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An exposition of Jeremiah 32:26-46. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, October 26, 2008.
Introduction:
Are you ever troubled, burdened or confused about God’s will or God’s timing? Do you ever find yourself wondering if God is paying attention? Thought maybe He is just distracted and so hasn’t noticed what’s been happening in your world? Do you ever just want to say, “Lord are you sure about this?” That’s where Jeremiah was. Sure God had made it clear. God said to him, “Your cousin is going to come and offer you a piece of land. When he does you need to buy it.” Now this wasn’t a “coded” message. It was not a puzzle that he had to figure out. God plainly told him what to do. The cousin came. Made the offer and Jeremiah bought the old family farm. So what was the problem? Jeremiah had second thoughts. He obeyed without a moment’s hesitation but after the deal he thought, “what have I done?” Do you remember the circumstance?
- Jeremiah was in jail for his preaching. He really upset the king.
- He could die any day should the king decide to execute.
- It was a time of war.
- The Babylonian army already had the city surrounded.
- Oh, and the farm was in enemy occupied territory!
According to “the book” this was not a good time to invest in real estate. Can you imagine going to the Babylonians and saying, “Ah, excuse me. I just bought this land so you’re going to need to move along.” No wonder he had second thoughts. No wonder he was struggling. Let’s see how he works through this struggle. Our text this evening is found in Jeremiah chapter 32.
Text: Jeremiah 32:26-46
This just might go down as one of the worst real estate investments in the history of the Middle East. But to make matters worse – it was God’s idea! Thus Jeremiah prays: 24 Behold, the siege mounds have come up to the city to take it, and because of sword and famine and pestilence the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What you spoke has come to pass, and behold, you see it. 25 Yet you, O Lord GOD, have said to me, Buy the field for money and get witnesses—though the city is given into the hands of the Chaldeans. (32:24-25) It is not really a request. It is not a question. It is kind of a statement but it is as if he stopped himself or maybe just wasn’t sure where to take it. It just hangs there. I think it is safe to read it as, “Am I right? Is this really what you want me to do?” Jeremiah cannot bring himself to say, “This is crazy” but that is what he is thinking. What do you do when you God is crazy? How do you respond when you are confused and bewildered about things? When your stomach is in knots and your head is spinning where do you find peace? I think our text makes it clear that…
Thesis: At the end of the day, the troubled heart finds peace when standing in awe of the power, glory and grace of God.
Let’s look quickly at three things:
- God responds to the questioning heart with a gentle yet firm reminder that He alone is God. (32:26-27)
In affect Jeremiah is saying in that prayer recorded in 24-25 – “Lord do you know what you’re doing to my life?” Have you ever been there? Are you there now? “Lord is this really your answer? Are you kidding me?” How does God respond to that? He responds to Jeremiah’s question with a question of his own. “I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” I’m sorry Jeremiah are you saying this is too big a job for me? Are you saying this is out of my league? There is only one possible answer to this question – “NO!” The point of the question in Jeremiah 32:27 is that God is the almighty. This is to acknowledge that God is God. There are times you have nothing else to stand on. But you must understand – it is enough!
- God reminds struggling saints of His just and righteous judgment. (32:28- 35)
After God reminded Jeremiah that He alone is God He then reveals what he plans to do about it. The first thing He makes plain is that He is going to punish sin. This was something Jeremiah was very aware of. Already the Babylonians are pounding on the door. The nation is about to enter at time of severe judgment involving 70 years of exile. It may sound harsh but remember what brought this on. It is not like they were not warned. Repeatedly God sent his messengers. Jeremiah preached for 40 years. No one is going to be able to say, “We just didn’t know.” No one is going to be able to say, “It wasn’t me” – that’s the whole point of Romans 1-3. God is holy, righteous and just in his judgment. Romans 3:23; 6:23a. This is where our text gets very interesting. It takes a sudden and dramatic turn. Look at 32:36-37. What? “Therefore?” It is not logical. What follows doesn’t fit with what went before.
- God reassures shaken saints of the wonder of His grace. (32:36-44)
It just doesn’t fit. It isn’t logical. Donald Grey Barnhouse was exaggerating a bit but was right when he said the only logical doctrine in the Bible is the doctrine of hell. That one makes perfect sense. That a holy righteous God must punish sin. But the doctrine of grace defies logic. It seems fantastic even impossible – but is anything too hard for Him? Philip Ryken says this section reads like a “to do” list.
Here is what God promises to do by His grace.
- He promises to bring His people home – 32:37
- He promises to make His people His own – 32:38
- He promises to give His people a new heart – 32:39
- He promises to make an everlasting covenant with them – 32:40a
- He promises to make them secure – 32:40b
- He promises to rejoice over them – 32:41
Do you ever doubt God? Do you struggle with understanding His will? Are there times when you just don’t know? You obey but you have a nagging doubt? Go stand in His presence and be reminded that He alone is God. Remember His judgment is right and true. Then stand in awe of the wonder of His grace and find peace.
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An exposition of Revelation 19:1-21. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, October 26, 2008.
Introduction:
The old man sat whittling on the front porch of his broken down old family home when a stranger opened the rusty gate and made his way toward the porch. “Say old timer, what do reckon this place is worth?” The old man never looked up. “Well sir, that all depends.” “Depends on what?” came the response. “It depends on whether you’re from the county tax office or if you’re fixing to buy!” Perspective is everything. When I was a kid I remember those days when I spent the afternoon pacing the floor of my room. Dad had been away but he was due to return that afternoon. Mom was excited. Her day was spent in eager anticipation. She welcomed the return of her groom. My day was spent in dread of the return of my judge. You see there were things I was to have done before he returned. I hadn’t bothered to do any of them and he was coming back and I would have to give an account. The same event was producing two very different responses. One of delight and one of dread. Perspective is everything. The Bible is clear one day the heavens will open and the Lord Jesus will descend with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God will sound. An unimaginable delight to some. A moment of shear terror for others. Perspective is everything. Our text this morning is found in the 19th chapter of the Revelation.
Text: Revelation 19:1-21
We’ve been given a preview of the bowls of wrath that final judgment to be poured out on the nations. John is in the process in chapters 17-19 of detailing that judgment. In 17 and 18 we are reminded that His judgment is just and that he will judge all rebellion, unbelief and idolatry. No one is “getting away” with anything. Those who’ve sold their souls in order to profit from this world’s system will taste His bitter wrath. The nations will gather against the Lamb but will experience utter defeat and total destruction. Now in chapter 19 the scene shifts from earth to heaven. Here we catch another glimpse of heavenly glory. In the process we are going to discover that…
Thesis: Revelation 19 reveals both the glory and the terror of our Lord’s second coming.
It is not a subject you hear with the frequency of which we used to hear it. In times past sermons on the second coming were commonplace. I remember when Paul Cooke was pastoring here how often we sang, “Jesus is Coming Again.”
Coming again, coming again!
May be morning, may be noon,
May be evening and May be soon!
Coming again, coming again!
O what a wonderful day it will be-
Jesus is coming again!
Or “What If It Were Today?”
Jesus is coming to earth again; what if it were today?
Coming in power and love to reign; what if it were today?
Coming to claim His chosen Bride, all the redeemed and purified,
Over this whole earth scattered wide; what if it were today?
Refrain
Glory, glory! Joy to my heart ’twill bring.
Glory, glory! When we shall crown Him King.
Glory, glory! Haste to prepare the way;
Glory, glory! Jesus will come some day.
That is our hope as the people of God. That is what we long for. That is what we anticipate with great eagerness. But not everyone can sing, “joy to my heart ‘twill bring” for some it will be a terrible moment. The sight of the Warrior King with eyes of flames and a robe dipped in blood will signal their destruction. Perspective is everything.
I want to point out two things from our text.
- For the people of God, the return of the Lord Jesus is history’s climactic moment. (19:1-10)
With the opening verses of chapter 19 the scene shifts from earth to heaven. We again hear the loud voice of a great multitude crying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just…” The word Hallelujah is the transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning, “praise God” or “praise the Lord.” It is used only 4 times in the New Testament all of them in the opening verses of Revelation chapter 19. It is a phrase used often in the Old Testament particularly in the Psalms. What are they praising God for? There are at least 4 things I want to point out.
A. They are praising Him because salvation is complete (19:1).
B. They are also praising God because justice has been provided (19:2).
C. Closely tied to that is the fact that rebellion has been brought to an end (19:3).
D. Further He is to be praised because of His sovereign control of all things (19:4-6).
The Lord God almighty reigns not just in a future millennial kingdom but right now! God is to be praised because salvation belongs to him, because justice has been provided, because rebellion has been brought to an end and because He reigns. All of that leads to the focus of this chapter beginning in verse 7 – “the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” This was the message of the Lord of the Church to those struggling saints in first century Asia Minor and to us today. In the midst of our heartache and care we are to look to the sky in joyous anticipation to that day when the trumpet will sound. We are to eagerly anticipate the return of our blessed Savior. Oh what a day that will be! Are you ready for it? But it will not be a joyous occasion for everyone and that is the focus beginning with verse 11.
- For the ungodly the return of the Lord Jesus is a time of solemn reckoning. (19:11-21)
“Then I saw heaven open.” We heard those same words back in chapter 4. Then it was to let John in now it is to let the Lord Jesus out. Do you get the picture? It is not a comforting one unless of course you are on His team! This is not a comforting picture rather it is a disturbing image and it is meant to be. This is not a “feel good” passage. This is a stand in awe passage. Jesus is coming again. The great hope of the people of the God is the return of our beloved. We eagerly anticipate His return as the climax of history. But for those who reject the message of the gospel it is a time of solemn reckoning. A day of judgment and destruction. Jesus is coming again – what if it were today? Would it be a day of joy or of mourning? A day of life or of death? Perspective is everything.
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No. 9 in the Series “What Is a Healthy Church?” from the book by the same name by Mark Dever. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, October 22, 2008.
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An exposition of Jeremiah 32:1-27. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, October 19, 2008.
Introduction:
It was not the first time he’d been put into an awkward situation. In fact you might think he’d be use to it by now. But the truth is one never gets “use” to it. After awhile people begin to wonder if there is something seriously wrong with you. Yes he felt really silly making that long trip the Euphrates to bury his new belt. But what was worse was making the same trip months later to dig it up! And he was still catching grief over the garbage dump sermon. That’s the one where he gathered the city leaders and took them on a field trip. They went by the potter’s shop so he could buy a nice decorative bottle. Then they went down to the local dump and he started preaching about the judgment of God. In the middle of the sermon he smashed his new bottle and said, “that’s what God is about to do to this nation.” And do you remember when he made that yoke and wore it around town? Now when a guy walks around town wearing farm implements, people tend to talk. Just when you think it can’t get any weirder – Jeremiah is in jail and his long-lost cousin shows up with a “deal of a lifetime.” Our text this evening is found in Jeremiah chapter 32.
Text: Jeremiah 32:1-27
Do you ever find obedience to be difficult? Do you ever find yourself wondering why God wants you to do something that causes you to stand out from the crowd? Do you ever find yourself just wanting to “fit in” and be part of the gang rather than the odd man out? You can be honest. It is just us. We’re family. The path of discipleship is often narrow and difficult. We are regularly called outside of our comfort zone. We are called to do things that seem foolish to others and, to be honest, foolish to us. How do you obey when obedience seems unreasonable? How do you remain faithful when your faithfulness seems counter productive? As we walk through our text together we are going to find that…
Thesis: Obedience is ultimately a simple matter of trust.
Granted circumstances are often complex. There may be multiple issues involved. There may be a myriad of perspectives that give insight or nuance our decisions but at the end of the day it comes down to trust. Do we trust God or not? Are we willing to submit our judgment to His?
Let me point out two things as we work our way through this text.
- Believers, by the grace of God, find the courage to obey even if the command appears to be utterly foolish and wasteful. (32:1-15)
Now think for a minute. Was this a time for buying real estate? Was this a buyer’s market? Was this a wise investment for Jeremiah? He is in jail by order of the king. He could be executed any day should the king command it. It is a time of war. The enemy occupies the property in question! Can you imagine going to the bank to get a loan under those conditions? Further, Jeremiah knows what is going to happen and knows that the exile will last 70 years. He’ll never live to see the land or enjoy it. Every thing says, “Don’t do this.”
—Jeremiah may “buy the farm” before he can buy the farm!
—He is purchasing land that is now occupied by the enemy.
—Property values are about to plummet.
There was only one reason to purchase the property - God told him to do it. And that was enough of a reason for the prophet. He took God’s judgment over his own. The people of God regularly do things the world thinks are foolish.
—Christians marry in spite of divorce rates.
—Christians raise families while the world considers children a nuisance.
— Christians leave home and family to sever as missionaries in distant lands. And they do it for one reason – because God commands it.
At the first opportunity Jeremiah obeyed the call of God. But after the decision he began to wonder. He was haunted by the question of whether or not he had done the right thing. Have you ever been there? Have you ever struggled? Ever doubted? Ever been confused? Do you lie about other things too? That brings us to the second thing I want you to note from this text.
- Believers, when overwhelmed by doubt and bewilderment brought on by their obedience find peace at the feet of their Sovereign. (32:16-27)
What did Jeremiah do with his doubt? How did he respond to his questioning heart? He fled to God in prayer – 32:16. Phillip Ryken gives a helpful outline dealing with Jeremiah’s prayer. He points out four parts to Jeremiah’s prayer.
—First, Jeremiah’s prayer began with a groan – “Ah, Lord God…”
Whenever Jeremiah was in crisis his soul cried out to God. This is an example of Romans 8:26-27 - Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
—Second, Jeremiah praises God for mighty acts. 32:17-19 He praises God as the creator (17-19) This places God in his rightful place as sovereign of the universe. The problem with naturalism/evolution it says man is an accident and God is the creation of man’s feeble imagination. Then he praises God as the redeemer (20-22)
—Third, Jeremiah worships God for his glorious attributes.
God is omnipotent – 32:17
He is the God of covenant love – 32:18
He is the God of justice – 32:18
God is omniscient – 32:19
—Finally, Jeremiah presents his problem. 32:25
Did you notice this is not really a request? It is not a question. It is not always easy to follow the Lord. The path of discipleship is narrow, rocky and steep. It is not for the faint of heart. But it is well worth the climb. In the end it comes down to one simple thing. It is a matter of trust.
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An exposition of Revelation 17:1-18:24. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, October 19, 2008
Introduction:
I like to think of myself as a pretty nice guy. I think I’m fairly compassionate and understanding. I think it is good and right to take a stand for the “little guy”. To speak up when others are wronged and to fight for what is just. I feel for those who hurt and don’t like to see others humiliated. But I will have to admit that I haven taken pleasure in seeing the arrogant stumble. I have been known to laugh when the “know-it-all” is revealed as a “know-nothing.” And truthfully I’ve gotten down right giddy when the wicked have been served their just deserts! I know we are in church and we’re all supposed to act sanctified and spiritual but I just being honest. When I’m watching a movie and the bad guy who has gotten away with murder throughout the whole movie finally gets caught – I take great pleasure in that. And the more vile, more corrupt and more arrogant the villain – the louder I want to cheer. Even in our “fallenness” we retain enough of the image and likeness of God that we rejoice in the triumph of good and cheer the defeat of evil. As we move into chapters 17 and 18 of the Revelation we are approaching “shout’n ground.” We’ve been introduced to the Red Dragon, the beast, the false prophet and now the great prostitute. In these chapters we hear of and then in chapter 19 the Lord Jesus splits the clouds astride a white stallion and brings an end to this world system and ushers in eternity. When those struggling believers in Asia Minor, groaning under the weight of persecution, heard of the destruction of the “great city” I don’t think they turned to one another and said, “Well now that’s interesting.” I think they stood to their feet and cheered. Our text this morning is found in chapters 17 and 18 of the Revelation.
Text: Revelation 17:1-18:24
The original recipients of this letter where struggling to survive. Because they refused to compromise their faith their jobs were taken from them. Their possessions were confiscated. They were tortured and tormented. And many were martyred. To remain true to Christ and resists the powers that be cost them dearly. Don’t misunderstand – they struggled with their faith. After all they were men and women of flesh and bone. They were frail children of dust even as we – yet they stood firm. But don’t forget the prayer of the saints under the altar – “How long O Sovereign Lord, holy and true before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Rev 6:10) Living for God, remaining faithful and true seemed only to make things worse while unrighteousness seemed to go on its merry way. Rome grew even more powerful. Caesar seemed embolden in his lust for blood. “How long O Sovereign Lord?” Even their beloved bishop – John the apostle whom Jesus loved – was not immune from Caesar’s wrath. John was exiled to Patmos and forced to live far from family and cherished friends. What possible good could come from his harsh imprisonment? How did his removal serve God’s kingdom? John was in the spirit on the Lord’s Day when he heard a voice behind him. He turned and there stood the risen Lord. “John, write what you see and hear.” And so for the last 1900 years the Lord of the church has inspired and encouraged believers in every age to withstand the wrath of the dragon and his beast in full assurance that the Lamb has conquered and the King is coming. As we work our way through the confusing and complicated images of our text we are going to discover that…
Thesis: The visions of chapters 17 & 18 vividly remind us that God will justly judge all rebellion, unbelief and idolatry and only those who are safe in Christ will escape His holy wrath.
Chapters 17-19 are a “fleshing out” of the 6th and 7th bowls of wrath. As happens throughout Revelation John gives an overview of what is to come and then comes back and fills in the details. Remember with the pouring out of His wrath through the bowls God’s wrath is finished. There is nothing to be added to them. They will bring an end to the age.
Let me draw three lessons from our text one from chapter 17 and two from chapter 18.
- God sovereignly proclaims His righteous judgment on the corrupt, wicked, and immoral world system. (17:1-18)
I remind you I think we get into trouble when we try to narrowly define who the characters in this drama represent. We know the Lamb. We know the red dragon. Those are made clear. When it comes to the beast, his prophet and this great prostitute – it’s not so clear. I think a great case can be made throughout for Nero, Domitian and the Roman Empire. But I don’t know that it satisfies everything. Marvelous cases have been made through the centuries identifying them with various tyrants both secular and religious and their cities/empires. I think that is the point! I think it is vague for a reason. As John made clear in his other letters the spirit of antichrist was alive and well in the first century. Believers have always battled these same forces in their various incarnations and will continue to do so until the Lord Jesus comes again. The message is the same in every generation – the kingdoms of this world will all come to an end. God will not be mocked. What you sow that you will also reap. Wickedness will be vanquished and righteousness will prevail. What is clear is that the woman represents a dominate world power – many waters = people, nations and languages. Also note 17:18, “the woman that you saw is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth. 7 kings are identified with her and an 8th will come but will be one of the 7. Is this Rome with 7 emperors and the 8th being Domitian who was considered by many a new Nero? Is this a reference to the great kingdoms of the earth beginning with Egypt up through Rome and then the final kingdom that of the antichrist? I don’t know! Both can make a good case. Both answer many questions but do not answer all questions. Whatever the ultimate answer may be what is clear is there is an unholy alliance between the great prostitute, the beast and the kings of the earth. They will gather against the Lamb but will be soundly defeated for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Further note the beast and the kings of the earth will turn on the prostitute and destroy her. And it is God who put it in their minds and heart to do it. Again the point is the kingdoms of the earth will fall. God sovereignly proclaims His just and righteous judgment of the corrupt, wicked and immoral world system.
- God’s righteous judgment brings ruin to the great powers behind the world system and to those who sell their souls to profit by its influence. (18:1-19, 21-24)
18:1-3 contains this grand pronouncement of doom and destruction. These verses outline the reasons for judgment which is basically “she” is the embodiment of every vile thing (18:2). And second, her great influence over the kings and merchants of the earth (18:3). The whole world has been corrupted by her influence. We find again the bitter fruit of Romans 1 with those who have traded the truth for a lie. In verse 4 we find a call for the people of God to flee any involvement with the woman or her ways least they be caught up in her destruction. Note the magnitude of her judgment 18:5-8. Remember these are the details related to the 6th and 7th bowls of wrath. With the destruction of the world system comes the pain of those who hitched their wagon to her star – 18:9-19. The kings of the earth – 18:9-10 The merchants of the earth – 18:11-17 The shipmasters/sailors – 18:18-19 Did you note anything in particular about their response? There is no repentance only sorrow for loss. 18:21-24 = the finality and totality of this judgment.
- God’s righteous judgment elicits the praise of the redeemed. (18:20)
How does heaven respond to God’s judgment? How do those struggling believers in Asia Minor react? How should we react to the announcement of God’s judgment of the wicked? “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her.” It is a call to celebrate. The word used for rejoice is used repeatedly in Luke 15 and the story of the prodigal son – meaning to make merry or celebrate. The world always opposes Christ, the gospel and the Church. It is not just the terrorists or extremists it is the whole system of the world weaving its threads of hatred and animosity into the fabric of society against anything Christian. That doesn’t mean we are to cower in fear or give up. On the contrary we are to stand our ground assured of the triumph of the Lamb and the certainty of God’s just judgment.
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No. 8 in the Series “What Is a Healthy Church?” from the book by the same name by Mark Dever. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, October 15, 2008.
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An exposition of Revelation 15:1-16:21. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, October 12, 2008.
Introduction:
We live in strange times. The world is changing rapidly. With the recent economic woes and the events of the last couple of weeks many are wondering if this is the beginning of the end. We face uncertain times and uncertain times tend to drive people toward prophetic questions. What’s in our future? Is our current crisis part of biblical prophecy? Will this economic collapse play into the hand of some yet to be revealed leader who will preside over a one-world government? What about the rapture? Does this mean we’ll be “taken out” soon? The fact is we are spoiled. We have enjoyed such a prolonged period of religious peace in the western world that we think we are entitled to peace. Weassume that we are not to suffer. That the church will not go through tribulation. Tell that to the Christians of the Sudan. Tell that to the Christians of China. Tell it to the Christians of North Korea. According to an article from World Magazine published in April of 2007 the North Korean government kills 300 people a year because of their faith. An estimated 50,000 believers live in the squalid surroundings of Kim Jong Il’s gulag. One Christian man was hung upside down by the local warden who demanded that he deny his faith in Christ. Refusing to do so, the warden “pushed him to the ground, ordering 6,000 prisoners to trample him to death.” Eight more had molten iron poured over them when they refused to deny the existence of heaven. Others are deliberately crippled, left naked, and starved. Why such violent opposition to non-violent prisoners? The answer is simple - Kim Jong Il is considered a god. The fact is God’s people have suffered from the beginning. Believers in every age have had to faced the wrath of the dragon and his beast. It is naïve at best to think we would never be forced to walk the martyr’s path. The promise of God’s word is not that we will never suffer but that we will never suffer alone. The promise is not that we will not taste the bitterness of persecution but that we will emerge victorious even if through death. John, the aged bishop of Ephesus and beloved apostle, was given a glimpse of things to come. He was told to write what he saw and send it to the churches of Asia Minor. It was a message of hope and encouragement from the Lord of the Church to his struggling saints. They were the victims of intense persecution. It seemed Rome could do whatever she wanted. Caesar seemed to live above the reach of justice. As far as the church could tell the world was going to hell in a hand basket and Rome was immune from prosecution. Rome marched on undaunted and the church was on the verge of annihilation. But the Lord of the church said, “Hold on. That’s not quite right. You’ve got things backwards. The church is on the march and Rome is heading to her doom.” The message to the church was - you will overcome. And you will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of your testimony. Chapters 15 & 16 of Revelation tell of the final pouring out of God’s judgment on the ungodly. Its vivid language tells a horrifying tale and it serves as our text this morning.
Text: Revelation 15:1-16:21
It has been my position all along that this book meant something to those who first received it. It was not just a foretelling of the distant future. Rather it was an encouragement and an inspiration to that first century audience. Yes it does speak to the end of the age. Yes it does speak of the final outpouring of God’s judgment and the end of the world, as we know it – but it says that in a context that spoke then as well as now. The spirit of antichrist was alive and well in the first century as John makes clear in his
other letters. That same spirit has reared its ugly head in every age and will until that ultimate and final appearance at the end of time. This is apocalyptic language its vivid images and fantastic sights are intended to convey a greater truth. The red dragon is not a literal beast with 7 heads it is the symbolic representation of Satan, the god of this world, who is hell bent on destroying God’s work in the earth. The beast is not a literal beast but represents men who, empowered and inspired by Satan dare to defy God. If we are not careful we will be so busy cataloguing trees we will fail to notice the forest! The book of Revelation is not intended to settle your curiosity about the future but rather to inspire you to live your faith in the face of hostility, confusion, heartache and struggle. It is a book for pilgrims reminding us that this is not our home. Our text today speaks to those who wonder if righteousness pays. It certainly seems that the unrighteous do quite well while the godly suffer. When you look around and see wickedness and immorality at every turn and yet you see godly men and women slaughtered for their faith it is natural to ask, “What is wrong with this picture?” It is understandable that some would think, “This is not right.” You would need some assurance that things are not as they seem. You would need to know that God has things under control. As we explore these two chapters we are going to discover that…
Thesis: The visions of Revelation 15 and 16 reveal the horror of God’s final and ultimate judgment and the stubborn defiance of man’s sinful heart.
Let me point out three things quickly.
- God’s final and ultimate judgment flows from His holy character and is His righteous response to the violation of His holy law. (15:1, 5-8)
What will be made abundantly clear as we walk through the bowl judgments is that God’s mercy is forgotten, His compassion is withheld, and His patience is suspended. The seals and the trumpets allowed for the possibility of repentance but no more. God is coming in judgment of the unrighteous in answer to the prayers of the saints and in the execution of His divine wrath! God’s love is not without limits. His grace is not boundless. You cannot live in open rebellion to His will with impunity.
- The judgment of God will come swiftly with devastating consequences. (16:1-9, 12-20)
This is not a slow pouring of dripping but a sudden splash. These plagues are given in rapid fire and carry great devastation. Picture it as a fighter who staggers to his feet only to be felled again! Again I think we need to be careful of trying to make each image correspond with something physical on the earth. This is apocalyptic and its intent is to speak of devastating and debilitating judgment. When I say this may be figurative rather than literal I’m not suggesting it won’t be as bad – quite the contrary I think reality is always worse than a sign! There is no escaping. God’s judgment is swift, devastating and universal. The judgments before were limited. The seals touched a fourth of the earth; the trumpets a third of the earth; the bowls affect the whole earth. God will settle every issue of justice. No rebel, no unbeliever will escape. The only place of refuge from God’s wrath is where God has already spent His wrath - upon His Son at the cross.
- The devastating judgment of God will not penetrate the hardened heart of the ungodly. (16:10-11, 21)
This is one of the most disheartening passages in the Bible for me. In spite of repeated blows. In spite of God’s severe judgment the stubborn heart of man refuses to yield to God’s rule. Sinful man’s only hope is the call of God’s grace.
Quickly before I close look back in chapter 15 at verses 2-4 for a contrast with the state of the ungodly. This is another of those texts that force you to deal with where you stand in relation to the living God. Which future is yours? A future of judgment and cursing or of joyful worship?
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No. 7 in the Series “What Is a Healthy Church?” from the book by the same name by Mark Dever. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, October 8, 2008.
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No. 6 in the Series “What Is a Healthy Church?” from the book by the same name by Mark Dever. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, October 1, 2008.
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No. 5 in the Series “What Is a Healthy Church?” from the book by the same name by Mark Dever. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, September 24, 2008.
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