Revelation, the Grand Finale of God’s Word
Chapters 12-14
Lesson 6
Heaven’s Horrible Enemy Here on Earth
Are you old enough to remember when we feared an atomic holocaust? The world super powers had amassed enough nuclear warheads to blow up the planet two or three times, and they had these missiles aimed at one another! Books, movies and predictions about the end of the world were common. The destruction such powerful weapons are capable of is terrifying to imagine. Just think, push one button and an entire country could be blown up. On the other hand today’s preadolescent has seen a dozen science fiction movies where planets populated with people are pulverized with some alien ray gun. We are living in the age where we entertain ourselves with special effects designed to look as real as possible then after the movie, academy awards are given to the actors. And all just for fun! Why people want to terrify themselves for entertainment purposes is a phenomenon with unhealthy overtones, if you ask me. Some people seem to enjoy being scared.
What scares you today? Is there anything deeply terrifying that lies in the recesses of your mind; anything that you keep hidden from your consciousness because it is too chilling to think about?
God has an enemy described in Revelation who has all the qualities of the most hideous and evil presence imaginable. He is real. He is in our world. And he is out to get you. He is deceptive and terrifyingly powerful. This is not a science fiction story. It is the Word of God warning and encouraging His people to be faithful, no matter what. The enemy is able to hurt you. He can even kill you. But he can’t defeat you. Listen to this warning: 13:7 And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. 8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear.
10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.
Be faithful, dear student, and do not give in to fear. Would you join me in prayer?
Holy Father, we praise you! You are the holy one; our hope and salvation rests in you. We do not understand why evil is allowed to exist and rule in this world. We seek your face and look for your grace. We hate evil with all our hearts. Help us to see it for what it is. Help us to flee from evil and do your will. O holy Lord, we have no power to face such a foe! Only with your strength can we ever be victorious. We open our hearts and minds and lives to you. Fill us so that we will be faithful no matter what. Help us to be like Jesus and stand in your will and walk in your ways, no matter what. Help us to encourage and strengthen one another in the faith and support one another in this fallen world. Fill us with your Spirit, Lord, and deliver us from evil. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Day 1
Read chapter 12:1-6
What characters appear in this chapter?
Where do these events take place? Notice the setting changes as you read the chapter.
Who do these characters represent, (or seem to represent)?
The Woman:
The Child:
The red Dragon:
Briefly describe what happens with each of these characters.
What is the child going to do?
Where does he go?
When does the attack of the dragon begin?
How long will it last?
Pay attention to the attitude of the dragon. Notice how it progresses through the chapter.
What do the seven heads and ten horns imply about the dragon’s power?
What is his first desire? How successful is he?
The woman is clothed with the son. This word in Greek is halio from which we get our word “halo.” There are four women in the book of Revelation: Jezebel, the whore on the dragon, the wife of the Lamb, and this woman. Remember that these are signs that appeared. They teach a much-needed lesson about how difficult our struggle with evil can be. And yet, dear student, Satan is only successful with those who do not follow the Lamb. He may persecute us, but he can’t defeat us!
Read chapter 12:7-17
What happened with the dragon in heaven?
Who is Michael?
Michael the archangel. Notice these features: (1) His name. It means “Who is like God?” This bears testimony to the uniqueness of the God he serves. (2) He is clearly designated as “the archangel” (cf. Jude 9). Nowhere in Scripture is there a plural to this noun (cf. I Thess 4:16 Jude 9). (3) He has the added description of “the great prince” (cf. Dan 12:1). (4) He has power even to challenge Satan (cf. Jude 9). (5) He has angels at his command (cf. 12:7). (6) He will be present at judgment (cf. I Thess 4:16). (7) He is the champion of Israel and the espouser of their cause (cf. 12:7; Dan 12:1). He appears when they are in question and their interests are involved. His presence immediately alerts the reader that the events relate to Israel and her enemies.
It is unusual to read of war in heaven, a place where peace and bliss prevail. But here the ultimate doom of Satan must begin, just as his first sin did (cf. Isa 14:12-14; Ezk 28:12–15). In pre-time, his early fall was from the immediate presence of God to the second heaven (cf. Eph 6:10–12). Just as Michael has a retinue of angels at his command, Satan has his followers. The battle will be no dress rehearsal or sham encounter; it will be mortal conflict. But Satan, already defeated at Calvary, is no match for Michael and his angels.#
How did the host of heaven react when Satan is cast down to earth?
Notice verse 9 the dragon is identified clearly:
Satan means adversary or one who opposes. Devil means accuser or slanderer.
This enemy is able to fight against God’s archangel, Michael. He loses, but think of it, he must be a terrible foe to take on the captain of God’s heavenly hosts. While his power is not able to prevail against heaven, he seems to have great authority and control here on the earth… for a short time. Dear student, how serious is it that we depend on the Lord for our strength when facing evil here below? May we join together to pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
How is the woman protected and provided for by God?
Since the dragon cannot get the woman, whom does he go after next?
Read 1 Peter 5:8-11
In what ways is this similar to the thoughts in our Revelation text?
Sum up what you have learned thus far about heaven’s enemy:
Day 2
Read chapter 13:1-10
From where does this first beast arise?
How is he like the dragon?
How is he different?
Notice the image of the enemy is seen in his cohorts.
There will be another beast in the second half of this chapter who rises from the earth. This shows us that the dragon has power over the land and sea.
Read Daniel 7. Much of the same imagery is here. Later in Daniel we learn that these beasts represent political powers, some of which are backed by the enemy. This same imagery used here in Revelation may indicate that these beasts are also political powers of some sort. Some see this beast as the antichrist or man of lawlessness (1 John 2:18, 2 Thess. 2:3). While it is not stated or clear who this beast is, he certainly is in cahoots with the Devil and serves his purposes.
What happened to the beast that gains the attention of the world?
How hard is this beast to kill?
What is the world’s opinion of its power?
When is this taking place?
Where are these events occurring?
Dear student, do you see how this earth is not our home? When God’s word tells us that we are pilgrims and strangers here, let us take it to heart and seek to find peace and joy in the Spirit and in our heavenly hopes. May our faith, hope and love all have an eternal focus that keeps us moving toward our ultimate home in glory!
As Michael’s name means “who is like God?” the world that worships the enemy of heaven says, “who is like the beast?” Their mockery will be silenced, but not for a while.
What comes out of the beast’s mouth when the world begins to worship him?
Who are the objects of his abusive talk?
Read slowly verses 6-8. What can this beast do to those who are faithful to Jesus?
What does the Devil ultimately want on earth?
How is he working to accomplish this and how successful is he?
Read verses 9-10 again.
If you remain faithful to the Lord, where might you end up while you live on this earth?
Dear student, are you and I willing to follow the Lord when the times of trial come? Remember chapter 12:11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Remember Jesus’ words to the church at Smyrna: Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Is the cause of Christ worth giving up your life for? Do you take this to heart and hold on to Jesus Christ above your physical life? Paul said, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain!” May the Lord grant us the faith and strength to keep our eyes on Him and remain true to Him, come what may.
Day 3
Read Chapter 13:11-18
Here we see a systematic method of recognizing who is on the side of the beast and who is not. As this new beast from the earth arises, his work is to deceive people and enforce the worship of the first beast. Now we see a trio of evil in place: the dragon, the first beast, and the second beast. Each of these has powerful deceptive abilities to cause people to worship the dragon and the first beast. Later in Revelation, we see the end of all three of these. Their days are numbered. Don’t forget that.
Notice verse 11, what does this beast from the earth have that makes him look like Christ?
But what does his voice betray?
List the things the Bible says that he does or is able to do:
(To help discover these, underline all the references to this beast and note what it says about him, i.e. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence…).
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5.
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11.
12.
What happens to the saints in this time of tribulation? (Verse 15, 17).
How do we know that our faith is genuine? How do we know that we are truly disciples of Jesus Christ and bound for glory? Nothing proves our loyalty like suffering for the cause. If we do not believe that following Jesus is worth dying for, then we are not truly his disciples. Testing will come to every follower of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
Just notice a brief list of scriptures (Taken from Nave’s Topical Bible), which speak of the persecution of the saints, warning and encouraging us to be faithful in spite of persecution:
Matt. 5:10-12,44; Matt. 10:16-18,21-23,28; Matt. 20:22,23; Matt. 23:34,35; Matt. 24:8-10; Mark 8:35; Luke 17:33;. Mark 9:42; Mark 13:9,11-13; Luke 6:22,23; Luke 21:12-19; John 12:42; John 15:18,19; John 16:1,2; John 17:14; Acts 4:16-20; Acts 5:29,40-42; Acts 7:52; Acts 8:4; Acts 28:22; Rom. 8:17,35-37; 1 Cor. 4:9-13; 1 Cor. 13:3; 2 Cor. 4:8-12;
2 Cor. 6:4,5,8-10; 2 Cor. 11:23-27; 2 Cor. 12:10; Gal. 4:29; Gal. 6:12,17; Phil. 1:12-14,28,29; Col. 1:24; 1 Thess. 1:6; 1 Thess. 2:2,14,15; 2 Thess. 1:4; 2 Tim. 1:8,12; 2 Tim. 2:9,10,12; 2 Tim. 3:2,3,12; 2 Tim. 4:16,17; Heb. 10:32-34; Heb. 11:25-27,33-38;
Heb. 12:3,4; Heb. 13:13; Jas. 2:6; Jas. 5:6,10; 1 Pet. 3:14,16,17; 1 Pet. 4:3,4,12-14,16,19; 1 John 3:1,13; Rev. 2:3,10,13; Rev. 6:9-11; Rev. 7:13-17; Rev. 12:11; Rev. 17:6;
Rev. 20:4#.
Finally, we come to what is perhaps the most widely misunderstood passage in the book. The number of the beast: 666.
18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.
To properly understand this number, we need to ask what the Bible itself says about it, and particularly in its context.
God’s word is telling us that this is wisdom. Wisdom is that which causes man to do what is right and avoid what is wrong. Folly is the inability to chose right. Wisdom to do what is right and best comes from understanding the number of this beast.
Underline these three words in verse 18: “the number is.” Now, what does the Bible say that the number is? Two things are said. What are they?
1.
2.
What does six represent?
On which day did God create man?
In the days that the Bible was written, one way to emphasize something was to repeat it. If you repeat it twice, it is important: Jesus would sometimes say: “Verily, verily, I say unto you…” Or, “Truly, truly…” (some of the modern translations have him saying, “I tell you the truth…” but actually, Jesus used repetition as a device to make it clear that what he was about to say called for special attention). Paul, when he wrote Galatians 1:8-9 uses the same device. But on rare occasions the point is emphasized to the third degree.
Examples are: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord” and “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants on earth” and the number is 666. The point here is that this beast is a creature, not God. At best, he is only a man, albeit with the Devil behind him.
Well, student, you have seen a lot this week, haven’t you. Following Jesus is not a matter of walking in ease and comforts up to the gates of heaven. Christianity is serious and dangerous business at times. It involves spiritual warfare. The enemy is large, armed and dangerous. He is organized and able to hurt you and me simply because we are on the Lord’s side. There is no making peace with him. Were it not for Jesus, we would fall into Satan’s deceptions and be condemned with his company. Praise the Lord, our enemy will not defeat us! He will fail and we will join together with the heavenly hosts and all those who have gone before us to rejoice in the presence of the Lamb to celebrate victory forever and ever! Can’t you see it with the eyes of faith even now? Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering! Is there anything you need to tell the Lord right now? Why not stop here, lift your eyes to the heavens and lay your heart before the throne of God now.
Day 4
Read chapter 14:1-5
Were you beginning to wonder what God was going to do about this terrible situation in the world?
Finally, we see the Lamb!
Where is he, who is with him and what is happening there?
Notice the singing? Isn’t that wonderful! In the worship of the dragon and beast, I didn’t notice any songs, did you? Praise the Lord, we have a celebrating worship in Jesus! And how is the volume? Notice also what the voice sounded like?
Where is this singing taking place?
Who can learn this song?
Who are these 144,000? Where have you seen them before, and who do they represent?
Notice their character and quality of life is described in verses 4-5. Now I have a serious question. If all of these are literal Jews, (as seen in chapter 7: 12,000 from each tribe), are they also all literally unmarried celibates? Surly this is symbolic of all the saints.
And where are they?
Who are they with and what do they do?
Read verses 6-11.
Here we see three angels with three messages for those who live on the earth.
What are these three messages?
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3.
God is still calling to those on the earth to repent and worship Him before it is too late. Babylon seems to be the great evil power of the earth that stands against the people and city of God. Notice where is the Lamb and where is the enemy? With these angels we hear of hopes, warnings and sure judgments.
Who are these angels preaching to?
Does that mean that God wants to save those who are worshipping the beast?
What will happen to all of them if they refuse to listen?
Whose side do you want to be on?
This passage is encouraging for many reasons. The God we serve is merciful and not willing that any should perish. Let us join in the effort to rescue those who are serving Satan in this world and call them to the truth of God. This world will not last and all who put their hopes here will never see the light of glory. Pray for the Lord to help us spread the eternal gospel to as many as we can before it is too late.
In chapters 12-13 it looks like the saints are in trouble, but the truth is, we are the winners. The lamp of the enemy will be snuffed out… forever. The glory of the saints in heaven is eternal! Lord, help us tell the gospel to all we can!
Read verses 12-13.
Who are these mentioned here?
Are you among them?
What happens to those who are killed for the cause of Christ?
Beloved, may you and I be ready to face whatever comes for the cause of Christ. “For me to live is Christ, to die is…” Yes! GAIN!!!
Do you believe it?
Day 5
Read chapter 14:14-20
This is the final preparation before the bowls of God’s wrath are poured out on the earth.
What happens in verses 14-16?
Read Acts 1:9-11. How did Jesus ascend into heaven?
How did the angels say he would return?
Read 1 Thess. 4:13-18; & 2 Thess. 1:6-10.
How do these passages describe the harvesting of saints in the end?
What happens in verses 17-20?
What is this wine press of the wrath of God?
How much wrath is there?
Where did the material come from that generated so much wrath?
Who do you think is producing all this harvest of “grapes of wrath?”
God’s wrath is his perfect and holy justice served against evil. It will come on evil like a flood. There will be no escape. It is not emotional in nature, but punitive with burning purifying heat. Those who are evil have nothing to purify and must endure the crucible of fire forever without hope of rescue or relief. Those who turn to Christ in life, are cleansed and sealed with the Holy Spirit, adopted into the family of God and regenerated into his likeness. Though we may suffer here on earth, we are heading for an eternal home in glory.
Read through chapters 12-14 now. Think about what you have studied so far as you read. Listen to the message God is speaking to you through His Word.
Write any lessons the Lord has taught you through this weeks study:
As you finish this week’s lessons, take a few moments to write a statement of commitment to the Lord. If you are in need of strength to face the trials that may come, write it down. If you are struggling with fears about what the enemy can do, write it down. Tell God where you stand with Him in your heart and mind right now. (He knows already, but do you?) Make it personal. Write what you truly think and feel. Remember, you are a child of the King of the universe and you are welcome before His throne. Enter with reverence and respect, but enter with boldness and gladness that He loves you so much He fought for your soul and paid for your sins. Jesus, the Lamb, was slain for you! He’s there on the throne too. Meet Him there. Write to Him now:
