One Day Every Knee Will Bow: The Comprehensive Scope of the Final Judgement

 Revelation 20:11-15

The Comprehensive Scope of the Great and Final Judgement

(Pt. 2)

INTRO:  Why are so many unsaved people not interested in the gospel anymore?  

Very few people fear God (Revelation 4; Isaiah 6) or the final judgement (Hebrews 9:27).  

Many assume that if there is a heaven and hell they will be admitted into heaven.  Who needs the "good news" if God is going to save everyone (except maybe serial killers and tyrants like Stalin)?  

Why do religious and irreligious unbelievers assume that if there really is a hell they have nothing to fear?  What role does the modern evangelical church play in this false assurance? 

To help us wrap our minds and hearts around the Final Day of Judgment and in effort to help us respond to this inspired prophecy in a God honoring way- we’ll highlight 7 Key Statements over the next few weeks:

Thus far we've seen:

1) The ABSOLUTE NECESSITY of this Great and Final Judgement

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

and 2) The PERFECT CHARACTER of this Great and Final Judgement

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

This sermon will focus in on

3) The COMPREHENSIVE SCOPE of the Great and Final Judgement

(Revelation 20:12-13; Heb. 9:27)

Judgment at the Throne of God-

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.

 Revelation 20:4-6, Isaiah 1-66

Future Things: The Way Things Ought to Be

INTRO:  “The Way Things Ought to Be” -VS- the way things often are.

What about the Future Kingdom of Christ so energizes, strengthens, encourages, and mobilizes true believers?

The prophesied future is intended to impact the here and now!  

5 characteristics define the future Millennial Kingdom

As we take a jet tour overview of Isaiah keep track whenever you hear about:

1) Liberty and Justice for All

2) Peace in the Middle East (and beyond)

3) “Universal Healthcare”

4) “Eden-like” Conditions

5) Salvation Near and Far!

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

What aspects of the “curse” have impacted your personal life the most?  List 2-3 things.

When life is too good why is it so tempting/easy to lose sight of “the age to come?” 

God commands believers to live each day in light of eternity (Col. 3:1-4)

How does God use trials in our life to make us more faithful believers? 

Note Romans 5:1-5; James 1:2-4; 2 Cor. 4:16-18

How does biblical prophecy help us get through the darkest valleys of life? 

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

Joy to the World-

Crown Him With Many Crowns!

The Hallelujah Chorus-

Jesus Shall Reign- Keith and Kristyn Getty

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

 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? 

Matthew 25:31-46; The Great Separation

Matthew 25:31-46

Future Things: The Great Separation

(pt. 12)

Many believers hold different interpretations when it comes to the finer point of biblical eschatology (truth related to the end times). What should we do when good and godly saints disagree over some point of doctrine? What should we not do?  

Here is a summary of the Last Days According to Jesus.  The Master-Teacher taught his disciples Four Key Truths:

1) When the Messianic King Comes He Will Establish the Long-Awaited Kingdom-just not right away!  (Luke 19:11-27)

2)  For Rejecting her King, the Jewish People will be repeatedly trampled upon UNTIL “the time of the Gentiles is complete.” (Luke 19:28-44; 21:24)

3) The Glorious Kingdom will begin WHEN national Israel finally welcomes Jesus as Savior, Lord, and King!   (Luke 13:34-35)

4) Upon Reestablishing the Throne of David, the Son of Man will Judge the (Unbelieving) Nations! (Matthew 25:31-46)

Matthew 25:31-46 (the sheep and goats judgement) is different than the final judgement in Revelation 20:11-15.  The first takes place before the Millennial Kingdom and the second takes place after the Messianic Kingdom.  Some Christian theologians teach that Matthew 25 and Revelation 20 are talking about the same event.  On textual grounds we lovingly disagree.  And here's why:

Matthew 25:31-46 

A)   Unlike Rev. 20, the judgment here involves BOTH sheep & goats!

B) Unlike Rev. 20, those judged in Mattthew 25 are ALIVE (when King Jesus Returns to earth)

C) Unlike Rev. 20, this judgement takes place on EARTH BEFORE the Millennial Kingdom!

The key words in v. 31 are WHEN and THEN.

D) Unlike Rev. 20 the judgement in Matthew 25 is specifically related to the mistreatment of Tribulation saints!

Humanitarian groups often quote Matthew 25:34-46 out of context.  We must always study and apply the Bible in context.  Failure to do so leads to various errors (some more significant than others).

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

Matthew 24:15-28: The Horrific Tribulation. Study Guide For Comprehension and Application

 Revelation 20:1-6 and Matthew 24:15-28 
Future Things: The Horrific Tribulation

(pt. 8)

INTRO:  What do you wish you could know about your immediate future?

In the Master-teacher’s “Olivet Discourse” the Good Shepherd let’s his beloved sheep know:

A) What to expect? 

B) What signs to look for? 

& C) What they/we ought to do with this head full of knowledge?

This morning we’ll zero in on what Jesus' disciples ought to do” in view of the revealed truth that is Matthew 24:15-28   

1) UNDERSTAND THE PROPHETIC SIGNS 

(Matthew 24:15; Daniel 9-11; Rev. 11:2; 13)

2) RUN FOR YOUR LIVES  

(Matthew 24:16-19)

3) PRAY FOR PROVIDENTIAL MERCIES 

(Matthew 24:20-22; Genesis 6 Psalm 67; Isaiah 64)

4) EXERCISE BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT

(Matthew 24:23-28; 1 Thess. 5:21-22; 1 Chron. 12:32)

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

What do you wish you could know as it relates to your immediate future?

Why do so many unbelievers live for the moment?  Many secular songs promote this mindset.

Matthew 24:3-14: Signs that the End is Near

Matthew 24:3-14

Future Things: Signs that the End is Near

(pt. 7)

  

INTRO:  End Times Confusion and/or Indifference to Biblical Prophecy is commonplace.

LCBC believes that end times details that are recorded in the Scriptures matter: Explain why-____________________________________________________________________________ _______

Summarize Matthew 24-25 in a sentence or two: _____________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________.

How should an unbeliever respond to facts of history (1 Cor. 15:1-11) and the details that God has revealed concerning things to come? (Acts 17:30-31; Hebrews 9:27-28; Romans 2:3-11). When you talk with lost friends, family members, and co-workers about what you’re being taught at church, help them to understand the practical ramifications of God’s revealed truth.

The Olivet Discourse: (Overview Outline)

A) End Times Confusion

(Mathew 24:3)

B) Red-Letter Clarification

(Matthew 24:4-25:46)

End Times Confusion and Red-Letter Clarification

How and why do unbelievers and believers approach the future differently? 

Does it really matter if a Christian understands the details of biblical 'eschatology' (truth related to the "end times")? 

How does understanding what God has revealed concerning the future impact the here and now? 

We will address this and more on Sunday at Lake Country Bible Church. Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 24-25. "End Times Confusion and Red-Letter Clarification."