The Nature of the Beast

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Revelation 13:1-18The sands of time are running low, and the stage is set; we are at the threshold of the End Times. Revelation 13 unveils the nature of the beast: a man, the Antichrist, who will rise to power during the Great Tribulation.This passage first describes the beast’s sudden appearance.“And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea…” (Revelation 13:1).The sea symbolizes humanity—the multitude of people, nations, and tongues in this world. The Antichrist will rise up in the midst of the world’s distress and chaos and claim a way of peace.This passage also shares his satanic attributes.Revelation 13:2-3 lists physical descriptors which are a composite of all the great regimes in history. The beast will be a combination of every malevolent dictator melded into one, given great fortune and authority by his father, the devil.Third, we see the beast’s seductive appeal.Revelation 13:3 claims the beast will seem appealing, charming, and clever. The entire world will marvel at this man, who will experience a sort of counterfeit resurrection and win the hearts of the world.This passage also addresses his sinister ambitions.“Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation” (Revelation 13: 6-7).This man will be driven to deify Satan, defy the Savior, destroy the saints, dominate society, and delude sinners.Finally, this passage warns us of his supporting agent.This agent, the false prophet, will present the beast to the entire world. Much like the Holy Spirit brings people to worship Jesus, the false prophet will bring people to worship the beast in the End Times.Revelation 13:13-16 explains that, by causing fire in the heavens, demanding worship of an image of the beast, and controlling the world’s commerce through a mark of the beast, the false prophet will bring the entire world to the beast’s feet.Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers says, “There is a devilish dark power that is coming to the world and we as God’s children cannot afford to be ignorant.”Knowing the five purposes of the beast, we must keep ourselves free of satanic practices and offer praise to Jesus. Continue studying Scripture and grow in your faith.