Revelation, Part 14
Revelation 9:11-21
Introduction
Last week, we saw in vivid detail God’s plan for the Earth. We were treated to a font row seat showing the death and destruction coming upon this world by a very real, and very just God. We should by now, after all these messages so far; understand the relevance of our role in this world. Our role is to not only tell others, but to ensure our lives are right as well. If you have not gotten that, let today be the day that you get it.
Let today be the understanding you have been searching for, and hopefully after today this message will give you some hope of things to look forward to in the future. God is waiting, God is seeking for servants, and the devil hopes you don’t care.
Pray
Point 1 – Spiritual Authority (v11-12)
Everything in this world has authority under God. Here in verse 11 we see that there is authority over those in the bottomless pit. God has ultimate authority, and from him is authority granted over other principalities and things of this Earth. Ephesians 6:12 says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This authority over the demons in the bottomless pit belongs to the seeker of evil, to satan himself. But see here, that he has no authority except for what God grants him. Just like us – we have authority in this world and in the spiritual world, and that is the shared authority of Jesus Christ. Titus 3:7 says that “so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” – this is good news!! We are heirs to the throne, and heirs to the same authority that Jesus has!
Point 2 – The Sixth Trumpet (v13-15)
Again, John is treated to God’s voice commanding His angels to do His work. Note here, that there is no deliberation of their duties! They go right to work – no discussion – just obedience as Jesus would have us obey the Father as well.
The four angels spoken about are four angels held in captivity because of their disobedience to God and for following Satan. God would never bind up His own angels, so it is important to note here that these four angels are part of Satan’s army, and God is giving them permission to be released onto this world! These angels have one mission – to take as many to hell as they can – they are not friends of man, and perhaps today you can think of when you were confronted by a fallen angel who wanted to deceive you or lie to you. They exist, and here John is seeing four being loosed to kill 1/3 of mankind!
Note here that these angels were bound on Euphrates – here are some very interesting facts about this river and why it is significant to end times prophecy.
The Euphrates River has always been a very strategic area both militarily and spiritually. Along the “First” Euphrates River, was the Garden of Eden. After the flood, man as one tribe settled near the river and began construction of the tower of Babel, only to be scattered throughout the earth.
On the Euphrates River was the greatest city of the ancient world, the city of Babylon – the capital city of the Neo-Babylonian kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar. The Euphrates River was the eastern end of the Roman Empire.
On the Euphrates, in the city of Baghdad, was where the Caliphates (Successors) of Islam located the center of their power.
And on the Euphrates, the city of Babylon will one day be rebuilt. (Revelation 18)
Note here that 1/3 of mankind is killed! This would be 1/3 of those who are left following the rapture, and the first judgments already passed on mankind! This demonic warfare is bent on one thing – killing those who are part of God’s creation and taking them to hell – they have no other agenda, and without Jesus Christ as their Savior, these fallen angels win!
Point 3 – The Army of Satan (v16-19)
Two hundred million!! Need I say more?? John is seeing things as they are unraveling, and thus these two hundred million soldiers of evil are very real and they are bent on destruction! John also lends to this by saying that he saw them – with his own eyes.
These two hundred million are bent on killing another 1/3 of those who are left through fire, smoke, and brimstone. This army has been commissioned by Satan, given authority by God to destroy, yet we have a promise! Matthew 16:18 says, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Speaking metaphorically, Jesus has given a promise that nothing will come against the church and prevail over it – but hell will certainly try!
Point 4 – Remains of mankind (v20-21)
Mankind is continually hardened during this time of tribulation. Some will come to repentance for their actions, and others will just turn away.
I want you to see though, specifically, what mankind refuses to repent from.
Idolatry Those who did not die up to this time will be forced to submit, the system the Antichrist will set up to control the world economies. Idolatry is anything that you worship that is not of God. Television, for example, is idolatry. Staying home to watch sports versus going to church is a form of idolatry as you are telling God that it is more important.
Murder…and violence were the same sins where God judged the Earth in Noah’s day. Murder rates are sky-rocketing today, and they have never been worse. Murder will play a role in what those rebelling continue to do to revolt against God.
Sorceries – (Greek word used is: farmakeiva) The word for pharmacy is derived from this word. Drugs will play a role in spiritual seduction of mankind. Today, drugs plague our very lives. From chemical dependencies to illegal narcotics – drugs are ruling this world with an iron fist.
Sexual immorality – (Greek word is porneiva) The pace of sexual sins is increasing and lines being crossed that were unthinkable 10 years ago. Print, Television, Satellite and the Internet have removed any barriers to limits. Homosexual marriage is fast approaching the nations of the world.
Thefts – With all the dead there will be an a great quantity to steal. Looting, think about New Orleans during Katrina. This was a complete breakdown in social structure, and with no one around it will at an all time high.
Conclusion
Notice the sins of mankind during this time. Are they any different from today? I believe that if ever there was an example that God’s Word is alive, here it is before your eyes. John is seeing 5 sins that will plague mankind in the future, and we all know that they plague mankind today.
KJV: And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
Do you need to repent of these? Is there a false idol or something in your life that needs to be removed? God is calling us to be His soldiers now, and in the future.
Won’t you change your life today and be a servant tomorrow?
* Research provided by TruthNet.org
