The Mark of the Beast
Matthew Maher
• Every spirit is ultimately identified by whom it glorifies.
Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. — Revelation 13:11
• A wolf in sheep's clothing is fatal to a few, but a wolf in a shepherd's cloak is fatal to a flock.
And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. — Revelation 13:12
He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. — Revelation 13:13
• False wonder leads to false worship.
And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. — Revelation 13:14
• Bow to the Beast and be marked by the Beast. Bow to the Lamb and be marked by the Lamb.
He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. — Revelation 13:15
He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. — Revelation 13:16-17
• The Beast's kingdom has room for everyone, except the one who will not bow.
Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. — Revelation 13:18
Additional Scriptures Referenced: John 16:12-15; Matthew 7:15-16; 1 Kings 18:38; Revelation 11:5; Deuteronomy 13:1-3; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 12:11; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Psalm 115:3-8; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Deuteronomy 6:6-8; Revelation 7:3; Revelation 14:1
Discussion Questions
1. "Every spirit is ultimately identified by whom it glorifies." How does John 16:12–15 help us distinguish the ministry of the Holy Spirit from counterfeit spiritual activity?
2. The second Beast looks like a lamb but speaks like a dragon. Why is it dangerous to evaluate a spiritual leader only by appearance, personality, compassion, or charisma?
3. Deuteronomy 13 teaches that even a fulfilled sign does not authenticate a messenger. What questions should Christians ask when evaluating claims of miracles, healing, prophecy, or revival?
4. What is the proper relationship between the Church and civil government? What happens when the Church confuses separation from state control with silence before political power?
5. Revelation 13 shows that worship marks people inwardly before the Beast marks them outwardly. How are we shaped by what we consistently behold, admire, trust, and worship?
6. The Beast's system uses economic pressure to enforce spiritual allegiance. What comforts, opportunities, or securities would be hardest for you to surrender rather than compromise your faith?
7. "The Beast's kingdom has room for everyone, except the one who will not bow." Where do Christians presently face pressure to conform, and how can we develop convictions strong enough to remain faithful when obedience becomes costly?