Thursday, August 30, 2018

Future Things: The Devil’s Disastrous End- Revelation 20:1-3



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).

The key chronological phrase that is used in Revelation- "Then I saw."


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;