Sermon Tone Analysis

Recap of Ch. 9

First Woe

Fallen star was given the key to bottomless pit

Scorpion like locusts invade

People in misery looking to die, but can’t

Terrorized for 5 months

Second Woe

4 fallen angels released to kill 1/3 of mankind.

Mounted troops numbering 200,000,000

3 plagues released

Fire

Smoke

Sulfur

Angel and Little Scroll

How is the angel described?

What does the rainbow indicated to us?

Notice the description of the angel - a mighty angel - indicates this is of God.

It describes him of being wrapped in a cloud with a rainbow over his head.

This symbolizes a covenant - a promise like that made to the believers after the flood.

We have the same covenant promise that God will deliver us from FUTURE destruction if we are faithful to follow Him, just as Noah did.

The angel is also described as having a face like the sun and legs like pillars of fire indicating the majesty of this mighty angel and the just and firm judment that will be executed.

In his hand he holds a little scroll.

Now, notice the main scroll with the seven seals - we have been able to see each of the seals broken and the content revealed to us.

But this scroll was not opened.

We do not know what it contains or the meaning, the impact, the importance of what this little scroll may say.

The mighty angel stands with his right foot on the sea and his left on the land - this is a massive and mighty creature that would bring one to stand in amazement looking at this sight.

And then, it speaks with a voice like a roaring lion - God’s judgment is roaring.

Understand that Satan has a temporary hold on earth and sea, but God is still in ultimate control.

After the angel speaks, the seven thunders also make their presence known.

All the things up to this point have been recorded.

God has encouraged John to write all that he has seen - until this point.

John’s Pen Silenced

What was spoken by the seven thunders?

God silences John’s pen and would not allow him to write what was spoken by the seven thunders.

Clearly, the voices were audible and had a clear message, but God would not allow us to know what was said.

They are still a mystery, and while we may have our guesses and assumptions, these words will not be known until they are (possibly) revealed in heaven.

Until then, we can only assume what was spoken.

Even though these events of the second coming have been detailed, there are still some things that God has chosen not to reveal to us.

Now the events that are to come will come swiftly and quickly.

No Further Delay

What does swearing in really mean?

: to utter or take solemnly (an oath)

2a: to assert as true or promise under oath a sworn affidavit

b: to assert or promise emphatically or earnestly

3a: to put to an oath : administer an oath to

b: to bind by an oath

The angel raises his right hand to heaven - swearing an oath that there would be no further delay to the judgment to come.

What has been delayed to this point?

The return of Christ and God’s full judgment and outpouring of wrath.

Why does God take an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpet?

The 7 seals and 6 trumpets have been revealed, but God has stayed the final judgment until anyone and everyone that will repent had the chance to be saved.

God is not slow in allowing final judgment to be made, but is PATIENTLY awaiting the salvation of all who will trust in Him.

Change in Execution

Why is this called a mystery?

BUT - God’s patience must some day end and the seventh trumpet will sound hearkening the end of the world and the return of Christ.

What mystery will be revealed then?

All the mystery surrounding the end of the tribulation, when Satan will be defeated for eternity, and a new heaven and new earth will be created.

What we see here is God’s righteous judgment FINALLY being revealed.

John Walvoord explains this cryptic phrase in this manner:

This mystery had been previously announced to God’s prophets.

The reference, therefore, is not to hidden truth but to the fulfillment of many Old Testament passages which refer to the glorious return of the Son of God and the establishment of His kingdom of righteousness and peace on the earth.

While God’s purposes are not necessarily revealed in current events where Satan is allowed power and manifestation, the time will come when Satan no longer will be in power and the predictions of the Old Testament prophets will be fulfilled.

The Scroll

What does the little scroll contain?

What is John told to do with the scroll?

Notice now the scroll is opened - the contents are still a mystery, but John is directed to take the scroll from the angel.

The next command seems odd - eat the scroll that has been opened.

Once it is consumed, it will be sweet to the taste, but will sour on his stomach.

It is similar to the account we find in:

Notice no interpretation of the scroll, the seven thunders, or the mystery was what was revealed to the mighty angel is given to us, but we see John taking the scroll and eating it.

His experience was what God had revealed to him.

In his mouth the scroll was sweet to the taste, like honey.

Yet when it hit his stomach, it soured and became bitter.

The revelation we have received, and in fact all of God’s Word, would be sweet to each of us who know and trust in the Lord.

We receive many sweet promises as believers.

Yet there are bitter moments revealed to us also - for John, it was the realization of his exile on Patmos.

For us it is the revelation of all the horrific things that must take place during the time of the tribulation and the knowledge that there will be many people who continue to reject Christ even during these perilous times.

As I have said before, knowing what will occur during the time of the Great Tribulation should concern us for all those who are still lost.

We should be evangelizing all that we know, telling of the goodness of God but also the horrible things that are to come to anyone and everyone that will listen to us.

Why?

Because there will come a day that God’s patience will end and judgment will be its replacement.

At that time, it will be too late for any unbeliever to change their fate.