Seven Bowls of Wrath – What is Wrath?
THE SATURDAY NIGHT CHALLENGE:
Guess the sermon content – fill in the blanks of the outline and email it to Pastor Jeff (jeff@gbchope.com) by Sunday morning at 8:00 AM.
Two (2) categories: (1) actual, and (2) creative. A prize will be rewarded for each category. And yes, you can win both categories.
* This page will be updated Sunday afternoon with the answers.
I. The TEXT has BOOKENDS.
A. The WRATH of GOD. (15:1; 16:19)
B. IT is FINISHED. (15:1; 16:17)
C. In between? A REFUSAL to REPENT. (16:9,11)
Today we’re looking at a text that speaks of the wrath of God being poured out on the earth. While this text may not be easy to read, it is a huge turning point in the book of Revelation. With these seven “bowls” the wrath of God is completed. Finished. The same Greek word that Jesus used on the cross just before he died.
1. Kid’s Question: When has someone made you angry? Was it right for you to be angry?
2. Does wrath make you feel uncomfortable? How would you explain the wrath of God to someone who is not a Christian?
3. Will stressing the wrath of God bring about repentance?
II. The PATH of WRATH. (16:1-21)
A. #1 – REBELLION will lead to PAIN. (16:2)
B. #2-#3 – You REAP what you SOW. (16:3-7)
C. #4-#5 – From BRIGHT to NIGHT with no RELIEF. (16:8-11)
D. #6-#7 – The BATTLE that ISN’T. (16:12-21)
These seven bowls are fascinating. They seem to be connected to the seven trumpets which we saw earlier as warnings that call for repentance. The heart of the message is that even in wrath God is showing patience and restraint, allow people the time they need to repent. Yet a hard heart doesn’t soften easily. Oh, and one other thing. The famous Battle of Armageddon is not so much a battle as it is a blip in the radar screen of God’s renewal of all things.
4. What stands out to you about these seven “last” bowls?
5. Why would people still refuse to repent?
6. How does this passage challenge your assumptions in regards to the great battle of Armageddon?
III. What the FINAL round of SEVEN says…
A. Don’t UNDERESTIMATE wrath or its CURE. (Jn 19:30)
B. Realize the POSITIVE side of WRATH. (Rev. 21:1-5)
C. Note God’s PROGRESSION and PATIENCE. (Rev. 8:6-11:19)
D. CHOOSE to SURRENDER. (Rev.19:9)
How do we apply the wrath of God to today? There are several things that we need to note. Wrath is real and must be dealt with…it’s God’s way of renewing all things and purging the creation of evil. But He does this patiently, allowing time for all who will to choose to surrender to what He has done for them on the cross. Even in wrath we see the patience of God. Even in wrath we see what it takes to undo what our rebellion is done. We have a lot to learn…
7. In what areas has this text challenged your thinking in regards to the wrath of God?
8. Does what we see happening in the world around us relate to this? What parallels might you see? How are we to live as believers during this time?
The Bible Project has just released an excellent video on “How to read Apocalyptic Literature.” Check it out here: