Outline: Seven Trumpets - 6
Passage: Revelation 9:13-21
Discussion audio (1h13m)
The discussion of the trumpets continues with the sixth one now being sounded. It is similar to the previous one in many ways. The primary difference is the commentary at the end where John writes that in spite of the terrors falling upon them, those who have chosen to reject God continue to do so and will not repent.
It must be reiterated that these judgments are “signs” in a manner patterned after the signs that fell upon Egypt. Just as the signs on Egypt failed to move the Pharaoh, the signs that fall upon those who have rejected God do not move them.
The sins that they fail to repent of can be classified into three broad types:
- The sin of attempting to build security for themselves using their own efforts
- The sin of seeking security through powers and authorities of the world
- The sin of seeking security through elevating self over others, through manipulation, abuse, and use of others
In contrast the servants of God, those who have been sealed, have already been described in contrasting terms:
- Servants of God rely upon God to provide security
- Servants of God worship God as the ultimate power and authority over the world
- Servants of God do not elevate self, but instead love one another through giving of self
The fifth and sixth trumpets describe the results of false worship. False powers and authorities promise security and comfort, but in the end these powers turn on the very ones who rely on them.
In the midst of all that is happening, servants of God have nothing to fear because Jesus holds the ultimate power and authority. He is even the master of death so that even physical death cannot ultimately harm his people.
The book of Revelation was written to encourage God’s people and to inform them of what is going on behind the scenes. It was not written to those who have not yet accepted the gospel. Revelation cannot be understood outside of the gospel framework. Revelation is not an evangelism tool.
