Behold Our God: Sovereignty, Holiness, and Mercy
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Revelation chapter 4, focusing on the theme "Behold Our God." This chapter is a vivid depiction of God's throne, emphasizing His sovereignty, authority, and glory. We began by reflecting on the grandeur of the universe, noting that while the earth and sun are not the center, God is the true center of all creation. The throne of God, mentioned twelve times in this chapter, symbolizes His ultimate authority and sovereignty over the universe. From this throne, God dispenses judgment and grace, and His glory is so magnificent that human language falls short of fully describing it.
We explored the imagery used in Revelation 4, such as the appearance of Jasper and Carnelian, the rainbow around the throne, and the 24 elders. These images remind us of God's glory, mercy, and the completeness of His redeemed people. The thunder and lightning emanating from the throne signify God's holiness and His judgment against sin. The seven torches of fire represent the Spirit of God, ready to enact divine judgment.
The four living creatures around the throne, each with unique appearances, reflect different aspects of God's nature—His nobility, strength, sensitivity, and transcendence. Their continuous proclamation of "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty" underscores God's eternal holiness.
In response to this vision of God's throne, we are called to bow down in humility, give praise, offer thanks, take heart in God's sovereignty, and give back to Him. The 24 elders' act of casting their crowns before the throne serves as a powerful reminder that all we have is a gift from God, and we should joyfully return it to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sovereignty and Authority: The throne of God in Revelation 4 symbolizes His ultimate authority and sovereignty over the universe. Despite the chaos we may see in the world, God is in control, ruling from His throne with absolute power. This should give us peace and confidence, knowing that nothing happens outside of His divine plan. [42:09]
2. The Holiness of God: The thunder and lightning from God's throne remind us of His holiness and the necessity of judgment against sin. God's holiness demands that sin be dealt with, either through eternal separation or through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This understanding should lead us to a deeper reverence for God's purity and justice. [55:04]
3. God's Mercy and Grace: The rainbow around the throne is a symbol of God's mercy, reminding us that His grace is as vast as His majesty. Despite His holiness and the judgment it necessitates, God offers mercy through Jesus Christ. This balance of justice and mercy is central to understanding God's character. [50:53]
4. Our Response to God's Majesty: The 24 elders' act of bowing down and casting their crowns before God teaches us to respond with humility, praise, and thanksgiving. We should regularly humble ourselves before God, acknowledging His greatness and our dependence on Him. This posture of heart leads to genuine worship and gratitude. [01:05:49]
5. Encouragement in God's Control: Knowing that God is sovereign and in complete control should encourage us, especially in times of uncertainty. As Corrie ten Boom said, "There is no panic in heaven. God has no problems, only plans." This truth helps us trust in God's perfect plan, even when we don't understand our circumstances. [01:13:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:13] - Introduction to Revelation 4
[32:09] - Cake Auction Recap
[33:21] - Purpose of the Cake Auction
[34:15] - Copernicus and the Center of the Universe
[35:18] - God's Throne as the Center
[36:20] - The Glory of God's Throne
[37:29] - The Open Door to Heaven
[38:27] - Different Heavens Described
[39:27] - Outline of Revelation
[40:11] - Flashbacks to Old Testament Visions
[41:08] - Authority and Sovereignty of God's Throne
[42:09] - God's Unrivaled Authority
[43:08] - God's Control Amidst Chaos
[44:05] - Apocalyptic Imagery Begins
[45:19] - Vision of the Throne Room
[46:25] - Descriptions of God's Glory
[47:19] - God's Glory and Majesty
[48:17] - God's Inapproachable Light
[49:04] - The Rainbow of Mercy
[50:53] - The Significance of the Rainbow
[52:00] - The 24 Elders
[53:42] - Thunder and Lightning: God's Holiness
[55:04] - The Demand of God's Holiness
[56:53] - The Seven Torches of Fire
[57:45] - The Sea of Glass
[59:02] - God's Transcendence and Sovereignty
[01:00:35] - The Four Living Creatures
[01:01:42] - The Glory of God Reflected
[01:03:04] - Continuous Praise of God's Holiness
[01:04:02] - The Eternal Nature of God
[01:04:58] - The Response of the Elders
[01:05:49] - Bow Down in Humility
[01:07:25] - Give Praise to God
[01:09:15] - Praise God as Creator
[01:11:06] - Give Thanks to God
[01:13:13] - Take Heart in God's Sovereignty
[01:17:15] - Give Back to God
[01:19:10] - Behold Our God Song
[01:24:55] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Revelation 4:1-11
- 1 Timothy 6:15-16
- Psalm 95:6
### Observation Questions
1. How many times is the throne of God mentioned in Revelation chapter 4? What does this repetition emphasize? [35:18]
2. What are the four living creatures described in Revelation 4, and what unique features do they have? [01:00:35]
3. What is the significance of the rainbow around God's throne as described in Revelation 4? [49:04]
4. What actions do the 24 elders take in response to God's majesty, and what do these actions symbolize? [01:04:58]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the imagery of thunder and lightning from God's throne in Revelation 4 suggest about His nature and actions? [53:42]
2. How does the description of the four living creatures reflect different aspects of God's character? [01:02:09]
3. In what ways does the rainbow around the throne serve as a reminder of God's mercy and grace? [50:53]
4. How does the act of the 24 elders casting their crowns before the throne illustrate our response to God's sovereignty and generosity? [01:05:49]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by the chaos in the world. How can the understanding of God's sovereignty and control bring you peace in such situations? [43:08]
2. The sermon emphasized the holiness of God and the necessity of judgment against sin. How does this understanding affect your view of sin in your own life? [55:04]
3. The rainbow around God's throne is a symbol of His mercy. How can you remind yourself of God's mercy in your daily life, especially when you feel unworthy or guilty? [50:53]
4. The 24 elders' act of bowing down and casting their crowns before God teaches us humility and gratitude. What are some practical ways you can humble yourself and show gratitude to God this week? [01:05:49]
5. Knowing that God is in complete control should encourage us, especially in times of uncertainty. How can you remind yourself of this truth when you face difficult circumstances? [01:13:13]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of giving back to God what is His due. Are there areas in your life where you are withholding from God? How can you start giving back to Him joyfully? [01:17:15]
7. The continuous praise of the four living creatures highlights God's eternal holiness. How can you incorporate more praise and worship into your daily routine to reflect this aspect of God's character? [01:03:04]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty and Authority
Description: The throne of God in Revelation 4 symbolizes His ultimate authority and sovereignty over the universe. Despite the chaos we may see in the world, God is in control, ruling from His throne with absolute power. This should give us peace and confidence, knowing that nothing happens outside of His divine plan. The imagery of God's throne, mentioned twelve times in this chapter, serves as a powerful reminder of His unrivaled authority. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, the knowledge that God is sovereign and in control can provide immense comfort and assurance. [42:09]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"
Reflection: Think of a current situation in your life that feels out of control. How can you trust in God's sovereignty and authority over this situation today?
Day 2: The Holiness of God
Description: The thunder and lightning from God's throne remind us of His holiness and the necessity of judgment against sin. God's holiness demands that sin be dealt with, either through eternal separation or through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This understanding should lead us to a deeper reverence for God's purity and justice. The vivid imagery of thunder and lightning emanating from the throne signifies the awe-inspiring and fearsome nature of God's holiness. It is a call to recognize the seriousness of sin and the profound need for repentance and redemption. [55:04]
Habakkuk 1:13 (ESV): "You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?"
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you may be compromising with sin. How can you seek God's holiness and purity in this area today?
Day 3: God's Mercy and Grace
Description: The rainbow around the throne is a symbol of God's mercy, reminding us that His grace is as vast as His majesty. Despite His holiness and the judgment it necessitates, God offers mercy through Jesus Christ. This balance of justice and mercy is central to understanding God's character. The rainbow, a sign of God's covenant and promise, serves as a beautiful reminder that His mercy triumphs over judgment. It is a call to embrace the grace offered through Christ and to live in the light of His mercy. [50:53]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced God's mercy in your life. How can you extend that same mercy to someone else today?
Day 4: Our Response to God's Majesty
Description: The 24 elders' act of bowing down and casting their crowns before God teaches us to respond with humility, praise, and thanksgiving. We should regularly humble ourselves before God, acknowledging His greatness and our dependence on Him. This posture of heart leads to genuine worship and gratitude. The elders' act of casting their crowns is a powerful symbol of surrender and recognition that all we have is a gift from God. It is an invitation to live a life of worship, continually offering our best back to Him. [01:05:49]
1 Chronicles 29:14 (ESV): "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to humble yourself before God? How can you express your gratitude and dependence on Him today?
Day 5: Encouragement in God's Control
Description: Knowing that God is sovereign and in complete control should encourage us, especially in times of uncertainty. As Corrie ten Boom said, "There is no panic in heaven. God has no problems, only plans." This truth helps us trust in God's perfect plan, even when we don't understand our circumstances. The assurance of God's control provides a solid foundation for faith, enabling us to face challenges with confidence and hope. It is a reminder that God's plans are always for our good, even when we cannot see the bigger picture. [01:13:13]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge or uncertainty you are facing. How can you trust in God's perfect plan and find encouragement in His control today?
Quotes
1. "The universe is not earth centered or sun centered, but God centered. God is at the center, if you will, of the entire universe. When we read Revelation, it is dominated by the theme of God's throne. In a few moments, as we read chapter four, you will see the throne referenced 12 times, if I'm remembering correctly, in this chapter alone. There is a glorious one who sits on this throne. And we're going to be referring to him, obviously, as our God this morning." [35:18] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's never running for reelection. God is not resting on his throne. He is ruling from his throne. So no matter what you read or hear on CNN or Fox News, no matter what articles you might read on the Drudge Report or anywhere else, just know this, regardless of what's reported on the TV screen, what's reported online, everything takes place under the shadow, if you will, of the sovereign reign of Almighty God. He is on his throne. Despite how chaotic circumstances might would argue differently, he is on his throne and he is in control. Never stressed, never perplexed, never at a loss for what to do next. God has full authority and full sovereignty." [42:09] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Don't mistake what you see with what is. What you see can become chaotic, but God is in control. He's not idle, he's active. God will never, ever be absent or distant. He will never be forgetful or uncaring. He is reigning and orchestrating. You talk about being a director of an orchestra. He is orchestrating all the events of all seven to eight billion people walking the planet. He has authority, he has sovereignty." [43:08] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We cannot be too extravagant in our attempt to depict this for our mind's eye. The colors we imagine will not be too vibrant. The space we allow for the throne and what surrounds it will not be too large. The sights and sounds we can see with our brains will not be too impressive, too surprising, or too overwhelming. We are talking about the glory of Almighty God seated on his throne in heaven. It's not possible for us to overdo it in our attempt to imagine this scene." [44:05] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's glory. His authority. His sovereignty. His glory. Next it says, And around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. I believe this image is a reminder of God's mercy. God's mercy. So, I don't know about you, but I don't ever get tired of looking at rainbows. Rainbows are beautiful." [48:17] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "God's holiness demands that sin be dealt with. God's holiness cannot sweep sin under the rug. As we sometimes say, God's holiness demands that sin be punished. So there are two options. If you reject Jesus Christ, you will hear thunder as it were lightning as it were. When the Lord tells you, depart from me, I never knew you. And if that's the case, God's holiness will require you to pay the price for your sin in hell for all eternity. Oh, but there's Jesus." [55:04] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Behold your God. He will never bore you. He will never fail you. He cannot be overcome, outmuscled, outsmarted, or outdone. And his goodness will never fail. That's our God. When it says that these creatures are full of eyes, nothing escapes their notice. And precisely because they see everything, they have ongoing, justification to keep saying, holy, holy, holy is the Lord. In all his dealings, as they see them take place, nothing but holy, holy, holy is the Lord." [01:02:39] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "How should you and I respond? To the Lord God almighty, the holy one, the sovereign one who sits on the throne of the universe. How should we respond to the one who has all authority? Who was holy and yet merciful? How should we respond to this majestic God? I would like for us to learn from these elders. I believe they can teach us much. So we're going to spend the rest of our time. Focusing on our response to him who sits on the throne." [01:04:58] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Take heart. That is, be encouraged by the fact that God is sovereign and in complete control of the whole world. The whole universe. Corrie ten Boom, who hid Jews from the Nazis and went to prison for her efforts, she says it well. There is no panic in heaven. God has no problems, only plans. To be sovereign means to have supreme power and authority. Kings are considered sovereign rulers over their nation. The United States is considered a sovereign nation because it governs and rules itself. Folks, God is the supreme sovereign because he is creator and sustainer of all things." [01:13:13] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Give back, bow down give thanks give praise take heart and give back so the 24 elders cast their crowns before the throne those of you who like casting crowns and i would be one of you man i love that there there is um there's a documentary of them i think it's home by sunday you can you can watch it jennifer and i watched it i think last sunday it is excellent it is excellent i mean excellent and so casting crowns draws its name from this passage of scripture these elders they cast their crowns before the lord what he gave they joyfully give back they acknowledge that all they have is his gift to them they didn't earn it they didn't merit it nothing they have would they withhold from the one who's on the throne" [01:17:15] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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