Pulpit Curriculum: The Tragedy of Rejected Mercy

May 11^th – May 17^th, 2025

Want to have this page read aloud to you? Click here for instructions

Sermon Summary

This message presents one of the most sobering chapters in Revelation. As the fifth and sixth trumpets sound, the focus of God’s judgment shifts from the natural world to the spiritual realm. Demonic torment and global destruction unfold not as random chaos but as divine warning. Still, mankind resists repentance. The sermon issues a heartfelt plea to recognize the spiritual warfare around us, respond to God’s mercy, and break the tragic cycle of hardened resistance. The real sorrow lies not in the judgment itself, but in the mercy that was offered and refused.

Verse of the Week

Revelation 9:20-21 (ESV)
“The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols… nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

Going Deeper

_{This section of the Pulpit Curriculum is meant to support Bible reflection, and encourage readers to come away with a high view of Scripture.}

Review Revelation 9: 1–21

1) How does Revelation 9 show the escalation from natural to spiritual judgment, and what does this teach us about God’s approach to warning humanity?

2) What is the significance of the star (v.1) being given the key to the abyss?

2a) Who is this likely to represent, and what does this tell us about divine sovereignty?

3) What does it mean to be “sealed by God” in verse 4? Cross-reference with Ephesians 1:13 and Revelation 7:3-4

4) In verse 15, why is the exact timing (year, month, day, hour) emphasized?

4a) What does this suggest about God’s control over judgment?

Assess Your Life

_{The following questions are meant to encourage personal reflection and identify areas for spiritual growth in your relationship with God. Ask yourself the questions, respond honestly, write down your responses, and then prayerfully seek God’s conviction and guidance to move forward to repentance and restoration. In discussions with your friends and family, or in your Small Group, be open to sharing your responses with others in a spirit of accountability and transparency.}

“Spiritual warfare is the invisible battle between God’s truth and Satan’s lies, fought over our hearts, minds, and lives. It’s not just about strange or dramatic events — it’s about whether we trust God or turn away from Him.”

1) In what ways have I become desensitized to spiritual warfare?

2) Am I alert to God’s warnings in my life, or do I ignore them expecting more time?

3) Where might I be managing sin instead of mortifying (subdue, deaden or kill a bodily desire or impulse) it?

4) What signs of spiritual complacency or hard-heartedness has God been revealing in your life?

Application

_{A key objective of this Pulpit Curriculum is taking God’s truth as exposed in the sermon and helping people apply that truth in practical and intentional ways to plot a course toward obedience and transformation. This section is intended to achieve that objective.}

• Recognize the War: What specific habit or spiritual discipline will I adopt this week to remain alert and equipped for the spiritual battle that surrounds me?

• Respond to Warnings: What is one area of delayed obedience or conviction I will surrender to God this week in light of His escalating warnings?

• Break the Cycle: What tangible step will I take today to soften my heart through confession, accountability, restitution, or any other means, so I don’t grow numb to God’s voice?

• Live Sealed: This week, how will I act differently in a moment of fear, temptation, or pressure because I know I am marked as God’s own?

• Embrace Gospel Urgency: Who is one person I will intentionally pray for or reach out to this week with the truth of God’s mercy, knowing time is short?

I will ask_____ to hold me accountable in this.

Sermon Main Points

Recognize the Reality of Spiritual Warfare (Revelation 9:1–12)
o Spiritual warfare is real, relentless, and often unrecognized.
o God protects His own; the seal is a spiritual security, not a visible one.
o We are called to vigilance, prayer, and to wear the armor of God.

Respond to God’s Warnings Before They Escalate (Revelation 9:13–19)
o God’s warnings intensify when mercy is ignored.
o The sixth trumpet unleashes massive destruction—yet even this is controlled by God’s timing.
o Delayed repentance invites deeper judgment.

Break the Cycle of Hardened Resistance (Revelation 9:20–21)
o The tragedy is not the judgment, but the rejection of mercy.
o Repentance is the only right response to divine warning.
o Hardened hearts must be softened by surrender before it’s too late.

Quotes

• “The tragedy isn’t just that judgment came, it’s that mercy was refused.”
• “You can’t ignore a spiritual war just because you can’t see it.”
• “God’s warnings grow louder when we stop listening to His whisper.”
• “Sealed by God means spared from wrath but not removed from war.”
• “When mercy knocks, don’t delay—answer.”

The seal of God on the forehead is not just symbolic, it’s deeply spiritual and comforting. It declares over every true believer: “You are Mine. You are safe. You are set apart.” —Derek A. Ward

When people ignore spiritual conviction, they risk facing irreversible physical consequences. —Derek A. Ward

Delayed repentance invites deeper judgment, while a humble response opens the door to mercy. —Derek A. Ward

When rebellion becomes a rhythm, it hardens into resistance, and resistance into ruin. —Derek A. Ward

Sermon Reflection

What stood out for me in this sermon?

What can I do to remember this?

5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps

1. Observe the text.
_{(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)}

2. Interpret the text.
_{(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)}

3. Apply the text.
_{(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)}

Day 1 - Revelation 9:1–12

Spiritual Warfare Revealed