Revelation 1:10-20

Notes for Revelation lessons are >>>HERE<<<

The original, complete audio for Revelation Chapter 1 can be found >>>HERE<<<

John was banned to the Island of Patmos and was given a vision in which he was told to write what he saw. Part of the revelation given him related to local churches to which John ministered before being incarcerated. Each one of the churches has an associated city name, and the name identifies the character of that church. It’s fascinating how these names were given to those cities just so that they would reflect those churches at the right time in history. Additionally, John puts them in a particular order, beginning with Ephesus, so that he can reveal to us the progress of the Church through the ages. I don’t think anyone would question we are living in the Laodicean age which was a lukewarm church as judged by Jesus in the vision. The next video will cover those churches (Revelation Chapters two and three.)

What would you do if you heard the voice of a trumpet behind you? You would do what John did in Revelation 1:12, namely, “turn to see the voice that spoke with me, and having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, but the seven golden lampstands are pictures of the churches I saw.” The lampstands John sees are not “under a basket” but lights to the world. John also sees “one like the Son of Man” in the midst of the lights. Why would John say it that way? Well, he knew “the Son of Man” well, didn’t he? While Christ was on this earth, who was the closest disciple to Him? John knew him better than anyone else. The phrase “Son of Man” also harkens to Daniel Chapter seven, where you’ll remember Daniel saw the “Ancient of Days” seated on the throne. That was God, the Father, and “one like the Son of Man.”

John sees Jesus Christ clothed with a garment “down to His feet, and He is girded about the chest with a golden band.” Now, in the ancient world, the higher your rank, the wider your belt. The widest belt or golden band from your waist up to the chest speaks of His deity and authority. His head and his hair were white which connotes purity, and the holiness of God. His eyes “a flame of fire” speaks of judgment. He is coming to judge those who belong to Him. Those who walk in fellowship with him have nothing to fear. His eyes were a flame of fire and notice His feet were like, fine brass. An Old Testament idea of burnished bronze was judgment as it had been purified through fire. You’ll remember Peter talks to us about the fact that, “our faith being more precious than gold tried with fire, may be found onto praise, honor and glory of a Lord Jesus Christ.” So, our faith has to go through the refining furnace, just like gold or here as burnished bronze or brass.

John heard “His voice was the sound of many waters.” If you’ve been in Niagara or Victoria Falls, you know that thundering sound. “He had in His right hand, seven stars, and out of His mouth went a two-edged sword.” There are two kinds of swords mentioned in Scripture. The Roman short sword measured from the elbow to the fingertip a broadsword which measured which could be 6 feet long. “His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last.’” That’s what Jesus would say to you and me, “Do not be afraid.” We have nothing to fear from our Savior. “I am He who lives and was dead. And behold, I am alive forevermore.” This speaks of His humanity. “I have the keys of Hades and death.” Why the keys of hell and death? He can open the “door to death” behind which you are locked and set you free. Or he can take the keys to hell and lock you in there for eternity. Jesus Christ alone has the power of life! One more note from this passage. “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.” The word “angel” means messenger. I take then that an angel of a church is the pastor, the messenger in that church. So the seven stars are the pastors of the churches and the seven lamp stands are the seven churches. John has made this easy for us because he has explained the meaning of the signs that he saw.

This world seems to be hurtling in the direction of the tribulation period. How important it is that we understand this book and know and apply it to our lives considering the nearness of the coming of our Lord. We should be challenged to do everything we can to bring other people who are saving knowledge of Christ and be faithful to His word in these perilous times.

Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 32

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In Rev 2:1-5, seven lamp-stands means seven pastors and the congregations (Rev 1:20). Jesus walks among the churches; He knows every motive (Rev 2:2). Ephesus had Christian service going on; they persevered and would not put up with hypocrisy; they were faithful in their witness (Rev 2:3). But, they left their first love (Rev 2:4, 1Th 1:9-10). Believers in this generation have no excuse; their plans are made therefore don't want Jesus to return. He wants us to live expectantly. In Rev 2:5 (1) when we want to restore lost love, we must remember what we had before; (2) We have to repent - change your mind, action (e.g. the prodigal). (3) We have to renew; prodigal was better off after he returned. "He renews your youth as an eagle" (Psa 103:5). We can only experience the promises partially on Earth, but they are a foretaste (2Pe 1:3-4). The return of Christ is when we experience the fullest extent of the promises; when Christ returns He'll remove limitations. To those who loved his appearing -- the first love -- is given the crown of righteousness (2Ti 4:7-8) -- Paul express (1) courage for the battle (2Ti 2:4); (2) endurance (Heb 12:1-2) -- Christ is the finisher or "Fulfiller" of our faith. Righteousness is full relationship with Him. Promises are in human terms, but indicate future fulfillment we can't imagine (1Co 2:9); (3) resolve or determination -- Paul kept the faith and spread it out to others(2Ti 2:2). Five crowns depend upon the blessed hope. Five Crowns: (1) Imperishable crown given for spiritual self-discipline (1Co 9:25); (2) Crown of Joy (Phi 4:1, 1Th 2:19) given for faithful witnessing. (3) Crown of Life (Jam 1:12, Rev 2:10) given to those who endure trials and temptation (2Co 4:17-18). (4) Crown of Glory given for faithful ministry (1Pe 5:4). (5) Crown of Righteousness (2Ti 4:8) only Righteousness can be applied to God. In practical terms it means a right standing before God - only those who take advantage of His grace through faith. We make God's word attractive/appealing (Tit 2:10-13); this is only done by looking for the blessed hope -- like Simeon looking for the consolation of Israel (Luk 2:25). "Blessed hope" -- defines the quality -- if you possess it you are blessed. The "living hope" looks to eternity (1Pe 1:3-4). "Purifying hope" is a hope fixed on the promises (1Jo 3:1-3, 1Jo 2:15, Phi 3:20, Col 3:1-3). Jesus first lesson shows attitudes of a believer who has the blessed hope (Mat 5:3-12). Living hope (1Co 7:29-35, 2Co 4:17-18) - present an "other-worldly" lifestyle; this is abundant life, fixed on the eternal. "My soul is like a weaned child" (Psa 103:2) -- we need to be weaned of the world so we can focus on the blessed hope. Purifying hope can be illustrated in multiple scriptures (2Ti 2:19-24). As soon as we lose the blessed hope we fail -- we're sick (2Pe 2:3, Pro 3:12). Focusing on the blessed hope (1) Quickens, gives life to our activity; (2) compensates for sacrifice/service; (3) weans us from the world; (4) incites us to unselfish service to the least. Promise from the Lord "... My reward is with me" (Rev 22:12). We groan waiting for our adoption (Rom 8:1-39) because we don't belong here. Don't trade off eternity for now -- like Esau (Heb 12:1-29) short-sighted (2Pe 3:9). We need to lay our desires before the Lord (Psa 37:4) because He'll give them to us.

Scripture References: James 1:12, Philippians 3:20, Revelation 2:2, Romans 8:1-39, Philippians 4:1, John 2:15, Revelation 1:20, Revelation 22:12, Hebrews 12:1-2, John 3:1-3, Revelation 2:1-5, Proverbs 3:12, Psalms 103:5, Luke 2:25, Psalms 103:2, Revelation 2:5, Titus 2:10-13, Matthew 5:3-12, Revelation 2:4, Psalms 37:4, Revelation 2:10, Colossians 3:1-3, Revelation 2:3, Hebrews 12:1-29

From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"

Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.