Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction:

Illustration-

Seven Rules for Growth

A person who is “born again” starts a new life similar to that of a newborn infant.

Seven rules that promote good health in babies can be adapted and applied to a Christian’s spiritual growth.

1. Daily Food.

Take in the “pure milk of the word” through study and meditation.

2. Fresh Air.

Pray often or you will faint.

Prayer is the oxygen of the soul.

3. Regular Exercise.

Put into practice what you learn in God’s Word.

4. Adequate Rest.

Rely on God at all times in simple faith.

5. Clean Surroundings.

Avoid evil company and whatever will weaken you spiritually.

6. Loving Care.

Be part of a church where you will benefit from a pastor’s teaching and Christian fellowship.

7. Periodic Checkups.

Regularly examine your spiritual health.

Source unknown

[Galaxie Software, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations (Biblical Studies Press, 2002).]

Main Thought: Meditation on the Revelation of God ought to move you to the Proclamation of the Gospel to every creature.

Sub-intro:

In anticipation of the Seventh Trumpet Judgment, the reader, expecting the Third Woe Judgment, receives an interruption.

Life on earth was in the chaotic and demonic days of the first year past the midpoint of the Tribulation.

However, the Apocalyptic narrative pauses, similar to the interlude between the Sixth and Seventh Seal Judgments (cf.

Rev. 7:1-17), giving a respite from more judgment (cf.

Rev. 8:1; 10:6) and perhaps more time for repentance (cf.

Rev. 2:21).

The narrative for the Seventh Trumpet Judgment and Third Woe Judgment does not proceed until Rev. 11:15.

In the meantime, John revealed two significant truths, namely the reference to the mystery of God (cf.

Rev. 10:7) and details about the two witnesses (cf.

Rev. 11:1-14).

Chapter Ten unfolds the heavenly perspective concerning more judgments in the word of God culminating in the mystery of God through the agency of the Apostle John.

Chapter Eleven unveils the battle between the two witnesses and the Antichrist, resulting in his temporary dominion.

[Thomas M. Strouse, To the Seven Churches: A Commentary on the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ, Selected Works of Dr. Thomas M. Strouse (Bible Baptist Theological Press, 40 Country Squire Rd., Cromwell, CT 06461, 2013), 389.]

Body:

I. THE MIGHTY MESSENGER (Rev.

10:1-7).

A. His Appearance (1)

—Be pleased to observe the aspect of this august personage.

All the brightness of the sun shines in his countenance, and all the rage of the fire burns in his feet.—See

his apparel.

The clouds compose his robe, and the drapery of the sky floats upon his shoulders.

The rainbow forms his diadem; and that which "compasseth the heaven with a glorious circle," is the ornament of his head.—Behold

his attitude.

One foot stands on the ocean, the other rests on the land.

The wide extended earth, and the world of waters, serve as pedestals for those mighty columns.

—Consider the action.

His hand is lifted up to the height of the stars.

He speaks; and the regions of the firmament echo with the mighty accents, as the midnight desart [SIC] resounds with the lion's roar.

The artillery of the skies is discharged at the signal; a peal of sevenfold thunders spreads the alarm, and prepares the universe to receive his orders.—To

finish all, and give the highest grandeur, as well as the utmost solemnity to the representation, hear the decree that issues from his mouth.

He swears by HIM that liveth forever and ever.

In whatever manner so majestick [SIC] a person had expressed himself, he could not fail of commanding universal attention.

But when he confirms his speech, by a most sacred and inviolable oath, we are not only wrapt in silent suspense, but overwhelmed with the profoundest awe.

—He swears that time shall be no longer.

Was ever voice so full of terrour [SIC]; so big with wonder?

It proclaims, not the fall of empires, but the final period of things.

It strikes off the wheels of nature; bids ages and generations cease to roll; and with one potent word, consigns a whole world over to dissolution.—This is one among a multitude of very sublime and masterly strokes, to be found in that too much neglected book—the BIBLE.

[James Hervey et al., Meditations and Contemplations.

In Two Volumes, Early American Imprints, 1639-1800; No. 21885 (Worcester, Massachusetts: Isaiah Thomas.

Sold at his bookstore in Worcester, and by him and company in Boston, 1789).]

B. His Authority (2-4)

1. Title (2a)

2. Territory (2b)

3. Thunders (3-4)

The verse at hand causes the reader to give pause and reflect upon obvious truths that come from it.

1) Seven thunders sounded.

2) John began to obey the Lord as before by starting to write down the revelations of the little book.

3) Another voice from heaven prohibited him from revealing the contents therein and from writing them down in his [Apokalupsis.]

4) Elsewhere in Revelation, the noun [Bronte,] (“thunders” or “thunderings”) refers to harbingers of coming judgments meant to bring fear to men as an attention-getting device (cf.

Rev. 8:5; vide also Ex. 19:16; 20:18).

5) Apparently the Apostle received revelations about coming judgments during the Tribulation time that are not revealed in the Seventh Trumpet Judgment/Third Woe Judgment or in the Seven Vial Judgments.

That the Lord does not reveal all things but keeps some truth hidden finds affirmation in Moses’ declaration, who stated, “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Dt.

29:29).(1513)

[1513 Interestingly, Paul stated that he had “heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (II Cor.

12:4).]

[Strouse, 398.]

C. His Affirmation (5-6)

1.

His Oath to Honor the Person of God (5-6a)

2. His Oath to Halt the Patience of God (6b)

II.

THE MANIFESTED MYSTERY (Rev.

10:7).

A. The appointed Timing (7a).

B. The accomplished Mystery (7b).

C. The afore-promised Truth (7c).

III.

THE MANUSCRIPT MEAL (Rev.

10:8-10).

A. John accepted the Truth of God (8-9a)

B. John appropriated the Truth of God (9b)

C. John assimilated the Truth of God (10)

1. Sweet (10a)

2. Sour (10b)

IV.

THE “MUST” OF MINISTRY (Rev.

10:11).

A. His Assignment (11a)

B. His Accountability (11b)

C. His Area (11c)

“If they’re breathing, they’re a candidate for the Gospel.”

— Dr. Shelton Smith

Conclusion: