6-Voices
Voices
(REVELATION 14—16)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Revelation 14—16. This lesson references chapter 9 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
One of the themes that links Revelation 14—16 together is expressed by the word voice, which is used eleven times. In the events recorded, God speaks to His people or to the lost world, or His creatures speak out in praise of the Lord or in warning to the world. As the world moves into the last half of the tribulation, heaven is not silent.
—Be Victorious, page 137
1. Go through Revelation 14—16 and circle all the times the word voice is used. Why do you think this is such an important word for this section of Scripture? What does it tell us about the role of listening during times of trial and uncertainty?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Revelation 14—16 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
This 144,000 is a special group of Jewish men who were sealed by God before the seventh seal was opened (Rev. 7), and now they are seen on Mount Zion with the Lord Jesus Christ. Contrast this picture to the one described in Revelation 13: the followers of “the beast” whose mark is on their foreheads (Rev. 13:16). God always has His faithful people, no matter how wicked the world may become.
—Be Victorious, page 137
3. Review Revelation 14:1–5. God’s chosen people are referenced many times in Scripture. What is significant about the mention of the 144,000 in this passage? What does this tell us about God’s plan for these chosen people?
More to Consider: John pointed out that the 144,000 did not belong to the earth because they had been redeemed out of the earth. They were citizens of heaven. Read John 17:14–19 and Philippians 3:17–21. What are the implications of being citizens of heaven?
From the Commentary
At least six different angels are involved in the scene described in Revelation 14:6–20, each with a particular message to proclaim. Here are the first two messages:
(1) “Judgment is come” (vv. 6–7). During the present age, the angels are not privileged to preach the gospel. That responsibility has been given to God’s people. While the nations will fear “the beast” and give honor to him, this heavenly messenger will summon them to fear and honor God alone. It is a reminder that God is the Creator and He alone deserves worship. This is not the gospel message as we know it (1 Cor. 15:1–4); rather, it is a return to the message of Romans 1:18ff., what theologians call “natural theology.”
All creation bears witness to God’s existence as well as to His power and wisdom. Nonetheless, “the beast” will convince men that he is in charge of the world, and that their destinies are in his hands.…
(2) “Babylon is fallen” (v. 8). This proclamation anticipates the events of Revelation 18 (see also Rev. 16:18–19). We will consider it in detail then. “Babylon” is God’s name for the world system of “the beast,” the entire economic and political organization by which he rules. “The harlot” (Rev. 17) is the religious system that “the beast” uses to help build his organization. When the Antichrist establishes his own religion (Rev. 13:11–15), he will destroy the “harlot,” but it is God who will destroy Babylon.
—Be Victorious, page 139
4. Review Revelation 14:6–8. What is significant about the two proclamations in these verses? What judgment is coming, according to the first angel? What does the second angel mean that Babylon is “fallen”?
From the Commentary
Here are the third and fourth messages:
(3) “Escape God’s wrath” (vv. 9–13). The third message is directed especially to those who are deciding about following “the beast.” It is a warning that “the easy way” is really the hard way, that to “go along with the world” means to go away from God. The Greek text reads, “If any man continues to worship the beast,” suggesting that there is still opportunity for repentance and salvation.…
(4) “The harvest is ripe” (vv. 14–20). The Person pictured here on the white cloud is undoubtedly our Lord Jesus Christ (see Dan. 7:13–14; Rev. 1:13). We have had the image of the cup, and now we have the image of the harvest, both of the grain (Rev. 14:14–16) and of the grape (Rev. 14:17–20). Again, this anticipates the final judgment of the world.
—Be Victorious, pages 139–40
5. The third angel’s proclamation suggests that many people will follow the beast. What sort of circumstances would need to be in place for such a beast to tempt people to follow him? What does this passage say about the challenges people will face in light of the compelling nature of the beast? What is the harvest that the angel refers to in Revelation 14:15–16?
From the Commentary
At this point, John saw the seven angels holding the seven vials of God’s wrath, poised for action. The wicked world is about to “drink of the wine of the wrath of God” (Rev. 14:10), but before the angels pour out their judgments, there is an “interlude” of blessing. Before sending the “third woe” (Rev. 11:14), God once again reassures His faithful people.
John saw the believers from the tribulation who had overcome “the beast” and his system. These are the people who “loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev. 12:11). Since they did not cooperate with the satanic system and receive the mark of “the beast,” they were unable to buy or sell (Rev. 13:17). They were totally dependent on the Lord for their daily bread. Some of them were put into prison and some were slain (Rev. 13:10), but all of them practiced faith and patience.
—Be Victorious, pages 141–42
6. Review Revelation 15:3–4. How is this song similar to the song of the Israelites after the exodus (Ex. 15)? Why is there a song of praise at this point in the story?
From the Commentary
In their song, the tribulation saints praise God’s works as well as His ways. The earth-dwellers certainly would not praise God for His works, and they would never understand His ways. God’s works are great and marvelous, and His ways are just and true. There is no complaint here about the way God permitted these people to suffer! It would save us a great deal of sorrow if we would acknowledge God’s sovereignty in this same way today! “The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works” (Ps. 145:17).
The phrase “king of saints” can also be read “king of ages.” God is the eternal King, but He is also in charge of history. Nothing happens by accident. The singers seek to glorify God and honor Him, the very praise the first angel proclaimed in Revelation 14:7. Antecedents of this song may be found in Psalms 86:9; 90:1–2; 92:5; 98:2; 111:9; and 145:17.
Revelation 15:4 is another anticipation of the kingdom, foretelling the time when all nations shall worship the Lamb and obey Him. This verse also announces that God’s judgments are about to be manifested.
—Be Victorious, pages 142–43
7. What does Revelation 15 tell us about the resilience of people who overcome the beast? What does it say about the power of God to help people endure impossible circumstances? What does it teach us about the role and purpose of worship?
From the Commentary
The “great voice” out of the temple commands the seven angels to pour out the contents of their vials (Rev. 16:1), after which he announces “It is done” (Rev. 16:17). The “mystery of God” is finished (Rev. 10:7)! The martyrs in glory had asked, “How long?” (Rev. 6:9–11) and now their cry would be answered.
—Be Victorious, page 143
8. The phrase “It is done” (Rev. 16:17) is very similar to what Jesus said upon the cross just before He died (John 19:30). How are the two uses of the phrase similar? What does it mean that the “mystery of God” is finished?
From the Commentary
Each of the angels has a specific “target” for the contents of his vial. The earth-dwellers have already suffered from the seal and trumpet judgments, but this final series of judgments will climax God’s plan, leading to Babylon’s fall and Jesus Christ’s return to earth.
The first vial judgment (Rev. 16:2) of grievous sores reminds us of the sixth plague in Egypt (Ex. 9:8–12; note also Deut. 28:27, 35). Only those who have submitted to “the beast” and who have rejected the warning of the first angel will experience this judgment (Rev. 14:6–7).…
The second and third vials parallel the first plague in Egypt (Ex. 7:14–25). The second vial will center on the sea, and the third will turn the inland waters (rivers and fountains) into blood.…
All earthly life depends on the light of the sun. In previous judgments, a part of the sun had been dimmed (Rev. 8:12), but now with the fourth vial judgment, the heat of the sun is increased. Anyone who has been in the desert knows how merciless the sun’s heat can be. Remembering too that the water system is now useless, you can imagine how people will suffer from thirst. Alas, even this judgment will not bring men to their knees (see Mal. 4:1)!
The darkness referred to in Revelation 16:10–11 is not worldwide darkness; only “the beast,” his throne, and his kingdom are affected. This reminds us of the fifth trumpet (Rev. 9:2) and the ninth plague (Ex. 10:21–23).…
When God sent the ninth plague to Egypt, the entire land was dark, except for Goshen where the Israelites lived. The judgment of the fifth vial is just the opposite: There is light for the world, but darkness reigns at the headquarters of “the beast”! Certainly this will be a great blow to his “image” throughout the earth.
With the sixth vial, the Euphrates dries up (Rev. 16:12–16). This famous river was mentioned earlier in Revelation, when the sixth trumpet sounded (Rev. 9:13ff.) and the angels were loosed who were bound therein. At that time, an army of demonic horsemen was also released. Now, an army from the nations of the world gathers for the great battle at Armageddon. The drying up of the river will make it possible for the army of the “kings of the East” to come to Palestine and invade the Holy Land.
—Be Victorious, pages 143–45
9. What are the justifications for each of the vial judgments? Why again is there such similarity between these judgments and the previous ones, as well as the plagues that God sent during the exodus? How might the familiarity of these kinds of events have been received by the original audience for John’s revelation? Why is it significant to Christians today?
More to Consider: The name Armageddon comes from two Hebrew words, har Megiddo, the hill of Megiddo. The word Megiddo means “place of troops” or “place of slaughter.” It is also called the Plain of Esdraelon and the Valley of Jezreel. The area is about fourteen miles wide and twenty miles long and forms what Napoleon called “the most natural battlefield of the whole earth.” As you consider the origin of the word Armageddon, why is it an appropriate term for the battle referenced in Revelation?
From the Commentary
Reviewing Revelation 14—16, we see the encouragement they give to suffering Christians. The sealed 144,000 will arrive on Mount Zion and praise God (Rev. 14:1–5). The martyrs will also be in glory, praising God (Rev. 15:1–4). John’s message is clear: It is possible to be victorious over “the beast” and be an overcomer!
Movements of armies, confederations of nations, and worldwide opposition to God cannot hinder the Lord from fulfilling His Word and achieving His purposes. Men think they are free to do as they please, but in reality, they are accomplishing the plans and purposes of God!
Every generation of Christians has been able to identify with the events in Revelation 14—16. There has always been a “beast” to oppress God’s people and a false prophet to try to lead them astray. We have always been on the verge of an “Armageddon” as the nations wage war.
But in the last days, these events will accelerate and the Bible’s prophecies will be ultimately fulfilled. I believe the church will not be on the scene at that time, but both Jewish and Gentile believers will be living who will have to endure the Antichrist’s rule.
—Be Victorious, page 148
10. What are some ways Christians over the past few decades have been able to relate to the events in Revelation 14—16? What are some of the “beasts” that have oppressed God’s people? Who are some of the false prophets Christianity has encountered? What encouragement does this entire section of Revelation give to us about God’s role in the lives of people who are suffering from persecution and oppression?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Revelation 14—16. 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. What do you think the “mark of the beast” will be? Are you afraid of the “mark of the beast”? Why or why not?
12. What is your reaction to the judgments proclaimed by the seven angels? What does this tell you about God? Do these acts of God cause you to respect Him? Worship Him? Fear Him? What do you think God wants you to glean from this section of Scripture?
13. What are some of the ways you’ve been oppressed as a believer? How do they compare with the kinds of oppression described in Revelation? How can this passage of Scripture give you hope in the midst of oppression or spiritual warfare?
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 have more courage when you face opposition to living as a Christian? Be specific. Go back through Revelation 14—16 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Since the theme of Revelation is “overcomers,” make a list of people you know who have demonstrated this ability to overcome great obstacles and challenges. Interview one or two to discover how they endured in the face of trials and tribulations. Collect all the practical wisdom you can from these interviews, then apply it to any challenges you might be facing in life.
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 17—18. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapter 10, “Desolation and Destruction!” in Be Victorious.