help ffor tthe tteacher - american baptist association rev8-22.pdfsunday devotional rebellion...

3—The Wicked Tormented . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310—The Two Witnesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 817—The Seventh Trumpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1324—War in Heaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

1—The Anti-Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238—The Seven Vials—Plagues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

15—Babylon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3322—King of Kings and Lord of Lords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3829—Armageddon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

5—The Millennium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4812—The Last Judgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5219—The New Heaven and the New Earth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5626—End of the Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

HELP FOR THE TEACHER, Sunday School, Vol. 60, No. 4, issued September 1, 2000, is publishedquarterly at $1.18 per quarter. Prepared by G. F. Crumley; Cover designed by Jeff Allen; Bill Johnson,Editor in Chief; Wayne Sewell, Business Manager.

© Copyright 2000, BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE of the American Baptist Association, 4605 N. State Line, Texarkana, TX 75503-2928. Cover Image © 1996 PhotoDisc, Inc.

The Revelation of Jesus ChristStudies in Revelation 8:6—22

QUARTERLY AIM: That the student be prepared for the imminent returnof Christ..

September

October

November

HHeellpp ffoorr tthhee TTeeaacchheerrSUNDAY SCHOOL FALL QUARTER, 2000

American Baptist AssociationThrough-the-Bible Series Sunday School Lessons

Genesis 1—11Job

Exodus

Genesis 12—50

Romans

Acts 1—14

2 Samuel 5—241 Chronicles 11—29

1 Kings 1, 2

1 Kings 3—252 Chronicles 1—24

2 Kings 1—13Joel, Jonah, Obadiah

Luke 13:22—24

Isaiah 40—66

1 Timothy2 Timothy

Titus

DanielEzekiel

NehemiahMalachi

Matthew 1—13

LeviticusNumbers

Deuteronomy

Acts 15—28

James1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians

1 Corinthians

Hosea, AmosMicah, Zephaniah2 Kings 14—16

PhilemonPhilippiansColossians

Jeremiah2 Kings 24, 252 Chronicles 36

1 Peter2 PeterJude

Revelation 1—11

Matthew 14—28

Hebrews

1 Samuel2 Samuel 1—4

1 Chronicles 1—10

Psalms

ProverbsEcclesiastes

Song of Solomon

2 Corinthians

2 Kings 21—232 Chronicles 33—35

LamentationsHabakkuk

John 1—12

ZechariahEzra

Haggai, Esther

Revelation 12—22

JoshuaJudgesRuth

Mark

Galatians

Luke 1—13:21

Isaiah 1—392 Chronicles 25—32

2 Kings 17—20

Ephesians

John 13—22

Zechariah

Winter Spring Summer Fall

2009

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Sunday DevotionalRebellion Judged, Psalm 2:1-5

This psalm describes the rebel-lion of the world’s nations and theirultimate judgment at the coming ofMessiah. This judgment culmi-nates during the Great Tribulationand the reign of peace duringMessiah’s kingdom.

Many people think they can findhappiness if they can cast off therestraints and boundaries God hasordained for man’s well-being.They seek self-fulfillment and free-dom by turning away from God totheir own devices. They fail to real-ize that everyone will inevitablyserve someone or something, be it aperson, organization, power, posi-tion, material wealth or his ownself-will. As a fish is not free whenit is out of the water, so man is notfree when he turns from God to fol-low his own devices and selfishwishes. The only true freedom is

that which is found in serving God.That freedom is realized throughfaith in Christ and serving Him. “Ifthe Son . . . shall make you free, yeshall be free indeed” (John 8:36).Only God sets one free to find ful-fillment in life to be who He creat-ed him to be.

The folly of nations who turnfrom God is evident in the count-less wars that have slaughtereduntold millions. It is obvious in thedecrees of legislatures and man-dates of courts which cater to per-verted appetites while they seek torestrain the freedom of godly citi-zens whose only desire is to wor-ship their God.

God laughs at the confused waysof wicked people. It is the laughterof a father whose four-year-oldchallenges him to a footrace. Thefather knows his child’s limitationsas God knows the limitations ofthose who rebel against Him.

God laughs because He knowsthat all power the nations haveultimately comes from Him, andHe can easily take it from them.This He will do at the coming ofMessiah when He comes to set upHis kingdom. At that point thosewho rebel against God will bowbefore Him in humble submission(Phil. 2:5-11).

We need not fear tyrants. God isin control, and He will ultimatelyvindicate His own.

3

The WThe Wicicked Tked TorormentmentededTrumpet Judgments

Revelation 8:6�9:21

Daily DevotionalsSee Daily Devotional Quarterly

M. — A Jealous God, Exodus 20:1-6.T. — A Deadly Way, Psalm 1:4-6.W. — Worthy of Death, Romans 1:18-32.T. — Inexcusable, Romans 2:1-11.F. — At the Door, James 5:1-6, 9.S. — Reserved unto Judgment, Jude 5-8.

1 September 3, 2000

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will understand that salva-tion by faith in Christ is the onlyway to escape eternal torments.

It is essential to realize thatthere are two destinies for everyindividual: Heaven and hell. Bothare real. Both are everlasting, andboth will be populated by peoplewho have lived on earth.

Heaven is a place of indescrib-able beauty, peace and happiness.It is where God has His throne, andwhere He has prepared for humanbeings to live with Him in eternity.

Hell is a place of indescribablehorror, torments, suffering, hope-lessness and darkness. God did notprepare this place for humanbeings; He prepared it for the deviland his demon spirits.

God offers every human being achoice as to which of these two des-tinies will be his. He did not makean arbitrary decision that somewill be favored to go to Heaven andothers will be condemned to hell.

God made it possible for everyperson to go to Heaven, in thedeath of His Son (Heb. 2:9; 2 Peter3:9). Jesus paid the sin debt thatmankind owed. In the outpouringof His grace, the Father declaresrighteous every person who trustsin His Son. At the point of faith, theFather credits the righteousness ofChrist to all who trust Jesus asSavior (Rom. 4:5).

God’s grace makes it possible toenjoy the blessings of an eternalhome in Heaven and to escape thetorments of an everlasting hell(John 3:16). Jesus is the only wayto Heaven (John 14:6).

The Revelation presents theTribulation judgments under thefigures of seals, trumpets and vials(bowls). The opening of the seventhseal pictures the judgments of theseven trumpets. Note the similari-ties between the trumpet judg-ments (chapter 8) and the vialsjudgments (chapter 16).

I. THE FIRST TRUMPET,Revelation 8:6, 7A. Angels prepareB. Hail, fire, bloodC. Trees and grassD. One-third destruction

II. THE SECOND TRUMPET,Revelation 8:8, 9A. A great mountainB. Sea of bloodC. Sea creatures dieD. Ships destroyed

III. THIRD TRUMPET,Revelation 8:10, 11A. A great starB. Bitter waters

IV. THE FOURTH TRUMPET,Revelation 8:12, 13A. DarknessB. Three woes

V. THE FIFTH TRUMPET,Revelation 9:1-12A. The fallen starB. The bottomless pitC. Smoke and locusts

VI. THE SIXTH TRUMPET,Revelation 9:13-21A. Voice from the altarB. Four angelsC. The army

For a thorough exposition of theScripture text, consult the AdultLesson Commentary.

4 The Wicked Tormented

ON TARGET COMMENTA RY OUTLINE

1 LET’S BE PRACTICALTRIBULATION TORMENTS

Revelation 8:6—9:21

Introduction.—The opening ofthe seventh seal introduces thejudgments of the seven trumpets,sounded by seven angels.

I. ANGELS (Rev. 8:6)A. Angels are real beings, not

mythical creatures in a fairy tale.B. Angels are ministering spirits,

sent to carry out God’s will (Psalm104:4).

C. Angels execute God’s judgmentsperfectly.

II. TRUMPETS (Rev. 8:6)A. Various kinds of instruments

1. Shofar, made of a ram’shorn, used mainly in religious wor-ship

2. A metal instrument, the termused in the Text

B. Purpose: a warning, announc-ing judgment

III. AREAS OF JUDGMENT (Rev.8:7-13)

A. Earth’s vegetationB. Marine life, shipping fleetsC. WatersD. Life–giving light

IV. DEMON SPIRITS (Rev. 9:1-12)A. Real supernatural beingsB. The object of their attack:

mankindC. God’s restraints, limiting their

scope of activityD. Their king: Satan

V. SATANIC ARMY (Rev. 9:13-21)A. The origin of the armB. The conflictC. The casualtiesD. Hardened unbelievers

2 LET’S BE PRACTICAL

JUDGMENT UPON SINRevelation 8:6—9:21

Introduction.—God sends judg-ment upon sin. This is a subjectmany liberal theologians wouldprefer to go away. However, it is areality that a righteous, holy Godwill ultimately judge all sin. God’sjudgment upon sin is

I. AMENDABLEA. Warning of judgment: sound of

a trumpet before each event (Rev.8:6)

B. Long-suffering (2 Peter 3:9, 10)C. God’s desire: that the wicked

turn to Him (Ezek. 18:20-23, 32)

II. INEVITABLEA. Judgment prepared (Rev. 9:14,

15)B. Divine appointment (Heb. 9:27)C. The law of the harvest (Gal.

6:8-10)

III. INFALLIBLE (Rev. 8:7-13)A. Judgment upon each area is

precisely appropriate.B. God is just in administration of

judgment (Ezek. 18:1-4).C. God’s judgments are righteous

(Psalm 97:1-12).

IV. INFLEXIBLE (Rev. 9:20, 21)A. Once begun upon the unrepen-

tant, it cannot be halted.B. The guilty will not be spared

(Ezek. 14:12-21).

V. AVOIDABLEA. Judgment could be avoided if

the wicked repent and seek mercy.B. How to avoid God’s judgment

upon sin (John 5:24).

Text: Revelation 8:6—9:21 5

Trumpets were used in Bible times as signal instruments in religiousceremonies and on secular occasions. The word for trumpet in theScripture text denotes an instrument about a cubit long. Jewish coins ofthe New Testament era picture the instrument as a straight tube with awidened mouthpiece and a body expanding into a bell-like ending.

6 The Wicked Tormented

Six Trumpet Judgments

First Trumpet

One-third ofall green vege-tation burned

Third Trumpet

One-third ofall potable

waterspolluted

Fifth Trumpet

Invasion ofdemonic

beings fromthe abyss

Second Trumpet

One-third of allmarine life andshipping fleets

destroyed

Fourth Trumpet

One-third ofthe atmosphere

polluted

Sixth Trumpet

Invasion of ahuge army

under com-mand of Satan

THE LESSON AT A GLANCE


Greet students and welcomevisitors.

Give brief review of previouslesson.

Discuss the righteousness ofGod’s judgment upon sinners.God is not a harsh ogre whodelights in hurting innocent peo-ple. His holiness demands thatall sin be judged.Follow the outline that best fitsyour lesson plan.

Focus on God’s grace that offersmercy and pardon so all mayescape His judgment upon sin.

Summarize the lesson.

Take prayer requests.

Look ahead to next week.

Be sure each one in theclass has access to a Bibleand to the pupil’s quarterlyand Adult Lesson Commentary.

Scriptures: Psalms 9:7, 8, 16-20; 96:13; 97:1-12;Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14; Ezekiel14:12-21; 18:1-4, 20-23; John5:23; 2 Peter 3:9, 10.

Present the plan of salvationand give opportunity for any-one who is unsaved to trustJesus at this time.

List students’ prayerrequests on marker board.

Warm-up5 Minutes

BibleExploration20-25 Minutes

Application5-10 Minutes

Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalWitnesses of Jesus, Acts 1:6-8

These verses are the last wordsJesus spoke to His disciples beforereturning to Heaven. They are Hisfinal instructions regarding theirearthly mission. These words werenot meant for that group of firstcentury disciples as individuals.The Lord intended these instruc-tions for them as His church. Assuch they are directed as much tous today as to those disciples whostood on Mount Olivet and watchedJesus ascend in a cloud to Heaven.They are operative today.

We treasure the last words of ourloved ones and often go to greatlengths to carry out their finalinstructions. This is true althoughit may involve sacrifice and settingaside our own personal desires. Ifwe would honor our loved ones’ lastwords, much more should we honor

our Lord’s final instructions and doall in our power to fulfill them.

A witness is “one who tells whathe knows truthfully and consistent-ly.” For us to witness of Jesus issimply to tell others what He hasdone and is doing in our lives. Itdoes not involve taking a course insystematic theology before ventur-ing to tell people about Jesus.

Many people interpret the Textas a command to “go out on visita-tion” as witnesses, knocking ondoors and inviting people to attendchurch or to be saved. This is anadmirable activity, one in keepingwith New Testament example. Butthis is not all that is involved inbeing a witness of Jesus.

The phrase, “ye shall be witness-es unto me” is literally, “you are mywitnesses.” The sense is that weare witnesses of Jesus in all we doand say, on a daily basis. We areHis witnesses in our life-style.

The testimony of a witness canbe either positive or negative, help-ful or harmful. The witness of ourdaily conduct can either attractpeople to Jesus or repel them.Someone once said, “Your conductspeaks so loud that I can’t hearwhat you are saying.” The effec-tiveness of our witness is oftendependent upon the extent of ourcommitment to Christ and the evi-dence of the reality of His salvationin our life.

8

The TThe Twwo Wo WitnessesitnessesThe Second Woe


2 September 10, 2000

Daily DevotionalSee Daily Devotional Quarterly

M. — “Seek Ye the LORD,” Isaiah 55:6, 7.T. — Turn from Evil, Zechariah 1:2-6.W. — “Repent Ye.” Matthew 3:1-9.T. — “Except Ye Repent,” Luke 13:1-5.F. — Repent and Be Converted, Acts

3:19-23.S. — God’s Will, 2 Peter 3:9-12.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will discuss the grace ofGod in His desire that everyonerepent and be saved.

The book of Revelation tells ofGod’s awful judgments during theGreat Tribulation. Many peopleread of these events and concludethat God is a cruel, vengeful beingwho delights in causing people tosuffer. This concept is far fromtrue.

God is “not willing that anyshould perish, but that all shouldcome to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).It is His will for “all men to besaved” (1 Tim. 2:4). He has done allin His power to provide salvationfor every person.

God’s grace led Him to give HisSon as the Savior of humanity(Heb. 2:9). His grace led Him togive the Holy Spirit to draw allmen to Him and to convict them ofsin (John 6:44; 16:8-11). His graceleads Him to be long-suffering toall sinners (2 Peter 3:9). But thetime will come when grace spurnedis judgment enacted (Prov. 1:24-31).

God will not force salvation uponanyone. He sets before each personthe way of life and the way of death(Jer. 21:8). The choice is up to eachindividual as to which way he willchoose. Many people choose toreject God’s offer of grace. Otherschoose to accept it.

The judgments of God during theGreat Tribulation fall upon thosewho choose to reject God’s graciousoffer of salvation. Man makes thechoice, and he must also take theconsequences of his choice. Whichchoice will you make? God help youto make the right choice.

The vision of the Scripture text isan interval between the sixth andseventh trumpets. Three classes ofwitnesses speak for God, beginningwith the mighty angel, continuingwith John as he measures theTemple and eats the “little book”and the testimony of the “two wit-nesses.” The identity of these twowitnesses has been a matter ofspeculation for years among Biblescholars. Their identity is not asimportant as is their testimony.

I. CRY OF THE ANGEL,Revelation 10:1-4A. The angelB. The bookC. Seven thundersD. The angel’s source

II. EATING THE BOOK,Revelation 10:8-11

III. MEASURING THE TEMPLE,Revelation 11:1, 2A. The TempleB. The altarC. The worshipersD. Court of the Gentiles

IV. PROPHECY OF THE TWOWITNESSES, Revelation 11:3-6A. The two witnessesB. Power of the two witnesses

V. THE WITNESSES KILLED,Revelation 11:7-12A. Their deathB. Their resuscitationC. Their ascension

VI. A GREAT EARTHQUAKE,Revelation 11:13, 14A. Death and destructionB. God’s glory revealed

Study the Scripture text com-ments in the Adult Lesson Com-mentary.


COMMENTA RY OUTLINEON TARGET

FAITHFUL WITNESSESRevelation 10:1—11:14

Introduction.—God always has awitness to inform men of His willand works and to call the rebelliousto repentance. Even in the GreatTribulation, His message ringsforth from His witnesses.

I. WITNESS OF ANGELS (Rev.10:1-7)

A. The mighty angel’s announce-ment

B. Response of the seven thundersC. Angels in Scripture

1. Warning of judgment uponSodom (Gen. 18)

2. Warning to Balaam (Num.22:22-35)

3. Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:26-35)4. Paul’s assurance of safety

(Acts 27: 20-26)

II. THE LITTLE BOOK (Rev. 10:8-11)

A. God’s gives written notice ofHis judgments.

B. Giving the Law (Ex. 20)C. The sixty-six books of the Bible

III. THE TWO WITNESSES (Rev.11:3-14)

A. Their identity: this has been amatter of discussion among Biblescholars for centuries. No one knowsfor certain who they will be.

B. Their powers, verses 5, 6C. Their testimonyD. Their death, at the hands of

Satan, verses 7-10E. Their resurrection and ascen-

sion and its effect upon the peoplewho see this event

GOD’S WITNESSESRevelation 10:1—11:14

Introduction.—In every age ofhuman history, God has alwaysprovided for Himself a witness. Inevery age there have been thosewho have given themselves to themission of proclaiming God’s will tomankind.

I. MESSAGE SEALED (Rev. 10:1-4)A. God reveals many things:

1. His creative power2. His love for mankind3. His grace in providing salva-

tion to fallen man4. A future home for believers5. The future doom for unbe-

lieversB. God conceals some things as

secret, for reasons of His own (Deut.29:29).

II. MYSTERY REVEALED (Rev.10:5-7)

A. Mystery: truth once concealedbut now revealed to the initiated

B. A sweet and sour book1. Sweet to the taste2. Sour to the inner being

III. THE TEMPLE (Rev. 11:1, 2)A. The Jerusalem TempleB. Gentiles excluded

IV. FORTY-TWO MONTHS (Rev.11:3-14)

A. Witnesses protectedB. Witnesses’ powerC. Witnesses slainD. Witnesses resurrectedE. Witnesses ascendedF. The world’s consternation and

fear but no repentance

10 The Two Witnesses

1 LET’S BE PRACTICAL 2 LET’S BE PRACTICAL


GOD’S WITNESSES THROUGH THE AGESGod has always had His witnesses in every age of human history, begin-

ning in Eden and continuing through the Tribulation Period. Individuals,nations and the Lord’s churches have filled this role. The list of witness-es includes but is not limited to:

• Abel, Genesis 4:3-10; Hebrews 11:4.

• Enoch, Genesis 5:21-24; Jude 14, 15.

• Noah, Genesis 6:5-9; Hebrews 11:7.

• Abraham, Genesis 12:1-4; Hebrews 11:8-10, 17-19.

• Prophets, 2 Chronicles 36:14-21. The list includes both thoseprophets who wrote books of the Bible and those who ministered brieflyand often anonymously.

• The Forerunner, John the Baptist, Isaiah 40:3; John 1:18-23.

• The Lord’s churches, Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20.

• Individuals, including Paul (Acts 9:10-16), Peter (Acts 10:9-43; 15:7)and individual children of God today (Rev. 22:17).

The mission of a witness is to tell what he knows personally. The wit-ness is to corroborate his testimony by the life he lives. The testimony ofa witness can be negated if the life he lives contradicts what he says.Thus it is important that God’s child today should live a holy, upright life.

A witness is not necessarily one who goes out “knocking on doors,”although that may be included. A witness is not what we do, it is whatwe are. When Jesus said, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8), Hemeant, “You are my witnesses.” The child of God is a witness because thatis what he is, not what he does. His life-style is to be such that would bearconstant testimony of Jesus’ work in his life without speaking a word.When he does bear vocal testimony, it is to tell what Jesus has done andis doing in his life, not a theological dissertation. This is the kind of wit-nessing that is effective.

12 The Two Witnesses




The focus of the lesson is God’sdesire that all be saved, not onthe identity of those who wit-ness of Him. Even in the midstof the Tribulation, God has wit-nesses to call men to repen-tance. Discuss the meaning andmanner of witnessing.

Stress the importance of being afaithful witness in this age.





Scriptures: Genesis 4:3-10;5:21-24; 6:5-9; Hebrews 11:4,7-19; Jude 14, 15;Deuteronomy 7:6-11; 2Chronicles 36:14-21;Acts1:8; 9:10-16; 10:9-43; 15:7;Matthew 28:18-20.

Show how one can be aneffective witness today.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalI Shall Not Want, Psalm 23:1-6

It is significant that this precious“Shepherd Psalm” immediately fol-lows the psalm of judgment uponthe nations. Although God judgesthe rebellious nations, He providessweet comfort and blessings to Hisown. This will be true during theGreat Tribulation as it is today.

Scripture evidence indicates thatthere will be saved people on earthduring the Great Tribulation. Theywill face many trials and fierce per-secution. But God will be withthem as their refuge to providetheir needs as He does for His owntoday.

David was a shepherd, and manyof his psalms reflect his experi-ences with the sheep under hiscare. He saw in the daily habitsand circumstances of his role asshepherd, many illustrations of the

role of God in His relationship toHis people. His insights enrich ourown understanding of our positionas sheep under the care of the GoodShepherd.

The New Testament describesJesus as the Good Shepherd (John10:11), the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter5:4), and the Great Shepherd (Heb.13:20, 21). Both the Old and theNew Testaments describe believersas the Lord’s sheep. God had a pur-pose in using these metaphors.

Sheep are among the mostdependent of all domesticated ani-mals. They need constant care andnurturing. As the Lord’s sheep, weare not merely dumb, passive crea-tures. We are to be wise enough tofollow the Good Shepherd who willlead us into safe, abundant fields,and who protects us from all foes.

Sheep place themselves in greatdanger when they do not follow theshepherd. In like manner we as theLord’s sheep place ourselves at riskwhen we choose not to follow theGood Shepherd and stay close toHim.

Death is frightful because we arehelpless in its presence. There isbut One who can go with usthrough the shadows of death andbring us safely to the other side. Heis with us today, and He will bewith His own in the Great Tribula-tion.

13

The SeThe Sevvententh Th TrrumumpepettThe Third Woe




M. — Blessings of Obedience,Deuteronomy 28:1-14.

T. — Source of Blessings, 1 Chronicles 29:10-16.

W. — Flourish and Grow, Psalm 92:1-15.T. — Renewed Strength, Isaiah 40:28-31.F. — First Things First, Matthew 6:24-34.S. — Abounding Grace, 2 Corinthians

9:8-15.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will discuss some of theblessings and rewards of childrenof God.

The blessings God bestows uponHis children in this age are withoutnumber. The chorus of the hymn“Count Your Blessings” promisesthat when we try to enumerate ourblessings, we will be surprised.

The rewards God gives are thewages He pays for faithful service.We enjoy some of these rewards inthis life, but many are laid up inHeaven to await our coming.

The Scripture text informs usthat God will bless and reward Hischildren in the dark days of theGreat Tribulation. The greatest ofall those blessings will be when theLord puts down every enemy andassumes His rightful place as Kingof kings and Lord of lords. It is truethat many will face a terrible deathin the carnage of the GreatTribulation. But there will be bless-ings even in death, for the Lord haspromised to be with His own evenin the encounter with the greatestenemy of all—death.

Rich rewards await those whoare faithful in the face of extremetribulation. What the rewards willconsist of is not made clear in theScriptures. But we can be sure thatthey will be worth every trial onewill face (Rom. 8:18).

God will bless His nation Israelby protecting it from the wrath ofthe “great red dragon,” who willseek to destroy it. He will keep Hispromise to preserve Israel, and Hewill keep His promise to care forand preserve His children.

The Scripture text deals withthe age-old conflict between Godand Satan. This war intensifiesand climaxes during the GreatTribulation.

I. THE SEVENTH TRUMPET,Revelation 11:15A. Great voicesB. Kingdoms of this worldC. The kingdom of Christ

II. WORSHIP OF THE ELDERS,Revelation 11:16, 17A. Declaration of victoryB. The twenty-four eldersC. Recognition in worshipD. Reason for worship

III. JUDGMENT AND REWARDS,Revelation 11:18, 19A. Earthly judgmentsB. Heavenly rewardsC. The open Temple

IV. THE WOMAN IN TRAVAIL,Revelation 12:1, 2A. The woman’s identityB. Her travail

V. THE GREAT RED DRAGON,Revelation 12:3, 4A. Heads and hornsB. CrownsC. TailD. Desire

VI. THE MAN CHILD, Revelation12:5, 6A. His birthB. The prepared place of refuge

The Adult Lesson Commentaryprovides an in-depth study of theScripture text. The teacher shoulduse the opportunity to study thecomments in this quarterly inpreparing and presenting the les-son.

14 The Seventh Trumpet


VOICES IN HEAVENRevelation 11:15—12:6

Introduction.—There are timeswhen it may seem as though theforces of evil will triumph. Wickedmen impose unjust laws upon thepeople. Tyranny and corruptionprevail. The godly are persecuted,ostracized and ridiculed. But this isnot the end of the story. God willtriumph! The righteous will pre-vail, and the godly will be rewardedfor their faithfulness.

I. “HE SHALL REIGN” (Rev. 11:15-18)

A. Message of the seventh angelB. Testimony of the twenty-four

elders

II. THE OPEN TEMPLE (Rev.11:19)

A. The location: HeavenB. The ark of the covenantC. Rumblings of judgment:

1. Lightnings, thunders2. Voices3. Earthquake4. Hail

III. A GREAT WONDER IN HEAV-EN (Rev. 12:1, 2)

A. The sun-clothed woman, who isIsrael

B. Birth pangs for the birth ofMessiah

IV. ANOTHER WONDER IN HEAV-EN (Rev. 12:3-6)

A. The seven-headed dragonB. The dragon’s objective: to de-

stroy the woman’s childC. The woman’s Seed ascends to

safety in Heaven.D. The woman saved from the

dragon’s wrath

REWARDS FORFAITHFULNESS

Revelation 11:15—12:6

Introduction.—Does it really payto be faithful to the Lord? Theanswer is not always in terms ofthe wealth, fame and power thisworld offers. The lot of the faithfulchild of God is frequently one ofsuffering, deprivation and persecu-tion in this life. The believer’s re-wards are future, at Jesus’ return.

I. WOE NUMBER THREE (Rev.11:15, 16)

A. Christ is King over all of theworld

B. Worship of the elders

II. REWARDING TIME (Rev. 11:17-19)

A. The One who rewards: LordGod Almighty, verse 17

B. Anger of the nations and thewrath of God

C. Judgment time of the deadD. God-given rewards, not honors

from menE. The rewarded:

1. The Lord’s prophets2. The saints: faithful church

members3. All believers, small and great

F. Majesty and glory of the Templein Heaven

III. A LOOK INTO HEAVEN (Rev.12:1-6)

A. The pregnant woman, a figureof Israel

B. The vicious dragon: SatanC. The child delivered and His

ascension into HeavenD. The woman is protected by

divine providence from the wrath ofSatan



In both the Old and New Testaments, God promises rewards to His peo-ple on the basis of what they deserve.

IN THE OLD TESTAMENTFaithful obedience brought material rewards in this life (Deut. 28). (See

also Deuteronomy 4:40; Leviticus 25:18, 19; 26:8-12.) However, immediatematerial rewards were not always linked to obedience. If that were true,the righteous would always be a sign of sin in man’s life. If we wererewarded for doing good, we would be doing good for selfish reasons.

IN THE NEW TESTAMENTPromises of rewards take on more of a spiritual aspect than material.

They are described under the figure of “treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-21), something to be enjoyed when we reach our heavenly home.

Children of God often face persecution because of their faith. This maytend to cause us to give up in despair. However, the promise is that per-secution for Jesus’ sake will result in “great reward” (Luke 6:20-23).

In Jesus’ parable of the talents, He promised that benevolent deedsdone for others were in reality done for Him (Matt. 25:34-40) and wouldresult in rewards at His return. He also promised that one who is hos-pitable to God’s servants will receive a reward (Matt. 10:41, 42).

However, there is a warning of the prospect that we may lose ourreward because of unfaithfulness or careless living (Col. 2:18).

BASIS OF REWARDSRewards are not dispensed because of their number or what men may

think appropriate (Matt. 6:1-5; 7:21-23). Rewards are given because of faithfulness to the principles of the Word

of God (2 Tim. 2:5).

TIME AND PLACE OF REWARDSRewards will be dispensed at Jesus’ return when we appear before the

Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).

PURPOSE OF REWARDSRewards are not for man’s glory but for the honor and glory of the Lord

Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:4-7).

16 The Seventh Trumpet

REWARDING TIME





The focus of this lesson is uponthe certainty of rewards for thefaithful child of God, even duringtimes of intense persecution.Note the protection of Godupon the object of the wrath ofthe “great red dragon.”

God rewards on the basis offaithfulness to His Word.Our rewards will be futurewhen Jesus comes.





Scriptures: Leviticus 25:18,19; 26:3-13; Matthew 6:1-5;7:21-23; 25:34-40; Luke 6:20-23; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2Corinthians 5:10; Colossians2:18; 2 Timothy 2:5;Revelation 22:12.

The adversities we suffer inthis life cannot be comparedwith the joys we will knowwhen we see Jesus (Rom.8:18).


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalYour Adversary, 1 Peter 5:8, 9

Make no mistake, the devil is nofigment of the imagination. Nor ishe some kind of practical joker whoplays tricks on his victims. He isreal, malevolent and brutal.

Some people think of the devil asan ugly, red, wart-covered, hairybeast with horns and hooves, carry-ing a pitchfork as he seeks his vic-tims. This is far from the truth. Noone would be deceived by such ahideous, hairy beast. Although thedevil is evil, he transforms himselfinto an “angel of light” (2 Cor.11:14). Thus he deceives men andlures them into his clutches.

Some people question the originof the devil, that he is eternal withGod, or that God made him. Theseideas are false. The devil is not aneternal creature, nor did God cre-ate him as the devil.

Originally, the devil was a beau-tiful, powerful angel whom God

created and placed over His mater-ial creation. Pride entered his heartby reason of his wisdom and beau-ty. He considered himself to beequal with God and worthy of wor-ship. God cast him out of Heaven,and he became the archenemy ofGod. His main ambition is todestroy God’s creation and seek theworship of mankind.

As a serpent the devil deceives.As a lion he devours. The Text givespractical instruction as to how togain the victory over him.

We must respect him for he isdangerous. We must ever be alertfor his serpent bite can come whenwe least expect it. Never underesti-mate his power. We are no matchfor him in our own strength.

We must recognize him, for he isa deceiver. His strategy is to coun-terfeit what God does. To recognizehis deceit, we must be thoroughlyfamiliar with the genuine Word.

We must resist him, not in ourown strength but in the power ofGod. There is but one weapon thatis effective against the devil—theWord of God. Scripture admonishesus to clothe ourselves with thearmor God provides, equip our-selves with the shield of faith toenable us to resist Satan’s missiles,and use the Word to put him toflight. Jesus overcame Satan with“It is written” (Matt. 4:1-11). Maywe follow His example.

18

WWar in Heaar in HeavvenenThe Angry Devil

Revelation 12:7-17



M. — The Rebel, Isaiah 14:12-17.T. — The Serpent, Genesis 3:1-15.W. — The Accuser, Job 1:6-12.T. — The Tempter, Matthew 4:1-11.F. — The Liar, John 8:39-44.S. — God of This World, 2 Corinthians

4:1-4.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will be able to give intelli-gent discussion on the ancient con-flict between good and evil.

In the beginning there was onlyGod. He began His creative work,and all He made was perfect. Hecreated intelligent spiritual beingsto serve Him and care for His cre-ation. All was well until prideentered into one of His creatures,Lucifer. At that point evil enteredthe creation. Since that time therehas been conflict between God andSatan, good and evil.

Satan wrecked that part of God’screation which He had made for thecreature made in His image. Godrestored the wrecked earth to itsoriginal beauty and pronounced itgood. He then placed man upon theearth to care for it and all life in it.All was good in that restored cre-ation until sin once again reared itsugly head.

The conflict between good andevil moved to a new arena: earthand man whom God had placedtherein to care for it. It began inEden and has spread to encompassthe entire earth and taint all lifetherein, including the souls of men.

The conflict continued in Satan’seffort to thwart the plan of God andwreck all He had done. It is still inprogress, raging with ever increas-ing intensity because Satan knowsthat his days are limited, and hehas but a short time to continue hisdestructive work. It will intensifyduring the Great Tribulation andbe finally brought to a halt throughthe finished work of Christ. Goodwill ultimately triumph.

The Scripture text deals withSatan’s continuing warfare againstGod’s nation, Israel. This warfarebegan when God made an uncondi-tional covenant with His servantAbraham. It is at the core of Arabhostility toward Israel in moderntimes. God will emerge as the ulti-mate victor.

I. WAR IN HEAVEN, Revelation12:7, 8A. WarB. HeavenC. The prince and the dragonD. No place in Heaven

II. THE DRAGON CAST DOWN,Revelation 12:9, 10A. The defeated dragonB. The voice of victory

III. THE ACCUSER OVERCOME,Revelation 12:11A. The overcomersB. The key to victory

IV. THE DEVIL’S WRATH,Revelation 12:12A. Rejoicing in HeavenB. Woe in earthC. The devil’s wrathD. The devil’s time

V. THE FLOOD AND THE WO-MAN, Revelation 12:13-16A. Persecution of the womanB. On eagle’s wingsC. The overwhelming floodD. The mouth of the earth

VI. THE REMNANT, Revelation12:17A. The angry dragonB. The remnant

For an in-depth study of theScripture text, see the Adult LessonCommentary.

Text: Revelation 12:7-17 19


SATAN, ISRAEL AND MICHAELRevelation 12:7-17

Introduction.—The four principalcharacters in the Scripture textappear in verses 7, 13 and 17. Allfour figure prominently in Biblehistory with the climax of theiractivities in this text.

I. MICHAELA. Name: “one who is like God”B. Position: archangel, chief or

head angel (Dan. 10:13, 21)C. Defender of God’s people, par-

ticularly Israel (Dan. 12:1)D. Contending with the devil

(Jude 9)

II. THE DRAGONA. Identity: Satan, the “accuser of

our brethren”B. His origin (Isa. 14:12-17; Ezek.

28:11-19)C. Fall from Heaven (Luke 10:18)D. His encounter with the first

human pair (Gen. 3:1-15)E. His appearance in Heaven (Job

1:6-12; 2:1-6)F. Tempting Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)G. His activities (1 Peter 5:8, 9)H. His future (Rev. 12:12)

III. THE WOMANA. Identity: Israel, God’s chosen

nation (Jer. 31:32)B. History’s record of persecution

of Israel and the many attempts todestroy the nation

C. God’s faithfulness in spite ofIsrael’s rebellion (Jer. 3:12-19)

IV. THE REMNANTA. The literal seed of Israel, the

nationB. The spiritual seed of Israel

(Rom. 9:6-8)

WHY BAD THINGS HAPPENTO GOOD PEOPLERevelation 12:7-17

Introduction.—There will bemany saved people in the GreatTribulation, and they will suffermuch at the hands of anti-Christ.This is especially true of Israel.This raises the question, “Why dothe righteous suffer?” The Scrip-tures provide the answer.

I. THE WORK OF SATANA. Stalking the woman (Rev. 12:4,

13)B. His ambition: to hurt, kill and

destroy (John 10:10)C. His nature: a liar and a mur-

derer (John 8:44)D. His mission (1 Peter 5:8)

II. SIN IN ONE’S LIFEA. Israel suffered because of sin

and rebellion (2 Chron. 36:14-17).B. David’s sin brought suffering (2

Sam. 12:7-14).C. Unconfessed sin always is the

cause of suffering.

III. A TEST OF FAITHA. Trials caused Israel to trust

God to deliver (Rev. 12:14).B. Job’s suffering was a test of his

faith (Job 1:22).

IV. THE SUFFICIENCY OF THEGRACE OF GOD

A. God’s grace filled Israel needsin trial (Rev. 12:13, 14).

B. Paul’s thorn and God’s grace (2Cor. 12:1-10)

V. MANIFEST GOD’S WORKSA. God’s deliverance of Israel

showed His works.B. The blind man showed God’s

works in doing what man cannot(John 9:1-3).

20 War in Heaven



Many people believe that Israel will seek refuge from the wrath of thedragon and the anti-Christ in the ancient city of Petra. This place is locat-ed in the country of Jordan. In ancient times it was the capital city of theNabataeans, from the third century B.C. until about A.D. 105, when itbecame part of the Roman empire. The city site lies in a huge box canyonsurrounded by high, rose-colored walls. The main features of the site arethe narrow entrance, the many temples, tombs and other buildings carvedinto the cliff walls. Some scholars believe the site is capable of providingshelter for hundreds of thousands of people. The entrance of the site issuch that a handful of troops could hold off a large army of would-beinvaders.

The Scriptures do not specifically identify Petra as the place of refugeto which Israel will flee from the persecution of the anti-Christ. However,many scholars believe it to be so.

ISRAEL’S REFUGE FROM SATAN’S WRAT HM

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JERUSALEM

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Dead Sea

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Tel Aviv

Petra:Israel’s refuge?

22 War in Heaven




Discuss the account of the warbetween Satan and Michael andits outcome.Discuss God’s protection of Hisnation Israel, an example of Hisprotection of all His children.Use the outline that best fitsyour lesson plan.

God protects His own, even intimes of extreme danger. Hispower is greater than that ofSatan.





Scriptures: Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6;Isaiah 14:12-17; Jeremiah3:12-19; 31:32; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Luke 10:18; 2 Samuel12:7-14; John 9:1-3; 1 Peter5:8; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.

Review the reason badthings happen to good peo-ple.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalCleansing Blood, 1 John 1:5-9

The old hymn “Nothing But theBlood” still thrills the soul of God’sredeemed child.

“Oh! precious is the flowThat makes me white as snow;No other fount I know,Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”These words are not found in the

Bible, but they are true nonethe-less. Scripture makes it clear thatwithout the shedding of blood thereis no forgiveness for sin (Heb. 9:22).This is evident in the beginning ofhuman history. When the first pairsinned, God shed the blood of aninnocent animal to provide a cover-ing for their guilt.

Down through the ages it hasever been so. God delivered Hispeople Israel from Egyptian slav-

ery by the blood of the Passoverlamb (Ex. 12). When it came timefor the Son of God to become the Substitute for man’s sin, Jesuspoured out His blood on the cross,and it became a cleansing fountainfor the sins of the world.

Liberal “theologians” mock at theconcept of a “slaughterhouse reli-gion.” Some have gone so far as toremove from their hymnals everyhymn that mentions blood. This isa tragedy of the highest magnitude.Eliminate the blood of Jesus andyou eliminate all hope of remissionfor sin. Apart from the blood thereis no peace with God and no recon-ciliation between God and man(Col. 1:20).

The Devotional text makes itclear that not only does the blood ofJesus Christ cleanse the unsavedsinner, but it also cleanses the childof God who sins. So long as we livein the flesh, we will commit sin(Rom. 7:15-25).

One who says he has no sin liesand has made God to be a liar. Thisincludes the saved as well as thelost. The blood of Christ continuesto cleanse the sinner after he issaved. It is a continuing processthat will endure until the transfor-mation of God’s child in either theresurrection or the rapture. Onlythen will we be free from the taintand presence of sin and will nolonger need to be cleansed of sin.Until then we need the blood.

23

The Anti-ChristThe Anti-ChristThe Two Beasts

Revelation 13:1-18

5 October 1, 2000


M. — Delivered by Blood, Exodus 12:3-13, 29-31.

T. — Faith in His Blood, Romans 3:20-26.

W. — Justified by His Blood, Romans 5:6-10.

T. — Communion by Blood, 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17.

F. — Nigh by His Blood, Ephesians 2:8-13.

S. —Purged by Blood, Hebrews 9:11-22.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will understand that whilebelievers may suffer, the blood ofJesus Christ saves and secures allthe saved for eternity.

Suffering is often the lot of thechild of God, even the most devoutand faithful. Many people believethat suffering is the result of somegrave sin in the believer’s life. Inmany instances this is true. But itmay be that suffering is for a dif-ferent reason altogether.

The patriarch Job suffered phys-ically and mentally. He had diffi-culty understanding why he wassuffering. The charges made by hisfriends only made matters worse.

In all his suffering Job was con-vinced of God’s faithfulness to keephim safe from eternal loss. This isan illustration of God’s faithfulnessto us today. He assures us in HisWord that the blood of Jesus is suf-ficient to save and secure all whotrust in Him for all eternity.

During the Great Tribulation thesuffering will be intense for all whorefuse to submit to the rule of theanti-Christ. Some will be put todeath by beheading. All will be per-secuted intensely. But in all of thisterrible tribulation, God will stillbe with His people and will usetheir martyrdom as a means ofdeliverance from persecution andas an entrance into the eternalHeaven.

The child of God has completeassurance of his total security inChrist. No matter what comes, hewill be forever safe by the sovereignpower of Almighty God through theblood of His Son.

This lesson is a study of the per-sons and activities of two powerfulbeings who rule and terrorize menduring the Great Tribulation. Thefirst is the anti-Christ. The secondis the false prophet who compelsmen to worship the anti-Christ.

I. THE BEAST OUT OF THESEA, Revelation 13:1, 2A. The beastB. The seaC. Seven heads, ten hornsD. The name blasphemyE. Power, seat and authorityF. Leopard, bear, lion.

II. WOUND OF THE BEAST,Revelation 13:3, 4A. The woundB. The healingC. Beast worship

III. POWER OF THE BEAST,Revelation 13:5-10A. CommunicationB. ContinuingD. Ability to make warE. Power over peopleF. Patience of the saints

IV. THE BEAST OUT OF THEEARTH, Revelation 13:11-13A. Another beastB. Influence of the beast

V. THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST,Revelation 13:14, 15A. Deception of the beastB. Life of the image

VI. THE MARK OF THE BEAST,Revelation 13:16-18A. The markB. Necessity of the markC. Number of the beast

For a complete explanation of theScripture text, study the AdultLesson Commentary.

24 The Anti-Christ


THE UNHOLY TRIORevelation 13:1-18

Introduction.—Satan tries to imi-tate whatever God does in order todeceive as many as possible andthus thwart God’s purpose. He is amaster counterfeiter. He achieveshis pinnacle of success during theGreat Tribulation.

I. FIRST PERSON (Rev. 13:1-10)A. The beast: a man out of the sea,

a figure of the masses of rebellioushumanity

B. Empowered by the dragonC. Assassinated, but restored to

lifeD. Worldwide deceptionE. Blasphemy against GodF. Overcoming the saintsG. Universal worship

II. SECOND PERSON (Rev. 13:11-18)

A. The second beast: the falseprophet, possibly out of apostateIsrael

B. Power to work miracles, to thepoint of calling down fire from theheavens

C. Deception, his forteD. Compelling people to worship

the beast and his imageE. Authority to slay all who dis-

sentF. The mark of the beast, 666, or

the sum total of man’s efforts inde-pendent of God

III. THIRD PERSONA. The dragonB. He indwells the beast who is

the anti-Christ.C. The real source of the power of

the beast and the false prophet

PROPHECY FULFILLEDRevelation 13:1-18

Introduction.—The appearanceof anti-Christ on the world sceneshould not be surprising or unex-pected. Both the prophet Danieland the apostle Paul described himcenturies ago.

I. THE BEAST APPEARS (Rev. 13:1,2)

A. The embodiment of world politi-cal power (Rev. 13:1, 2)

B. The source of his power: thedragon (Rev. 13:4)

C. The “little horn” (Dan. 7:7, 8)D. Vision explained: a political

leader out of the revived Romanempire (Dan. 7:15-25)

E. Doom of the beast (Dan. 7:26,27)

F. A king of fierce countenance(Dan. 8:23-25)

G. Abomination of desolation(Dan. 9:26, 27)

II. WHEN HE COMES (Rev. 13:3-9)A. The falling away (2 Thess. 2:3)B. The mystery of iniquity now at

work (2 Thess. 2:7)C. The divine restraint (2 Thess.

2:7)D. Coming in Satan’s power (2

Thess. 2:9)E. His dupes: unbelievers (2

Thess. 2:10-12)

III. ANOTHER BEAST (Rev. 13:11-18)

A. His objective: compel men toworship anti-Christ

B. Miracle-working powerD. The image speaksE. The mark of the beast



Satan is a master counterfeiter. He offers to mankind his own versionof the trinity in an attempt to get men to reject the divine Trinity and theoffer of God’s salvation and to accept his leadership. Throughout the cen-turies he has met with increasing success. His efforts culminate in hisfinal thrust to deceive mankind and gain control over all people duringthe Great Tribulation. Note the contrast between the divine Trinity andthe satanic trinity, and determine which you are following.

26 The Anti-Christ

TWO TRINITIES

The Divine Trinity

The Father –

First person of the divine Trinity.His nature: holy, righteous, true, the

embodiment of love.He is the designer of all things, in

whom we live and move and haveour being (Acts 17:28).

He is the giver of all good and per-fect gifts (James 1:17).

His Word is the embodiment oftruth (John 17:17).

The Son –

Second person of the divine Trinity,the One by whom all things cameinto being (Rev. 4:11; Heb. 1:3).

He is the Word, the embodiment ofall God is.

His aim: to glorify the Father andlead all men to worship Him.

He came to seek and to save thatwhich was lost.

He offers salvation by grace throughfaith apart from man’s works.

The Holy Spirit –

Third person of the divine Trinity,who empowers God’s people inHis work (Luke 24:49;Acts 1:8).

His aim: to convict all men of theneed to accept the Son, and toguide into all truth (John 16:7-13).

The Satanic Trinity

– Satan, the Dragon

First person of the unholy trinity.His nature: a thief, murderer, liar, un-

holy, unjust, deceiver.He is the implacable enemy of God

and man, who comes only to killand destroy.

He seeks only to take away any goodthing man may attain.

His word is the embodiment of allthat is a lie.

– The Beast, the Anti-Christ

Second person of the unholy trinity,the one who comes in on a falsepremise of peace.

He is the embodiment of all that isevil.

His aim: to glorify himself and toforce all men to worship him.

He comes to seek, to enslave and tooppress all mankind.

He offers salvation by works, man’sperformance of his good deeds.

– The False Prophet

Third person of the unholy trinity,who empowers the image of thebeast.

His aim: to cause all men to worshipthe anti-Christ and to receive themark of the beast.





Discuss the unholy trinity andfocus on the contrast with thedivine Trinity.Discuss the role of the first andthe second beast and the partSatan plays in this.Use the outline best suited foryour lesson plan.

The anti-Christ appears on theworld scene following the rap-ture and will be accepted as theworld’s messiah and absolutedictator.





Scriptures: Daniel 7:7, 8, 15-27; 8:23-25; 9:26, 27; 1 Thes-salonians 3:13-17; 2 Thessa-lonians 2:3-15; John 5:43.

Review the contrast andsimilarities between thesatanic trinity and divineTrinity.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalDilemma of Death, Philippians 1:19-24

Paul wrote these words from aprison cell in Rome as he awaitedhis trial. He was quite certain thatthe verdict would be death. But inface of this prospect he was upbeatin his attitude. Not once in this lit-tle letter does he complain or showapprehension regarding his fate.The opposite is true.

The four chapters of this littleletter are filled with joy because ofthe ultimate outcome of his trial.Not once does he express sorrow orexpect his readers to pity him. Histhoughts were not for himself butfor his beloved converts and friendsin the Philippian church.

Paul had no fear of death. Herealized that it was merely the doorinto eternity through which hewould soon pass into the gloriouspresence of the Lord whom he hadserved during the latter part of hislife. His strong desire was to cut

loose the moorings that tied him tothis world and launch out in eterni-ty to be with the Lord. But he hada strong desire to remain in thislife for the benefit of those to whomhe ministered. The final solutionwas to leave the matter of his life ordeath in the Lord’s hands.

Paul’s decision is an example forus today. We may not face death byexecution, but all of us have thatinevitable appointment which wewill one day keep. If the Lord doesnot return soon, all who read thesewords will one day surely die. “If” isnot the question, it is “when” wewill die.

We can face death in fear anddread, or we can face it in faith anddelight. It is true that when we die,we will likely leave behind manyunfinished tasks. We will leave be-hind many who love us and whoneed our presence and provision.On the other hand, we will havegreat gain.

When we are ushered out of thislife into the life to come, we will bein the presence of the Lord Himselfand will see Him as He is. We willenter into a new life in which thereis no sin, no sorrow, no imperfec-tion and no more death. We will bein the presence of our loved oneswho have gone before us. This isthe heritage of the child of God.

28

The SeThe Sevven Ven Vials—Plaguesials—PlaguesGod’s Judgment on Earth


6 October 8, 2000


M. — Inevitability of Death, Job 14:1-5.T. — Precious Death, Psalm 116:7-15.W. — Time To Die, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.T. — Faith in Death, Hebrews 11:8-16.F. — Ready for Death, 2 Timothy 4:6-8.S. — Victory over Death, 1 Corinthians

15:51-58.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will give enlightened dis-cussion to the blessedness of all whodie in the Lord.

What is it most people fear aboveall else?

Ask this question to a hundredpeople, and a sizeable majority willlikely answer, “Death.”

Death is an enemy to all peopleon earth. Perhaps this is due to twofactors: fear of the unknown andthe finality of death.

Only the Bible pulls aside thecurtain of the unknown to view thescene, and the writer is not allowedto describe it (2 Cor. 12:1-4). Oneother instance describes what lieson the other side from a personalviewpoint (Luke 16:22-31).

Perhaps a reason for the silenceon the matter of what lies beyonddeath is God intends for us to liveby faith, trusting that His Word istrue: “Blessed are the dead whichdie in the Lord” (Rev. 14:13).

Those who die in the Lord are“blessed” for a number of reasons:

• They are free from the toils andsufferings of this life (Rev. 21:4).

• They are in God’s presence(Psalm 16:11).

• They are in the likeness of theSon of God (Rom. 8:29; 1 John 3:2).

• They will hunger and thirst nomore.

• They will enjoy rewards theycan never lose (Matt. 6:19-21).

• They will enter an inheritancereserved for them (1 Peter 1:3, 4).

This is the promise that givescourage to beleaguered saints in allages including the dark days of theGreat Tribulation.

The Scripture text describes theseven final plagues of the GreatTribulation. The visions of chapters14 and 15 are preliminary to theseven final plagues. Chapter 16records the terrible final plagues.

I. KINGDOM OF THE LAMB,Revelation 14:1-7A. The Lamb on Mount ZionB. The 144,000C. A new songD. The angel with the gospel

II. KINGDOM OF THE BEAST,Revelation 14:8-20A. The fall of the kingdomB. Judgment of beast-wor-shipersC. Rewards for the faithfulD. Christ, the reaperE. The winepress

III. SEVEN ANGELS INTRO-DUCED, Revelation 15:1-8A. Another signB. Victors on a sea of glassC. The open TempleD. The smoke-filled Temple

IV. THE FIRST FOUR VIALS,Revelation 16:1-9A. The first vialB. The second vialC. The third vialD. The fourth vial

V. VIALS FIVE AND SIX,Revelation 16:10-16A. The fifth vialB. The sixth vial

VI. THE SEVENTH VIAL,Revelation 16:17-21A. It is done.B. A great earthquakeC. Hail from Heaven

Study the Adult Lesson Com-mentary for a complete expositionof the Scripture text.



THE LAMB ON MOUNT ZIONRevelation 14:1—16:21

Introduction.—This Scripturetext continues the theme of God’sjudgments. Chapter 13 describesthe evil that will permeate theworld when Satan takes control.Chapter 14 pictures what awaitsGod’s child when this life is over.Chapters 15 and 16 describe thejudgments of the final plagues, thevials or bowls of God’s wrath.

I. THE 144,000 (Rev. 14:1-5)A. Identified (Rev. 7:4-8)B. Their song (verses 2, 3)C. Their purity (verses 4, 5)

II. THREE ANGELS (Rev. 14:6-12)A. Message of the first angelB. Message of the second angelC. Message of the fourth angel

III. THE BLESSED DEAD (Rev.14:13)

A. An inevitable appointment(Heb. 9:27)

B. “Blessed,” gain, an advantage(Phil. 1:21)

C. “In the Lord” (Rev. 14:13)

IV. HARVEST (Rev. 14:14-20)A. The reaperB. The harvest, ripe and readyC. Winepress of God’s wrathD. A flood of blood

V. A SONG OF DELIVERANCE(Rev. 15:1-8)

A. The sea of glass: humanity atpeace following judgment

B. Son of Moses and the LambC. The heavenly Temple

VI. VIALS OF WRATH (Rev. 16:1-21)

A. Wrath dispensedB. Upon nature and mankindC. Demonic invasion

THE BLESSED DEADRevelation 14:1—16:21

Introduction.—The judgments ofthe Tribulation will produce deathby the thousands. Many who diewill be followers of the anti-Christ,and these will go into sufferings farworse than the Tribulation judg-ments. Many among the dead willbe the saints or the saved, who “diein the Lord.” These will be deliv-ered from the wrath of the dragonand the anti-Christ. This is thesame blessedness that belongs tothe saved dead of all ages.

I. BLESSEDA. Spiritually prosperousB. Characteristics of blessedness

(Matt. 5:1-12)

II. THE DEADA. Death defined:

1. Not annihilation, soul sleep2. Separation from the source of

lifeB. Man’s appointment (Heb. 9:27)C. The cause of death: sin (Gen.

3:1-3; Ezek. 18:4)

III. IN THE LORDA. The only cure for death is in

the Lord (John 11:25, 26).B. Contrast in death (Luke 16:25)

1. “In the Lord,” comforted2. Without the Lord, tormented

C. A real advantage (Phil. 1:21)

IV. THAT THEY MAY RESTA. Rest for the weary (Job 3:13-18)B. Rest that remains (Heb. 4:1-9)

V. FOLLOWING WORKSA. Fruit remains (John 15:16)B. Those we lead to Christ (1

Thess. 2:19)

30 The Seven Vials—Plagues


In the final days of the Great Tribulation, earth’s armies gather from allover the world. A coalition of troops from Russia, the Balkan states, Arab(Muslim) states and the Orient march upon Israel to attack and destroythe nation. These troops are met by the armies of the revived Romanempire upon a battlefield in the valley of Megiddo in a conflict dubbed“the Battle of Armageddon.” The language of Scripture indicates that theforces of nature will be involved in volcanic eruptions and in violent earth-quakes. At the height of the battle Jesus appears from Heaven accompa-nied by Heaven’s armies touching down upon the Mount of Olives. Thiswill halt the battle, and Jesus will be recognized as King and as Israel’sMessiah.

Read: Ezekiel 39:1-29; Zechariah 13:7-9; 14:1-15.


EARTH’S FINAL BAT T LE

JERUSALEM

Gaza Hebron

Beer-sheba

Me

dit

er

ra

ne

an

S

ea

DeadSea

Sea ofGalilee

I

S

R

AE

L

Jord

an R

iver

Megiddo

32 The Seven Vials—Plagues




Discuss the meaning of deathand its significance to the childof God and the contrast withthe unsaved.Note the continuing judgmentsupon rebellious humanity andtheir rejection of God.Use the outline best suited toyour lesson plan.

Death is a feared enemy, but it isan advantage to the child ofGod. Jesus provides spiritualprotection for every child of His.





Scriptures: Genesis 3:1-3;Job 3:13-18; Ezekiel 18:4;39:1-29; Zechariah 14:1-12;Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 16:25;John 11:25, 26; 15:16;Philippians 1:21; 1 Thessa-lonians 2:19.

Review the contrastbetween the death of asaved person and an unsavedperson.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalIn the Last Days, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The book of Revelation describesworld conditions during the Tribu-lation. In chapters 7—12 of hisbook, Daniel adds details whichJohn did not include in his book.The Daily Devotionals describeconditions and events leading up tothe Tribulation.

Reading the words of the text isalmost like reading the morningnewspaper or viewing the eveningnews. The text describes:

• Perilous times. The term liter-ally means “dangerous.” Nonecould deny that this one worddescribes the overall world picture.Areas once safe to visit at any hourof day or night are now almost likewar zones. Public schools todaymust be patrolled by armed guards,and students must be screened by

metal detectors on entering theirbuildings. Road rage makes travelon streets and highways unsafe.

• Self-lovers. The prevailing atti-tude in society is Me-ism. I wantwhat I want, and I want it rightnow!

• Pleasure lovers. Both amateurand professional sporting eventsattract thousands of fans to seehigh-paid athletes compete. Mediaand movie entertainers commandastronomical salaries. Many peoplepattern their lives after the mostdepraved and violent stars.

• Immoral. The grossest of sexu-al practices are given protected sta-tus by government directives.

• Despisers of good. Specialinterest groups demand rights withsevere penalties for any word oraction criticizing any course of con-duct they choose to pursue. Theonly exception to this favored sta-tus is Bible-believing, fundamentalChristians.

• Formalism in worship. It isfashionable to claim some form ofspirituality but with no real sub-stance or experience of salvation.

Never before in history have cur-rent events matched what isdescribed in Bible prophecy as theydo today, confirming that these arethe last days immediately prior tothe Tribulation Period. God’s peo-ple should “look up, . . . for yourredemption draweth nigh” (Luke21:28).

33

BabBabyylonlonReligious and Political Corruption


7 October 15, 2000


M. — Burden of Babylon, Isaiah 13:1-22.T. — Babylon Is Fallen, Isaiah 21:1-10.W. — Word Against Babylon, Jeremiah

50:1-16.T. — Uprising Against Babylon, Jeremiah

51:1-19.F. — End-time Conditions, Matthew

24:3-15.S. — In the Latter Times, 1 Timothy 4:1-

6.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will note present-day indi-cations of Babylon-like conditions.

The name Babylon refers notonly to the city itself but also to thecountry of which it was the capital.The date of its origin is a matter ofdispute among historians. Manytrace its origin to Nimrod and thebuilding of the infamous tower ofBabel (Gen. 10:8-12; 11:1-9). If thatis the case, it explains the idolatryand depravity that is characteristicof its history.

Nimrod was a rebel against God,who sought the souls of men for hisown advantage and establishedcities and city-states in oppositionto His righteous principles. He wasidolatrous and planted the roots ofa pagan system of worship thatcontinues into modern times andare evident in some religious sys-tems.

The written records of Israel’skings and prophets portray Baby-lon as a proud, wealthy nationsteeped in idolatry and immorality.God pronounced severe judgmentupon the ancient kingdom and city.

Conditions in ancient Babylonwere similar to what is evident inthe modern world. World condi-tions are now ripe for the Lord’sreturn to judge the nations. Lustand fleshly indulgence rule society.Idolatry is rampant, often in theguise of religion. Pleasure is toppriority. Greed permeates everyaspect of society. As God judgedancient Babylon, even so will Hejudge a world that rejects Him anddespises His people. This judgmentwill culminate in the fires of theGreat Tribulation when Babylon isfinally destroyed.

Babylon, the center of religiousand politician corruption, finallymeets her doom.

I. THE WOMAN AND THEBEAST, Revelation 17:1-6A. Introduction of the womanB. The scarlet-colored beastC. Description of the womanD. Name of the womanE. Drunkenness of the woman

II. MYSTERY: THE WOMANAND THE BEAST, Revelation17:17, 18A. The beastB. Heads, mountains and kingsC. Many watersD. Ten hornsE. War with the womanF. That great city

III. CORRUPTION OF BABYLON,Revelation 18:1-3A. A glorious angelB. Babylon corruptedC. Nations and kings corrupted

IV. JUDGMENT OF BABYLON,Revelation 18:4-8A. A warningB. God remembersC. According to her works

V. WAILING OF MERCHANTS,Revelation 18:9-19A. Wailing of kingsB. Wailing of merchantsC. Wailing of shipmasters

VI. GOD’S VENGEANCE ONBABYLON, Revelation 18:20-24A. RejoicingB. A great millstoneC. Declaration of BabylonD. Sins of Babylon

For expanded comments on theScripture text, see the Adult LessonCommentary.

34 Babylon


BABYLON THE GREATRevelation 17:1—18:24

Introduction.—Revelation 14:8introduces the impending judg-ment of Babylon. The ScriptureText provides details of the antici-pated judgment. The once proud,powerful city went from the pinna-cle of power and fame to the depthsof total destruction and poverty.

I. IDENTITYA. Not literal Babylon of history,

which Persia captured in 539 B.C.and Alexander destroyed, 330 B.C.

B. Symbolically the embodiment ofworld religion in opposition to Godand His Word

II. HISTORYA. Founder: Nimrod, descendant

of HamB. Babylon and Israel (2 Chron.

36:11-21)C. Judgment pronounced (Jer.

51:44-58)D. Drunken with the blood of the

martyred saints of the ages

III. POWER AND WEALTHA. Head of gold (Dan. 2:31-38)B. Winged lion (Dan. 7:1-4)C. Ruling with the beast, textD. Wealth of nations, text

IV. DOCTRINEA. Attain Heaven by one’s worksB. Began with Cain (Gen. 4)C. Refined by NimrodD. Perpetuated by the nations of

the worldE. Culminating in “the last days”

(1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:1-8)

V. DESTINYA. Made desolate by the beast,

textB. Complete destruction, text

HISTORY REPEATEDRevelation 17:1—18:24

Introduction.—“There is no newthing under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9-11).The history of Babylon illustratesthis principle. To understand cur-rent events, examine the records ofhistory to see world conditions asthey were and so understand whatthey are and will be.

I. IN NOAH’S DAYA. Universal evil (Gen. 6:1-5)B. “As . . . so” (Matt. 24:36-38)

1. Eating, drinking, devoted tomaterialism

2. Unrestrained immoralityC. Ignorance of God, His Word,

principles of righteousness

II. IN SODOMA. Material prosperity, gross

immorality (Gen. 13:10; 18:20-22)B. “As it was” (Luke 17:28-30)

1. Great material prosperity2. Unbridled moral depravity

C. Unaware of coming judgment

III. BABYLONA. Pride (Dan. 4:28-30)B. Cruelty (2 Kings 25:4-11)C. Immorality, idolatry, drunken-

ness (Dan. 5:1-4)

IV. IN THE LAST DAYSA. Spirit speaks (1 Tim. 4:1-3)

1. Unbelief, demonic deception2. Disregard for truth3. False asceticism

B. Perilous days (2 Tim. 3:1-7)1. Self-indulgent2. Immoral depravity3. Pleasure-mad4. Formal religion5. Mind closed to truth

C. These conditions herald thesoon return of the Lord.



The role of Babylon fills a prominent place in Revelation. Chapter 14:8is the pronouncement of Babylon’s impending judgment. Chapters 17, 18record the relationship of the beast and the nations with symbolicBabylon and the execution of its judgment. Babylon is “the great whore,”whom the beast supports for a time. The use of this figure is an exampleof Satan’s role as a counterfeiter. As a good, pure woman figures in God’splan, so an evil, immoral woman figures in Satan’s plan. Note the contrastand similarities between the two.

36 Babylon

A CONTRAST BETWEEN TWO WOMEN

The Sun-Clothed WomanRevelation 12

The Scarlet-Clothed WomanRevelation 17, 18

A mother of a Son who is to rule allnations.

Royally dressed, clothed with thesun, her glory is from Heaven.

Has the moon (powers of darkness)under her feet.

Suffers, fights with the dragon tosave her child and flees into thewilderness.

Prominent in world affairs, pure buthated.

Produces masculine nobility.

Helped by angelic wings.

On her head, a crown of twelvestars, the symbol of royalty.

Taken to her eternal home in theheavenly city in company with thesaints of all the ages.

A mother, the mother of harlots.

Royally dressed, clothed with pur-ple, scarlet, adorned with gold,pearls, precious gems from theearth.

Rules over the kings of the earth.

Suffers at the hands of the ten kingswho first support her but nowturn against her to burn her withfire.

Prominent in world affairs, a harlot,enjoyed but hated.

Produces feminine impurity.

Carried by dragon power.

On her head is the name of im-morality and is drunken with theblood of saints and prophets.

In “one hour” completely destroyedto eternal ruin in the severewrath of God.

Adapted: The Revelation, Verse by Verse Study. Oliver B. Greene. The Gospel Hour, Greenville, SC 1963

These two women are opposite in character. One brings life and hopeinto the world, the other brings death and despair. One is from God, theother is Satan’s counterfeit. Men today must make a choice between thetwo: life from God or death from Satan.





Discuss the development of thereligious system “Babylon” fromits beginning with Nimrod to itsend in the Tribulation. Show howthe influence of Babylon is felt inpresent-day life.Follow the outline that best fitsyour lesson plan

Any religion that offers salvationby works has its origin inBabylon and will ultimately bedestroyed along with its adher-ents.

Summarize the lesson.Take prayer requests.Look ahead to next week.


Scriptures: Genesis 6:1-5;10:8-12; 11:1-9; 18:20-22;19:4-11; Jeremiah 51:44-58;Ezekiel 16:48-50; Daniel2:31-38; 5:1-4; Matthew24:36-39; Luke 17:28-30;1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy3:1-7.

Encourage the students toaccept only the doctrinesand practices of the Lord’strue churches.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalGlorious Praise, Psalm 66:1-4

This psalm is a song of thanks-giving connected with a specialdeliverance in the history of Israel.The author is preparing to offer asacrifice to God in His holy sanctu-ary, thus keeping a vow he hadmade when he was in trouble. Thepsalm may be regarded as a liturgi-cal pattern for use on this occasion.

The psalm is appropriate andprophetic to the praise in the les-son’s Scripture text. The long, darkhours of the Great Tribulation arefinally over. Anti-Christ and hiscohorts are vanquished. MightyBabylon that has plagued humani-ty with its cruelty and greed sinceits inception has fallen. The longnight of sin’s darkness is about tocome to an end with the dawn of anew world order, a monarchy withJesus as universal King.

All people of “all ye lands” areinvited to join in lifting to the Lorda “joyful noise.” This clause pointsout that people of every nation onearth will join in praise to Himwhose glory fills the earth. Eachwill praise Him in his own way, butall will praise Him.

“Sing forth the honour [glory] ofhis name.” The name of Jesus is thename that is above every name andbefore it. All that is in Heaven, onearth and beneath the earth willone day bow in reverence.

No longer will nations lift theirfist in defiance of the Son of God.The greatness of His power willcompel all nations to submit to Hisauthority.

The praise in the Scripture Textis future. The day will come whenall creation will praise God. But thepraise in the Devotional text is forthe present. There is no higherspiritual activity than that ofpraise. Many things are importantto the Christian life: prayer, Biblestudy, church attendance, tithing,holy living and so on. But of all theactivities in which we can engage,nothing is as important as praise.There are times when some thingsmay be inappropriate, but there isnever a time when praise is out oforder.

38

King of KingsKing of Kingsand Lorand Lord of Lord of Lordsds

Alleluias of the Glorified SaintsRevelation 19:1-16

8 October 22, 2000


M. — Mercies of Praise, Psalm 67:1-7.T. — Doxology of Praise, Psalm 100:1-5.W. — Enduring Praise, Psalm 146:1-10.T. — Benevolence of Praise, Psalm

147:1-20.F. — Majesty of Praise, Psalm 148:1-14.S. — Joy of Praise, Psalm 149:1-9

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will know why the saintspraise God and discuss appropriateexercises of praise.

The exercise of praise is morethan merely mouthing the words,“Praise the Lord.” It is an expres-sion of warm approval and admi-ration; it is glorifying and extollinga deity, ruler or hero. Our emotion-al and spiritual makeup is suchthat we will by nature praise some-one or something.

People praise various objects orpeople: self, pleasure, false gods ormaterial things. The One weshould praise is the living God ofHeaven (Dan. 4:34-37).

There are various ways we maypraise God:

• With our lips (Psalm 63:3-6)• With singing (Eph. 5:18, 19)• By giving (1 Chron 29:14)• By praying, as we acknowledge

our dependence upon God andthank Him for His provision of allour needs.

We may praise God even in timesof persecution, trouble or sorrow:

• That He accounts us worthy tosuffer for Him (Acts 5:40-42)

• When we are treated unjustly,as Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25)

• In the midst of severe trials (1Peter 4:12-16)

The purpose of praise is to honorGod for who He is and for what Hedoes. It is also to strengthen andbless us by acknowledging our com-plete dependence on Him and Hissupply for every need. Our praise isa testimony of God’s saving, keep-ing and providing power. “Let everything that hath breath praise theLORD” (Psalm 150:6).

The Scripture text begins withthe destruction of the great whore,Babylon. This contrasts with themarriage of the Lamb. In this textJesus returns in glory to the earthas King of kings and Lord of lords.

I. ALLELUIA: BABYLON IS DE-STROYED, Revelation 18:1-4A. After these thingsB. Praise from many peopleC. Elders and beasts praise God

II. THE WIFE IS MADE READY,Revelation 19:5-8A. Voice from the throneB. Voice of a multitudeC. Arrayed in fine linen

III. MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB,Revelation 19:9, 10A. “And he saith”B. “Blessed are they.”C. The true sayingsD. “Thy fellow-servant”

IV. THE WHITE HORSE RIDER,Revelation 19:11-13A. His white horseB. His nameC. His judgmentD. His eyesE. His crownsF. His vesture

V. HEAVEN’S ARMIES,Revelation 19:14A. The army in whiteB. The army identified

VI. VICTORY OF THE WHITEHORSE RIDER, Revelation19:15, 16A. A sharp swordB. The winepressC. The name

The Adult Lesson Commentaryoffers a thorough discussion of theScripture text.



PRAISE THE LORDRevelation 19:1-16

Introduction.—The focus of thislesson is not the coming in glory ofthe Lord. It is the praise accordedto God by those in Heaven and bythe saints of earth. This is the con-tinuation of an activity that shouldbegin with salvation and continuethrough time into eternity. Praiseis the most noble of all that man iscapable of doing that honors Godand pleases Him. We should praiseGod for

I. WHO HE IS (Rev. 19:1)A. “The Lord our God”B. He is worthy of praise

1. His character (Isa. 6:3)2. His works (Psalm 150:2)3. Our salvation (Isa. 61:10)4. All blessings (Psalm 104:1)

II. DIVINE JUSTICE (Rev. 19:2, 3)A. The corruption and evil of all

false religionB. God’s righteous judgment is

inevitable upon all evil.

III. WORSHIP (Rev. 19:4, 5)A. The awesome majesty of God’s

presence compels us to praise Him(Isa. 6:3-5).

B. All humanity, small and great,will one day praise Him (Psalm145:21; Phil. 2:9-11).

C. All creation (Psalm 19:1-4)

IV. HIS SOVEREIGNTY (Rev. 19:6)

V. HIS SECOND COMING (Rev.19:7-16)

A. In glory (verses 11-13)B. With Heaven’s armiesC. King of kings, Lord of lords

THE PROPRIETY OF PRAISERevelation 19:1-16

Introduction.—The lesson is anexample of praise even in the darkdays of the Tribulation. There aretimes when some things may beinappropriate, but there is never atime when praise is out of order.

The Scripture text demonstratesthe propriety of praise.

I. PREROGATIVE OF PRAISEA. Praise: an expression of warm

approval, admirationB. Our design: we will by nature

praise someone or something (Rom.1:19)

C. Our privilege: to praise God

II. PERSON OF PRAISEA. The object of praise may be

1. Self2. Material things3. Pleasure4. False gods (Dan. 5:4)

B. The One we should praise: thetrue God of Heaven and earth

III. PEOPLE OF PRAISEA. The saved, all God’s peopleB. Those called to His serviceC. Heaven’s creatures, textD. All nature (Psalm 69:34)E. All humanity, even those who

are unsaved (Phil. 2:9-11)

IV. PERFORMANCE OF PRAISEA. With our lips (Psalm 63:3-6)B. Singing (Eph. 5:18, 19)C. Giving (1 Chron. 29:14)D. In persecution, sorrow (Acts

5:40-42; 1 Peter 4:12-16)E. Voluntary, from the heart

V. PRIVILEGE OF PRAISEA. God’s gift (Psalm 50:10-12)B. Like Jesus (1 John 3:1-3)

40 King of Kings and Lord of Lords



Introduction.—The story of Jehoshaphat’s victory over the alliance ofinvading enemies (2 Chronicles 20) illustrates the power inherent in theactivity of praise. Often we do not think to cry out to God until we facesome calamity, or we are under pressure. Then our cry is more of desper-ation than to praise God for His power to provide what we need. There areseveral reasons for praise.

Praise: a spiritual exercise which

Praise is not an emotion we feel—It is a choice we make!

REASONS TO PRAISE GOD

PPRRAAIISSEE

Focuses our attention on God.Jehoshaphat heard of the advancing enemies and knew he

and his people were in danger. He focused his attentionon God, not on the enemies.

Recognizes the sovereignty of God (2 Chron. 20:6).

Recalls God’s mighty acts (2 Chron. 20:7-11). SingingGod’s praises (Psalm 147:1-7).

Reinforces dependence on God (2 Chron 20:12).

Enlarges our vision of God (2 Chron. 20:14-17).

Increases faith in God (2 Chron. 20:19, 20).

Reveals the will of God (2 Chron. 20:21). God’s willmay seem unrealistic to man (Isa. 55:8, 9).

Exalts the name of God. We are to exalt Jesus in allwe do (Eph. 3:21).

Releases the power of God (2 Chron. 20:22-26).

Unites the people of God (2 Chron. 20:27, 28).

Fills the heart with the joy of the Lord (2 Chron.20:28-30).

42 King of Kings and Lord of Lords




Discuss the meaning of genuinepraise. Some things offered inthe name of praise do not exaltGod. Discuss ways we can praiseGod and the effect it has on usand on others.Use the outline best suited toyour lesson plan.

The highest, most noble activitywe can do is to praise God forwho He is and what He does.Praise must be from the heart ifit is to honor God.





Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 20;29:14; Psalms 19:1-4;69:34; 76:10; 104:1,12;118:1-4; 138:2; 145:21;147:1; 150;Isaiah 6:3-5; Romans 1:19;Philippians 2:9-11; Jude 25.

Review various ways we canpraise God in such a way asto honor Him. Praise isessential to a rich spirituallife.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalDestiny of the Wicked, Psalm 9:15-17

Wicked and oppressive men havebeen in control of the world’s sys-tem since time immemorial. Fromthe foundation of the first city toNimrod, Assyria, Babylon, Persia,Greece and Rome, to the morerecent scene of world government,tyrants like Hitler, Stalin and oth-ers have oppressed the people. Themain target of their oppression: thepeople of God, Israel and the Lord’schurches.

The world system of governmentwill find its culmination in thereign of anti-Christ upon earthduring the Great Tribulation. Hewill be completely indwelt and con-trolled by Satan, and the falseprophet will compel men to worshiphim. The forces of anti-Christ willhave a heyday during their briefrule. But as with the wicked of alltime, their rule will come to a sud-

den and violent end. Although theywill mobilize the resources of theworld’s nations to war against thepeople of God and the Christ, theirefforts will be doomed to failure.With the return to earth of the Sonof God, accompanied by Heaven’sarmies, their defeat will be sure.

The end of anti-Christ picturesthe end of all who rebel againstGod and reject Jesus as Savior. Theend will be judgment and eternityin the torments of hell.

Many people in the religiousworld scoff at the concept of a hellfor the rebellious. They contendthat God is a loving God who wouldnever send a person to that awfulplace. They fail to realize that Godhas made provision for all men toavoid hell: faith in His Son. Whenmen voluntarily reject Jesus, theyvoluntarily choose the alternativewhich is hell. God sends no one tohell. Men go there of their own freechoice.

The judgment of the wicked isboth inevitable and certain. It is aplace of hopelessness, tormentsand vain regrets. Incredible suffer-ing, overwhelming thirst anddespair are the lot of all there. Noone who goes there wants anyoneelse to join him. There is only oneway to escape hell: trust Jesus asSavior, and you will never be con-demned (John 5:24).

43

ArArmagmageddoneddonDoom of the Beast and False Prophet

Revelation 19:17-21

9 October 29, 2000


M. — Hell Enlarged, Isaiah 5:14-16.T. — Descent into Hell, Ezekiel 31:15-17.W. — Cast in Whole, Matthew 18:7-9.T. — No Profit, Mark 8:35-38.F. — No Escape, Luke 16:19-31.S. — Hell’s Angels, 2 Peter 2:1-10.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will be able to discuss theliteralness of the events studied.

The book of Revelation is filledwith symbols, many of which aredifficult to understand. This hasled many Bible interpreters to con-clude that all the events describedare to be taken figuratively, noneliterally. This is an erroneous posi-tion. Bible symbols describe literalevents using language with whichreaders of that day were familiar.

Although many passages in thebook are figurative, the events ofthe Scripture text are to be takenas literal. The personal, bodilyreturn of Jesus will be literal as theangels promised (Acts 1:11).

The gathering of nations to waragainst Israel and their ultimatedefeat will be literal (Ezek. 38).

The war ordnance left on the bat-tlefield will be sufficient to supplyfuel for the land of Israel for sevenyears. The devastation of the battlewill be literal. Seven months willbe required to dispose of and burythe battle casualties (Ezek. 39:8-16).

The fate of the beast and thefalse prophet will be literal, as theywill be cast alive not into the abyss(the bottomless pit) but into thelake of fire. This event will occur atthe return of Jesus in glory and notat the Great White Throne Judg-ment (Rev. 20:10).

The fate of the followers of thebeast is an example of the literalfate that awaits all who reject theSon of God as Savior. Eternal ruinis real. Escape it by accepting Jesusas Savior—now.

Armageddon will be the final,decisive battle of the Tribulation.The result of the battle is a fore-gone conclusion. Jesus wins!

I. ANGEL’S INVITATION,Revelation 19:17A. The angelB. The angel’s cryC. The fowlsD. The invitation

II. FEAST OF THE FOWLS,Revelation 29:18A. The flesh of menB. The flesh of horsesC. The flesh of all

III. THE BEAST MAKES WAR,Revelation 19:19A. The beastB. Allies of the beastC. The gatheringD. Purpose of the gathering

IV. DEFEAT OF THE BEAST ANDTHE FALSE PROPHET,Revelation 19:20A. The beast capturedB. The false prophet capturedC., The false prophet judged

V. DOOM OF THE BEAST ANDTHE FALSE PROPHET,Revelation 19:20A. A common doomB. Cast downC. Punishment

VI. THE REMNANT IS SLAIN,Revelation 19:21A. The remnantB. The remnant slainC. The remnant eaten

Additional valuable informationregarding the Scripture text maybe found by studying the AdultLesson Commentary.

44 Armageddon


THE SUPPER OF GODRevelation 19:17-21

Introduction.—Liberal theolo-gians decry the concept of God’sjudgment upon those who rebelagainst Him. They contend that aGod of love would not inflict ever-lasting punishment upon one of Hiscreatures. They fail to realize theholiness of the loving God whowithholds judgment until menfinally reject His mercy. Then thereis no recourse but judgment. This isthe message of the text.

I. THE ANGEL IN THE SUN (Rev.19:17)

A. A spirit-being of authorityB. “In the sun,” a message to all

mankind

II. THE SUMMONS (Rev. 19:17, 18)A. To scavenger fowls, represent-

ing death, corruptionB. A macabre feast: human and

animal fleshC. Contrasting suppers

1. Celebration, at the marriagefeast (Rev. 19:7)

2. Devastation, the banquet ofthe fowls (Rev. 19:17)

II. THE COALITION (Rev. 19:19)A. The beast, anti-ChristB. World political leadersC. Armies in rebellion against the

white horse rider

IV. THE CONCLUSION (Rev. 19:20,21)

A. Fate of the beast and the falseprophet: the lake of fire

B. Those who worship the beastbecome the prey of carrion birds.

JUDGMENT OF LITTLE HORNRevelation 19:17-21

Introduction.—The Scripture textdescribes the doom of the beast andfalse prophet. By this time anti-Christ has realized his ambition asworld ruler. He has declared him-self to be god and has set up histhrone in the Holy Place in theTemple. His grab for total sover-eignty comes to an abrupt halt. Heis apprehended and sent to hisdoom: the lake of fire. The prophetDaniel described his rise and fall.

I. THE BEAST (Rev. 19:19)A. The “little horn” (Dan. 7:7-12,

19-26)B. Rises out of revived RomeC. Wars against the saintsD. Until the “Ancient of days”E. His dominion destroyed

II. THE BEAST (Dan. 8:23-25)A. Power from SatanB. Prospers in rebellionC. Self-exaltingD. Brings false peaceE. His ultimate destruction

III. HIS CHARACTER (Dan. 9:27)A. The false messiahB. Practices treachery and defile-

ment of the holy

IV. THE RULE OF THE BEAST(Dan. 11:21-24, 36-45)

A. Rules by deceptionB. He betrays Israel in “the mid-

dle of the week.”C. He forms a coalition of nations

to solidify his empire and destroyIsrael.

D. His ultimate doom: the lake offire (Rev. 19:20)



God is a God of love. He bestows His grace and extends His mercy to allwho will accept His offer. But He is also a God of absolute justice and ter-rible wrath. When mercy offered is deliberately rejected and finallyspurned, God withdraws His offer and the Savior becomes the judge.(Read Romans 1:18-32.) Scripture gives dramatic examples of God’s inex-orable judgment and implacable wrath.

1. The Angels That Sinned, 2 Peter 2:4.• Lucifer, Isaiah 14:12-17.• Pride brought about Lucifer’s destruction, Ezekiel 28:14-19.• Lucifer’s followers reserved unto judgment, Jude 6.

2. The Pre-Flood World, 2 Peter 2:5.• Universal wickedness prevailed throughout the world, Genesis 6:5.• Men totally given to evil thoughts, aims, Genesis 6:5.

3. Sodom and Gomorrah, Jude 7.• Their sin was great in God’s sight, Genesis 18:20.• Sexual perversion characterized their life-style, Genesis 19:4-11.• They were filled with pride, oppression of the weak, Ezekiel 16:49,

50.

4. God Spared not Israel, the Natural Branches, Romans 11:20-22.• God is spurned by Israel’s following the sins of pagan neighbors.• Judged and sent into captivity, 2 Chronicles 36:14-21.

5. God Spared not His Own Son, Romans 8:32.• Jesus, God’s beloved Son, Matthew 3:16, 17.• Made to be sin that we might become righteous, 2 Corinthians 5:21.

How To Escape God’s Judgment:“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth

on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into con-demnation [judgment]; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24).

46 Armageddon

GOD’S CERTAIN JUDGMENT





Discuss the literality of God’sjudgment upon all who rejectHis offer of mercy. People maketheir own choice to accept orreject God’s offer of mercy.Yourdestiny is in your own hands.Use the lesson outline that bestsuits your lesson plan.

God will judge all sin and sinnerswho continue to reject His offerof mercy.God provides a way to escapeHis judgment.



Scriptures: Genesis 6:5;18:20; 19:4-11; 2 Chronicles36:14-21; Isaiah 14:12-17;Ezekiel 16:49, 50. Matthew3:16, 17; Romans 8:32; 11:20-22; 2 Corinthians 5:21;1 Peter 2:4, 5; John 5:24.

Review the examples ofGod’s judgment upon thosewho rebel against Him andreject His offer of mercy.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalThe Lord Reigns, Zechariah 14:8-11

Different nations have differentforms of government. Some are ineffect dictatorships, others are oli-garchies, monarchies, republics ordemocracies. We in the UnitedStates tend to think that the idealform of government is a democracy,and some leaders try to impose thissystem upon other nations.

The fact is there is no ideal formof human government. A democra-cy can be as autocratic and tyran-nical as a dictatorship or an ab-solute monarchy. Capitalism can beas oppressive as communism. Theone ingredient that makes any gov-ernmental system tyrannical is sinin the hearts of both governor andgoverned. Sin will cause a king tooppress his subjects, a legislatureto adopt restrictive and bad laws

that deny liberty to the righteousand favor the ungodly.

The dominant force among theworld’s governments is Satan. He isthe “god of this world” and its sys-tem of society. The culmination ofhis rule will be felt in the GreatTribulation when he enters into theman of sin, the coming world dicta-tor whom the Bible describes as theanti-Christ. His world rule willcome to an end with the appear-ance of Jesus and Heaven’s armies.Satan will then be bound andlocked into the “bottomless pit” (theabyss) for a thousand years. Hismalevolent influence will no longerbe felt on earth.

After this, Jesus will assume the“throne of David” in Jerusalem andwill rule over all the earth for onethousand years. His rule will not bea democracy. It will be an absolutetheocracy, in which He will rulewith a “rod of iron” over all peopleon earth. Unlike past monarchs,many of whom were tyrants whooppressed their people, Jesus willbe just and kind, and His rule willbe benevolent. There will be nowars during Jesus’ rule, no strife orconflict among nations, even theanimal kingdom will be peaceful.The earth will be productive, andconditions in nature will be idealfor all people. What a glorious timethis will be for all on earth!

48

The MillenniumThe MillenniumA Thousand Years of Peace

Revelation 20:1-6

10 November 5, 2000


M. — Universal Reign, Isaiah 2:1-5.T. — Universal Peace, Isaiah 11:1-10.W. — Universal Rejoicing, Isaiah 35:1-10.T. — Universal Prosperity, Isaiah 65:17-

25.F. — Universal Recognition, Ezekiel

39:23-29.S. — Universal Worship, Zechariah

14:16-21.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will make a list of reasonsthere will be peace during theMillennium.

The Millennium is a period ofone thousand years during whichJesus will rule over the earth fromthe throne of His father David inJerusalem. This will be a time ofperfect peace when no nation willlift up sword against any othernation. Violence will be unknownthroughout the societies of allnations. It will be a worldwide con-dition never before known sinceAdam and Eve were expelled fromEden. Why?

• Jesus is the Prince of Peace,and He will enforce peace by thepower of His Word.

• Jesus is omniscient, and Hewill know everything there is toknow about everyone on earth.

• Jesus will be assisted in Hisrule by the blood-bought saints whowill rule with Him.

• Righteousness will be the pre-vailing principle worldwide. At pre-sent, sin is the dominant principlewhich governs mankind.

• Munitions factories will be con-verted to production of implementsof peaceful pursuits. All instru-ments of warfare will be convertedto materials for the benefit of man.

• Knowledge of the Lord will beuniversal, and people will travel toJerusalem to study and learn atthe feet of Jesus.

• There will be peace even in theanimal kingdom.

God will dwell with His people onearth in the person of Jesus.

The Scripture text tells of thefulfillment of the Old Testamentprophecies of the coming reign ofMessiah upon earth. This will be atthe conclusion of the Battle ofArmageddon and Jesus’ return toearth with His saints.

I. THE ANGEL WITH A KEY,Revelation 20:1A. From HeavenB. With a keyC. With a chain

II. BINDING THE DRAGON,Revelation 20:2A. The dragon arrestedB. Identity of the dragonC. The sentence: one thousandyears in prison

III. SATAN SEALED, Revelation20:3A. Satan cast into the abyssB. Satan restrainedC. Satan loosed for a season

IV. REIGNING WITH CHRIST,Revelation 20:4A. Reign of ChristB. Thrones and their occupantsC. Souls John sawD. Saints to reign

V. THE UNSAVED DEAD,Revelation 20:5A. The rest of the deadB. They lived notC. Resurrection of the saved

VI. THE FIRST RESURRECTION,Revelation 20:6A. Blessed and holyB. The second deathC. Priests reign

Be sure to study the AdultLesson Commentary for detailedstudy of the Scripture text.



EARTH’S FALL AND RECOVERYRevelation 20:1-6

Introduction.—God’s plan was toprovide a place for man to enjoyHis presence. Sin changed thisideal arrangement. Conditions innature have continued to deterio-rate, making the soil unproductive,the air noxious and the waters pol-luted. These conditions will bereversed during the Millenniumwhen Jesus rules as King over allthe earth.

I. EARTH AS GOD MADE IT (Gen.1:31)

A. “Very good.”B. An ideal environment for man

to enjoy God’s daily presence

II. EARTH AS SIN MADE IT (Gen.3:17-19)

A. The curse: thorns and thistlescorrupt the ground

B. The soil grows unproductive.C. Sin and violence grow progres-

sively worse (Gen. 4—6).

III. EARTH AS GOD REMAKES ITDURING THE MILLENNIUM

A. Universal peace1. Among nations (Isa. 2:4)2. In nature (Isa. 11:6-9)

B. Universal desire to know theLord and His will (Isa. 2:2, 3)

C. Universal prosperity1. Earth is productive (Isa.

35:1, 2; 65:17).2. Families enjoy unprecedent-

ed prosperity (Isa. 65:20-23).D. Jesus rules over all the earth

(Zech. 14:9; Luke 1:32, 33).E. The saints rule with Jesus for a

thousand years (Rev. 20:4, 6; Luke19:16-19).

EARTH’S GOLDEN AGERevelation 20:1-6

Introduction.—Since Adam’s sin,the earth has suffered from a vari-ety of ills, including pollution,pestilence and noxious plants.These deplorable conditions growprogressively worse with each suc-ceeding generation. These condi-tions will be reversed during theMillennium, when Jesus rules asKing, and the saints rule with Him.

I. THE MILLENNIUMA. Defined: a period of one thou-

sand yearsB. Three positions

1. Amillennial: no Millennium,the language is symbolic

2. Postmillennial: the Millenn-ium occurs prior to Jesus’ return

3. Premillennial: Jesus’ returnfirst occurs, then the MillenniumThis is the biblical position

II. MILLENNIAL PROPHECIESA. To Abraham (Gen. 12:3, 7)B. To David (2 Sam. 7:12, 13)C. To the prophets (Isa. 2:3; Dan.

2:44; Zech. 14:8, 9; Micah 4:1-7)

III. THE KING AND THE KING-DOM

A. Jesus comes in glory (Rev.19:11-16; Isa. 63:6).

B. Jesus is King (Zech. 14:9).C. Israel, the major world power

(Gen. 15:18; Zech. 8:20-23)D. Saints rule with Him (Rev.

20:4, 6; Luke 19:17-19).

IV. KINGDOM CITIZENSA. People living in their natural

bodies (Isa. 65:20-24)B. Becoming a citizen (John 3:3)

50 The Millennium






Define the terms Millennium andmillennial.Discuss world conditions duringthe Millennium.Use the outline that best fitsyour lesson plan.

Jesus will rule over all the earthas King. His saints will rule withHim for a thousand years.The new birth is a requisite forkingdom citizenship.





Scriptures: Genesis 15:18;2 Samuel 7:12, 13; Isaiah 2:1-5; 11:1-9; 35:1, 2; 65:17-25;Micah 4:1-7; Zechariah 8:20-23; 14:8, 9; John 3:3; Luke19:17-19.

Review world conditionsduring the Millennium andencourage students to beprepared to rule with Jesusat His coming.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalIndescribable Scene, 2 Corinthians

12:1-5

Paul was one of a select few to bepermitted to look into Heaven andlive to tell about it. We are not toldthe occasion when he was “caughtup into paradise” to hear words hewas not allowed to repeat. He like-ly saw things he was unable todescribe as well. Perhaps it was thesame scene John saw and describedin Revelation 4, 5. It was a scene ofunimaginable beauty and glory,and it stayed with him throughoutlife.

Some scholars suggest that thisevent may have occurred whenPaul was stoned and left for deadat Lystra (Acts 14:19, 20). This wasa “near death” experience for the

apostle. As the disciples stoodabout his apparently lifeless form,he suddenly arose and went withthem into the city.

If this were indeed the time andplace for Paul’s experience, it wasquite different from the “neardeath” experiences of people todaywho write books and go on the talkshow circuits to tell what they saw,heard and experienced. Paul wasunwilling to capitalize on his dra-matic experience. This contrastcauses us to wonder if the tales toldtoday are authentic, or if they arecalculated to make a profit andgain notoriety for the individuals.

One result of Paul’s experiencewas a visitation of a “thorn in theflesh.” This undefined malady wasevidently painful, and Paul askedthe Lord three times to remove it.Each request was met with denial.The reason was Paul’s experiencewas so glorious that he was in dan-ger of being filled with pride. Of allthe apostles he was the only one tosee such a sight, thus, the thorn.

The thorn that brought pain thusbecame God’s instrument to showPaul—and us—the sufficiency ofGod’s grace in every circumstance.What may appear as a curse mayindeed be God’s blessing, intendedto enrich our lives by driving us tothe Word to make us aware of Hisworking in our lives. Thank Himfor His grace and wisdom.

52

The Last JudgmentThe Last JudgmentBefore the Great White Throne

Revelation 20:7-15

11 November 12, 2000


M. — Kingdom Contrast, Matthew 8:11, 12.

T. — Hell, a Prepared Place, Matthew 25:41-46.

W. — Heaven, a Prepared Place, John 14:1-6.

T. — No Comparison, Romans 8:18-23.F. — Light Afflictions, 2 Corinthians 4:16-

18.S. — Portion of the Wicked, Psalm 11:4-

7.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will contrast the eternalstate of the saved and that of theunsaved.

The Sunday Devotional text andthe lesson Scripture text present astark contrast between the eternalstate of the saved and that of theunsaved.

The Sunday Devotional text tellsof a scene of indescribable glory,peace, beauty and fulfillment. It isthe place God has reserved forthose who accept His Son as Savior.John gave a partial description ofthis wonderful place in Revelation4, 5, 21, 22. In His account of therich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:23-25), Jesus described it as a placewhere the redeemed are comfort-ed. Nothing will ever enter there tocorrupt or defile its beauty.

By contrast, the final state of theunsaved has nothing good to tellabout it. It is a place of darkness,burning, torments, hopelessnessand despair. It is a place called“hell,” and it is as real as the placecalled “Heaven.” It was not pre-pared for mankind, but for thedevil and his demons (Matt. 25:41).Every human who goes there isunwelcome, but there is no releasefrom its confines.

As bad as hell is, there is a placeworse than hell. It is a lake thatburns with fire and brimstone.Therein will dwell for all eternitythe man of sin, the false prophetand the devil with all his angels.Joining them will be all who rejectJesus as Savior. The only way ofescape is to accept Jesus as yourpersonal Savior.

At the conclusion of the millenni-al reign of Christ, Satan will beloosed temporarily from his prison.He will immediately declare war onthe Lord and seek to destroy Hispeople. Before the battle begins,God will destroy Satan and hisarmy.

I. SATAN LOOSED TEMPORARI-LY, Revelation 20:7A. The expired timeB. The loosed devilC. For a little season

II. THE BATTLE OF GOG ANDMAGOG, Revelation 20:8, 9A. Deceptive power of SatanB. Gog and MagogC. Number of the armyD. Battle plan of the armyE. Fire from Heaven

III. DEFEAT OF THE DEVIL,Revelation 20:10A. The devil cast downB. Where the beast and false

prophet areC. Everlasting torment

IV. A GREAT WHITE THRONE,Revelation 20:11A. The throneB. The One on the throneC. No place found for rebels

V. THE JUDGMENT, Revelation20:12, 13A. The dead before GodB. The book of lifeC. The books opened

VI. THE SECOND DEATH,Revelation 20:14, 15A. Death and hellB. The lake of fireC. All not found written

The Adult Lesson Commentaryprovides detailed study helps forthe Scripture text.

Text; Revelation 20:7-15 53


THE GREAT WHITE THRONERevelation 20:7-17

Introduction.—There are twodivine certainties: death and judg-ment (Heb. 9:27). All humans willstand in judgment but not all at thesame time. The saved will bejudged at the first resurrection, thelost at the second.

I. THE WHO OF JUDGMENT (Rev.20:12)

A. The judge: GodB. The judged: “the dead, small

and great”C. The lost: all unbelievers

II. THE WHEN OF JUDGMENTA. All are judged now, the passing

of the sentence (John 3:18).B. At the second resurrection

1. After the Millennium2. After the passing away of the

present earth (2 Peter 3:10-13)

III. THE WHERE OF JUDGMENT(Rev. 20:11)

A. In this life: when one rejectsJesus as Savior

B. In the next: before the GreatWhite Throne

IV. THE WHAT OF JUDGMENT,(Rev. 20:12, 13)

A. The standard1. The books of the Bible2. The book of life

B. The attitude toward Christ(Acts 17:31; Phil. 2:9-11)

C. The sentence: the lake of fire

V. THE WHY OF JUDGMENTA. Not because of one’s worksB. Unbelief (John 3:18)C. There is no judgment for those

who are in Christ (Rom. 8:1).D. No excuse (Rom. 1:20; 2:1)

A STARK CONTRASTRevelation 20:7-15

Introduction.—There is a con-trast between the saved and theunsaved both in this life and in thelife to come. This contrast may notbe evident in this life because of thelife-style of the saved. But it is veryevident in the life to come. It is thefuture contrast that is the focus ofthis lesson.

I. A CONTRAST IN LIFEA. The unsaved: turmoil, unrest

(Isa. 57:20)B. The saved: peace (Phil. 4:6, 7);

joy (1 Peter 1:8)

II. A CONTRAST IN DEATHA. The unsaved: dread, despair

(Psalm 37:20)B. The saved: blessed (Rev. 14:13);

precious (Psalm 116:15); and advan-tage (Phil. 1:21-24)

III. A CONTRAST IN DESTINYA. The saved: comforted (Luke

16:25)B. The unsaved: in torments

(Luke 16:22-24)C. The saved: rejoicing (Psalm

45:15)D. The unsaved: despair (Luke

16:26)E. The saved: joy (Psalm 30:5)F. The unsaved: weeping and wail-

ing (Matt. 13:42, 50)G. The saved: light (Rev. 21:23)H. The unsaved: outer darkness

(Matt. 8:12; 22:13; 25:30)I. With the LordJ. With Satan

What determines destiny? Faith inJesus Christ (John 3:36)

54 The Last Judgment


Text; Revelation 20:7-15 55




Discuss the contrast betweenthe saved and the unsaved, bothin this life and in the life tocome.Emphasize the one factor thatdetermines one’s destiny.Use the outline that best followsyour lesson plan.

The unsaved will be confined tothe lake of fire for eternity; thesaved will enjoy the glories ofHeaven for eternity.



Scriptures: Psalms 30:5;37:20; 45:15; Isaiah 57:20;Luke 16:22-25; John 3:18, 36;Acts 17:31; Romans 1:20;2:1; 8:1; Philippians 1:21-24;2:9-11; 1 Peter 1:8; 2 Peter3:10-13.

Encourage any unsaved stu-dent in the class to trustJesus as Savior and avoid thedestiny of the unsaved.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalOur Future Home, 2 Corinthians 5:1-3

Suppose someone were to comeup to you and ask, “Do you want todie?” It is unlikely that you wouldanswer, “Yes.” This is so eventhough this life is filled with trou-ble, pain, sorrow, disappointment,sickness, wars and all manner ofdangers.

But suppose you could look overinto the next world and see whatawaits you as God’s child. Whatwould be your choice? Would yousay, “I want to die”? or would youplead for your life to be spared? Notmany of us are ready just yet toleave this life, in spite of what wewould leave behind and the joys wewould enter into.

The fact is, all of us one day willleave this life either by death (Heb.9:27) or in the rapture (1 Thess.4:13-17). If it is by death, there willbe sorrow among those we leave

behind. Death is a prospect none ofus wants to face because it is anenemy and the ultimate effect ofthe sin nature. But death is a con-quered foe, and the child of God hasnothing to fear from it.

Death is but a doorway into a lifethat is free from all pain, suffering,sorrow and crying. We leave thistemporary body of clay and take ona new body fashioned after the glo-rious likeness of the Son of God (1John 3:1-3). In this new life andnew body, we will never die again.Never again will the doctor exam-ine us and pronounce the dreadedwords, “You have terminal cancer.”There will be no flaw or discord inour service to God. All we do, sayand think will be in perfect harmo-ny with the sweet will and mind ofGod.

Some people have the idea thatour life in the new heaven will con-sist of floating around on a cloud,strumming on a golden harp.Nothing could be further from thetruth. Our life will be one of serviceto God, and we will have the glori-ous privilege in all eternity ofbeholding His face and basking inHis perfect love and glory.

Death and the life to come will begood only for those who know Jesusas Savior. There is no other way tobe assured of an eternity of joy,peace and love.

56

The NThe Neew Heaw Heavven anden andtthe Nhe Neew Earw Ear tthh




M. — The King Enters, Psalm 24:7-10.T. — Everlasting Mercy, Psalm 103:17-22.W. — Holy, Holy, Holy, Isaiah 6:1-4.T. — Preview of Glory, Matthew 17:1-9.F. — Glory of the Son, John 17:1-5.S. — A Look into Heaven, Acts 7:55-60.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will share with others thewonders that God has prepared forthe redeemed.

Our knowledge of the wondersawaiting the redeemed is limited.Many people let their imaginationrun wild and come up with all sortsof fanciful theories. But the properprocedure is to take what the Biblesays and not rely on imagination.

Some of the wonders preparedfor the redeemed include:

• Mansions or dwellings Jesushas gone to prepare (John 14:1-6).

• Comfort from all life’s trials(Luke 16:25).

• No more tears (Rev. 21:4).• Death is abolished (Rev. 21:4).• No more sorrow, the kind asso-

ciated with death (Rev. 21:4).• No crying, the wailing of those

in distress (Rev. 21:4).• No more pain, associated with

trouble and toil (Rev. 21:4).• Access to the pure river of

water of life (Rev. 22:1).• Access to the healing leaves of

the tree of life (Rev. 22:2).• The curse of sin removed (Rev.

22:3).• The ability to serve God per-

fectly with no fault or failure (Rev.22:3).

• Basking in the pure light of theLord God (Rev. 22:5).

• The privilege of reigning withthe saints forever (Rev. 22:5).

• The greatest wonder of all is tosee God face-to-face in all His gloryand to have the privilege of dis-playing before all of Heaven, theexceeding riches of His grace in Hiskindness toward us in all eternity(Rev. 22:4; Eph. 2:7).

The text is John’s description ofthe new earth and its inhabitants.

I. THE NEW HEAVEN AND THENEW EARTH, Revelation 21:1A. The new creationB. No more sea

II. A NEW PEOPLE, Revelation21:2-8A. A new cityB. A great voice is heardC. True and faithful wordsD. A promise to believersE. Doom of unbelievers

III. THE NEW JERUSALEM,Revelation 21:9-22A. The holy cityB. Measurements of the cityC. The city wallD. Foundations of the wallE. The gates in the wallsF. The street of the cityG. The Temple

IV. THE NEW LIGHT, Revelation21:23A. The glory of GodB. The Lamb of God

V. THE NEW WORSHIP,Revelation 21:24-27A. Nations worshipB. Nothing to hinderC. Nothing that will defile

VI. THE NEW LIFE, Revelation22:1-5A. Drinking from the riverB. Eating from the treeC. No more curseD. Ruling with Christ

The comments in the AdultLesson Commentary will provideinsight into the significance of theScripture text. Study the materialin the commentary as you preparethe lesson.



LETS TALK ABOUT HEAVENRevelation 21:1—22:5

Introduction.—This wonderfultruth is the fulfillment of the long-ings of humanity as well as for GodHimself. This is not some myth orvague and fanciful dream. It is areal, living hope.

I. REALITY OF HEAVENA. The hope is universal in all

peoples, strong evidence of reality.B. A real place, described as a city

(text) and a prepared dwelling place(John 14:1-4)

II. DEFINITION OF HEAVENA. First heaven: the atmosphere of

this earthB. Second heaven: space, where

the stars, planets areC. Third Heaven: where God and

the saved are (2 Cor. 12:2-4)

III. DESCRIPTION OF HEAVENA. Paradise: place of joy, comfort,

rest, reunion (Luke 16:22-25)B. The new heaven: the holy city,

the bride (Rev. 21:9-23). The wall,gates, street of gold, tree of life,river of life, the Lamb, the Light

IV. INHABITANTS OF HEAVENA. Living creatures: twenty-four

elders, four beasts, seraphim andcherubim (text; Isa. 6:1-3)

B. The redeemed (Eph. 2:4-7)C. God Himself (Rev. 21:22, 23)

V. THE WAY TO HEAVENA. Not by man’s own efforts or

merit (Titus 3:5)B. A place reserved for those who

are preserved for it (1 Peter 1:3-5)C. Jesus is the only way, through

faith in Him (John 14:1-6).

GETTING READY FOR HEAVENRevelation 21:1—22:5

Introduction.—As we plan totake a trip, we prepare based onwhere we are going, and we do notwait until departure time to beginpreparation for the trip. We alsoprepare for the trip to Heaven.There are some things we need todo to get ready for Heaven.

I. THE FIRST STEP: SALVATIONA. Jesus is the way (John 14:6)B. Our part: accept by faith what

He has done (John 1:12)

II. ANTICIPATE (Col. 3:1-3)A. Seek heavenly things not as a

means to attain them but to appreci-ate them.

B. As we think, so we are.C. Think of our new life in Him.

III. LAY UP TREASURES (Matt.6:19-21)

A. Earth’s currency is no good inHeaven (Rev. 21:27), things thatdefile, things that are false.

B. Earth’s building material willnot pass Heaven’s inspection, hay,wood, stubble (1 Cor. 3:12, 13).

C. Treasures we can take toHeaven: those we win to the Lord(Malachi 3:17), friends (Luke 16:9),fruit (John 15:16; Gal. 5:22, 23)

D. A crown (2 Tim. 4:8)

IV. PURIFY SELF (1 John 3:1-3)A.When He appears we shall be

like Him.B. Cleanse and purify our way or

life-style (Psalm 119:9)

V. REDEEM THE TIME (Eph. 5:16)A. Make the best use of time.B. Be alert for His return.

58 The New Heaven and the New Earth






The new heaven is a real place,where God dwells and wherethe saved of all ages will dwellwith Him for eternity.The onlyway to go there is through faithin Jesus as Savior.Use the outline that best suitsyour lesson plan.

God has prepared the new heav-en for those who trust His Sonas Savior to dwell with Him foreternity.





Scriptures: Psalm 119:9;Isaiah 6:1-3; Malachi. 3:17;Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 16:9,22-25; John 1:12; 14:1-6;15:16; 2 Corinthians 12: 1-4;Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians2:4-7; 5:16; 1 John 3:1-3.

Encourage any unsaved stu-dent to accept Jesus asSavior now. Show the savedhow to prepare for Heavennow.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

S unday DevotionalWorldwide Outreach, 1 Thessalonians

1:5-8

These are exciting times! Somestudies affirm that the sum total ofhuman knowledge doubles everyfive years. There are amazingadvances in technology which inprevious generations were not evendreamed about that afford opportu-nities to reach the entire world forChrist. Global travel at the speed ofsound has made even the mostremote corners of the earth readilyaccessible. The serious Bible stu-dent has no difficulty understand-ing the truth of Daniel’s prophecythat in the “time of the end: manyshall run to and fro, and knowledgeshall be increased” (Dan. 12:4).

The first century churches hadno modern means of transportationor communication. Travel was lim-ited to fifty to sixty miles in a day.Written documents necessarilyrequired several days to reach their

destination. In spite of the limita-tions, the gospel message spreadthroughout the Roman empire inone generation. Commercial ven-tures took some early church mem-bers to the far reaches of the knownworld while persecution scatteredother saints to distant lands.

Wherever the church memberswent, they carried the gospel ofChrist to their world, won soulsand established churches. This wasthe pattern Jesus intended Hischurches to follow—then and now.

Today’s generation has at itscommand the means of communi-cating instantly to the far reachesof the globe. An e-mail sent from adesk in Texas can be in Tanzania ina matter of seconds. Satellite com-munications can be seen on theother side of the world almostinstantaneously. Shortwave radioreaches the most remote areas ofevery country on earth. These aretools we can use to carry the gospelmessage to people we will never seeface-to-face.

It is the responsibility of thisgeneration to fulfill the mandategiven to the first church: carry thegospel to all people in every nation.We have the capability—the ques-tion is, do we have the convictionnecessary to do the task? Everyindication from Scripture is thatwe have little time left to finish thejob the Lord gave us to do. It is timefor us to get busy!

60

The End of tThe End of the Ahe AggeeThe Last Invitation

Revelation 22:6-21



M. — Into all the World, Mark 16:14-17.T. — Awaiting the Power, Luke 24:44-53.W. — Witnesses, Acts 10:34-43.T. — A Chosen Vessel, Acts 9:10-20.F. — A Universal Witness, Romans 1:6-

10.S. — Ready To Preach, Romans 1:11-17.

Aim: By the end of this lesson thestudent will resolve to daily live forChrist with eternity in view.

An unknown poet wrote:“Only one life,’Twill soon be past;Only what’s doneFor Christ will last.”This little verse speaks volumes.

This life is the only one we have inwhich to prepare for what we willencounter in eternity.

God saved us for a purpose. Thatpurpose was not to sit idly by or togo our own way. “We are his work-manship, created in Christ Jesusunto good works, which God hathbefore ordained that we shouldwalk in them” (Eph. 2:10). We aresaved to live each day for Christ.This involves holy living, daily wit-nessing of Him, growing in graceand maturing spiritually.

This life is a training school forthe service we will render when wearrive in our eternal home. Many ofthe treasures we will enjoy therewill be those we have sent aheadwhile here (Matt. 6:19-21). Thecrowns we will enjoy will be thesouls we have been instrumental inpointing to Christ (1 Thess. 2:19,20). The purpose of our crowns willnot be to boast of what we havedone. They will be used to giveglory to the One who saved us andmade it possible to live with Himeternally in Heaven (Rev. 4:10).

Our service to Christ in this agemay go unnoticed and unappreciat-ed. At times we may be tempted togive up and quit. But let us remem-ber that we are not yet home. Whenwe see Him, it will be worth all wehave endured.

The final words of a loved one fillan important part in one’s memorybank. This should be true of God’sfinal words to mankind recorded inthe Scripture text. There is a sternwarning against altering in anyway the content of this message.

I. THE LAST ADMONITION,Revelation 22:6-10A. Faithful and true sayingsB. Keep the sayingsC. Fellow servant

II. THE LAST CONDITIONS,Revelation 22:11A. Unjust and filthyB. Righteous and holy

III. THE LAST PROMISE,Revelation 22:12-16A. Promise of His comingB. Promise of rewardsC. Promise of entranceD. Promise of restrictionsE. Promise of Jesus

IV. THE LAST INVITATION, Revelation 22:17A. The Spirit and the brideB. The one who hearsC. The one who thirstsD. Come and take

V. THE LAST WARNING,Revelation 22:18, 19A. Forbidden: add or take awayB. What God will do

VI. THE LAST PRAYER, Revelation 22:20, 21A. Even so, comeB. Grace to the end

Study the Adult Lesson Com-mentary for exposition of theScripture text. Be sure to file thecurrent commentary along withthis Help for the Teacher for futurereference.



CALL TO COMMITMENT

Revelation 22:6-21

Introduction.—The Lesson Aim isthat the student will resolve to livefor Christ each day with eternity inview. This requires a commitmentthat allows nothing to stand in theway and no turning aside for alesser purpose. Moses is an exam-ple of one who made such a com-mitment (Ex. 3:6–4:11).

I. WHO IS GOD? (Ex. 3:6-16)A. God got Moses’ attention, then

identified Himself in this setting.B. God got John’s attention and

revealed Himself as the only trueGod (Rev. 22:6).

C. It is essential to know God asthe final authority in our life.

II. WHO AM I? (Ex. 3:11)A. You must know who you are in

relation to God.B. John recognized himself as a

fellow servant with other believers(Rev. 22:9).

C. Commitment to God requiresthat we know who we are in Him.

III. TO WHOM DO I BELONG? (Ex.4:2-11).

A. God convinced Moses that Hewas in control of his life; personalhandicaps were no issue.

B. John recognized God’s owner-ship of his life (Rev. 22:9).

C. We do not belong to ourselves(1 Cor. 6:19, 20).

IV. WHY AM I HERE?A. Moses was in Sinai to prepare

for a job for God.B. John was in Patmos at God’s

direction to do a job for Him.C. God places us where He wants

us to prepare and serve Him.

GREAT INVITATIONSRevelation 22:6-21

Introduction.—The final invi-tation in the Bible is in this text. Itis an invitation to be a faithful wit-ness for Christ and live for Himdaily. But Scripture records otherinvitations that are also importantto God’s child.

I. ENTER THE ARK (Gen. 7:1)A. Judgment was imminent and

the ark was the place of safety.B. Jesus is the only safety from

the judgment of the last days.

II. REASON (Isa. 1:18)A. This shows the sinfulness of sin

and the love and mercy of God.B. The promise: complete cleans-

ing from all sin

III. TO THE THIRSTY (Isa. 55:1)A. Man hungers for something to

satisfy his longing soul.B. God has supply for man’s need.

IV. TO THE WEARY AND WORN(Matt. 11:28)

A. Weariness, the result of sin andrebellion

B. Come to Jesus for rest.

V. FELLOWSHIP (Num. 10:29)A. The weary, lonely journey of

God’s people through this worldB. The saints are a select company

with divine provision.

VI. DIVINE SERVICE (Mark 1:17).A. Condition: “Follow me.”B. Promise: “I will make you to

become.”C. Fruitfulness: “Fishers of men”

VII. SPIRIT AND BRIDE (Rev.22:19)

A. To the lost: come to Christ.B. To Christ: return quickly.

62 The End of the Age






Focus on the need for a personalcommitment of service to Christas preparation for eternity.Stress the need, importance andmethods of witnessing forChrist.Use the outline that best followsyour lesson plan.

In light of the nearness of Jesus’return, it is important that God’schild commit to live for Himdaily. We are to witness to thelost that they may come toChrist.



Scriptures: Genesis 7:1;Exodus 3:6–4:11; Numbers10:29; Isaiah 1:18; 55:1;Matthew 11:28; Mark 1:17;1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.

Stress the importance ofmaking a commitment to livefor Christ daily. Jesus’ returnis near, and many are stilllost.


Warm-up5 Minutes



Closing5 Minutes

Teacher’s Notes

64 The End of the Age

Crumley, G.F., The Pentateuch, Lakeland, The Blessed Hope Foundation,1985.

Davidson, B., The Analytical Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon, London,Samuel Bagster and Sons, Ltd., 1784.

Spence, H.D.M.; Exell, Joseph S., The Pulpit Commentary, Volumes 1, 8,10, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Tenney, Merrill C., The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, GrandRapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1963.

Young, Robert, Analytical Concordance to the Bible, N.Y., Funk andWagnalls Co., 1963.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, Volumes 3, 10, 16, London, EncyclopaediaBritannica, Int., 1957.

Bibliography

help ffor tthe tteacher - american baptist association rev8-22.pdfsunday devotional rebellion...

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