We are to attempt to understand Bible prophecy. The letters to Thessalonians are all about future events. Around 30% of the Bible is about prophecy that has been fulfilled or will be fulfilled in the future. The book of Revelation is the only book in the Bible that we are told there is a special blessing to those who read it. See Revelation 1:3. Bible prophecy is important because it shows that God always keeps His promises. In this passage we see a world gone wild.

1 – The Four Angels (vs. 13-15

These angels are not good as they are bound. They are the Devil’s deputies and they are released to cause havoc.

• They are loosed from a definite place (vs. 14) – They are released from the Euphrates River. It is the greatest river mentioned in the Bible. Many events in the Bible happen around this river.
• They are loosed for a definite period (vs. 15) – The phrase “prepared for the hour and day and month and year” means that they are loosed for the period that God has already scheduled. Our God is one time and He is in absolute control of this universe. There is evil in this world and this is proof of the existence of God. There is another choice to following God. God gives us a choice but His will be done!
• They are loosed for a definite purpose (vs. 15) – “to slay the third part of men”. It will be a horrible time! About half of the world’s population has been wiped out.

2 – The fearful army (vs. 16-18)

There is an army of 200 million. Who is this army? Is it China? When you look at the passage it is more plausible that these are not humans but demons. They have fire coming out of their mouth and sting with their tails. It is a huge army that will kill or hurt.

God wants us to see what the future will hold so that we will repent. There will be a world gone wild. Satan and his demons will be let loose to destroy mankind. Satan is having his time upon the Earth. It will not last!

3 – The fateful attitude (vs. 19-21)

How are people going to respond to a world gone wild? You almost can’t believe it when you read it! See verse 20. The people are still in rebellion. They refuse to repent.

• Their spiritual life (vs. 20) – They are caught up in demon worship. We have a surge in witchcraft today. There are dead bodies all around and they keep their eyes closed.
• Their moral life (vs. 21) – They had committed murders and were still doing it. Even now the people are killing each other. It happens today to a lesser extent.
• Their sorceries (vs. 21) – They are caught up in drug use.
• Their fornication (vs. 21) – They are caught up in all kinds of perverse sexuality.
• Their thefts (vs. 21) – They are stealing anything that they can. Today, you have to lock your house even when you are in it!

The only answer is to repent and give their lives to Jesus. They sin because they want to. They will be judged by God and His patience finally runs out.

Categories: Revelation