Sunday Evening, June 2, 2002 Bel Aire Baptist Church
Series: “The End” [#10]
TERRIBLE TRUMPETS (Part 3)
Revelation 9:13-21
Introduction:
1. Last Sunday evening we studied the first woe, which is also the fifth Trumpet Judgment. Remember that those that ere stung did not die, but in this next judgment there will be a large amount of death.
2. This evening we are going to study the sixth Trumpet Judgment, which is also the second woe.
The Second Woe
The Four Angels
Revelation 9:13-15
1. Here we find that after the sixth trumpet is sounded a voice coming from the horns of the golden altar says, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.”
2. I believe that these four angels must be four fallen angels because they have been bound. These fallen angels seem to be anxious to be released for destruction.
3. Notice how God had planned the use of these four evil angels and in God’s time they will be released to kill one-third of mankind. This just shows God’s sovereignty.
The Euphrates River
1. The Euphrates River is the most prominent river referred to in the Bible. It formed one of the boundaries of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:14). It was also a boundary for Israel (Genesis 15:18), the easternmost boundary of Egypt, and the boundary of the Persian Empire.
2. The Euphrates River is also used as a symbol of Israel’s enemies. This is no accident that these four angels are today bound in that area of the world. Some of the world’s greatest events took place near the Euphrates River. The first sin of humankind was committed in that area. The first war was fought in that area. The tower of Babel was built in defiance of God in that area. Nimrod built the city of Babylon in that area which is portrayed as a very evil place. Babylon was also where the children of Israel were taken captive.
3. It is also this same area that the city of Babylon will be rebuilt (Revelation 18). This city will become the headquarters of the commercial, religious, and military activities of the world under the Antichrist’s rule.
The Evil Army
Revelation 9:16-19
1. Talk about an awesome army. There will be 200 million horse-like creatures with riders on their backs. These riders are not human, but are demon-like evil spirits, which will be led by the four evil angels.
2. The creatures they are riding are like horses with lion heads that spew out fire, smoke, and sulfur. They also have tails like snakes that can strike.
3. These horse-like creatures will kill one-third of the world’s population.
The Unrepentant
Revelation 9:20-21
1. The believers will again be exempt from this judgment. As terrible as all of these judgments have been, how is it that people will still not repent?
2. It is amazing to me that after all of the death and sorrow that people would not change, but it happens even today.
3. Instead of turning to God, people will rebel against God. What are the sins that keep them from coming in repentance to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? It is the same sins that keep people from coming to Him today.
Ø Idolatry: People will worship images instead of God.
Ø Murders: The value of life is cheap. The taking of another life will be rampant.
Ø Magic arts: This word or the word sorcery is pharmekeia in the Greek, which is where we get our word pharmacy. Drug addiction will be widespread.
Ø Sexual immorality: This will continue to be a huge problem.
Ø Thefts: This just show the lawlessness that will be going on. People will do anything to get money and things.
Conclusion:
1. Anytime I come upon a list like this in Scripture there is a strict warning attached.
2. We must be careful to notice here that these people did not repent. As a Christian, if you commit one of these sins does that mean that you are not saved or you lost you lost your salvation? No! We still fall to the temptations of sin. Paul says that our flesh and Spirit are always fighting. The difference is, as a Christian you will be convicted by the Holy Spirit of the sin in your life.
3. Christians if you have any un-confessed sin in your life it is hurting your relationship with God. You need to confess that sin so that you can serve God to your fullest.
4. If you are here and have never surrendered your life to Jesus you may also be under conviction, but if you continue to refuse God, you may run out of time.
5. There will be many during this second woe that will go to Hell because they refused to repent and surrender to Jesus Christ. Don’t be like them!
