THE BOOK OF REVELATION Life-Changing Truths Not Doctrinal Arguments
By Frank Eiklor and Cecilia Contreras
LESSON 44 (Part 5 of 8)
INTRODUCTION
We began this study in Revelation four lessons ago. However, after part 4 (Lesson 42), I thought it wise to interrupt this series by offering you four other lessons (Lesson 43) concerning some important signs that Scripture indicates will take place before the return of our Lord to rule the earth.
We will now continue in our exciting study of the book of Revelation. I suggest you review the first 10 chapters that we covered in Lesson 42, Parts 1 through 4. In this study, we begin in chapter 11 as we see how the Holy Spirit can use this book to transform our lives here and now. In the English translation of this lesson, scriptures will be given from the New International Version.
CHAPTER 11
· Temporary Defeat, But Final Victory—(It often appears that Satan and his followers will annihilate the Church of Jesus Christ. Yet these seeming defeats we believers suffer will end in final victory.)
“Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them.” (Revelation 11:7)
· The Devil’s Party—(Here we see Satan’s followers worldwide celebrating the death of Christ’s two faithful witnesses. This has happened down through the centuries to the martyrs for Jesus. But God always has the final word!)
“The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.” (Revelation 11:10)
· When God Roars, Some Repent (God is not willing that any should perish without Christ. Many have come to know Him when human confidence has been destroyed during hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters. Here we see how the fear of God can cause hardened sinners to repent.)
“At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.” (Revelation 11:13)
· When God Says “The End!” (Skeptics often ask, “Why does God let people continue to do such terrible things! Why doesn’t He end it all?” That moment will soon come when Christ returns to the earth, not to die, but to reign forever.)
“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.’” (Revelation 11:15)
· The End Of Sin On Planet Earth (From the time of Adam and Eve, sin has reigned and multiplied on planet earth like a horrific cancer. Even all creation groans to be released from this terrible curse (Romans 8:19-23). That glorious day is on the way!)
“The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great—and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:18)
CHAPTER 12
· The Enemy Is Defeated In Heaven (Satan was totally defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Now we believers have been given Christ’s authority to defeat the evil one and resist any and all of his attacks.)
And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.’” (Revelation 12: 7-10)
· The Means To Defeat The Enemy On Earth (Throughout history, God’s faithful followers have overcome Satan through the power of the blood of the Lamb of God, by the boldness of their testimonies, and by refusing to deny Christ even when faced with death. We must follow their examples.)
“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.” (Revelation 12:11)
· Why The Devil Is So Desperate (Corner a rat and it will fight desperately to keep from being killed. The evil one—Satan—knows that his time is short. He attacks with great fury, but remember, his power has been broken. As you submit to God and resist the devil in Jesus’ name, he flees in defeat. (James 4:7) Use your spiritual authority.
Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” (Revelation 12:12)
CHAPTER 13
· Satan’s Delusion Over Temporary Victory (A deluded Satan has often thought he would destroy the Church and rule the earth forever. Here we see how he will still deceive himself in his future attacks against the righteous. But he always loses in the end.)
“He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.” (Revelation 13:7)
· By Their Fruits—Not By Their Miracles—You Shall Know Them (Many people have said, “If I see miracles, then I’ll believe!” Don’t ever fall into that trap. Satan and his followers can perform some “miracles” as they deceive people into following them to destruction. You and I must always remember Jesus’ words, “By their fruits you shall know them. - Matthew 7:15-20)
“And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.’” (Revelation 13:13-15)
(TO BE CONTINUED)
TEST YOURSELF
1. How have you seen God turn what appeared to be defeats into victories in your own life?
2. How do your spiritual weapons—the Name of Jesus and the Word of God—help you to defeat temptation?
3. Why does our loving Heavenly Father allow us to face temptations, tests and terrible trials?
4. What are the weak areas in your life that the Holy Spirit wants to strengthen?
5. Why is it so important for you to know the Word of God in order not to be deceived by Satan or those who give wrong teaching?
