8-11-2019 Sea Monster Revelation 13:1-10
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Introduction:
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 1304 World Council of Churches
The World Council of Churches (WCC) was formally constituted on Aug. 23, 1948, at Amsterdam by an assembly representing 147 churches from 44 countries, mostly Protestant liberals. In 1973, member churches numbered 263 from 90 countries—from the Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox and Old Catholic Confessions.
The WCC now has a constituent membership of over 400 million members—almost one-half the total Protestant and Roman Catholic peoples of the world. The motto “ONE WORLD-ONE CHURCH” was adopted at its first Ecumenical Assembly held in Amsterdam in 1948.
At the Council’s Third General Assembly in New Delhi, India, in 1961, the Eastern churches—Russian, Rumanian, Bulgarian and Polish Orthodox churches—were accepted into full membership in the WCC. They claimed a membership of 70 million. WCC leaders were jubilant at this great Christian “advance.”
Later, the WCC General Secretary, Dr. Eugene Carson Blake, told newsmen in Rome that if the Roman Catholic Church wishes to become a member of the WCC, the Council will make the necessary changes in its structures. “If the Church reaches this decision,” Blake said, “we will do what is necessary to make its accession possible.”
The World Council of Churches (WCC) was formally constituted on Aug. 23, 1948, at Amsterdam by an assembly representing 147 churches from 44 countries, mostly Protestant liberals. In 1973, member churches numbered 263 from 90 countries—from the Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox and “Old Catholic” Confessions.
Today the WCC now has a representative membership of more than half a billion Christians around the world—almost one-half the total Protestant and Roman Catholic peoples of the world. The motto “ONE WORLD-ONE CHURCH” was adopted at its first Ecumenical Assembly held in Amsterdam in 1948.
At the Council’s Third General Assembly in New Delhi, India, in 1961, the Eastern churches—Russian, Rumanian, Bulgarian and Polish Orthodox churches—were accepted into full membership in the WCC. They claimed a membership of 70 million. WCC leaders were jubilant at this great Christian “advance.”
Later, the WCC General Secretary, Dr. Eugene Carson Blake, told newsmen in Rome that if the Roman Catholic Church wishes to become a member of the WCC, the Council will make the necessary changes in its structures. “If the Church reaches this decision,” Blake said, “we will do what is necessary to make its accession possible.”
“ONE WORLD-ONE CHURCH” will succeed one day
Transition:
As we continue through the interlude of 12–ch.14, chapter 12 closes with Satan standing on the shore of the sea. Chapters 12 and 13 must be seen as one whole unit. Today begins the study of Chapter 13.
Having been prevented from reaching the woman, the dragon now calls forth two evil agents to continue his mission of blaspheming God, warring against believers, and deceiving the world: the beast from the sea (13:1–10) and the beast from the earth (13:11–18). In this chapter, we will examine the beast, the anti-Christ, the false prophet, which make up the “unholy trinity.” Next week, we will conclude this chapter with the relevance of the number 666.
Through it all, God remains in control since the beast operates within the divine limits.
Scripture Reading:
1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.
2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.
3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.
4 And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”
5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.
6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,
8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.
9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
Revelation The Text in Context
As we continue through the interlude of 12:1–14:20, chapter 12 closes with Satan standing on the shore of the sea (12:18 in the Greek text but moved to 13:1 by some translations). Chapters 12 and 13 must be seen together. Having been prevented from reaching the woman, the dragon now calls forth two evil agents to continue his mission of blaspheming God, warring against believers, and deceiving the world: the beast from the sea (13:1–10) and the beast from the earth (13:11–18). The dragon, the beast from the sea (antichrist), and the beast from the earth (false prophet) comprise the “unholy trinity” (paralleling Father, Son, and Spirit, respectively). This unit describes the beast’s origin, relationship to the dragon, actions against God and his people, and influence on the world. Through it all, God remains in control since the beast operates within the divine limits (“was given” occurs five times in 13:5–7, 14–15). The unit concludes with a prophetic warning to believers, calling them to faithful endurance.
and have often been compared when thinking about the relationship between the Christian and the government, or the state. The apostle Paul reminds us that God created human government in v1: [[]]
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
John had previously recorded Jesus’ words about this exact issue in his Gospel when talking to the governor, Pilate [[]].
Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
When operating properly under divine authority, the state upholds law and order and serves as an instrument of justice as in [[]].
for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
But human institutions become corrupt and used for evil, and such is the case in . Satan sometimes works through secular power systems and the wicked individuals who rule those systems. When the state turns oppressive and demands unconditional allegiance, We have no choice but... [[]].
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
to “obey God rather than man”
John Stott identifies the theological principle at work: “We are to submit right up to the point where obedience to the state would entail disobedience to God. But if the state commands what God forbids, or forbids what God commands, then our plain Christian duty is to resist, not to submit, to disobey the state in order to obey God.”
Transition:
Understanding the mission of Satan is mandatory for ANY Christian. SO here we find ourselves in the future narrative when Satan himself, is the source of human government:
I. The Beast (13:1–2a)
I. The Beast (13:1–2a)
Satan appeared on the Earth and sought to attack the woman (Israel). In Daniel and Revelation, the Beast seen is portrait of last human gov’t. They represent a time BEFORE the second coming of the Messiah to Earth
1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.
Revelation Interpretive Insights
The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. Whether the phrase “the dragon stood on the shore of the sea” concludes chapter 12 or introduces chapter 13, the point is that the dragon calls forth and empowers the beasts to continue his war against the saints. In light of the Old Testament tradition equating the dragon with Leviathan or Rahab, the sea monster that symbolizes the chaos and evil that threaten God’s creation (e.g., Pss. 74:13–14; 89:10; Isa. 27:1; 51:9; Job 40–41), it naturally follows that this beast emerges from the sea.
It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.… The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. Like the dragon, the beast has ten horns and seven heads (12:3), but the order is reversed and ten “crowns” (diadēma) appear on the horns, stressing again the force and strength and power of the beast. (Note the repeated use of “authority” in 13:2, 4, 5, 7, 12.) John also seems to take into account the four beasts of Daniel 7 that come up from the sea. Since the beasts and kings in Daniel 7 portray nations and rulers who attack God’s people, John appears to have something similar in mind. The name of blasphemy on each head likely refers to divine names accepted by Roman emperors (e.g., “Lord,” “Savior,” “Our Lord and God”). Putting it all together, the beast from the sea symbolizes the “perpetual deification of secular authority”1 or “the powers of evil which lie behind the kingdoms of this world.”2 More specifically, this beast represents political, military, and economic power used in the service of Satan to oppose God and his people. Often such secular power is personified in a single wicked leader (e.g., Nero and Domitian in first-century Rome and Hitler in Nazi Germany; cf. the many “antichrists” of 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7). The final eschatological leader who personifies this particular beast has traditionally been called the antichrist
Like the dragon, the beast has ten horns and seven heads (12:3), but the order is reversed and ten “crowns” (diadēma) appear on the horns, stressing again the force and strength and power of the beast. The 10 crowns represent the 10 Kingdoms (similarities to the dragon)
-- These make up the initial kingdoms to be established by the anti-Christ
-- His authority over the Earth is supreme; it is vicious; without mercy
-- There is nowhere to hide and from those who serve him
John also seems to take into account the four beasts of that come up from the sea.
‘These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.
The four great beasts are four kings (literal people, not animals) that will rise from the earth.
Since the beasts and kings in portray nations and rulers who attack God’s people, John appears to have something similar in mind. The name of blasphemy on each head likely refers to divine names accepted by emperors (e.g., “Lord,” “Savior,” “Our Lord and God”).
When Jesus returns the beast will be the dominant force here
- The beast mentioned in Daniel will be the revived Roman Empire
-- Daniel covers this completely in , , and 9
-- The beast represents human opposition to God; not necessarily a literal creature
-- These make up the initial kingdom to be established by the anti-Christ
-- His authority over the Earth is supreme; it is vicious; without mercy
-- There is nowhere to hide and from those who serve him
Putting it all together, the beast from the sea symbolizes either humanity itself that the beast rises out of and sets up the dragon or perhaps the deification of secular authority” or even “the powers of evil which lie behind the kingdoms of this world.” More specifically, this beast represents political, military, and economic power used in the service of Satan to oppose God and his people.
Illustration:
Transition:
Often such secular power is personified in a single wicked leader (e.g., Nero and Domitian in first-century Rome, and Hitler in Nazi Germany, and the many “antichrists” of ; and ). Satan directly uses a human being to lead and to mimic Jesus’ earthly ministry for his own “unholy trinity”
II. The Man (13:2b-3)
II. The Man (13:2b-3)
The final eschatological leader who personifies this particular beast symbolically as a dragon, has traditionally been called the antichrist. This is the anti-Christ’s entrance onto the world:
2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.
2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority.
“And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority”
Illustration:
Satan often works through secular power structures and their leaders
Science: Cancer is a terrible disease, claiming an estimated 580,000 lives in the United States in 2013. Unlike many other illnesses, which can arise when some outside virus or bacteria invades the body, cancer arises from within our very cells. Normal cells, designed to multiply when needed and die off when old or damaged, function in harmony with one another. Cancer occurs when this healthy process is interrupted. Damaged DNA produces mutated cells. Though meant to die, these broken cells live on and multiply. If left unchecked, they can keep invading other parts of the body—metastasizing. God has created human cultures and ordains human governments, but sin and Satan damage these institutions. In time, such a corrupt system can metastasize and corrupt those who are part of it.
One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.
John says, “I saw one of his heads …”
-- The heads represent the kingdoms of the time
Daniel also noticed one horn among the 10 and describes its appearance and actions: ,
I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast.
Rev
“seemed to have had a mortal/fatal wound”
“seemed to have had a mortal/fatal wound”
The dragon actually receives a death wound, even though most English translations add a condition such as “seemed to” or “as if” or “appeared to,” which is not the intent of the Greek text. The literal Greek is “and one of the heads of him as slaughtered to death and the wound of the death of him was healed. (the Josh’s Literal Translation Version, copyrighted/all rights reserved)” The point is: he, the human beast was dead and then came back to life further mimicking Christ’s death & resurrection
“”
Revelation Interpretive Insights
The beast actually receives a death wound, even though most English translations add a condition such as “seemed to” or “as if” or “appeared to,” which is not the intent of the Greek text. The healing of the death wound imitates Christ’s resurrection, as the beast’s parody of Christ continues (also 13:14).
The healing of the death wound imitates Christ’s resurrection, as the beast’s parody of Christ continues (also 13:14).
J. Scott Duvall, Revelation, ed. Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2014), 180.”
Illustration:
We need discernment when facing grand displays of power
Film: The Wizard of Oz. Finally, their quest had come to an end. They had followed the yellow brick road, battled flying monkeys, overcome a soporific meadow, and even satisfied a wizard’s demands by retrieving a witch’s broom. Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto stood before the Great and Powerful Oz. Their hopes were high. Only he could give them the deepest desires of their heart.
But when the time came for Oz to deliver, he again refused. When they begged, he blustered. When they demanded, he declaimed. With bolts of fire and rumbles of thunder, Oz attempted to overwhelm the travelers, wowing them into submission. But little Toto smelled a rat. Trotting over to the curtain, he pulled it back, exposing Oz for who he really was. When we place our hopes in any power but God’s, we are settling for an Oz.
Transition:
Now with the Beast and the Dragon deceiving the world of supernatural capabilities,
III. The Religion (13:4-8)
III. The Religion (13:4-8)
“ONE WORLD-ONE CHURCH” The implication of these verses is clear: serve Satan … or die
And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?”
The display of power in the beast’s counterfeit resurrection results in many converts who now worship both the beast and the dragon. Mounce writes, “Deification of secular power is in fact the worship of Satan.”
Deification of secular power is in fact the worship of Satan.” The question, “Who is like the beast?” mimics the praise that only Yahweh deserves (i.e., “Who is like you, God?”—; ; ; ). The beast’s power appears unmatched, although the war has already been waged and won against the dragon and his followers (12:7, 11). The earth dwellers stand in awe and worship the beast all because of its godlike power. There is no mistaking the blasphemy and idolatry at work.
“Who is like the beast?”
The question, “Who is like the beast?” mimics the praise that only Yahweh deserves (i.e., “Who is like you, God?”—; ; ; ).
“Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?
Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?
O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you?
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.
The beast’s power appears unmatched, although the war has already been waged and won against the dragon and his followers (12:7, 11). The earth dwellers stand in awe and worship the beast all because of its godlike power. There is no mistaking the blasphemy and idolatry at work.
5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.
“was given” - the passive of divine permission
YHWH, the one whose power far exceeds that of the dragon and the beast, allows the beast to operate
It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
Think of this world today: How far off is this from what you see now?
Consider the amount of people worshiping their own “god”!
Consider for a moment the amount of people NOT in church today!
Science: Cancer is a terrible disease, claiming an estimated 580,000 lives in the United States in 2013. Unlike many other illnesses, which can arise when some outside virus or bacteria invades the body, cancer arises from within our very cells. Normal cells, designed to multiply when needed and die off when old or damaged, function in harmony with one another. Cancer occurs when this healthy process is interrupted. Damaged DNA produces mutated cells. Though meant to die, these broken cells live on and multiply. If left unchecked, they can keep invading other parts of the body—metastasizing. God has created human cultures and ordains human governments, but sin and Satan damage these institutions. In time, such a corrupt system can metastasize and corrupt those who are part of it.
Consider the list of excuses we have to “be our OWN god” and choose to sin
- How much does Satan really have to do in order to gain total control today?
-- Not much! Except cater to our egos and make us think that we know more and are better than God
I absolutely hate it when people say, “Oh I don’t follow that part of the Bible, because I don’t agree with it” as if they are wiser than God! sadly I have heard it more times than one
Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,
Rev 137
This is the struggle of the church today in all that we do! -- This is the ministry of the church (has been since … )
-- This is the ministry of the church (has been since … )
-- I believe with all my heart this is ought to be the ministry of Grace Baptist Church
Standing against Satan is NOT an option … it is a commandment!
- After Jesus’ victory, the Antichrist is cast into the “Lake of fire”
-- Satan is cast chained into the Abyss (, )
-- This is the hope of tomorrow, but today we still have a work to do
- This is the authority of the church and I tell you with all honesty, we are failing to stop him even in our own circles - (how many do you know lost?)
If everyone we know is a Believer, it’s time to go out of our comfort zones and get some heathen friends. Believer’s telling believers about Jesus is sweet fellowship, but not the mission of church
-- Believer’s telling believers about Jesus is sweet fellowship, but not the mission of church
and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.
If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
The switch to the future tense suggests the worldwide worship of the beast by unbelievers at the end of the age, worship deserved by the Triune God alone.
Illustration:
The “who dwell on earth ,” a phrase used consistently for unbelievers throughout Revelation , will be excluded from the “Lamb’s book of life,” the heavenly “register” for all true believers .
The phrase “before the foundation of the world” could modify “names has not been written” (referring to the time when names are written in the book) or, more naturally here, “Lamb who was slain” (referring to the time when God decided that his redemptive plan would center on the cross of Christ.
Transition:
So What? (13:9–10)
So What? (13:9–10)
If anyone has an ear, let him hear:
Rev
The first part of confronts us with how we live out our faith in a difficult place.
1. Satanic authority uses power selfishly in order to deceive people for the purpose of coercing worship. Throughout Revelation Satan imitates or parodies God. This is in keeping with the devil’s character as one who always distorts and perverts what is good for selfish purposes. Because people were created to worship, the great question in life is, which power will they worship: God or Satan? Christ or the beast? The beast’s remarkable displays of power deceive people and leave them asking, “Who is like the beast?” and “Who can wage war against it?”
Sadly, some Christians today are incredibly gullible and ignorant when it comes to the whole issue of power. If the demonstration of power is magnificent enough, they will believe it. Christians need to become more knowledgeable about how God uses power and more discerning about the motives and purposes of those who grasp for power (; ; ; ; ).
9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear: 10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
Rev
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book will never experience the condemning wrath of God. They are susceptible, however, to the wrath of the dragon and the beast, resulting in persecution and possible martyrdom. As secular power presses down on the church, believers are called to trust God and to go on trusting God as he walks with them through the fire.
Rev This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book will never experience the condemning wrath of God. They are susceptible, however, to the wrath of the dragon and the beast, resulting in persecution and possible martyrdom. As secular power presses down on the church, believers are called to trust God and to go on trusting God as he walks with them through the fire.
Sadly, some Christians today are incredibly gullible and ignorant when it comes to the whole issue of power. If the demonstration of power is magnificent enough, they will believe it. Christians need to become more knowledgeable about how God uses power and more discerning about the motives and purposes of those who grasp for power (; ; ; ; ).
2. Christians are called to conquer the beast by being conquered. The response called for in is about as un-American as it gets. We are called to sacrifice and suffering as our primary response to evil. We endure tribulation because we know this is precisely how we conquer Satan and his forces (12:11; 15:2). In responding to evil, we should not become like the perpetrators of evil (; ; ; ). Rather, we should imitate our Lord, who conquered Satan through his death on the cross (5:5–6). We stand for truth through our prophetic witness to Jesus and our faithful endurance along the path he has pioneered (). The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God ().
2. Christians are called to conquer the beast by being conquered. The response called for in is about as un-American as it gets. We are called to sacrifice and suffering as our primary response to evil. We endure tribulation because we know this is precisely how we conquer Satan and his forces (12:11; 15:2). In responding to evil, we should not become like the perpetrators of evil (; ; ; ). Rather, we should imitate our Lord, who conquered Satan through his death on the cross (5:5–6). We stand for truth through our prophetic witness to Jesus and our faithful endurance along the path he has pioneered (). The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God ().
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book will never experience the condemning wrath of God. They are susceptible, however, to the wrath of the dragon and the beast, resulting in persecution and possible martyrdom. As secular power presses down on the church, believers are called to trust God and to go on trusting God as he walks with them through the fire.
Illustration:
We conquer evil by imitating Jesus’s example of suffering
Church History: Many Christians in the ancient church would journey to Jerusalem near Easter to walk in Jesus’s footsteps. Over the centuries, this walk was developed into “the Stations of the Cross,” which are illustrated with plaques in most Roman Catholic churches. In times of struggle and difficulty, a “walk with Christ” through suffering can change our entire outlook!
Sadly, some Christians today are incredibly gullible and ignorant when it comes to the whole issue of power. If the demonstration of power is magnificent enough, they will believe it. Christians need to become more knowledgeable about how God uses power and more discerning about the motives and purposes of those who grasp for power (; ; ; ; ).
2. Christians are called to conquer the beast by being conquered. The response called for in is about as un-American as it gets. We are called to sacrifice and suffering as our primary response to evil. We endure tribulation because we know this is precisely how we conquer Satan and his forces (12:11; 15:2). In responding to evil, we should not become like the perpetrators of evil (; ; ; ). Rather, we should imitate our Lord, who conquered Satan through his death on the cross (5:5–6). We stand for truth through our prophetic witness to Jesus and our faithful endurance along the path he has pioneered (). The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God ().
IN Conclusion:
Revelation Interpretive Insights
▪ Satan works through secular power structures and wicked individuals to war against God and his people.
▪ Satan’s forces are eager to deceive and will readily accept the worship that belongs to God alone.
▪ Those who are not genuine followers of the Lamb will be deceived and worship the beast.
▪ Christians should be prepared to suffer as part of their discipleship to Jesus.
Satan works through secular power structures and wicked individuals to war against God and his people.
Satan’s forces are eager to deceive and will readily accept the worship that belongs to God alone.
Those who are not genuine followers of the Lamb will be deceived and worship the beast.
Christians should be prepared to suffer as part of their discipleship to Jesus.