Ex. Family when I moved to Richmond. Nieces and nephews.
f) No more pain – What causes physical pain? arthritis, headaches, backaches, bursitis, tendonitis. What causes emotional pain? rejection. Feeling unloved, unwanted.
g) No more evil (Revelation 20 – From the beginning of time, followers of God have experienced suffering due to evil in the world. Many of them have looked to heaven and ask God for justice. In His Word, God made a promise to them: “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord!” On Judgment Day, God deals with evil once and for all. Everyone who has suffered at the hands of evil from Abel to the present will be avenged. Satan and his followers are thrown into the Lake of Fire forever.
In New Jerusalem there is no more death; instead there is eternal life.
In New Jerusalem there is no more mourning/depression; instead there is eternal happiness.
In New Jerusalem there is no more crying, instead there is eternal laughter.
In New Jerusalem there is no more pain, instead there is eternal perfect health.
In New Jerusalem there is no evil, instead perfect holiness.
Read Relation 22:1-5
h) Healing of the nations - From the beginning of time, one group of people has shown contempt for another group of people – contempt has taken the form prejudice, racism, discrimination, segregation, genocide, wars between peoples. Ex. European vs. Asian, white vs. black, red vs. white, Russian vs. American, Jew vs. Arab, Irish vs. British, African tribe vs. African tribe. In New Jerusalem, this contempt/hatred between races, cultures, and nations will no longer exist. There will be a healing of all the nations – black, white, Asian, African, Arab, Jew, and all other races and nationalities will experience healing under the leaves of the tree of life. All nations, tongues, and tribes will be as one worshipping and praising God.
i) No more curse – vs. 3. After man fell in the garden God did a lot of cursing. He cursed the serpent to slide on its belly and eat dirt; He cursed the woman to have a painful childbirth; He cursed the earth with thorns, thistles, weeds, poison ivy, etc.; He cursed man to labor and toil for his food. These curses produced stress, anxiety, fear, worry, pain, and ultimately death. In New Jerusalem, curse is no more. No pain, no stress, no toil, no anxieties, no poison ivy, no death.
j) No more night/darkness – When are we most afraid? When it’s dark. Darkness instills fear. When light comes fear goes away. In New Jerusalem, there is no night/no darkness. There is always light. Light is not provided by a candle or the sun. Both temporary sources of light. Light provided by the glory of God Himself.
Who are the ones enjoying life in the New Jerusalem? Rev. 21:27 says it is the ones whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. How do you get your name in the Book of Life? You must be born again. How do I do that? John 3:16. For those of you whose names are already written in the Book of Life and you are going through the storms of life (heartache, depression, sickness, pain.) Know that it is only temporary. The bad things do not last forever.
2) What warning does John give in Revelation 22:18-19? A warning to anyone who will add to or take away any words written in the book. There will be serious consequences.
3) Revelation 22:20-21. How does the Book of Revelation end? Jesus saying He is coming soon. John saying come on back.
4) You are a member of one of the 7 churches of Asia. What could you have gained from hearing John’s visions of heaven, beast, false prophet, the Great Tribulation, Armageddon, Great White Throne Judgment, and the New Jerusalem?
Encouragement, hope, faith.
The world the seven churches lived in. Ruled by a beast (Domitian). Head of a world-wide empire. Capital - Rome. Ruled over many nations. Much like Babylon the Great - mother of harlots and abominations. One world currency – had face of emperor and an inscription proclaiming his deity. Christians refused to worship Domitian. They had a negative view of Rome. Greatly persecuted. Seemed hopeless. Evil was triumphant. The Enemy was winning. 60 years had passed since Christ ascended into heaven and promised to return. They were in desperate need of hope. The Book of Revelation offered that hope.
5) Today, what do you gain from reading John’s visions of heaven, beast, false prophet, the Great Tribulation, Armageddon, Great White Throne Judgment, and the New Jerusalem?
Worship, the beauty of heaven, power of the Enemy, greater power of God, danger of pride/hearts hardened toward God, perseverance in times of adversity, value God places on living out our faith (godliness), bonuses of citizenship in the New Jerusalem, impetus for witnessing.
Read 2 Peter 3:3-14
1) Describe life in the New Jerusalem.
a) Rev. 21: 1-3, Rev. 22: 3-4 - See God face to face. After the tribulation, the Second Coming - The New Jerusalem comes down from heaven to the spotless new earth. Who dwells in the new Jerusalem? God Himself. After millennia of separation, God makes His home among humanity. God Himself will be in our midst. Do you know what that means? We can see Him, we can talk to Him, we can worship Him, we can praise Him, we can sing to Him – join the heavenly choir in singing praises with no song books, we can bask in His glory, take in His awesome majesty, or just stand there in awe at the wonder of it all.
b) Rev. 21: 4-5a – God will wipe away all tears. From now on, no more tears. Only joy/happiness.
c) No more death – What causes death? Diseases (cancer, heart disease, strokes, ALS, MS, Alzheimer’s – share about Uncle Travis/pancreatic cancer, Wayne liver failure age 22, Jimmy’s wife ALS mid-30’s). What else causes death? Famine, murder, war, terrorism (no planes crashing into buildings). None exist in New Jerusalem.
d) No more mourning - Mourning – long term sadness/depression. What causes you to be depressed? Stress, anxiety, fears, worry brought on by job related burdens (deadlines, quota to meet), financial burdens, parental responsibilities, spouse responsibilities. All these factors, individually or in combination, can lead to depression/cause one to be sad/melancholy for a long period of time. In New Jerusalem, there is no stress, no anxieties, no worries, no fears therefore no mourning/depression.
e) No more crying - What are some things that bring tears to your eyes? What causes you to cry? Saying goodbye – I hate saying goodbye to someone close who I won’t see for a long period of time. Ex. Family when I moved to Richmond. Nieces and nephews.
f) No more pain – What causes physical pain? arthritis, headaches, backaches, bursitis, tendonitis. What causes emotional pain? rejection. Feeling unloved, unwanted.
g) No more evil (Revelation 20 – From the beginning of time, followers of God have experienced suffering due to evil in the world. Many of them have looked to heaven and ask God for justice. In His Word, God made a promise to them: “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord!” On Judgment Day, God deals with evil once and for all. Everyone who has suffered at the hands of evil from Abel to the present will be avenged. Satan and his followers are thrown into the Lake of Fire forever.
In New Jerusalem there is no more death; instead there is eternal life.
In New Jerusalem there is no more mourning/depression; instead there is eternal happiness.
In New Jerusalem there is no more crying, instead there is eternal laughter.
In New Jerusalem there is no more pain, instead there is eternal perfect health.
In New Jerusalem there is no evil, instead perfect holiness.
Read Relation 22:1-5
h) Healing of the nations - From the beginning of time, one group of people has shown contempt for another group of people – contempt has taken the form prejudice, racism, discrimination, segregation, genocide, wars between peoples. Ex. European vs. Asian, white vs. black, red vs. white, Russian vs. American, Jew vs. Arab, Irish vs. British, African tribe vs. African tribe. In New Jerusalem, this contempt/hatred between races, cultures, and nations will no longer exist. There will be a healing of all the nations – black, white, Asian, African, Arab, Jew, and all other races and nationalities will experience healing under the leaves of the tree of life. All nations, tongues, and tribes will be as one worshipping and praising God.
i) No more curse – vs. 3. After man fell in the garden God did a lot of cursing. He cursed the serpent to slide on its belly and eat dirt; He cursed the woman to have a painful childbirth; He cursed the earth with thorns, thistles, weeds, poison ivy, etc.; He cursed man to labor and toil for his food. These curses produced stress, anxiety, fear, worry, pain, and ultimately death. In New Jerusalem, curse is no more. No pain, no stress, no toil, no anxieties, no poison ivy, no death.
j) No more night/darkness – When are we most afraid? When it’s dark. Darkness instills fear. When light comes fear goes away. In New Jerusalem, there is no night/no darkness. There is always light. Light is not provided by a candle or the sun. Both temporary sources of light. Light provided by the glory of God Himself.
Who are the ones enjoying life in the New Jerusalem? Rev. 21:27 says it is the ones whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. How do you get your name in the Book of Life? You must be born again. How do I do that? John 3:16. For those of you whose names are already written in the Book of Life and you are going through the storms of life (heartache, depression, sickness, pain.) Know that it is only temporary. The bad things do not last forever.
2) What warning does John give in Revelation 22:18-19? A warning to anyone who will add to or take away any words written in the book. There will be serious consequences.
3) Revelation 22:20-21. How does the Book of Revelation end? Jesus saying He is coming soon. John saying come on back.
4) You are a member of one of the 7 churches of Asia. What could you have gained from hearing John’s visions of heaven, beast, false prophet, the Great Tribulation, Armageddon, Great White Throne Judgment, and the New Jerusalem?
Encouragement, hope, faith.
The world the seven churches lived in. Ruled by a beast (Domitian). Head of a world-wide empire. Capital - Rome. Ruled over many nations. Much like Babylon the Great - mother of harlots and abominations. One world currency – had face of emperor and an inscription proclaiming his deity. Christians refused to worship Domitian. They had a negative view of Rome. Greatly persecuted. Seemed hopeless. Evil was triumphant. The Enemy was winning. 60 years had passed since Christ ascended into heaven and promised to return. They were in desperate need of hope. The Book of Revelation offered that hope.
5) Today, what do you gain from reading John’s visions of heaven, beast, false prophet, the Great Tribulation, Armageddon, Great White Throne Judgment, and the New Jerusalem?
Worship, the beauty of heaven, power of the Enemy, greater power of God, danger of pride/hearts hardened toward God, perseverance in times of adversity, value God places on living out our faith (godliness), bonuses of citizenship in the New Jerusalem, impetus for witnessing.
Read 2 Peter 3:3-14
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Revelation chapters 19 and 20 - Armageddon, Millenial Reign, Great White Throne Judgment
I. Armageddon
Background: Read Revelation 16:12-16. The Unholy Trinity convinces the rulers of earth to gather their armies at the plain of Megiddo.
Read Revelation 19:11-21
1) In vs. 11-16, how does John describe Jesus? Sitting on a white horse; Called Faithful and True; Judges and makes war – qualified to do so based on the fact that he has committed no wrong; eyes like flames; wearing multiple diadems - The diadem represented absolute power; a name that only he knows; clothed in a robe dipped in blood – whose blood? His enemies. Read Isaiah 63:1-6; called the Word of God, King of kings, Lord of Lords; from his mouth comes a sharp sword to strike down His enemies; rule with a rod of iron. Read Psalm 2
2) How was Armageddon fought? How did it go down? Did anything happen between verses 19 and 20? John didn’t describe a battle. No big movie battle scene like Gladiator or Lord of the Rings movies. The battle of Armageddon was somewhat anti-climatic. The beast and the false prophet were captured and were thrown alive into the lake of fire. How was the army of the beast defeated? Defeated by the word of God. No fighting.
II. Millenial Reign
Read Revelation 20:1-3.
3) What happened to Satan? Imprisoned in a bottomless pit for a thousand years. For what purpose? So that he would not be able to tempt the people of earth for a thousand years.
4) What happens to the followers of God who died during the Great Tribulation? They come to life and reign with Jesus for a thousand years. What about the followers of the AntiChrist who died? They are not resurrected … yet.
5) What do you think life on earth will be like during the thousand years after Armageddon? After Armageddon, God did not create a new heaven and new earth. Still old earth. Because Satan is imprisoned, does that mean no one will sin? No. People will sin. Man still has free will. Man still has sinful nature. People who survived the Tribulation who are non-believers are around.
6) Why is Satan released from the abyss after a thousand years? Satan’s version of the Second Coming. Greg’s speculation - He is released for the same reason he was allowed to tempt Adam and Eve. Test of obedience/faith. How much do you love me (God)? Do you really have faith in me (God)? Who comes first? Me or you? How will Satan go about deceiving the nations? How many will fall prey to his deception? Go back to the garden. What did the old serpent dangle in front of Eve? Why should you be subservient to God? You are like Him. He’s trying to keep you down. Prevent you from being like Him. From being gods. Why will people fall prey to Satan after all that they have witnessed? Why did Adam and Eve? Why did children of Israel? Why did David? Why did Judas?
Gog and Magog - Read Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39. Gog - prince. Magog – nation
7) How were the enemies of the saints defeated? Fire from Heaven. Sodom and Gomorrah part 2. Again, not much of a fight. What will be the final outcome for Satan? Same as the AntiChrist and false prophet. Thrown into the lake of fire.
III. Great White Throne Judgment
Read Revelation 20:11-15
8) Who fled from the presence of Him who sat upon the great white throne? Earth and sky - all creation fled from his presence. Why? Fear. Where did they flee to? Nowhere. Could not hide from God.
Define judgment - Greek krisis - justice, concept of determining the correctness of a matter
9) Who were being judged? The dead. The great (Kings, dictators, CEOs, scientists, philosophers, evangelists, popes,) and small (nobodies of history). Specifcally, non-believers. Focus is on judgment of non-believers. Read Matthew chapter 25:41-46. Where did they come from? Sea, death, and Hades/hell/the grave) Who were not present? Believers - Already given their reward. Read Matthew 25:31-40. The righteous sheep have been separated from unrighteous goats. Read John 5:22-29.
10) What is the difference between “the books” and the “book of life”? What is in each?
The dead were judged by what was found in the books – deeds. Book of life contains the names of those who will receive eternal life.
11) Why are the dead being put on trial? What do you think is the purpose of it? Won’t God already know their guilt? Yes. But God is not only a God of wrath, He is also a God of justice. Justice - the administration of what is just by the administration of merited awards or punishment. Paraphrase – you get what you deserve based on your actions. Justice demands that the guilty know why they are being punished. Example of God’s justice is found in Matthew 25. Purpose of Judgment Day - Prove, not to God, but to man & woman why they are guilty and why they are being punished.
12) How were the dead being judged? According to their deeds. What kind of deeds? Matthew 25. Why are the dead being judged on the basis of deeds?
Person 1: Adolf Hitler
Jesus: Let’s look at the books. Reads: Mass murderer. Looks at the book of life. No name. Depart from me, accursed one, into the eternal fire.
Person 2: He performed a lot of good deeds in his life. He was a philanthropist gave billions of dollars to stamp out world hunger, visited prisoners, provided shelter to homeless, etc., etc., He’s no Hitler. Not a rapist, robber, liar, or thief. He’s up next to be judged. How do you think he’s feeling about his chances of getting into heaven?
Jesus: Let’s look at the books. Reads: liar, covetousness, adulterer, took God’s name in vain, lover of money, etc. Looks at the book of life. No name. Depart from me, accursed one, into the eternal fire.
Accused: Look at the books again!!!! I did many good deeds
Jesus: Depart from me, accursed one
Why was he judged? Why wasn’t his good deeds in the books?
John 5:19-20, 30-36; John 3:16-21; John 10:37-38; James chapters 1 and 2.
His good deeds did not reflect the fact that God was in him and he in God. They did not bear witness/testify that he believed Jesus was the Son of God. The good deeds that he performed were not wrought in God. His good deeds did not testify/give evidence to his relationship with God.
Deeds/Works - Do not grant us salvation/they play no role in our salvation. Purpose of deeds/works is to be 1) a witness to others of God in our life and 2) an extension of our relationship with Him, drawing me closer to Him. Deeds are a reflection of God within us. That Jesus is in me and I in Him. Deeds are a testimony that God is within me. The world sees that and God sees that. That is why I do Matthew chapter 25. That is why what I do is not to reflect on me. To make me look good in the eyes of others or myself. What I do should reflect on God so that others can see God in me. To be a witness to others. And draw me closer to God.
When Judgment Day comes, and all of the dead stands before the Judge, the books are open listing that person’s deeds, they will provide ample evidence to the accused that he is guilty of NOT believing in Jesus.
13) What is the final outcome of death and the grave? What is the final outcome for those whose names were not written in the book of life? Lake of fire.
Application:
1. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? God sent Him into the world to die for our sins and raised Him from the dead so that we know eternal life and not experience the judgment?
2. If you believe Jesus is the Son of God, do you KNOW Him? Do you have an intimate relationship with Him?
3. Do you seek His will for you in your life? Do you seek to do His will?
4. Are the answers to these questions manifested in your works/deeds? Do they give testimony to others of your relationship with Jesus? Preach the Gospel to all the world and if necessary, use words - St. Francis of Assisi. Find out the answers today. Don’t wait until Judgment Day.
Background: Read Revelation 16:12-16. The Unholy Trinity convinces the rulers of earth to gather their armies at the plain of Megiddo.
Read Revelation 19:11-21
1) In vs. 11-16, how does John describe Jesus? Sitting on a white horse; Called Faithful and True; Judges and makes war – qualified to do so based on the fact that he has committed no wrong; eyes like flames; wearing multiple diadems - The diadem represented absolute power; a name that only he knows; clothed in a robe dipped in blood – whose blood? His enemies. Read Isaiah 63:1-6; called the Word of God, King of kings, Lord of Lords; from his mouth comes a sharp sword to strike down His enemies; rule with a rod of iron. Read Psalm 2
2) How was Armageddon fought? How did it go down? Did anything happen between verses 19 and 20? John didn’t describe a battle. No big movie battle scene like Gladiator or Lord of the Rings movies. The battle of Armageddon was somewhat anti-climatic. The beast and the false prophet were captured and were thrown alive into the lake of fire. How was the army of the beast defeated? Defeated by the word of God. No fighting.
II. Millenial Reign
Read Revelation 20:1-3.
3) What happened to Satan? Imprisoned in a bottomless pit for a thousand years. For what purpose? So that he would not be able to tempt the people of earth for a thousand years.
4) What happens to the followers of God who died during the Great Tribulation? They come to life and reign with Jesus for a thousand years. What about the followers of the AntiChrist who died? They are not resurrected … yet.
5) What do you think life on earth will be like during the thousand years after Armageddon? After Armageddon, God did not create a new heaven and new earth. Still old earth. Because Satan is imprisoned, does that mean no one will sin? No. People will sin. Man still has free will. Man still has sinful nature. People who survived the Tribulation who are non-believers are around.
6) Why is Satan released from the abyss after a thousand years? Satan’s version of the Second Coming. Greg’s speculation - He is released for the same reason he was allowed to tempt Adam and Eve. Test of obedience/faith. How much do you love me (God)? Do you really have faith in me (God)? Who comes first? Me or you? How will Satan go about deceiving the nations? How many will fall prey to his deception? Go back to the garden. What did the old serpent dangle in front of Eve? Why should you be subservient to God? You are like Him. He’s trying to keep you down. Prevent you from being like Him. From being gods. Why will people fall prey to Satan after all that they have witnessed? Why did Adam and Eve? Why did children of Israel? Why did David? Why did Judas?
Gog and Magog - Read Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39. Gog - prince. Magog – nation
7) How were the enemies of the saints defeated? Fire from Heaven. Sodom and Gomorrah part 2. Again, not much of a fight. What will be the final outcome for Satan? Same as the AntiChrist and false prophet. Thrown into the lake of fire.
III. Great White Throne Judgment
Read Revelation 20:11-15
8) Who fled from the presence of Him who sat upon the great white throne? Earth and sky - all creation fled from his presence. Why? Fear. Where did they flee to? Nowhere. Could not hide from God.
Define judgment - Greek krisis - justice, concept of determining the correctness of a matter
9) Who were being judged? The dead. The great (Kings, dictators, CEOs, scientists, philosophers, evangelists, popes,) and small (nobodies of history). Specifcally, non-believers. Focus is on judgment of non-believers. Read Matthew chapter 25:41-46. Where did they come from? Sea, death, and Hades/hell/the grave) Who were not present? Believers - Already given their reward. Read Matthew 25:31-40. The righteous sheep have been separated from unrighteous goats. Read John 5:22-29.
10) What is the difference between “the books” and the “book of life”? What is in each?
The dead were judged by what was found in the books – deeds. Book of life contains the names of those who will receive eternal life.
11) Why are the dead being put on trial? What do you think is the purpose of it? Won’t God already know their guilt? Yes. But God is not only a God of wrath, He is also a God of justice. Justice - the administration of what is just by the administration of merited awards or punishment. Paraphrase – you get what you deserve based on your actions. Justice demands that the guilty know why they are being punished. Example of God’s justice is found in Matthew 25. Purpose of Judgment Day - Prove, not to God, but to man & woman why they are guilty and why they are being punished.
12) How were the dead being judged? According to their deeds. What kind of deeds? Matthew 25. Why are the dead being judged on the basis of deeds?
Person 1: Adolf Hitler
Jesus: Let’s look at the books. Reads: Mass murderer. Looks at the book of life. No name. Depart from me, accursed one, into the eternal fire.
Person 2: He performed a lot of good deeds in his life. He was a philanthropist gave billions of dollars to stamp out world hunger, visited prisoners, provided shelter to homeless, etc., etc., He’s no Hitler. Not a rapist, robber, liar, or thief. He’s up next to be judged. How do you think he’s feeling about his chances of getting into heaven?
Jesus: Let’s look at the books. Reads: liar, covetousness, adulterer, took God’s name in vain, lover of money, etc. Looks at the book of life. No name. Depart from me, accursed one, into the eternal fire.
Accused: Look at the books again!!!! I did many good deeds
Jesus: Depart from me, accursed one
Why was he judged? Why wasn’t his good deeds in the books?
John 5:19-20, 30-36; John 3:16-21; John 10:37-38; James chapters 1 and 2.
His good deeds did not reflect the fact that God was in him and he in God. They did not bear witness/testify that he believed Jesus was the Son of God. The good deeds that he performed were not wrought in God. His good deeds did not testify/give evidence to his relationship with God.
Deeds/Works - Do not grant us salvation/they play no role in our salvation. Purpose of deeds/works is to be 1) a witness to others of God in our life and 2) an extension of our relationship with Him, drawing me closer to Him. Deeds are a reflection of God within us. That Jesus is in me and I in Him. Deeds are a testimony that God is within me. The world sees that and God sees that. That is why I do Matthew chapter 25. That is why what I do is not to reflect on me. To make me look good in the eyes of others or myself. What I do should reflect on God so that others can see God in me. To be a witness to others. And draw me closer to God.
When Judgment Day comes, and all of the dead stands before the Judge, the books are open listing that person’s deeds, they will provide ample evidence to the accused that he is guilty of NOT believing in Jesus.
13) What is the final outcome of death and the grave? What is the final outcome for those whose names were not written in the book of life? Lake of fire.
Application:
1. Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? God sent Him into the world to die for our sins and raised Him from the dead so that we know eternal life and not experience the judgment?
2. If you believe Jesus is the Son of God, do you KNOW Him? Do you have an intimate relationship with Him?
3. Do you seek His will for you in your life? Do you seek to do His will?
4. Are the answers to these questions manifested in your works/deeds? Do they give testimony to others of your relationship with Jesus? Preach the Gospel to all the world and if necessary, use words - St. Francis of Assisi. Find out the answers today. Don’t wait until Judgment Day.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Marriage Supper - Revelation 19:6-10
1) Who is the bride? Church - followers of God. What is the bride wearing? White linen. What does the clothing represent? Righteousness. Key word - GIVEN. The saints are given righteousness by God. It is not anything we earn on our own.
2) In verse 9, what does the angel tell John to write? a Beatitude. Who were meant to read/hear these words? Those invited to the marriage supper. Where did these words originate? From God
Who are invited to attend the marriage supper? Believers. Not only invited, but blessed!!! On whose authority? God! Not John. Not the angel. Not 4 beasts. Not 24 elders. God!
3) In verse 10, what did John do? Fell down on his knees before the angel. Why?
John is in awe of God’s word. He hears angel say “These are true words of God”. John realized this angel was in the presence of God. The words He was to write came directly from the lips of God. Have you ever been in awe of the word of God?
4) What did the angel mean when he said “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”?Testimony - evidence. The very essence of prophecy is Jesus. He was the fulfillment of prophecy both OT and NT. Evidence that prophecy is true. Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Malachi, Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, Amos, etc.
2) In verse 9, what does the angel tell John to write? a Beatitude. Who were meant to read/hear these words? Those invited to the marriage supper. Where did these words originate? From God
Who are invited to attend the marriage supper? Believers. Not only invited, but blessed!!! On whose authority? God! Not John. Not the angel. Not 4 beasts. Not 24 elders. God!
3) In verse 10, what did John do? Fell down on his knees before the angel. Why?
John is in awe of God’s word. He hears angel say “These are true words of God”. John realized this angel was in the presence of God. The words He was to write came directly from the lips of God. Have you ever been in awe of the word of God?
4) What did the angel mean when he said “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”?Testimony - evidence. The very essence of prophecy is Jesus. He was the fulfillment of prophecy both OT and NT. Evidence that prophecy is true. Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Malachi, Elijah, Elisha, Ezekiel, Amos, etc.
Revelation 17 – The Great Prostitute and the Scarlet Beast pt. 2
II. Notes on the Scarlet Beast
John sees woman/prostitute sitting on a beast.
Why does John see a woman/prostitute and a ferocious beast and not a city and a man? Why the imagery?
John’s vision is being focused through the prism of the Holy Spirit. He sees the city as God sees the city. Not a place of buildings and streets. God sees a prostitute who is seducing rulers and peoples to sin/to commit abominable, detestable acts. John sees the man as God sees the man. Not a powerful ruler. God sees a beast.
Today, God sees our nation through the prism of His Spirit. How does He see us? A huge cave. In center of cave is a small lit candle. Light of candle is struggling against the darkness to bring light to the cave. Darkness is winning the battle. Pushing the light further and further back towards the candle.
Angel’s description of the beast:
Scarlet in color - Blood red
Beast - Dark, ferocious, savage, strong
Full of blasphemous names - Define blasphemous - slanderous, abusive, evil, hurtful speech
Seven heads & ten horns
After seeing the vision, John wonders greatly. Verse 7 - Angel explains vision.
Focus on the beast:
vs. 8 - Angel says that “he was, is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss”
What does that mean?
“He was…” - He has been on the earth before.
“ … is not …” - He is not on the earth during John’s day. Where is he?
Could be that he is in the Abyss.
“ ….is about to come …” - In the future, he will appear. Come up out of the
Abyss. What is his final fate? Destruction
When he does show himself, who are the ones who will not recognize him for what he really is? People whose names are not written in the book of life (non-believers). Who is this guy?
Seven heads - begin with verse 9.
Seven heads = seven mountains - What do mountains symbolize? Strength/power, majesty, authority.
Seven mountains = seven kings (Strong, powerful, majesty, authority)
Where does the woman sit? On the mountains/on the kings. What does that tell you about the power/might of this city? See vs. 18. Where does that political power originate? The 7. You remove the throne (mountains), where would the political authority come from?
Economically powerful city; has tremendous influence in the world (Economics)
+
Confederation of Seven rulers (Political) -equal in power
=
City is the dominant power in the world
This city, along with rest of the world, experiences a crisis of historic proportions: Revelation 5: Wars, famine, pestilence, disease, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions …
These myriad of crises has hurt this powerful city, economically - Hard to gain wealth during a time of world-wide crisis.
Read verse 10 - the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. What does that tell you about this ruler? His staying power?
Politically - Five rulers have fallen. One remains. A seventh ruler joins the confederation. As we’re going to see, he’s only going to be a part of the group for a short time. Loss of five rulers has greatly weakened the political authority of the city/confederation. A power vacuum.
Greg’s speculation -
Read vs. 11-13 -
The beast makes his appearance. He is an eighth ruler. Distinct/separate from the others. Somehow, he manages to become one of the seven. In my opinion, he replaces one of the 7. The one that remains a little while.
The Beast becomes a part of the confederation that is the basis of this city’s political power. He does so at a time when the world is in chaos. The confederation … the world, are longing for a strong leader who can bring stability to the world … bring food, jobs, shelter, protection, wealth, prosperity, peace. A savior riding a white horse. The Beast takes advantage of the situation. Uses his charisma, sweet talk, lies … to attain great power in order to carry out HIS agenda (see vs. 14). He tells leaders of confederation - Our confederation has been weakened. We have lost five nations. Let’s add 10 more nations to our confederation. Give the rulers of these nations the same authority within the confederation that I have. We’ll be strong enough to restore stability to the world. The other confederation ruler and city leaders are like “I’m not sure ….” They are nations the city/confederation have little respect for. The 10 are perhaps rivals of the city/confederation on the world stage. Beast – “I know the rulers of these nations. They are allies of mine. They can be trusted” Still reluctance by the city/confederation. Beast - “We won’t have to give them power permanently. Just long enough to restore world stability.” Confederation agrees. Soon after the ten received authority, what did they do? Verse 13. Hand over their power to the Beast. He is in complete control.
With backing of ten, the Beast gains control over the confederation and the city. He attains greater political power in the world. He uses his newly won power in conjunction with the city’s wealth and influence in the world to carry out his agenda. Which is what? See vs. 14.
Historical precedence - Ancient Rome - Julius Caesar; France – Napoleon; Germany - Adolf Hitler. All rose to power in times of crises. They won support of the masses. They promised stability, peace, prosperity which was a cover for their hidden agenda. They were given power supposedly for a brief period of time. They used the instruments of government to attain greater power. They put trusted people in certain positions. Before you know it, they became dictators for life.
Vs. 16 -18
What happens? Beast and the 10 destroy the great city. Lover (beast) turns on prostitute (Babylon). The Beast got what he wanted out of this city
Why? God’s purpose - The 10 and the beast are instruments of God’s wrath/judgment. He used them to execute His judgment.
What was the common purpose of the ten? What united them? Hatred for this city/confederation. Economic/political rivals. Cut a deal with the beast. We help you gain power, you help us destroy this city.
Precedence: God used immoral/pagan nations to execute judgment - Assyria, Babylon, Egypt …. Eventually, he executes judgment on them.
John sees woman/prostitute sitting on a beast.
Why does John see a woman/prostitute and a ferocious beast and not a city and a man? Why the imagery?
John’s vision is being focused through the prism of the Holy Spirit. He sees the city as God sees the city. Not a place of buildings and streets. God sees a prostitute who is seducing rulers and peoples to sin/to commit abominable, detestable acts. John sees the man as God sees the man. Not a powerful ruler. God sees a beast.
Today, God sees our nation through the prism of His Spirit. How does He see us? A huge cave. In center of cave is a small lit candle. Light of candle is struggling against the darkness to bring light to the cave. Darkness is winning the battle. Pushing the light further and further back towards the candle.
Angel’s description of the beast:
Scarlet in color - Blood red
Beast - Dark, ferocious, savage, strong
Full of blasphemous names - Define blasphemous - slanderous, abusive, evil, hurtful speech
Seven heads & ten horns
After seeing the vision, John wonders greatly. Verse 7 - Angel explains vision.
Focus on the beast:
vs. 8 - Angel says that “he was, is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss”
What does that mean?
“He was…” - He has been on the earth before.
“ … is not …” - He is not on the earth during John’s day. Where is he?
Could be that he is in the Abyss.
“ ….is about to come …” - In the future, he will appear. Come up out of the
Abyss. What is his final fate? Destruction
When he does show himself, who are the ones who will not recognize him for what he really is? People whose names are not written in the book of life (non-believers). Who is this guy?
Seven heads - begin with verse 9.
Seven heads = seven mountains - What do mountains symbolize? Strength/power, majesty, authority.
Seven mountains = seven kings (Strong, powerful, majesty, authority)
Where does the woman sit? On the mountains/on the kings. What does that tell you about the power/might of this city? See vs. 18. Where does that political power originate? The 7. You remove the throne (mountains), where would the political authority come from?
Economically powerful city; has tremendous influence in the world (Economics)
+
Confederation of Seven rulers (Political) -equal in power
=
City is the dominant power in the world
This city, along with rest of the world, experiences a crisis of historic proportions: Revelation 5: Wars, famine, pestilence, disease, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions …
These myriad of crises has hurt this powerful city, economically - Hard to gain wealth during a time of world-wide crisis.
Read verse 10 - the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. What does that tell you about this ruler? His staying power?
Politically - Five rulers have fallen. One remains. A seventh ruler joins the confederation. As we’re going to see, he’s only going to be a part of the group for a short time. Loss of five rulers has greatly weakened the political authority of the city/confederation. A power vacuum.
Greg’s speculation -
Read vs. 11-13 -
The beast makes his appearance. He is an eighth ruler. Distinct/separate from the others. Somehow, he manages to become one of the seven. In my opinion, he replaces one of the 7. The one that remains a little while.
The Beast becomes a part of the confederation that is the basis of this city’s political power. He does so at a time when the world is in chaos. The confederation … the world, are longing for a strong leader who can bring stability to the world … bring food, jobs, shelter, protection, wealth, prosperity, peace. A savior riding a white horse. The Beast takes advantage of the situation. Uses his charisma, sweet talk, lies … to attain great power in order to carry out HIS agenda (see vs. 14). He tells leaders of confederation - Our confederation has been weakened. We have lost five nations. Let’s add 10 more nations to our confederation. Give the rulers of these nations the same authority within the confederation that I have. We’ll be strong enough to restore stability to the world. The other confederation ruler and city leaders are like “I’m not sure ….” They are nations the city/confederation have little respect for. The 10 are perhaps rivals of the city/confederation on the world stage. Beast – “I know the rulers of these nations. They are allies of mine. They can be trusted” Still reluctance by the city/confederation. Beast - “We won’t have to give them power permanently. Just long enough to restore world stability.” Confederation agrees. Soon after the ten received authority, what did they do? Verse 13. Hand over their power to the Beast. He is in complete control.
With backing of ten, the Beast gains control over the confederation and the city. He attains greater political power in the world. He uses his newly won power in conjunction with the city’s wealth and influence in the world to carry out his agenda. Which is what? See vs. 14.
Historical precedence - Ancient Rome - Julius Caesar; France – Napoleon; Germany - Adolf Hitler. All rose to power in times of crises. They won support of the masses. They promised stability, peace, prosperity which was a cover for their hidden agenda. They were given power supposedly for a brief period of time. They used the instruments of government to attain greater power. They put trusted people in certain positions. Before you know it, they became dictators for life.
Vs. 16 -18
What happens? Beast and the 10 destroy the great city. Lover (beast) turns on prostitute (Babylon). The Beast got what he wanted out of this city
Why? God’s purpose - The 10 and the beast are instruments of God’s wrath/judgment. He used them to execute His judgment.
What was the common purpose of the ten? What united them? Hatred for this city/confederation. Economic/political rivals. Cut a deal with the beast. We help you gain power, you help us destroy this city.
Precedence: God used immoral/pagan nations to execute judgment - Assyria, Babylon, Egypt …. Eventually, he executes judgment on them.
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