War on the Saints, Part 1

Revelation 13.1-10 War on the Saints, Part 1: Beast From the Sea

A. OUR OPPONENT

 1.  What do we know of this beast?

      a.  A tool of the devil:  the dragon is behind the beast [1]

      b.  Appears to be uncontrollable:  a beast

      c.  Dangerous:  out of the sea

      d.  Rule and authority:  horns, heads, crowns

      e.  Powerful:  like a ferocious animal  [2]

      f.  Amazing and attractive:  the world is amazed and worships  [3-4]

      g.  Successful in damaging the Church:  overcomes the saints  [5-8]

 2.  Who is this beast?

      a.  Rome

      b.  Any "Rome-like" human institution of power in the world today

B. OUR DEFENSE

 1.  An invitation  [9]

 2.  Two warnings  [10a]

      a.  The possibility of captivity

      b.  Those who live by the sword

 3.  A challenge  [10b]

 4.  Our only defense  [8]

      a.  Election:  God decided to save us before the foundation of the world was laid  [Eph 1.4]

      b.  Redemption:  The Lamb has already been slain  [Eph 1.7]

      c.  Application:  Our names have been written down  [Eph 1.13]