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The
Seventh Trumpet: God’s Final Victory
(Revelation 11:11–19)
Introduction:
As Revelation unfolds, the curtain of history is drawn back
to reveal God’s power over all kingdoms. Revelation 11:11–19
declares the resurrection of God’s witnesses, the sounding
of the seventh trumpet, and the final victory of Christ’s
kingdom over all earthly powers.
The
Revival of God’s Witnesses
In verses 11 and 12, after three and a half days, the breath
of life from God entered the two witnesses, and they stood
on their feet. This powerful image shows the church’s
endurance even under the fiercest persecution. The Roman
Empire thought it had silenced the truth, but the church
revived. God’s people could not be destroyed. When God
breathed life into them, it signified renewal, faith, and
divine preservation. Christianity survived the darkest
moments of the first century because God’s power sustained
it. The voice from heaven saying, “Come up here,” symbolized
the exaltation of the church—her victory over oppression.
The
Earthquake of Judgment
Immediately following the revival came judgment. Verse 13
describes a great earthquake in which a tenth of the city
fell, seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were
afraid and gave glory to God. Earthquakes throughout
scripture represent divine intervention. This scene reminds
the church that God was shaking the powers of Rome. Those
who persecuted His people could no longer stand. The
survivors, terrified by God’s display of power, were forced
to acknowledge His authority.
The
Third Woe—The Seventh Trumpet
Verse 14 declares, “The second woe is past; behold, the
third woe is coming quickly.” To the Christians of the first
century, “quickly” meant in their own time—not thousands of
years later. When the seventh angel sounded, loud voices in
heaven proclaimed, “The kingdoms of this world have become
the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall
reign forever and ever.” This trumpet did not announce
destruction for God’s people but victory. The world’s
empires rise and fall, but the reign of Christ is eternal.
God’s kingdom cannot be shaken, for He rules over every
nation and power.
The
Worship of Heaven
In verses 16–17, the twenty-four elders fell on their faces
before God and worshiped Him. They proclaimed gratitude and
reverence, saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
the One who is and who was and who is to come.” These elders
represent the redeemed of all ages who recognize God’s
sovereignty. The emperors of Rome came and went, but God’s
reign is everlasting. The church could take courage—her God
was not a powerless idol, but the eternal Creator who holds
all authority.
God’s Wrath and Reward
Verse 18 says, “The nations were angry, and Your wrath has
come.” The enemies of the church would face divine justice.
God’s wrath was already being poured out upon the Roman
Empire. Natural disasters, moral collapse, and foreign
invasions were not coincidences—they were instruments of
God’s judgment. Yet within the same verse, God promises
reward: “That You should reward Your servants the prophets
and the saints, and those who fear Your name.” God’s justice
is perfect. He punishes the wicked and honors the faithful.
Those who endured persecution would be vindicated and
rewarded.
The
Open Temple and God’s Presence
The chapter closes with verse 19: “Then the temple of God
was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen
in His temple.” This is not a literal temple in heaven but a
vision of God’s presence and faithfulness. The ark
represented His promises, His covenant with His people. The
lightnings, thunderings, and earthquake remind us of God’s
power and His nearness to the church. Even in times of fear,
the faithful knew that God had not abandoned them. His
temple was open—His people were welcome.
The
Message of Victory
The lesson of the seventh trumpet is simple but profound:
God reigns. Rome’s emperors fell; nations rose and crumbled.
But the church remained because God’s purpose cannot fail.
Revelation 11 closes the first half of the book with
assurance that persecution would end, judgment would fall,
and the kingdom of Christ would endure forever.
The
Seventh Trumpet: God’s Final Victory Sermon Outline:
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Introduction
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1. The Revival of the Witnesses (vv.
11–12)
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God breathes new life into His people.
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The church, thought to be dead, stands revived.
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Symbolizes faith’s triumph over persecution (Romans
8:31).
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2. The Earthquake of Judgment (v. 13)
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Represents divine intervention and punishment.
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One-tenth of the city falls; many perish.
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Survivors give glory to God in fear (Hebrews
12:26–27).
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3. The Third Woe and Seventh Trumpet (vv.
14–15)
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The final trumpet declares the reign of Christ.
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The kingdoms of earth belong to the Lord (Daniel
2:44).
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God’s rule replaces the power of Rome.
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4. The Worship of Heaven (vv. 16–17)
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5. God’s Wrath and Reward (v. 18)
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God’s wrath falls upon the persecutors.
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The faithful are rewarded; the wicked destroyed.
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God’s justice is swift, sure, and righteous.
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6. The Open Temple and God’s Presence (v.
19)
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The ark of His covenant symbolizes His promises
kept.
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Lightning and thunder display divine power.
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God’s temple is open to His faithful people.
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7. The Message of Victory
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God is sovereign over all history.
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His people will overcome through faith (Revelation
2:10).
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The church’s victory is secured in Christ.
Call to Action:
The message of the seventh trumpet still rings true
today—God reigns, and His promises stand. Though the world
around us may rage in rebellion, His kingdom endures. Be
faithful no matter the cost. Stand firm in your witness,
live in holiness, and trust that God will reward your
perseverance. The church that endures persecution will share
in eternal triumph.
Key
Takeaways:
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God
rules every kingdom and power (Revelation 11:15).
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The
church cannot be destroyed because God sustains it
(Matthew 16:18).
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Divine judgment comes upon those who oppose His people
(Romans 12:19).
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God
rewards His faithful servants (2 Timothy 4:8).
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His
covenant promises remain visible and open to the
faithful (Hebrews 10:23).
Scripture Reference List:
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Revelation 11:11–19 – The seventh trumpet and final
victory.
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Daniel 2:44 – God’s everlasting kingdom replaces earthly
empires.
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Revelation 2:10 – Be faithful unto death for the crown
of life.
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Romans 8:31 – If God is for us, who can be against us?
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Hebrews 12:26–27 – God shakes the earth to establish His
kingdom.
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2
Timothy 4:8 – The crown of righteousness for the
faithful.
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Matthew 16:18 – The church will never be overcome.
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Hebrews 10:23 – God is faithful to His promises.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of
Christ at Granby, MO
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