Sermon 232

SERMON 232 – THE GATHERING OF THE ENEMIES AT ARMAGEDDON

Text: Revelation 16:10–16
Date: January 12, 1941
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

The picture is that of a brewing thunderstorm that finally breaks forth in full fury. The judgments of God may seem slow, but at last the storm of His wrath falls upon the ungodly. The first four bowls have been poured out; the next two serve to gather the armies of the world to the battlefield of Armageddon. This sermon speaks of the gathering of the armies, not yet the battle itself. The battle is described later in chapter 19.

Subject: The Gathering of God’s Enemies at Armageddon

I. THE TERRIBLE CONDITION OF THESE ENEMIES

A. They have been struck by five terrible judgments
1. One plague after another falls upon them.
2. They receive terrible blows from God.

B. The very throne of the beast has been struck
1. The kingdom of the devil is attacked in a vital spot.
2. His kingdom is darkened; understanding, wisdom, insight, hope, and virtue are removed. Total blindness sets in.

C. They are in terrible agony
1. As a result of all the plagues.
2. They have a foretaste of hell even in this life.

D. They are filled with hatred against God
1. Hardened, they blaspheme Him though they know He is the only living God.
2. There is no sign of repentance.
3. Their anger prepares them for destruction.

E. They form the solid army of all the ungodly
1. Not one nation against another; all the armies of the world are on one side.
2. Not the present nations at war; this does not yet fit the picture. Current wars may lead toward the final battlefield, but it is not yet Armageddon in the full sense.

II. BY WHAT MEANS THEY ARE GATHERED

A. It is God who brings them
1. They march as though by their own choice, yet God gathers them.
2. He darkens them and brings them to the battlefield, as a blindfolded criminal is led to the place of execution.

B. God opens a road
1. The Euphrates, formerly a barrier, dries up, becoming a road from the East.
2. The gates leading to slaughter are opened. The enemies believe God favors them, but like cattle they rush blindly to destruction.
3. To the church this may seem a calamity, but it is a judgment upon the world.

C. Unclean spirits stir them up
1. The spirit of the dragon.
2. The spirit of the beast, antichristian power.
3. The spirit of the false prophet, antichristian religion.
4. Likened to frogs: filthy, repulsive, unclean.
5. These spirits lead their subjects to ruin, promising glory but bringing destruction.

III. THE LOCATION OF THIS GATHERING PLACE

A. The meaning of Armageddon is uncertain
1. Ar or Har means mountain.
2. Megiddo is mentioned in Judges where Sisera’s armies were defeated.

B. Perhaps not a specific geographic place except that it is on earth
1. In Judges Israel was hopelessly in the power of the enemies. No escape.
Such a situation will prevail with respect to the church.

C. It may picture the situation more than the location
1. As at Megiddo, when hope seems lost, Christ will intervene.
2. It is the world’s last stand against God and His church.
3. All forces of evil combine in an assault upon God’s people.
4. Outwardly conditions favor the world, but they are led into a snare.

IV. WHAT THIS GATHERING MEANS TO THE BELIEVER

A. There is danger of becoming fearful
1. The world appears victorious.
2. It seems God has forsaken the church.

B. They may think they should surrender
1. Giving up the watch as useless.
2. Laying aside the garments of righteousness for the garments of the world.

C. Christ assures them He will come as a thief
1. He will aid His people and attack the enemy unexpectedly.
2. When danger is greatest, His coming is nearest.

D. Christ assures them they are blessed
1. Their watching is not in vain.
2. Their purity is not in vain.
3. They shall not be ashamed or defeated.
4. They are urged to remain faithful.

CONCLUSION

Is the Lord even now gathering the armies of the world for Armageddon? The three evil spirits are certainly active. They promise a golden future but lead the world blindly to its ruin at Armageddon.