Revelation Message Notes Revelation Chapter One. Remember, Jesus is working in us through His Spirit to bring us from OLD LIFE to NEW LIFE

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1 Revelation Message Notes Revelation Chapter One Revelation Chapter 1 Remember the BIG themes of the book: Hope Power and Freedom The decisional character of the entire book in other words, what are TODAY S challenges to our lives in Christ? As we read this book, what are today s decisions? Remember, Jesus is working in us through His Spirit to bring us from OLD LIFE to NEW LIFE The book is about a Revealing, Unveiling that is not primarily about a revealing of history or even upcoming events but rather about the revealing of Jesus in His resurrected glory A few other interesting facts about Revelation: 1 Jesus name is only mentioned 8 times in the entire book compared with 9 in the small letter to Philemon 2 Be aware of the GENRE of literature we are reading the book of Revelation is a PROPHETIC and APOCALYPTIC book 3 The reason for the high symbolism and use of extensive metaphor in the book is due to the fact that John is attempting to describe the indescribable putting into concrete, human language eternal realities Prophetic literature in the Bible God speaking to His people in their time for the sake of exhortation, edification and comfort. Prophetic literature calls people to return to God and is targeted to a specific situation YET has future implications and embedded promises. See classic prophetic books in the Bible Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc. Apocalyptic literature in the Bible Focuses on God and God s action in the midst of persecution it was primarily developed during the post-exilic years in Judaism. It is a genre focused on symbolism and metaphor to encourage and give hope to its readers/listeners. See Matthew 25, Mark 13, Daniel and Ezekiel. Three Main Parts of Revelation Chapter 1: 1 Urgency and Decisional Character 1:1-3 2 Centrality of Jesus Christ in all of Life 1:4-8 3 The Vision of the Resurrected Jesus 1:9- Side note what are YOU urgent for? Part 1 Urgency of the Message of Revelation When people s lives are desperate when they are under fire who or what do they fall back on? That is a key issue in our journey in the Lord Do we attempt to pick ourselves up by our bootstraps, blame others, or trust in God? Around every decision you and I make whose side are you on? Do we have a sense of urgency in who we are, what we are called to be and do as Jesus followers?

2 Here s some info on me the reason I push this or any faith community for that matter is not just about staying on mission or for the sake of change or to remain or move toward faithfulness I take Jesus following and being a part of HIS Body seriously This isn t a job for me or even a calling This is life/death ultimate meaning and purpose in life It is time to stop playing church stop pretending that being religious is what Jesus following is all about Here s the disruptive truth the emperor has no clothes the reality is that the Christianity is waning in the 21 st century we have to be very serious and even urgent about asking ourselves whether we are being faithful to Jesus calling and commission for us to make disciples In other words, how are we acting on the authority that Jesus gave us (Matthew 28:18-20)? Are we more like Jesus than a year ago? Are we using the resources that God has given us for Jesus purposes? You see, if we don t have a purpose with this building then we have a wonderful building without a purpose/for no reason having a nice building is not about having a nice house but rather to be a training center for equipping and releasing disciples in our community Revelation 1:3 blessed same word that Jesus uses in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. There are 7 blessed in the book of Revelation remember, being blessed is not about happiness but rather shalom we are in God s shalom despite the circumstances of our lives Revelation 1:3 Aloud remember, John s audience is not a literary audience book of Revelation was meant to be read ALOUD Revelation 1:3 Time in near something is coming this is about a decision and the imminence of Jesus judgement and coming justice Revelation 1:4 7 7 is a number of perfections God s number of heavenly or eternal realities key image in Revelation You will also see 12 number of God s PEOPLE chosen people 12 Tribes, 12 Apostles, the Body of Christ Revelation 1:5 Kingdom and priests the bible has a high view of humanity John did NOT call his audience poor, miserable sinners he called them by their new identity in Jesus God s coming and promises are not motivated by pity but by the fulfillment of God s promises that the Lord knows will change and transform our lives Part 2 - Centrality of Jesus Christ in all of life Revelation 1:4 Who was, is and is to come faithful witness the Revealer of God s character, nature and disposition 2

3 Revelation 1:5 firstborn of the dead John s emphasis on the power of God and empty tomb; ruler of Kings Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 1:6 What Jesus has done? - love, freedom from sin through cross, and transformation through the Spirit Part 3 - The Vision of the Resurrected Jesus John sees one like the Son of Man the expectation that John had was that Jesus looked like he did as he walked the earth but Jesus has changed this is a reference to John s experience on the Mount of Transfiguration. John falls down on his knees remember, that happened in the garden after the resurrection. In that case, it was Mary Magdalene she was weeping and didn t recognize Jesus then he revealed himself and told her to go and tell. John has same experience don t be afraid he is told this is the conquering Jesus revealed to John and John s purpose in the book is to go and tell others about this all-sufficient Jesus. Remember Jesus has our past, present and future in his hands death couldn t keep him, the tomb couldn t hold him - so now, John, get to work you have a book to write Revelation 1:14 White hair remember as you go through this section, John has NO language to capture what he sees he uses metaphors to give us a glimpse of the majesty and nature of the risen Jesus White hair something to be avoided in our day Proverbs 16:31 grey hair is a crown of splendor White hair is a metaphor for the wisdom of Jesus Jesus is the alpha and omega he s been around since the beginning of time and he ll be around for eternity Jesus KNOWS and understands the reality of the human experience Application anybody need wisdom? Ever make a bad decision or get confused? God knows and understands all there is about you Psalm 139 He knows you and is willing to GIVE you HIS wisdom James 1:5 just ask You get wisdom from God as a gift Revelation 1:14 Eyes of fire Jesus offers reliable correction fire is a symbol of purification and guidance in the bible Jesus is constantly watching always watching not trying to bust you but to change you. He is looking into your heart and life Fire image of purification refiner would skim off the impurities so that he could see his reflection in the metal he was purifying Fire draws us in (illustration of camp fire everybody watching) Jesus eyes are invitational they are meant to draw you in 3

4 Purification that is what God wants to do in you and your character so that HIS character is visible in you Are you willing to live in the purifying presence of God? Forgiveness, grace, Spirit s new life in you that s God s goal as you gaze into his eyes Revelation 1:15 Feet like Bronze Daniel had a vision of King Nebuchadnezzar where the King had feet of clay he had a vulnerable foundation that caused it to crumble Is your life built on shaky ground or a solid rock if you build your life on anything other than Jesus and His Kingdom, it will crumble Bronze combines the strength of iron and the endurance of copper You know the phrase, he/she has their feet firmly on the ground? Jesus offers unshakable peace Any worriers here? Do you get anxious? Are you a nail biter? Are you a person where bad news knocks you off your feet? Instead of trying to figure out anxieties use them as a stimulus to pray and trust in the solid feet of the risen Christ Where else are you going to STAND? Christ is our solid foundation Revelation 1:15 Voice like water Research tells us that you can tell a lot about a person more by the TONE of their voice then their actual words The voice reflects the heart. A trumpet is a call to battle in the Bible. Many waters refer to the roaring waters of a powerful waterfall which is so distinct and loud image of power of Jesus words Jesus speaks with authority remember, he is the faithful witness, firstborn of the dead, the King of Kings Application so many entitles want power over our lives there is political power, economic power even cultural power in John s day, kings and emperors had all the power well, John is saying Jesus has the power. Jesus is the ruler over ANY and ALL powers in your life He ultimately puts all things under his feet and responsive to his voice remember, one day EVERY power will bow and every TONGUE confess that Jesus is Lord Jesus intends to rule in your life that s what the Kingdom of God is about Jesus reign in your life and mine 4

5 Are you submitted to the rule of God? Are there any areas you are holding out? Any areas of your life that you are NOT willing to give up to Jesus? Do you respond to his voice? Revelation 1:16 Seven stars in his hand This is a metaphor on the authority of Jesus spans the heavens and the earth The powers of eternity are in his hands. Application friends, we are not struggling in life alone we are in the hands of Jesus Anybody here insecure? Security is only in the hands of Jesus John at this point in his life has LOST it all all he has is Jesus and he discovers that Jesus is enough. Howa bout you? Will you find your security and safety ultimately in the hands of Jesus? Revelation 1:16 Face like the sun Ever go to a wedding and people describe the bride as being radiant? Matthew 17:2 in the transfiguration, Jesus face was shining like the sun 1 John 1:5 Jesus is the LIGHT and in him there is NO darkness at all His light reveals not only who HE is but also who we are and when he shines his light and presence upon us, all will be OK (remember Jesus tells John don t be afraid he says the same to us Revelation 1:16 Out of his mouth, sharp two-edged sword Jesus words have power a sword was the ultimate symbol of strength and victory in the ancient world This metaphor proclaims the Son of Man wields great power! Sword is usually held in a hand this one comes from his mouth HIS WORD Jesus WORD has power! The power of Jesus words in our lives the power of the scriptures in our lives. 5