Title: Wake Up or Sleep Be Careful
Revelation (57) Whether you are sleeping or awake, be careful with your words (Revelation 13:5-10)
<Things to be careful about with words>
The text describes the appearance of the first beast, the Antichrist, in more detail. The activity of the Antichrist is limited in time and is authorized to work for forty-two months, or three and a half years (v. 5). And they slander God with the words of their lips and slander the name of God and the saints (verse 6). After all, many people on earth worship the beast, but those who worship the beast are those whose names are not listed in the Lamb's book of life (verses 7-8).
Seeing the Antichrist using ‘words’ as his greatest weapon when he wields power challenges us to be careful about what we say or listen to. In particular, with regard to horses, you should be careful of the following: First of all, you have to be careful about speaking well. When the Antichrist says, “I have received an exaggerated mouth,” it means that one word is terribly good with a clearing runoff. What do you learn from watching fortress politics? Learn to be wary of talkative people.
Be careful with your boastful words. ‘Exaggerated mouth’ means ‘proud words’ in English. People who say that they testify but boast of themselves are always added as a seasoning, and should be careful with those who boast of themselves at the end of every conversation. Also, beware of blasphemous remarks. The ‘mouth that speaks blasphemy’ in verse 5 means abuse of words. In other words, it is a hint that you should be careful with people who are rough and talkative when talking.
In revival meetings, there are instructors who talk recklessly. Sometimes those words challenge your faith and sound fun. The problem is that people confuse hearing something funny as being blessed, and furthermore, confusing it as being blessed with a strange catharsis through a swear word that became an outlet for desire. What truth, character, and sincerity can you expect from a sermon when swearing and double clothing are introduced, harsh words are spoken, and overly offensive jokes are made? Words are a good way to express character and personhood. So, beware of those who use harsh words.
<Whether you are sleeping or awake, be careful of what you say>
Some words seem just words for the truth, but there are times when they secretly slander God and destroy the community. Therefore, it is very important not to be slanderous than to speak justice, truth, and right words. Some people say the right thing in every word they say, but those right and just words often ruin the mood, discourage people, make meetings difficult, and break the peace. Therefore, the right and just words must be spoken wisely and well. Otherwise, the intended effect will not be seen at all, and Satan may take advantage of such a situation.
For example, when a couple argues, they rarely say the wrong thing to each other. From each other's point of view, these are the right words to say. But because of those words, they hurt each other and share their hearts. Also, in conflicts between parents and children, it is rarely wrong to say the wrong thing. From each other's point of view, these are the right words to say. However, if your heart is divided and your will to live is broken because of those words, it is a big problem.
It is important to say the right and just words, but it is also important not to divide people's hearts with the right and just words. If you say slander, sarcasm, or point of reference, you are sure to say the right thing, but the path to solving the problem goes farther, the situation worse, and the hearts of the listeners become more devastated. It is Satan's favorite thing to say something right and just, which makes things difficult and devastating to the heart.
When children grow up listening to only the right words at home, their hearts are often farther away from the home and worse. The old adage that smart mothers spoil their children is true. “I will not be deceived!” And how tired will your child be if you keep pounding your child's heart endlessly? Parents need to know how to be deceived while waiting for God's timing for their children's future. If you say you will never be deceived, unfortunately, your life itself will deceive you.
In the last days, Satan's mischief, works, and temptations with words intensify. Therefore, be careful with your words whether you are sleeping or awake, and more carefully guard your lips and ears wisely. For that purpose, a little less time to talk to people and a little more prayer, which is a time to talk to God, is one of the most precious secrets of winning in spiritual warfare. In that sense, the most important thing is the prayer time of the saints.