READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Revelation 15-16 illustrate the outpouring of God’s wrath as punishment that comes after repeated warnings and calls for repentance. God’s wrath is poured out not in haste but in holiness. We see Heaven’s sanctuary open, angels emerge and justice flows from the heart of God’s presence. Evil will not go unpunished. God’s patience has a limit and the call to repentance echoes.
It is a warning that God’s judgment is coming and when it comes it will be final and complete. Passage is not just about wrath but justice, redemption and urgency of repentance. If we belong to Jesus, God’s wrath is not against us.
Holiness of God’s Judgment (Rev 15:5-8)
Scene – the temple opens to reveal Heaven’s courtroom:
a) source of judgment – God
b) symbolic presentation of the angels holding the bowls – awful reality of judgment
c) setting – scene emerges from presence of A Holy God
Tabernacle of testimony is the place where people met the living God, where His holiness is revealed and experienced. God’s wrath is a burning zeal for the right coupled with a perfect hatred for everything that is evil (Lean Morris). Therefore, we do not trivialise sin but worship God with reverence.
Key truth is God’s judgment flows from His holiness.
Horror of God’s Wrath (Rev 16:1-21)
a) Series of Seven
The seven bowls (Rev 15-16) are related to the seven seals (Rev 6-8) and seven trumpets (Rev 8-11). The seals are seen from the perspective of the suffering church, the seven trumpets from the perspective of the world called to repentance, the seven bowls from the perspective of the temple or the throne of God. The seals lead to silence in heaven (Rev 8:1), trumpets to the coming of God’s kingdom (Rev 11:15) and the bowls to Rev 16:17 – “it is done’.
b) Recapitulation
Passage uses the technique called recapitulation. In each series of seven we feel like we come to the end but start over again.
c) Progress
There is progress in recapitulation from seven seals (One quarter of earth under authority of the horseman), seven trumpets (One third of earth burnt and one third stars smitten) to seven bowls (total).
d)Judgment is horrible
Each bowl represents a different stage of judgment. The first four bowls represent judgment on creation – painful sores on those with mark of the beast (V2), sea, rivers and springs turn to blood (V3-7), scorching sun burns people yet they remain unrepentant (V8-9). The fifth and sixth bowls represent judgment on the beast’s kingdom – darkness and agony on the beast’s throne (V10-11), Euphrates dries up, preparing for Armageddon (V12-16). The seven bowl is the final blow with earthquakes and hailstones (V17-21). Despite the horrors, people do not repent and further blaspheme God.
e) Complete Devastation
The seven bowls represent complete devastation. It is the result of God’s longsuffering mercy finally giving way to justice for those who reject Christ, worship the beast and persecute the saints. The tragedy is man’s refusal to repent and glorify God (Rev 16:9,11).
The Hope of God’s Justice
God will Act
God’s judgment is like spiritual vaccine, painful but necessary for new growth and removal of evil forever as God has promised to make everything new. God’s justice is righteous and ultimately vindicating for His people.
Discipleship Lessons
1) Stay rooted in scripture.
2) Strengthen your worship. Worship God for His holiness, justice and mercy.
3) Stand firm in trials. Hope comes from knowing God’s justice will prevail and strengthens us to endure and overcome hardship.
4) Seek to live a holy life. Join Small Groups for accountability and encouragement so we will not drift away.
5) Share gospel with urgency. Be a witness, seize any opportunity to share the gospel. Be encouraged to join the upcoming outreach conference.
6) Stand in the gap. Cultivate a heart of intercession to pray for the lost, deepen spiritual bonds and carry each other’s burdens. Intercession reflects God’s heart for reconciliation, mercy and transformation. You can join the monthly church intercessory prayer service on Wednesday.
Rev 15-16 is God’s loving warning to believe, repent, take refuge in Jesus and call others to join us. Passage presents an awful picture of God’s wrath. God’s wrath is real but so is God’s grace. The bowls of judgment are meant to stir us to choose wisely and not drive us to despair. Jesus drank the cup of God’s wrath so we may run to Him and flee from God’s wrath. God judges and saves. He is calling us now. Don’t wait till it is too late.
What is your response?
(Sermon notes by Woo Choi Yin)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
a. Read Revelation 15:5–16:21 slowly. What stands out to you most about God in this passage?
b. How does the description of the seven bowls of God’s wrath compare to earlier judgments in Revelation (e.g., seals and trumpets)? - Recall Sermon
a. What was the main truth or key takeaway from the sermon that stayed with you?
b. In what ways was this passage both sobering and hope-giving? - Relate Personally
a. How does knowing that God’s wrath is real affect the way you view sin in your own life?
b. When you think about people who do not yet know Christ, how does this passage shape your sense of urgency? - Commit to Action
a. What specific steps will you take to live with greater holiness in light of God’s coming judgment?
b. How can you actively share the Gospel with someone this month, knowing what is at stake?
