In Revelation, we have the introduction of the unholy trinity. It consist of the dragon Rev. 12:17 (Satan), the beast Rev. 13:1-10 (Anti-Christ), and his false prophet 13:11-18. The beast’s rule will resemble former world powers (13:2a) identified in Dan. 7 as a leopard (Greece), a bear (Medo-Persia), and a lion (Babylon). Most theologians believe that the beast’s rule will be a revival of the Roman Empire and his power will come directly from Satan (13:2b). Notice in Chap. 13, the means by which Satan shall cause all unsaved people on earth to worship him during this time.
1. Miracles
V3 “And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.”
V13-14a “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast;”
2. Military power
V4 “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?”
V7 “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.”
3. Influential false teaching.
V5a “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies;”
4. Fear
V15 “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”
5. Technology
V16 “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:”
6. Commerce
V17 “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
LESSON - From the beginning of time, Satan has desired the worship that only Jesus deserves (notice the word “worthy” in Rev. 5). Satan will use might and deceptive means in order to obtain it. God only ask for a willing heart and mind (Jn. 4:23). We must be careful not to allow things which appeal to our senses to captivate our attention, and ultimately our worship. Focus your mind and your heart upon the word of God (Rom. 10:17) and live it by faith (Rom. 1:17). That’s how you will experience the TRUE worship which God desires from each of us.
~Mike
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