4-Judgments and Testimony
Judgments and Testimony
(REVELATION 8—11)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Revelation 8—11. This lesson references chapters 6 and 7 in Be Victorious. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
The seal judgments now over, the trumpet judgments are about to begin. These will be followed by the bowl (vial) judgments, culminating in the destruction of Babylon and Christ’s return to earth.… Note that the trumpet and the bowl judgments touch on the same areas.
The trumpet judgments are released during the first half of the tribulation, and the bowl judgments during the last half, which is also called “the wrath of God” (Rev. 14:10; 15:7).
—Be Victorious, page 91
1. What are the judgments associated with the seven trumpets (Rev. 8—11)? Underline each one. How do these judgments differ from the scroll judgments?
More to Consider: In what ways do the trumpet judgments parallel the plagues that God sent on the land of Egypt? (See Exodus 7—11.)
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Revelation 8—11 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
The opening of the seventh seal, and the blowing of the first six trumpets, brought about three dramatic results.
The first result is preparation (Rev. 8:1–6).
This preparation involves two factors: silence (Rev. 8:1) and supplication (Rev. 8:2–6).
The hosts in heaven had just worshipped the Father and the Lamb with a tremendous volume of praise (Rev. 7:10–12). But when the Lamb opened the seventh seal, heaven was silent for about thirty minutes. John does not tell us what caused the silence, but several possibilities exist. The scroll had now been opened completely, and perhaps even turned over, and all of heaven could see God’s glorious plan unfolding.
—Be Victorious, page 92
3. What do you think the silence after the seventh seal is opened symbolizes? In what way is this silence like the quiet before the storm? What role does supplication or prayer play during this preparation time? How might this kind of preparation be applicable to daily living?
From the Commentary
The second result is desolation (Rev. 8:7–13).
The first four trumpet judgments are “natural” in that they affect the land, the saltwater, the fresh water, and the heavenly bodies. The fifth and sixth judgments involve the release of demonic forces that first torment, and then kill. The last of the trumpet judgments (Rev. 11:15–19) creates a crisis among all the nations of the world.
—Be Victorious, page 94
4. Circle the examples of desolation that occur with the first four trumpet judgments (Rev. 8:7–13). What stands out to you about these judgments? Why do you think the first trumpets signal earthly or “natural” aspects of the world?
From the Commentary
The third result of the seventh seal is liberation (Rev. 9:1–21). The late Dr. Wilbur M. Smith, who made the book of Revelation his special study, once wrote: “It is probable that, apart from the exact identification of Babylon in Revelation 17 and 18, the meaning of the two judgments in this chapter represents the most difficult major problem in the Revelation” (Wycliffe Bible Commentary, 1509). Revelation 9 describes two frightening armies that are liberated at just the right time and permitted to judge mankind.
(1) The army from the pit (vv. 1–12). The “bottomless pit” is literally “the pit of the abyss.” Luke makes it clear that this “pit” is the abode of the demons (Luke 8:31), and John states that Satan will be temporarily “jailed” there during our Lord’s reign on the earth (Rev. 20:1–3).…
(2) The army from the east (vv. 13–21). It was at the golden altar of incense that the angel offered the prayers of the saints (Rev. 8:3–5); now from this same altar a voice speaks, commanding that four angels be loosed. These angels are apparently wicked, because no holy angel would be bound. Each angel is in charge of part of the vast army that follows them at their liberation, an army of 200 million beings! The army is released at a precise time, for a special purpose: to kill (not just torment) a third of the world’s population. Since a fourth of mankind has already been killed (Rev. 6:8), this means that half of the world’s population will be dead by the time the sixth trumpet judgment is completed.…
Things will not look bright for God’s people during this middle stage of the prophetic journey, but they will still be overcomers through the power of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
—Be Victorious, pages 98, 100, 102
5. What seems to be the core message of Revelation 9? Why do you think this part of the revelation is so dramatic? How might the early Christians who were suffering persecution have received this?
From Today’s World
Throughout modern history, there have been many proclamations that we’re living in the end times. While some of these conclusions have come from the general state of our nation and world (wars, natural disasters, economic failures), some people have gone so far as to match events described in Revelation directly to events in history. Some even have made claims about the Antichrist, identifying him with a specific person.
6. Why do some Christians make bold claims about the end times? What prompts believers to pursue this line of thinking? What value is there in attempting to tie the message of Revelation directly to modern circumstances? What are the dangers of doing this?
From the Commentary
Revelation 10—14 describes the events that will occur at the middle of the seven-year tribulation. This explains John’s repeated mention of the three-and-a-half-year time segment in one form or another (Rev. 11:2–3; 12:6, 14; 13:5). At the beginning of this period, the Antichrist began to make his conquest by promising to protect the Jews and assist in their rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. But after three-and-a-half years, he will break his agreement, invade the temple, and begin to persecute the Jewish people.
—Be Victorious, page 105
7. Revelation features a lot of specific numbers and spans of times. Go through Revelation 10—11 and underline every number and mention of days or months. Why are there so many specific number references in what is often considered to be a mostly symbolic book? What does this tell us about God’s intent for the revelation? What are Christians meant to get out of the specific numbers?
From the Commentary
However depressing the events of this middle segment of the tribulation may be, God is not without His witness to the world. In Revelation 10—11 are three important testimonies: from a mighty angel (Rev. 10:1–11), from the two special witnesses (Rev. 11:1–14), and from the elders in heaven (Rev. 11:15–19).
The testimony of the mighty angel is found in Revelation 10:1–11. More than sixty references to angels are made in Revelation. They are God’s army sent to accomplish His purposes on earth. Believers today seldom think about these servants (Heb. 1:14), but one day in heaven we shall learn about all they did for us here.
This angel amazes us, for he has some of the characteristics that belong especially to the Lord Jesus Christ. John had seen and heard a “strong angel” (Rev. 5:2), and the same Greek word is here translated “mighty.” All angels excel in strength (Ps. 103:20), but apparently some have greater power and authority than others.
—Be Victorious, pages 105–6
8. In what way are some of the characteristics of the mighty angel described in Revelation 10:1–11 similar to the characteristics of Jesus? Circle these. What’s the purpose of Revelation 10? Why is it important that a “mighty angel” appears during this tribulation time? What does this tell us about the role of angels in the end times?
From the Commentary
The testimony of the witnesses is found in Revelation 11:1–14. The place is Jerusalem and the time is the first half of the tribulation. Israel is worshipping again at its restored temple, built under the protection of the Antichrist, whose true character has not yet been revealed. To spiritualize Revelation 11:1–2 and make the temple refer to the church creates a number of serious problems. For one thing, how could John measure an invisible body of people, even if the church were still on earth? If the temple is the church, then who are the worshippers and what is the altar? And since the church unites Jews and Gentiles in one body (Eph. 2:11ff.), why are the Gentiles segregated in this temple? It seems wisest to interpret this temple as an actual building in the Holy City of Jerusalem (Neh. 11:1, 18; Dan. 9:24).
—Be Victorious, page 109
9. How do you know when a passage of Scripture is literal and when it’s symbolic or figurative? As you consider the details in Revelation 11, why might some people tend to see all of the content as figurative? What do we gain by making decisions about what each detail represents? What might we miss?
From the Commentary
The testimony of the elders is found in Revelation 11:15–19. We have been waiting since Revelation 8:13 for this third “woe” to arrive and now it is here. When the seventh angel blew the trumpet, three dramatic events occurred.
(1) An announcement of victory (v. 15).
(2) An acclamation of praise (vv. 16–18).
(3) An assurance of God’s faithfulness (v. 19).
—Be Victorious, pages 113, 116
10. What message does Revelation 11:15–19 offer about God’s ultimate plan for His people? How might this passage have been a comfort to those suffering persecution in John’s day? How can it be a comfort for us today?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Revelation 8—11. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. Do any of the judgments noted in Revelation make you uncomfortable? If so, why? What can you take away personally from these bold descriptions of God’s judgment?
12. When you consider the state of the world today, do you think we’re in the end times prophesied in Revelation? Why or why not? How does your belief about these things affect your daily approach to pursuing a life of faith?
13. Much of the imagery in Revelation is vivid and violent. Why do you think God chose to use such imagery in this revelation? What does it say about God’s coming judgment? About the people He knew would read these words? In what ways is this section of Revelation frightening to you? Encouraging?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you want to come to terms with God’s role as the Judge of evil? Do you want to study the historical context for this section of Scripture? Be specific. Go back through Revelation 8—11 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Though these chapters in Revelation include plenty of frightening content, the ultimate message is of God’s victory. Set aside a day to consider and pray for all those in today’s world who are suffering because of evil. Use this prayer time to ask for God’s grace and comfort for those who are in pain, and hope for those who feel hopeless. Thank God for His ultimate victory over evil that is promised in Revelation. Also, in your prayer time, ask God to lead you to practical action you can take to spread the joy and good news of God’s overcoming power.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the Going Forward section. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Revelation 12—13. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapter 8, “The Terrible Trio,” in Be Victorious.