Seven Bowls of Righteous Wrath

Sermon Series: Revelation – Jesus Revealed

Sermon Title: Seven Bowls of Righteous Wrath

Scripture: Revelation 16:1-21

Pastor Chris Fritz Sunday, March 3, 2024

INTRODUCTION

Five themes that “run” throughout this chapter:

1) The Sovereignty of God: God has the right to do all that He pleases, and He is when He does all that He pleases!

(Psalm 115:3)

2) The Stubborn, Foolish, Hardened Human Heart: Left to ourselves, dead in our sin, apart from the grace of God, we will defiantly and suicidally and “shake our fist” at God!

(Romans 1:24-25)

3) The Sowing and Reaping Principle: God is perfectly and righteous in all His decisions!

(Galatians 6:7-8)

4) The Magnitude, Breadth, and Intensity of God’s Actions: The words “great” and “loud” appear repeatedly in the context of these judgments.

(John 3:19)

5) The Zeal and Love of God for His People: It is crystal clear that God’s people are NOT the target of His wrath and judgment; God fully intends to care for and to them.

(1 Thessalonians 5:9 and Romans 8:1 and Revelation 16:1)

I. THE FINAL SEVEN BOWLS OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUS WRATH

Revelation 16:2 –

Bowl #1 – Painful Sores: Those who took the mark of the beast are now “” by God.

(Job 2:10 and 1 Peter 5:6-7)

Revelation 16:3 –

Bowl #2 – The Sea Destroyed: God vividly and powerfully displays the effects of in creation.

Revelation 16:4-7 –

Bowl #3 – Rivers and Springs Turned to Blood: God’s wrath is always and appropriate.

(2 Corinthians 5:21)

Revelation 16:8-9 –

Bowl #4 – The Scorching Sun: The sinful, hardened heart would rather than repent.

Revelation 16:10-11 –

Bowl #5 – Intense Darkness: God the kingdom of the beast for what it really is.

Revelation 16:12-16 –

Bowl #6 – The River Dries and The “Frogs” are Released: God is “setting the stage” and preparing the way for the of His enemies.

Revelation 16:17-21 –

Bowl #7 – The Final Outpouring of Wrath: God pronounces the of His judgments as this last expression of wrath is poured out on the earth.

(John 19:30)

Questions for Further Study, Reflection, and Application…

1. As you look at chapter 16 as a whole, what recurring themes or truths do you see?
2. What kinds of words are used to describe God in this chapter?
3. As you consider the Seven Bowls, how are they appropriate to mankind’s sin? How do they “fit” the crime?
4. What does Jesus say in verse 15? Why do you think Jesus speaks in the midst of the sixth bowl?
5. What connection is there between Revelation 16:17 and John 19:30?