Last Things: The Final Judgement; Revelation 20:11-15 (pt. 1)

Even in Christian circles, hell is often viewed as a “four-letter” word. Why is this?

Emotional difficulties-

Intellectual objections-

Many in our day avoid Rev. 20:11-15 like the black plague. Why is this immensely problematic?

To help us wrap our hearts and minds around the Final Day of Judgment and in effort to make the Text-driven application more attainable-we’ll highlight 7 Key Statements over the next few weeks:

1) The ABSOLUTE NECESSITY of this Great and Final Judgment

(Revelation 20:7-15; John 3:19-20)

What God reveals in Revelation 20:7-9 helps us come to terms with verses 11-15. Unbelieving humanity would rise up in rebellion against Christ and the people of God over and over again.  Their would be no "heaven" if God did not judge the world once and for all (study Revelation 20:11-15 in view of what comes before it- the Horrific Tribulation period, Rev. 6-18, and the Final Rebellion of Satan and Hell-bent Humanity, Rev. 20:7-9).

2) The PERFECT CHARACTER of this Great and Final Judgment

(Revelation 20:11; Hab. 1:13; Psalm 1:5-6;)

How should we respond to the biblical truth that’s been preached this AM?  Now what?

For Further Reflection/Application:  We must be doers of the Word and not merely hearers

Why is it “emotionally” difficult for sinful man (even redeemed sinners) to embrace the reality of a final Judgement Day?  Romans 2:5; John 3:36; Hebrews 9:27, Luke 16:19-31.

John the Baptist’s message was bold and direct yet it was also powerful and saving. 

Read Matthew 3:1-11.   Ask God to give you holy boldness like John the Baptist.

Why do we often leave out the part about hell and Divine judgment when sharing the gospel with friends, family, neighbors, and/or classmates?  What excuses do we sometimes use?

Just how holy is our Creator God?  How does this attribute impact God’s role as final Judge? Note Habakkuk 1:13, Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing

How can a Holy God be “both just and the justifier of the one who believes?”

see Romans 1:18-2:10; 3:10-30.

The next time you talk about being “saved” make sure you explain what you have been saved from in/through Christ.  Per Romans 5:8-9; 8:1.

“That which is not mentioned in our preaching, evangelism, and worship can be denied without anyone ever noticing.”  Many pastors dishonor the Lord in what they leave out (not so much in what they say).  The same principle can be true of music ministers and evangelists. 

Why is it absolutely necessary for there to be a final day of reckoning (per Rev. 20:10-15)?  How does Revelation 20:7-9 help us come to terms with verses 10-15?

What happened after God “started over” post-flood?  All but 8 people were killed during the global flood.  Note Genesis 6-9.  In what ways does this historical record help us to answer those who blame their sin on their environment?  How does this help us defend the patience of God against those who say if Jesus just gave humanity more time most of us would “change our ways” (or repent and get right with God)?  Note 2 Peter 3.

How does 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 tie in with how Pastor Caleb concluded this sermon?

Related Praise Songs:  Theology fuels Doxology!  We dig deeply in order that we may go high!

I Stand Amazed in the Presence of Jesus the Nazarene (My Savior’s Love)

How Sweet and Aweful Is the Place

Amazing Grace

Day of Judgment, Day of Wonders

 There is a Fountain Filled With Blood

                                           

Related Biblical Texts:  Search the Scriptures to see if these things be so.

Psalm 1:1-6; Habakkuk 1:13; Mathew 3:1-11; Luke 16:19-31; John 3:19-36; Acts 17:22-31; Romans 2:1-16; 5:8-9; 2 Cor. 5:11-21; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 20:7-15.

All related sermons can be downloaded for free on our website at www.lakecountrybible.org