May 21, 2023

Rising Beasts #

Revelation 13:1-

Introduction

There is a lot of information in this chapter, which again, helps us understand the context of the book of Revelation. There is a lot of description given here. This chapter also goes along with Daniel chapter 7. It is well worth noting cross referencing the verses there with this chapter.

I. First Beast (1-10) #

A. Blasphemy in Writing (1) #

Blasphemy -

1. Taking the Lord’s name in vain, or profanity #

Lev. 24:11 And the Israelitish woman’s son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. ...

- He was put to death! (Lev 24:16)

God’s name used to be HOLY today, it’s a curse word.

2. Outwardly rebuke, or go against God #

Ezek. 20:27 ¶ Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.

3. Pharisee’s consideration: #

Matt. 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

4. Jesus was blasphemed: (Lu 22:64-65) #

Luke 22:64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? 65 And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

To be openly against, or in mockery

5. Precious Name of Jesus! #

Phil. 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

6. Jesus warned of this! #

Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.

This dragon possibly takes the very name of Jesus Christ in mockery.

B. Blasphemy in Power (2) #

1. Powerful representations #

These are mentioned in Dan 7
Each of these animals represent strength w/killing

2. Passing of power (2) “dragon gave him his power” #

In the Gospel of John, it is repeated over and over that Jesus acted in accordance to His Father.

C. Blasphemy in Wonder (3) #

1. Wounded #

God has the power to grant Life, and has NOT given that power to the dragon!

2. Healed #

He does have power to heal, and work miracles

3. Wonder! #

The world is always seeking something spectacular!
This is a FAITHLESS religion, seeing is believing.

D. Blasphemy in Worship (4,8) #

1. They worship the dragon #

2. They worship the beast #

The unholy trinity as the devil makes a mockery of everything that God is.
- The Dragon as a mockery of God,
- the beast as a mockery of Jesus,
- Another beast-v11 mockery of the Holy Spirit

E. Blasphemy in Word (5-6) #

1. Powerful speech – mockery of preaching #

Not powerful as in voice, but rather words that are effective, swaying, just the right thing.

2. 3.5 years! #

F. Blasphemy in War (7) #

It was always prophesied of a great final battle!
Dominates the world!

G. Notice the absence of the church (9) #

Rev. 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ...

Rev. 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ...

Rev. 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; ...

Rev. 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Rev. 3:6, 13, 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

II. Another Beast (11-18) #

A. Worship of the beast (12) #

1. He has great power like the first beast - #

After Christ’s ascension, the Holy Spirit demonstrated great power as well… it is a mockery of this.

Revelation 13