The Tribulations

Memory Verse: “For at that time there will be a great tribulation (pressure, distress, oppression), such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will[again]” –  Matthew 24:21 (AMP).

Text: Daniel 9:20-27.

Spiritual Emphasis: To make believers aware of the severity of God’s Judgment and wrath. 

1. The Purpose for the Tribulation. 

• One major reason is to judge sin, wickedness and ungodliness –  Dan.9:24
• Another reason is that God will finally avenge His saints who were persecuted, mocked, opposed and martyred –  Rev.6:9-10. 
• The nation of Israel will finally be converted to the Lord through Jesus. This period will also mark what is called Jacob’s Trouble –  Jer. 30:7-9.
• It will be part of the process of restoring back the Kingdom of God – Rev.11:15.

Question: There are two opinions about the tribulation; believers will go through it and believers will not. What opinion appeals more to you and why? 

2. The Tribulations

• This will be a horrible seven years of the rule of horror, deception and dictatorship. The devil, antichrist and false prophet will have authority to unleash evil on earth – Dan.9:27.
• During this period God will unleash His wrath and judgment upon the whole earth. These judgments includes; the judgments of the seals, trumpet and bowls. It will be in two halves of three and half years each –  Rev.5:5, 8:2;  15:7. 
• The first three and half years is known as “the beginning of birth pains or beginning of sorrows”. There will be seven seal judgments upon the earth –  Mk.13:7-8. 
• The second three and half years is known as “The Great Tribulation”. The seven trumpet judgments will take place. At the tail end of the second half, there will be the bowl Judgments that will end human history as we know it –  Rev.16:2, 17-21.

Question: As a believer, how will you make a convincing argument when an atheist questions God’s justification for allowing such horror on the earth and humans? 

Conclusion

We as believers must establish our comfort in the fact that we shall not be partakers in the Tribulation that is coming upon the earth. The Lord’s promise is that we have not been appointed unto wrath. May the Lord keep you as you continue to live diligently not to be a partaker in the tribulation.  Let’s keep watching and praying. He is able to save us until the end. 

Shalom!