Future
Things: The Devil’s Disastrous End
INTRO: Parallels between the Iraq War and
Revelation 19-20:
A)
Shock and Awe- (Rev.
19:11-18)
B)
Two-thirds of the
Terrible 3 Taken Out
- (Rev.
19:19-21)
C)
Unfinished Business- (Saddam) (Rev. 20:1-3)
In order to help us better understand this
prophetic portion of Scripture we’ll hang our thoughts on three words:
1) Sequence
(Rev. 20:1a; 19:17, 19; 20:4, 11).
2) Subjugation
(Rev. 20:1b-3)
Satan is summarily rounded up, bound, and thrown into the Abyss. He will not be free to prowl about like a roaring lion and will not be able to deceive the nations during the future earthly Kingdom.
3) Suprise
(Rev. 20:3b)
Satan MUST be released for a short while after the Millennial kingdom...
For Further Reflection/Application:
We
must be doers of the Word and
not merely hearers
What
are some of the names and/or biblical descriptions in Scripture related to our
archenemy (Satan)? What do these names
suggest concerning the on-going Devilish activity of the Evil One? (Genesis 3; Job 1; Matt. 4:1, 3; 13:19; John
8:44-45; Eph. 2:2; 2 Cor. 4:4, 6:5 1 Peter 5:8; Rev.12:9-10, 20:1-3, 10).
What
are some of the sinister schemes of Satan against believers and against the
Church? Satan wants to divide us. Satan wants to deceive us. Satan wants to unite us (around anything but
the Word of truth and Christ). Satan
wants to distract us. Satan wants to
tempt us. Satan wants to condemn us in
hopes of immobilizing us. What else? What do you say happening in your own life
and/or in your own congregation?
If
the Christian life is a spiritual battle each and every day, what are you doing
to combat the evil world, the flesh, and the Devil?
What
are some of the practical implications of these verses? Ephesians 6:12-13, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces
of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of
wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full
armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and
having done everything, to stand firm.
James
4:7; Submit yourselves, then, to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
How
is 1 John 3:8 and Revelation 20 related?
The Son of God appeared for
this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.
If
Revelation 19-20 is a series of chronological visions (“and/then I saw”) then
the Premillennial position must be correct.
Premillennialism teaches that there must be a future, earthly reign of
Christ.
Read
2 Cor. 11:12-15; Paul says Satan and his demons often “disguise themselves” as
“angels of light.” In other words, they
often work under the radar. Satan energizes false teachers and false religions
under the banner of “the true faith” or “the path to paradise.” Very few people openly worship and serve the
Devil (note also John 8:44-45).
“The
next time the Devil reminds you (Christian) of your past, remind him of his
future.”
Related Praise Songs: Theology
fuels Doxology! We dig deeply in order
that we may go high!
A
Mighty Fortress is our God- Martin Luther
Before
the Throne of God Above-
Bloodwashed
Pilgrim- Crystal Lewis
Related Biblical Texts: Search
the Scriptures to see if these things be so.
Revelation 19:11-20:10; Job 1; Matt. 4; 13:19; 2 Cor. 4:4,
6:5, 11:14; Eph. 2:2, 6:10-20;
James1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8;
