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Bible passage: Revelation 6
Theme: ’When the outlook is bad….’
As we saw last time the Lord holds a scroll, containing all that will take place in the future, bound with seven seals.
He holds the destiny of the world. What do we see as the first seal is broken and the pages unfurl?
Remember those 3D pop up books from childhood? That’s how this chapter impacts the reader, with it’s vivid images of
suffering to come upon the earth, through the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.
(Read Revelation 6:1-8)
The major question that we need to answer is, are these riders angels of God, holy angels of judgment, or are they
demonic forces of evil, the powers of darkness?
What do you think?
I think that these riders are evil agents, which, in these last days, will be permitted to wreak their destruction on the
peoples of the earth. What do you think of the idea that God may remove His restraining hand against evil powers, at
certain times?
Why might He do this?
You heard on Sunday, the suggestion that perhaps, one reason why God may take this drastic action, is to make one final
attempt to urge unbelievers to seek refuge in God, when all around is failing.
Have you ever found that at such times you are driven to God? Is it more effective than good experiences, for bringing a
person near to God? Explain your answer. Is it always the case that turmoil turns people to God?
Let’s briefly summarize the events during the breaking of the first four seals:
The first seal reveals the white horse. An image of Christ? (cf Rev 19:11)
No. What would suggest that this is not a figure like Jesus? This figure is deceptively like Jesus, but with completely
different aims. Deception is one of the features of the last days (see Matt 24:4-5,11-12). Can
you think of any deceptive developments of the times in which we live?
The second seal reveals the red horse, who comes to bring war. Again, Jesus spoke of this as a feature of the last times,
’wars unequalled from the beginning of the world until now’.
The third seal reveals coming famine and pestilence over the globe
The fourth seal reveals the figure of death looming over the earth
Are the events during the seals normal bad times, or how do they differ?
How could we tell the difference?
(Read Revelation 6:9-17)
The fifth seal, switches the attention to heaven and the martyrs under the altar. How do you react to the idea of being
prepared to die for the name of Jesus?
Do they cry out for personal vengeance / God’s glorification / vindication. What’s the difference ?
‘Love makes the whole difference between an execution and a martyrdom’
(Evelyn Underhill). What do you think?
Seals 1-5 reveal different aspects of world history in the last times, Seal 6 describes the day that will end history.
(cf Mark 13:24-26) See the physical catastrophes (v12-14)
See the human catastrophes (v15): the helplessness of even the mighty, every strata of society.
All of this leads up to every person having to ultimately give account to the Lamb.
How do you react to the concept of ‘the wrath of the Lamb’?
How does the experience of the saints (v9-11) contrast with that of the unbelievers (v15-17) as they anticipate the impending wrath of God?
What’s our response to such a message? Do nothing? Surely not.
Remember the verse 2 Peter 3:9
‘The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not
wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’
What then, should be our attitude toward unjust suffering, toward non-Christians?
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