Worship War
Revelation • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Turn with me in your Bibles to Revelation 13.
What is the greatest sports rivalry of all time? UW vs. Cougs. Georgia vs. Alabama. Celtics vs. Lakers.
Of recent date, one of the most heated rivalries in college athletics is Michigan vs. Ohio State. But their rivalry precedes football stadiums and colleges.
The two states nearly went to war over a sliver of land called the “Toledo Strip.” The argument began in 1803, when the newly formed state of Ohio took ownership of a sliver of land containing the town of Toledo. Michigan territory later disputed Ohio’s claim on this “Toledo strip” in the 1830s, launching a heated debate that teetered on the edge of violence for several weeks.
In what became known as the Toledo War, both sides wrestled for political control of the territory, and both raised militias to defend against a possible invasion by the other. Desperate for Ohio’s valuable electoral votes, President Andrew Jackson finally intervened in 1835, and by 1836 a compromise was sealed. The détente saw Michigan territory relinquish its claim on the Toledo strip in exchange for statehood and a portion of the Upper Peninsula. The Toledo War had come to an end.
Our passage tonight in Revelation 13 contains the details of a war. But this is not a war over a strip of land, a war concerning trade rights, or a war of conquest. This war is of much greater importance. This is a war of worship. Revelation 12 introduces us to this war:
17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 13 describes Satan warring after the worship of humanity and calls believers to respond with discernment and faithful resistance. Simply put, our passage calls us to Discern Satan’s Deceit and Defy Satan’s Attacks.
Look with me at Revelation 13 and I want you to notice how often John records the theme/words of worship:
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. 11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Think for a moment: Satan could go after anything that he could ever dream of having… Why is Satan/the dragon after worshippers?
Isaiah 14:13-14 and 2 Thessalonians 2:4 (a passage that we might come back to later in the message) describe that Satan’s greatest ambition is to be God… to take the place of God.
And we see throughout Scripture that to be God is to be worshipped. Problem is… Philippians tells us that all will one day worship Jehovah.
Now, this just has to eat Satan up… God gets what he deserves and what Satan is so desperate to steal — true worshippers. And so, the only way that Satan can think of getting back at God and taking his place is to steal, deceive, and win over worshippers.
If you leave tonight with anything let it be this… Revelation 13 reveals that there is a war for your worship—and you are already choosing a side.
This isn’t new for Satan. In fact, Satan even sought the worship of Jesus.
And so, Satan, in Revelation 13, makes war with the seed of the woman (chapter 12)… and it’s all through deception and imitation.
Revelation 13 exposes the tactics of Satan in his attempt to be worshipped. He realizes that in order to become God, he’s got to imitate God.
Now this is a problem for you and I because just one chapter earlier in Revelation 12:9, Satan is said to have deceived the whole world. John 8:44 even records for us that Satan is the Father of lies.
All of this requires discernment from believers.
*sneakers, watch sellers in New York,
It can be difficult to discern, especially if you’re dealing with a master deceiver. Yet, John helps us out here by encouraging believers to watch closely and to listen carefully.
POINT #1: DISCERN SATAN’S DECEIT.
POINT #1: DISCERN SATAN’S DECEIT.
Revelation 13 contains two distinct beasts under the command of the great dragon, Satan. The first beast from the sea is formally known as the Antichrist and usually associated with governments. The second beast from the earth is formally known as the False Prophet and usually associated with religion.
Often in Scripture we see dual fulfillment in prophecy. Maybe you’ve seen is referenced as a hill and a mountain. Those reading Scripture in its original context would have understood it to mean the hill (*maybe have a picture of this up). But those of us reading Scripture many centuries later understand the prophecy a little differently. This passage is a perfect example of this.
So when I call for believers to discern the beast, what I’m not saying is to name/label individuals the Antichrist. Some in John’s day may have seen figures like Nero as embodying this kind of opposition. Martin Luther understood the Antichrist to be the pope. Catholics understood the Antichrist to be Martin Luther. Others have believed the Antichrist to be Hilter, Saddam Hussein, JFK, or Barak Obama. Naming a person as the final Antichrist results in speculation and reveals bias.
What I am saying is that we must discern how Satan is seeking to deceive you and I today through our culture, our governments, our media, religion, and ultimately through the totality of the world’s systems.
First… We can discern Satan’s deceit by watching closely.
WATCH CLOSELY
WATCH CLOSELY
What does the beast look like?
Look at Revelation 13:1-2
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Many understand these verse to be symbolizing the unity of world governments in allegiance to Satan. There’s themes of power, hunger, authority, strength, and destruction.
But notice what is upon the heads of this beast — the name of blasphemy. This beast bears the name of God.
*look up leaders who have declared themselves to be god. Caesars, Japanese Emporers, anyone who exalts themselves as God. These should all throw red flags.
Skip down to Revelation 13:11
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
What does the depiction of the second beast remind you of? (someone we’ve already seen in Revelation)
This beast attempts to look like Jesus.
Attempts to be a Savior. Anyone who exalts themselves as Savior.
What does the beast do?
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
The beast attempts to act like God. (miracles)
Another brutal attempt at mimicking Jesus, almost as a pseudo-resurrection. And all the world marvels at the power of the beast.
Moving down again to Revelation 13:13-15
13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles (the miracles are the means to which the beast deceives — remember Jesus… the miracles were done in order to prove himself as the Son of God. Here the miracles are done in order to garner worship.) which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
One of the main functions of the second beast (the False Prophet) is to point others to worship the Antichrist, and he does this through an idol.
But even further into our passage, the beast marks those who are his in Revelation 13:16-17
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Again, the beast, while doing the dragon’s bidding, is seeking to imitate God. God has his own mark. Those who belong to God are sealed by the Holy Spirit. And here, the beast marks those who are his.
I wonder… what mark do you carry? What mark you carry determines your allegiance.
Watch closely to the things of the world. Satan is attempting to get your allegiance.
LISTEN CAREFULLY
LISTEN CAREFULLY
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
Again, this beast now not through mere symbols and vestures but through bold and blasphemous words, he is claiming to be God. But he continues in Revelation 13:6 to blaspheme not only God but…
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
Notice again the words in verse 5 — great things. John is writing to warn believers to exercise discernment. Discernment is needed for things that are not obvious. The beast uses his words the same way that the serpent in the garden used his words. They twist, sweet talk, and butter up in order to deceive. It may sound good. It may be really close to true. You may even like what they say. Yet it is all a game of deception.
*universalism. sounds good etc.
We must listen carefully to discern what is ultimately true — social media, youtube, our own preaching, etc.
All of this is because the words that they speak is a reflection of their master.
11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
You know, I get deceived all the time. Almost once a week I get a text message from a North Carolina number saying that I have a toll due and if I don’t pay it then I’m going to have my license suspended. The first couple of times, I got worried. Thought about it for a bit. Clicked the link. Etc…
Then I started to look closer. There was some misspellings. There were some subtle errors.
Believers, this is what you and I have to constantly be doing to those around us. Watch closely. Listen carefully.
Because the whole method through which Satan makes war against the saints for their allegiance is through imitation.
We see a very real picture of this in Exodus. Remember the plagues of the Exodus? Pharoah’s magicians were allowed or powerful enough to imitate 2 of the first ten plagues.
God’s true prophet John was commissioined in 10:1-11, and now Satan’s false prophet rises in 13:11,12. God’s true gospel power was displayed by the church and the two witnesses in chapter 11, and now Satan’s false prophet will do convincing signs that woo people into idolatry. God’s true seal was put on his saints in 7:1-3, and now Satan’s false prophet will counterfeit God’s seal with the mark of the beast in 13:16-18. — Jim Hamilton
Those who worship the beast declare in vs. 4 — “Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” The Israelites proclaim similarly concerning Yahweh in Exodus 15:11
11 Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Friend, there is a war for your worship. There is a war for your allegiance. There is no neutrality. You don’t get to be Switzerland. You’re either living your life in allegiance to King Jesus, or you’re living your life in allegiance to his adversary — Satan. There is a war for your worship…and you are already choosing a side.
Here’s the difference between the two. Satan conquers through lying, stealing, and killing. He seeks to take the throne of God through sheer force. He intimidates those opposed to him through persecution and death. But for all of Satan’s efforts, he makes war as a defeated foe.
You see, Jesus conquered through his death. Colossians tells us this in Colossians 2:14-15
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
And he is eternally triumphant. And those who worship him alone are united to him in his victory. Colossians 2:13
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Believer, you and I are already victorious. We don’t look to a future that is uncertain. We don’t question whether or not Satan will be defeated. Jesus’ death on the cross secured a future for us that had been planned from before the foundation of the world. That’s what verse 8 tells us.
Unbeliever, you are not neutral in this war for worship. If you don’t actively declare your allegiance to Christ, you are living as his enemy. Here’s the uncomfortable truth. Jesus will win and all of his enemies will be eternally punished. And actually all of his enemies will be made to worship him anyway.
But as we engage with Satan and the rulers of this world, the spiritual wickedness in high places, how are we to respond? Do we take up arms? Do we isolate? How does John prescribe for us to respond to the beasts of our day and age?
POINT #2: DEFY SATAN’S ATTACKS
POINT #2: DEFY SATAN’S ATTACKS
Believers, you and I make war against the Satan in three countercultural ways.
First, we defy Satan’s attacks through our identity.
IDENTITY
IDENTITY
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Believer, who are you? What is the very core of your identity?
Believer, you belong to God. Satan knows it and he’s angered by it.
Your name was written down a long time ago, no man can blot it out (change it)… not even Satan.
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify (worship) God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
The very fact that you belong to Christ is living in open defiance to Satan. So, remember your identity.
Second, we defy Satan’s attacks through patience.
PATIENCE
PATIENCE
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
What’s peculiar about this verse?
Well, Revelation 12:11 tells us that believers have already overcome by the blood of the lamb. Yet here, Satan is attempting to overcome the saints. Interesting.
The mere fact that we are overcomers, that we are already victorious, does not excuse us from persecution. Actually verse 10 clues us in that believers should expect captivity and to be killed by the sword. But what is their response? — Patience and Faith.
Maybe you’ve heard this phrase before… Patience is a virtue… it’s just not my virtue. :P
*Logan acting impatiently… a sign of immaturity.
Believers, our patiences propels us to glory in our persecutions… because it produces hope.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
This war, characterized by deception, imitation, and persecution only produces hope in believers. A hope that is firmly rooted in Jesus Christ our Savior. A hope that allows us to respond counter culturally.
This is a tough truth for teens to swallow. They want to fit in. They want to be liked. They want to be successful. They want to have all of the things. And guess what… so adults struggle with this as well. Do you cave under persecution because some of your allegiance is to comfort and securtiy?
And yet, Scripture declares believers to be fundamentally different, destined to be persecuted and uncomfortable. And you know
David touched on it last week, but are you pursuing comfort? or are you patiently enduring hardship? *finish this.
And lastly, we defy Satan’s attacks through worship.
WORSHIP
WORSHIP
Multiple times throughout this passage, John records that the saints do not worship the beast or the image of the beast. The saints defy the beast through their rebellious worship to Yahweh.
And I think this is exactly the whole point of this passage… The greatest way to defy the beast and to win the worship war is to reserve your worship for God and God alone.
We are made to worship God. Satan will go to great lengths to deceive humanity into worshipping him.
So how’s your worship? No I’m not talking about how’s your singing… Actually, I’m not even necessarily referring to your worship as we corporately gather. I’m talking about how you’re living your life.
Does the way you live your life every day defy Satan’s grasp for worship? Does the way you live your life proclaim your allegiance to Christ?
Do people at your workplace/school/sports team/neighborhood know unmistakably that your allegiance is to Christ?
If someone watched your life for a week, what would they conclude you worship?
CONCLUSION:
CONCLUSION:
When I turned 18, just as many others did, I had to fill out a Selective Service form with enabled me to be drafted by the military in emergency scenarios. It allowed the US government to draft me into service should they require my service in war. All male citizens of the United States are required to fill out this form and enable themselves to be drafted. Many other countries have a similar requirement.
Suh — serving in the Korean government.
When you and I were born, we were drafted into a war, an ongoing battle for worship. And we either cave and worship Satan, pledge our allegiance to him, or we defy and worship God alone. Revelation 13 shows us the final view of this worship war. The question is, will you show your allegiance to Satan or to God through your worship?
