This is the thirty-fourth in a series of verse-by-verse expositions of the book of Revelation. This message was delivered at Hillcrest Baptist Church on the morning of November 8, 2015. This message details the antichrist. This post contains an audio recording of my message, along with my sermon notes. Please note that the sermon notes are not necessarily a full transcript.
SERMON AUDIO:
SERMON NOTES:
v.1:
The term “beast” represents both a person (Antichrist) and his system (the world). The final satanic world empire will be inseparable from the satan-possessed man who leads it.
The fact that the beast comes out from the sea indicates that he is a Gentile.
- Revelation 17:15
v.2:
The leopard is a picture of Ancient Greece.
- Daniel 7:6
The bear is the Medo-Persian empire.
- Daniel 7:5
The lion is ancient Babylon.
- Daniel 7:4
This beast will head the final world empire, which will include the strengths of these previous empires. However, this empire will also have weaknesses, and be destroyed.
- Daniel 2:33-34
- Daniel 8:19-25
What do we know about this antichrist?
- Daniel 7:24
The fact that the “horn” in question is referred to as a little horn, signifies that this will be someone who is generally considered insignificant. He will begin in a very unassuming manner. The Antichrist will be very charismatic, and be able to entice people to follow him. He is a man of “peace” who will “solve” the Arab/Israeli problem.
- Daniel 7:25
- Revelation 13:5-6
He will blaspheme God, and eventually convince the world that he is a god.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
He will be the ruler of the world, and will control not only the economy but also the religion.
- Daniel 11:37
This would indicate that he would come from a non-Jewish heritage. The antichrist has not yet been revealed , so we don’t know who he is.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8
“desire of women”: Some say that this refers to homosexuality. It is more likely that it refers to his disdain of the sacred covenant of marriage. (1 Timothy 4:1-3), and such intense hatred for Jesus, that he has no regard for the Jewish women who desire to bear the child of God. In fact, we see in our society today, a disregard for Biblical marriage. This would be an easy sell for him.
He will regard no religion but the one he establishes.
v.3:
This most likely refers to an illusion of death and resurrection enacted by the Antichrist, as part of his lying deception.
- Revelation 13:12-14
- 2 Thessalonians 2:9
People will be astounded when Antichrist appears to rise from the dead. His charisma, and illusion of power will cause the world to follow him unquestioningly.
v.4:
When people worship him, they will actually be worshiping Satan. This, of course, is what Satan is after.
v.5:
These 3 ½ years of rule will be satan’s final stand. He is a liar and a counterfeit, and that’s all he will ever be. Notice that his authority has a time limit, that’s because Christ has already defeated him, and when the time is right, he will assume the throne.
Christ is where our focus should be. He is the one we are to watch for. We should keep our focus on Christ, and determine to work for Him, according to His will. The simple truth is that any believer alive today, will not have to deal with the antichrist. If you are a believer, Christ has already delivered you. You are a citizen of His kingdom, which will last forever. We should be determined to bring as many as possible into His kingdom.
In Defense: The Blog 
Posted on November 8, 2015
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