|
INTRODUCTION I. COMPLIMENTARY TEXTS 1. Hebrew 13:8 - Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 2. Colossians 1:13-18 - The firstborn from the dead redeemed us with His blood and placed us in His kingdom. 3. Daniel 7:13-14 - It was prophesied that the son of man would be given dominion, glory, and a kingdom. 4. Matthew 17:1-6 - Jesus appeared in His glory before His disciples. 5. Peter 2:9 - Christians are made to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation. II. MAIN THEME: Revelation 1 - The book is introduced as being the revelation
of Jesus Christ given to John to show His servants the things
which must shortly come to pass.
John's vision of Jesus portrays Christ in His greatness with vivid descriptions of His glory
and power. 1. Textual Discussion of Revelation 1 and related passages from Revelation. 1) The revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave through the apostle John - verses 1-3. a. These things prophesied "must shortly come to pass" (v.1) meaning that many things were to be fulfilled in the near future for the audience of Revelation. b. This revelation was "signified" meaning that it was spoken in signs or symbols, so that the enemies of the Christians would not be able to understand the prophesy. O.T. symbolism was used. 2) The author, the audience, and the Giver of the message are introduced - verses 4-8. a. John is the author in a physical sense because he received the vision from Jesus Christ (v.4). b. The seven churches in Asia are the audience because the message was directed to them (v.4,11). c. The Giver of the message is Jesus Christ (v.1) who is described as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth, and the one who freed from our sins (v.5) d. The One who stands behind this message is Almighty God Himself (v.4,8). 3) John tells the story of receiving the message/vision, and he describes Jesus as the Giver of the message, using very meaningful symbolism for the sake of the Christian audience - verses 9-16. a. John was on the island of Patmos in exile when he received the vision (v.9). b. The message was to be given to the seven churches of Asia (v.11). c. The message was given by the Son of Man (v.13). d. The Son of Man was full of wisdom and discernment (v.14). e. He was very powerful and his words/authority was overwhelming (v.15). f. His message was very penetrating and his character was brilliant (v.16). 4) John worships Jesus and the Lord speaks about what John should write - verses 17-20. a. Because of Christ's greatness, John falls at His feet to worship Him (v.17). b. Jesus identifies Himself as the one who was dead, but now is alive (v.18). c. John is compelled to write about the present and the future (v.19). d. Jesus reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the churches and that the seven lamp stands are the seven churches which will receive the message. 2. Related Topics: 1) "Shortly come to pass" - We must not fail to understand that the message of Revelation was for the seven churches of Asia. They were the direct audience and Jesus reveals that the message will be meaningful to them because it will be fulfilled within a short time. It was not a message of the distant future, but a message that the 1st Century audience would find important - verses 1, 3, 19. 2) "Signified it" - John revealed that Jesus gave the Revelation in signs or symbols. It was not intended to be understood in a literal interpretation. It is a figurative message which must be understood the way that the original audience would understand it, not as we presume it to be - verse 1-2. 3) "Blessings on those who read and hear" - This blessing reveals that the Revelation was written so that we would understand it, not so that it would be totally hidden. Apocalyptic language is written to be hidden to some, but understood by the intended audience - verse 3 and chapter 22:7. 4) "Son of Man" - This description of Jesus is found throughout the Bible. It is used to emphasize the humanity of Jesus, who was the Son of God. Daniel 7:13-14 5) The Kingdom - Christians are made to be a kingdom and John was part of the kingdom. In the early Christian thinking, the kingdom was not something in the future. verses 6, 9. Colossians 1:13. III. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 1.Understanding the scriptures is a promise of God. 2 Corinthians 1:13-14. Two things to remember: 1) Read to understand. God will help you to find understanding. 2 Tim 3:16-17. 2) Seek to know Jesus. The scriptures reveal Jesus Christ, and He is God’s plan for man. John 5:39-40. 2. Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth. (v.5). We often think that the world leaders are all powerful and they will control our future. Jesus holds the keys to the future. He controls the future of the world leaders, rather than them controlling our future. Acts 17:26 3. The return of Jesus is a definite promise from God (v.7). He will come again like He left in the clouds. This is as certain as His resurrection. Acts 1:11 4. The description of God (v.8) helps us to understand that His name (Exodus 3:14) "I AM" explains the ever-present, ever- living, nature of God. Though our sufferings make us think that God is not near at times, He is always present and He is always alive to complete His plan. 5. The description of Jesus (v.13-16) is in figurative language, but we can clearly understand that He is powerful, discerning, and has a penetrating message. Though we may not see Jesus in such a vivid fashion, we should hope to see Jesus in His true character. To see Jesus (spiritually) is to have eternal life - John 6:40. 6. John was willing to suffer for the testimony of Jesus (v.9). Do not think it strange that suffering comes upon Christians. 1 Peter 5:12 Suffering is part of our lives. Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 3:12. IV. MEMORY VERSE: Revelation 1:1-2 |