“Jesus Amid Suffering,” 7/25/10, Text: Rev. 16:12-21

INTRODUCTION:

Armageddon comes from two Hebrew words, har Megiddo, the hill of Megiddo. Megiddo = "place of troops" or "place of slaughter." It is also called the Plain of Esdraelon and the Valley of Jezre-el. The area is about fourteen miles wide and twenty miles long, and forms what Napoleon called "the most natural battlefield of the whole earth."

Revelation 16:14, NLT: They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty.

MAIN IDEA: We must be vigilant for Jesus’ return. Being vigilant comprises two aspects.

I. First, watch for Jesus

watch: gregoreo (continuous or repeated action) = metaphorically, “to watch i.e. give strict attention to, be cautious, active”: — to take heed lest through remissness and laziness some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one, — Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon; to watch w/vigilance & expectancy (Vine’s); it denotes the caution needed against the anxiety resulting from the fear of the loss of one’s salvation (Complete Word NT)

            A. avoiding distraction

Miraculous signs: sēmeion = indicate immediate connection with a higher spiritual world

B. in anticipation of Jesus’ return

            C. w/ desire for Jesus’ return

APPLICATION: Pray, “Jesus, give me a thirst for You.”

II. Second, be clothed with Jesus

keeps his clothes: tereo (continuous or repeated action) = to watch over, to guard by keeping the eye upon

Romans 13:12-14 (NIV): ¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV): ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

            A. through salvation

            B. in attitude / thought

            C. in action

APPLICATION: On a given day, thank Jesus every hour and ask His will.