The Ape of God, Part 2

Outline

Big Idea: Satan pridefully masquerades as the “Ape of God” deceiving the world by counterfeiting God’s authority, glory, and worship.

The Ape’s Authority - Revelation 13:1-2

The Ape’s “Resurrection” - Revelation 13:3

The Ape’s Worship - Revelation 13:4

The Ape’s Mouth - Revelation 13:5-6

The Ape’s War - Revelation 13:7-10

The Ape’s “Trinity” - Revelation 13:11-12

The Ape’s Signs - Revelation 13:13-15

The Ape’s Control - Revelation 13:16-17

The Ape’s Name and Number - Revelation 13:18

Introduction

The Ape of God

Abba,

Satan is the grand pretender,

the ultimate authenticity contender.

He is the extreme wanna-be;

creation’s greatest hyperbole.

Fashioned to worship and serve,

Your glory was his purpose—without reserve.

Wickedly, he rejected his high and holy design,

denying his purpose with arrogant resign.

Not content with The Worshipper,

He coveted The Worshipped.

Now, in deception extreme,

he lures us to evil with his wicked dream.

Appealing to our design for worship,

he mimics goodness with seductive craftsmanship.

Your beauty he seeks to emulate.

Our own—he tempts us to propagate.

He decries with a hiss, “God alone does not possess,”

“the self-declared right of devotion and worship!”

And with this wicked coup,

he sparks rebellion against You—

enthroning himself in Your place,

he thusly fell from heaven’s glorious grace.

Mimicking Your authority and might,

he now demands allegiance—without right;

faking his authority with the unholy allegiance

of those stars he swept from heaven’s regency.

Boldly, he masquerades in pretense,

embodying “The Ape of God” in every sense.

Claiming superior knowledge and understanding,

he deceptively promises with charlatan grandstanding.

Never delivering—only taking.

Every promise—always breaking.

Mimicking Your own worth and majesty,

he “apes” undeserved glory with unholy travesty.

That which he now claims

and purports,

he has no right

to declare his own.

And yet, piously,

he does.

And in the snare of his lie,

we become snagged, by and by.

Imitating eternal pleasure and delight,

he offers enticement with superficial sight.

Tis true, what he offers does satisfy—

if only briefly—and based upon a devious lie.

And in the end, only pain does it bring;

for no one, and no thing

can be our eternal source of delight

save You—and You alone—Oh, God of day and night.

Yet, he persists with stubborn insistence,

asserting his beauty with persistence.

But lacking any intrinsic beauty of his own,

he can only imitate what he has been shown.

He is but a shadow and reflection

of Your infinitely pure and holy projection.

Innocence and righteousness does he feign,

claiming our best interest, he does maintain.

And in such claims, he convinces us to error,

leaving only shockwaves of grief, pain, and cosmic terror.

Indeed, the greatest tragedy of his existence

is rebellion’s revolt riveted at his unyielding persistence.

Entitlement’s fallout brutally crashes with wave upon wave.

And from its self-righteous declarations—only YOU can SAVE.

Yes, despite only being the pretender of pretenders;

misdirected worship, Your adversary apes and engenders.

And with terrifying success, does he lead many

to prideful and selfish rebellion’s untempered plenty.

Abba, give us eyes to see and savor Your authenticity,

and the grace to reject “The Ape of God’s” duplicity.

Let the real and true capture each and every heart.

And from it, never let us depart.

Satan IS the Ape of God.

He may well be convincing, but he is ONLY an ape. Despite is his boisterous claims, he is only an ape. He is only a pretender. He is not God. Nor does he have the right to be. His final days are coming and he knows it.

This makes him even more dangerous than usual.

It makes him even more desperate

It makes him even more relentless and vicious.

BUT

BUT

Church, even now, he is under God’s sovereign hand and control. Even in this state he is a tool being used by God to usher forward HIS eternal plan.

The Ape of God exists TO REVEAL GOD.

The contrast between HIS mimicry and Gods reality, highlights all the more gloriously, the majesty of THE ONE TRUE LIVING GOD OF ETERNITY PAST AND ETERNITY FUTURE.

Let me remind you of our Big Idea:

Big Idea: Satan pridefully masquerades as the “Ape of God” deceiving the world by counterfeiting God’s authority, glory, and worship.

Make no mistake though…

Whatever we see in these pages, is about God.

Let’s read together Revelation 13 again as we examine the back half of this chapter today.

Revelation 13 ESV

1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. 2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. 3 One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4 And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” 5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear: 10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. 11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

Body

Big Idea: Satan pridefully masquerades as the “Ape of God” deceiving the world by counterfeiting God’s authority, glory, and worship.

Last week, we looked at the first half this chapter and considered the dragon and his beast that he will raise to use for his bidding.

Today, as we continue examining the APE OF GOD’s attempt to mimic deity, we will see him creating his own “trinity” of sorts.

The Ape’s “Trinity” - Revelation 13:11-12

Revelation 13:11–12 ESV

11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed.

In the remaining verses of this chapter, we have a second beast—whom we will see is the false prophet, who will promote the worship of the first beast/the dragon.

This false prophet will lead the one world religion and will be given great power to deceive and lead the world in this direction.

Listen, Satan’s greatest weapon is deception. He is the father of lies. He is THE GRAND manipulator. You and I (or the ones we know who manipulate best) have nothing on Satan.

So powerful is his manipulation skills, that he will empower a false prophet to continue to perpetuate it and to create his own dark trinity.

This second beast is said to be “another” beast—Another of the same kind, but distinct and separate.

In raising this man up, the triumvirate of Satan’s “godhead.”

The Dragon - apes the Father

The antichrist-apes the son

The false prophet-apes the spirit.

Satan has no original thought. Everything he does apes or mimics the reality. Poorly and terribly, but he attempts to do so.

Rising out of the Earth

This beast is said to rise out of the earth.

This beast, this being is one who rises from mankind. His origins are humanity, not demonic.

Some do speculate that he too will be demonically indwelt, but as far as I can tell, thus far in my study, it is nothing more than speculation and conjecture as nothing seems to indicate this to be the case.

Others speculate that this indicates the a second resurrection person. That “out of the earth” speaks of coming back from the dead. Thus, some speculate that not only is the antichrist (beast 1) resurrected, but so is the second beast (false prophet).

And while it certainly is possible (if the first beast is truly resurrected), it is also conjecture.

Like the antichrist/beast 1 who is said to rise from the sea—where this seems to be symbolically depicting his origin as demonic, it could simply mean that the false prophet’s origin is human.

His description

His description of two horns and like that of lamb are being used to show that he less massive then the dragon, though not impotent.

The gentleness of the lamb contrasting that of the dragon—the false prophet’s demeanor will be more gentle, meek, mild in comparison to the fiery and fierce personality of the first beast.

He will likely appeal more to people through his gentleness and “humility.”

He won’t bear the same authority, though he will certainly bear authority.

Though he is meek like a lamb, he will speak like a dragon.

With intensity, fervor, conviction, and firmness.

He will have the authority of the dragon.

He will have the backing and support the dragon/beast 1.

Sadly, when he speaks, though more meekly and mildly than the dragon, his words will be ever as poisonous and deadly as that of the dragon.

What’s more, he will offer counterfeit signs with which he will attempt to “validate” his words and convince the world

And sadly, he will be successful.

The Ape’s Signs - Revelation 13:13-15

Revelation 13:13–15 ESV

13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.

The false prophet, the second beast, will have power to perform signs, wonders, and miracles.

Specifically it mentions calling down fire from heaven in front of people

The tense suggests he will do this repeatedly

Whether simply as a sign and display of his power

Whether simply because he loves doing it

or even perhaps because he is calling down fire as judgement and killing people with it

Whatever the reason

or however often he does it

He will convince people of his claims through the miracles/sign

He will lead the world in making a graven image of the beast 1/antichrist/dragon, that the world will be expected to bow down to and worship - much in similar way to that of Nebuchadnezzar.

This image will likely be erected in the temple, where the dragon will set himself up as god.

But unlike Nebuchadnezzar, he will be given power to animate the statue and make it appear to talk and breath

Some have speculated science and technology making this possible

But I think, probably, it will be supernatural.

Again, speculation, but given the nature of supernatural and spiritual powers at play, it seems more likely than merely making this a technological advance.

But, all these signs and wonders and spectacular things serve one purpose—leading the world to worship the first beast, the antichrist, the dragon. Satan.

That is what Satan is about.

And it is what he will get during the tribulation.

He will be a god…for a time.

And man, desperate for answers in a dark day…

Will find something to worship.

Church, here is the hard truth.

Man, as MacArthur stated it, are “incurable worshippers” at heart.

We were created to worship.

And it if do not worship that which we were created to worship—God—we will find something worship.

We are always looking for something to place our hope and desires in. When we fail to see and savor Jesus, we will see and savor something else.

The Dragon, the Beast simply gives a counterfeit object of worship for man to embrace.

Application

Friend, what are you worshipping today? You ARE worshipping something.

If you are listening to these words today, and you are not worshipping God with all you heart, soul, mind, and strength, don’t expect to suddenly begin if a large percentage of humanity suddenly disappears.

Today is the day to REPENT and BELIEVE, to confess with your mouth that you are a sinner before a holy God, to turn from that sin in repentance and put your faith in God to save you from His holy wrath.

Now is the time.

Church, the challenge for us is this: What are you worshipping today? You ARE worshipping something. If it is not the God who saved you, it is something else. If you are not seeing and savoring God, today is the day to begin.

The only way to detect the counterfeit, is to know the original so well, you can spot the fake a mile away.

Do you know the true God so well that the counterfeit stands out like a neon sign in a dark night?

Satan’s counterfeit deity will find a place of devotion in mankind’s hearts. Don’t let it find place in yours.

In finding a place of devotion, the world will bow the knee to his false divinity, and he will claim control over them.

The Ape’s Control - Revelation 13:16-17

Revelation 13:16–17 ESV

16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.

The false prophet/beast 2 will also have authority to cause ALL, great and small, rich and poor, to take the mark of the beast.

Without this mark, they will not be able to sell…to buy…to trade…nothing.

EVERYTHING will be controlled by the beast and his false prophet.

You will not have freedom to obtain anything (at least not legally as far as the government is concerned) without the mark.

This mark will be on the forehead or back of the right hand.

LOTS of speculation exists as to what this mark is BUT, it is not hard to see it as some sort of digital microchip that controls everything. Your identity, your finances, etc. They already can microchip animals, using it track them.

They are already experimenting with chips in people for purchases, and clocking into jobs, etc. Given the technology, I do strongly suspect that this mark will involve such technological implementation.

Again, as I say often, do not hold me to that, for I am not confident and cannot prove it, but whatever the mark is, it will be unmistakable and binding.

NOT because it is technologically so, but because is worshipfully so. It is not any tech or mark that binds…but the allegiance behind it.

Taking the mark is a clear and final bond to the dragon. It marks your allegiance and there will be no going back.

We will see this dire warning when we get to Revelation 14

Counterfeit or no, once embraced, the consequences are catastrophic.

However, despite his attempts to replace God, his name and number reveal just how short he falls.

The Ape’s Name and Number - Revelation 13:18

Revelation 13:18 ESV

18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

This last verse is perhaps the most speculated about verse in Revelation.

It is widely known and probably widely misused.

And the truth is, we do not have a lot of explanation or understanding, for it is not given to us.

Anything that we come up with is speculation as best.

With that in mind, some have speculated as to the meaning of his number, 666. If accurate, it only reinforces and exposes his masquerade as counterfeit.

It is only speculation what it means by the fact 666 refers is the number of man.

However, here is our best shot at it.

7 is the number of completion, perfection.

Man was created on day 6 and thus corresponds to man’s number.

Man falls short of 7, the perfect number.

In addition, it is noted that slaves were set free after six years of service (Ex 21:2).

Men are set free after six years of slavery/indentured servitude

Fields were given a year of rest after 6 years (every 7th) - Lev 25:3

Man’s fields and property were given back to him after 6 years

The year of man.

Since no true explanation is provided as to why the number 6 is the number of man, these are things we can look to in order to speculate.

I half suspect that someday, when God grants us greater understanding, we will sit back and laugh at what we thought it was. lol

Repetition of the 6 here as the dragons number — is thus speculated to emphasize his imperfection and frailty.

In the same way that “Holy, Holy, Holy” is used to depict the utter perfection and purity of God.

Yes, church…Satan may masquerade as God. But he is NOT God. He is a very poor imitation of God.

(Read Big Idea)

Conclusion

Big Idea: Satan pridefully masquerades as the “Ape of God” deceiving the world by counterfeiting God’s authority, glory, and worship.

Satan is nothing more than “The Ape of God”

He falsely tries to imitate heaven.

Intellectually, he knows he is not god and cannot be god. Speculation since I do not know Satan or his mind, but I feel fairly confident that the intelligence that God created Satan with is far superior to my own. And if I know, Satan knows it.

But his pride blinds him.

His pride hardens him.

He persists despite knowing the truth.

At this point, he really has no other recourse.

If our understanding is accurate, fallen angels to not have the opportunity to repent. (1 Peter 1:10-12) His fate is sealed.

And knowing it, he will stay the course and fight to destroy as much of God’s plan and creation as possible.

He is the APE of God, pretending to be what he is not.

Church, do not be mislead or deceived by it.

May we each pursue Christ as the SOLE source of our passion, delight, and devotion.

May we invite others, warning them of the danger of wrath.

May we show them the glories of the REAL DEAL and expose the taint of the ape.

And in do doing, may God grant us His grace to be growing together to become more like Jesus for the Glory of God.

Application

What are some ways we can train our senses to recognize false authority and worship in our daily lives?

How can understanding the concept of counterfeits help strengthen our faith in the real authority of God?

In what ways does the realization that Satan is a deceiver influence your personal spiritual practices?

What steps can we take to ensure that our worship is directed solely towards God and not influenced by worldly fascinations?

How can we better prepare ourselves to endure spiritual warfare in light of the antichrist's authority?

What's a modern example of a counterfeited authority we see in culture today?

How can you discern between genuine influences and deceptive ones in your friendships?

Why is it important to engage with the Word of God to protect against spiritual deception?

How can you actively support a friend who is struggling to see the truth behind counterfeit beliefs?

In what ways can you foster discussions with your peers about the importance of true worship?