The Beast

Revelation 13:1-10

The vision that John sees is seen by many to be the embodiment of Satan during the tribulation. The Beast represents all the wicked powers of the earth brought into one embodiment. The Beast will lure the people by claiming to bring peace and unity to the world. His religious rhetoric will fool many into thinking he is right and there is no other who can unity the people as one. He is the great deceiver, only those whose name have been written to the book of life will be able to discern his deception, but they pay a great price when they refuse to worship him. The beast will rule and overcome all true righteousness for the duration of 3 and half years.

Sea Monster - and saw a beast rise out of the sea

• Seven horns-the complete embodiment of Satan
• Ten horns, ten crowns- Represent the kings of the earth
• The name of blasphemy- He will seem as being sacred

Symbols of Empires – the dragon gave him his power

• Leopard- Greek- swift to conquer- Alexander the Great

• Bear- Medo-Persian- Tenacity, unyielding, no compromise
• Lion- Babylon Empire- veracity, devouring, destroying
• Fourth beast seen by Daniel- summary of all- The Romans

Similarities to Christ –who is like unto the beast- dead, yet he lives

• Head wounded to death- Appears to have been slain (wounded)
• His wound was healed- Made alive, slain yet liveth
• Appears as an angel of light, wolf in sheep skin- AntiChrist

Speaks with Blasphemy – he opened his mouth in blaspheme

• He spoke as he was God- Used sacred things for his purpose
• He took on the name of God
• He used the once sacred places of God’s dwelling to rule

Saints are Overpowered – make war with the saint and overcome

• Who are these Saints- Are they the remnant that hid
• 144,000 have already fled to the desert for protection
• These remnant gave their lives for refusing to worship

Serving the Beast –all that dwell on the earth shall worship him

• The whole world viewed the beast (Ruler) as King

• Thet Worshiped- Served this world leader
• These were those who refused to yield their hearts to Christ

Sword or Faith– must be killed with the sword

• To what degree should one defend themselves with force
• The true saint will yield to God in Faith- God’s Providence

Esau Sells His Birthright

Genesis 25:27-34

The birthright that was handed down was to be given to the firstborn male in the family. Esau, by right of birth was to be given this privilege. He regarded his birthright with contempt. Such are those who are willing to sell their soul to fulfill the appetites of the flesh. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” The words of Jesus, teach us that we should value our soul as our greatest treasure.
The cunningness of Jacob teaches us that it is never right to accomplish God’s purposes in a wrong way. Instead of being still and waiting on God, Jacob acted with deceitful human intervention. God’s will, should never be enacted in a way that is contrary to His Word.

Personalities of Esau and Jacob (cunning hunter…plain man)
• Contrast between the two boys
• We are made in His image with unique personal traits
• The person of Christ is united with our personality
• We our made to glorify God
Preferring behavior (loved Esau…loved Jacob)
• All are made equal in the eyes of God
• Love should be measured out in equal portions
• Showing equal respect to all person –James 2:9
Preparation in the Human (Jacob sod pottage)
• Circumvent and manipulation
• Getting ahead of God
• Forcing the will of God, instead of waiting
Pottage exchanged (he sold his birthright)
• The traps of the enemy- Beware, Satan is cunning
• Keeping our bodies under subjection
• What shall a man give in exchange for his soul
Profaning of the Birthright (Esau despised...)
• Walked away from his birthright (rejection of Christ)
• Regard his soul with little worth
• Ignored his most valuable treasure
• Neglecting the condition of the soul
• May we guard our hearts with all diligence