Embracing Revelation: God's Eternal Blessing and Authority

Summary

Revelation is a book that many of us tend to avoid, often because it speaks not of what has happened, but of what is to come. Its prophetic nature can stir up fear or anxiety, especially as it addresses the end of the world and the turmoil we see around us. Yet, it is crucial that we do not shy away from this book, for it opens with a profound blessing: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and keep what is written in it, because the time is near.” This blessing is not just any blessing—it comes directly from God Himself, the One who is, who was, and who is to come.

The opening verses of Revelation reveal the fullness of God’s character. The number seven, which appears repeatedly, signifies completeness and universality. The seven churches represent not just specific congregations in Asia, but the entire church—us included. The seven spirits before the throne point us to the Holy Spirit in all His fullness, and together with the Father and the Son, we see the Holy Trinity at work, united in purpose and message.

God introduces Himself as the One who is, who was, and who is to come—a declaration of His unchanging, eternal nature. This is the very name of God, Yahweh, the “I Am,” who exists outside of time and is present in every moment. Jesus is described as the faithful witness, the one who embodies truth and exposes falsehood. Unlike human witnesses, who are prone to error and forgetfulness, Jesus is the perfect, reliable witness to God’s character and will.

He is also the firstborn from the dead—not just resurrected like Lazarus, who died again, but risen never to die again, holding the promise of resurrection for all who believe. As the ruler of the kings of the earth, Jesus’ authority is not established by force or oppression, but by sacrificial love. He freed us from our sins by His blood, not just to leave us on our own, but to make us a kingdom and priests to God our Father.

This is our identity: freed from sin, brought into God’s kingdom, and called to represent Him on earth. Our lives are to reflect His glory, not just on Sundays, but every day. We are the visible expression of God’s kingdom here and now, living in the blessing and calling He has given us.

Key Takeaways

- The Blessing of Revelation Is for Today
The blessing pronounced in Revelation is not reserved for a distant future or a select few. It is for all who read, hear, and keep its words in their hearts. This blessing is a direct gift from God, inviting us to engage with His prophetic word and to let it shape our lives, even when it challenges or unsettles us. [55:43]

- God’s Nature Is Unchanging and Eternal
God reveals Himself as the One who is, who was, and who is to come. This means that no matter what season we find ourselves in—past regrets, present struggles, or future uncertainties—God remains constant. His presence spans all of time, assuring us that He is with us now just as He was with Abraham, Moses, and the early church. [01:01:11]

- Jesus Is the Faithful Witness and the Firstborn from the Dead
Jesus stands as the perfect witness to God’s truth, exposing lies and misrepresentations about God’s character. His resurrection is not just a historical event, but a promise: as the firstborn from the dead, He guarantees that all who trust in Him will also share in resurrection life. Our hope is anchored in His victory over death, not just for Himself, but for all who follow Him. [01:05:15]

- Christ’s Authority Is Rooted in Sacrificial Love
Unlike earthly rulers who assert power through force or self-interest, Jesus’ authority comes through His self-sacrifice. He freed us from sin not by demanding from us, but by giving Himself for us. This kind of leadership is rare and countercultural, and it calls us to recognize that true authority in God’s kingdom is always marked by love and self-giving. [01:13:01]

- We Are Made a Kingdom and Priests—Representatives of God on Earth
God’s work in us does not end with forgiveness; He brings us into His kingdom and makes us priests, giving us dignity and purpose. We are called to live as visible representatives of God’s kingdom, reflecting His glory in our daily lives. Our actions, attitudes, and words should point others to the reality of God’s reign, reminding us that the kingdom is not just a future hope, but a present reality. [01:14:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[51:11] - Opening Prayer
[53:21] - The Challenge and Blessing of Revelation
[55:43] - The Importance of Reading Prophecy
[57:01] - The Significance of Seven in Scripture
[59:37] - The Seven Spirits and the Holy Spirit
[01:01:11] - God: The One Who Is, Was, and Is to Come
[01:02:33] - The Name of God and His Eternal Presence
[01:03:31] - The Faithful Witness: Jesus’ Truth
[01:05:15] - Jesus as Firstborn from the Dead
[01:10:47] - Christ’s Authority Over Earthly Rulers
[01:11:46] - The Nature of Christ’s Rulership
[01:13:01] - Sacrifice as the Foundation of Authority
[01:14:57] - Our Identity as Kingdom and Priests
[01:20:17] - Living for God’s Glory Every Day
[01:21:56] - Closing Prayer
[01:23:53] - Benediction and Dismissal

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Blessing and Calling of Revelation

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### Bible Reading

Revelation 1:1-6 (ESV)
1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,
2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.
3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,
5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)
And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

Exodus 3:14 (ESV)
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Revelation 1:3, what specific blessing is promised to those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy?
([55:43])

2. In the passage, who are the “seven churches,” and what does the number seven represent in this context?
([57:01])

3. How does John describe Jesus in Revelation 1:5, and what do each of these titles mean?
([01:03:31])

4. What does the sermon say about the “seven spirits before the throne,” and how does Isaiah 11:2 help us understand this?
([59:37])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The blessing in Revelation 1:3 is not just for the original audience but for all who engage with the book. Why might God attach a special blessing to reading and keeping the words of Revelation, even though it can be a challenging or unsettling book?
([55:43])

2. The sermon explains that God is “the one who is, who was, and who is to come.” How does this truth about God’s unchanging nature affect the way believers face past regrets, present struggles, or future uncertainties?
([01:01:11])

3. Jesus is called the “faithful witness” and the “firstborn from the dead.” What is the significance of these titles for Christians today, especially in how we understand truth and hope?
([01:03:31])

4. The sermon contrasts Christ’s authority with that of earthly rulers, saying Jesus’ authority is rooted in sacrificial love. How does this shape our understanding of what true leadership and authority look like in God’s kingdom?
([01:13:01])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon points out that many people avoid Revelation because it can be intimidating or unsettling. Have you ever avoided reading certain parts of the Bible? What would it look like for you to engage with God’s Word, even when it challenges or unsettles you?
([53:21])

2. God is described as the One who is, who was, and who is to come. Is there an area of your life where you need to remember that God is present and unchanging, no matter what season you are in? How can this truth bring you comfort or courage this week?
([01:01:11])

3. The sermon says Jesus is the “faithful witness” who exposes lies and misrepresentations about God. Are there any false ideas about God that you have struggled with? How can you let Jesus’ life and words correct those misunderstandings?
([01:03:31])

4. Jesus’ authority comes from sacrificial love, not force. Think about a situation where you have influence (at home, work, church, or with friends). How can you lead or serve others in a way that reflects Christ’s sacrificial love, rather than seeking control or recognition?
([01:13:01])

5. The sermon says we are not just forgiven, but made into a kingdom and priests—representatives of God on earth. What does it mean for you, personally, to live as a representative of God’s kingdom in your daily life? Are there specific actions or attitudes you want to change to better reflect this identity?
([01:14:57])

6. The blessing in Revelation is for those who “keep” what is written. What is one practical way you can “keep” or live out the message of Revelation this week?
([55:43])

7. The sermon challenges us to live for God’s glory every day, not just on Sundays. What is one area of your life where you want to be more intentional about reflecting God’s glory outside of church?
([01:20:17])

---

Devotional

Day 1: The Blessing of Reading and Keeping God’s Word
There is a unique blessing promised to those who read aloud and keep the words of Revelation, not just for the sake of knowledge, but as a call to align our hearts with God’s will and to live in anticipation of what He will do. This blessing is not from any ordinary source, but from God Himself, who desires that His people be attentive to His prophetic word, understanding that what is revealed is pivotal for the times to come. Even though the book of Revelation can seem daunting or even frightening, God assures us that engaging with His word brings us closer to His heart and prepares us for the future He has planned. [55:43]

Revelation 1:1-3 (Christian Standard Bible)
The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can set aside time this week to read and reflect on God’s word, especially the parts you might usually avoid or find challenging?


Day 2: God’s Unchanging Nature—The One Who Is, Was, and Is to Come
God reveals Himself as the One who is, who was, and who is to come, showing that He is unchanging, ever-present, and sovereign over all of time—past, present, and future. This truth is a comfort and a foundation for faith, reminding us that God’s character and promises remain steadfast regardless of the shifting circumstances of our lives or the world. Just as God introduced Himself to Moses as “I AM,” He continues to be the same faithful God to us today, present in every moment and working out His purposes through history and into eternity. [01:01:11]

Revelation 1:4 (Christian Standard Bible)
John, to the seven churches in Asia: Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust that God is present and unchanging, even when you feel uncertain about the future?


Day 3: Jesus—The Faithful Witness and Firstborn from the Dead
Jesus is described as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth, meaning He embodies truth, has conquered death, and reigns with ultimate authority. Unlike any earthly leader, Jesus’ testimony is flawless and His resurrection is a promise that those who belong to Him will also share in eternal life. His authority is not established by force, but by His sacrificial love, and His victory over death assures us that our hope is secure in Him, both now and forever. [01:05:15]

Revelation 1:5 (Christian Standard Bible)
And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has set us free from our sins by his blood.

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is the faithful witness and the first to rise from the dead change the way you face challenges or fears about the future?


Day 4: Freed from Sin to Become a Kingdom and Priests
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are not only freed from the bondage of sin but are also made into a kingdom and priests to God, called to represent Him on earth and live as integral members of His coming kingdom. This freedom is not just a release from guilt, but an invitation to a new identity and purpose—living as those who belong to God’s royal family and serving as His representatives in the world. Our daily actions, words, and attitudes should reflect the reality that we are part of God’s kingdom now, showing His love and holiness to those around us. [01:14:57]

Revelation 1:6 (Christian Standard Bible)
And made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally represent God’s kingdom in your interactions with others today?


Day 5: Living to Glorify God Every Day
As members of God’s kingdom, we are called to live lives that glorify Him not just on Sundays, but every day, recognizing that we are His representatives on earth and that our lives should reflect His glory and dominion forever. This means allowing our hearts and minds to be continually transformed, seeking to honor God in all we do, and understanding that the kingdom of God is present here and now through us. Our daily walk should be marked by a desire to bring honor to God, knowing that He has made us one with Him and entrusted us with the privilege of displaying His glory to the world. [01:20:17]

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Reflection: What is one specific habit or routine you can adjust this week to better reflect God’s glory in your everyday life?

Quotes

And we get the sense immediately as this book begins, what is about to be revealed to John is going to be very pivotal because it will speak about the time to come. Even in this time that we live in, it still speaks about the time to come. And it pronounces a blessing on us who read it and keep it. But more importantly, it pronounces the blessing. It tells a blessing from who that person, who it comes from. The blessing comes from God himself. So it doesn't talk just about the blessing, but who is giving the blessing. So we know for a fact that when Fern decides to bless me, it's a good blessing. But when God blesses me, it's a whole different, whole different game, right? So we know that this blessing as it comes is a very important blessing. [00:56:03] (64 seconds)  #BlessingFromTheDivine Edit Clip

So the spirit of God, the seven spirits that are before the throne, represents also the Holy Spirit. And because we know the number seven is a number that means completeness, universality, totality, we know that the seven spirits before the throne speaks to the Holy Spirit. Spirit. And right there we see in the throne room, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit encompassing one. So this message that is coming, the blessing that is coming, it's coming from the Holy Trinity before the throne. [01:00:03] (40 seconds)  #SevenSpiritsOneSpirit Edit Clip

And we see right in that verse, verse 4, how much God is encapsulating the idea of oneness to His people. He is one and the message that He is sending is one. So as we look into the scripture, we go further. John introduces God and he introduces who God is in this final book of the Bible, revealing the nature of God. And the first thing he says is, the one who is, the one who was and who is to come. This tells us that Jesus, our God, is an unchanging God. He communicates immediately that He was in the beginning, He is here right now, and He will be in the future and will return. We immediately from this identification recognition, recognize God's omnipresence, that everywhere in time, He existed. [01:00:43] (85 seconds)  #UnchangingGodInTime Edit Clip

And we notice because God introduces Himself to Moses in a similar way. He says to Moses, I am. I am. I am meaning, when somebody say, I am, that means I am existing in all times, in all years. I am. I am not just this one thing, but I am everything. And this is what is being identified here. [01:02:40] (26 seconds)  #IAmEternalPresence Edit Clip

And this is what is being identified here. And as we read this, we know that God has continually revealed Himself to people like Abraham. And He came to the Abraham, and we know His name changed here, Abraham. Yes? And He came to earth Himself, Jesus. God came now to earth. And He has continually shown that He has existed throughout time. He has existed in the beginning. He existed in the time of Abraham, Moses, all through the judges, the prophets. He came as His Son. And then, finally, in this time that we have, His Holy Spirit, His Holy Spirit, the Comforter, comes and dwells with all of us believers. [01:03:03] (48 seconds)  #GodRevealedThroughHistory Edit Clip

And we see that this description is the most accurate description of God, is the most accurate representation of who God is. The one who is, the one who was, and the one that is to come. Furthermore, He identifies God as the faithful witness. He says, God is the faithful witness. And who do we know as the faithful witness? Jesus. Jesus is the faithful witness. What does it mean to be a faithful witness? [01:03:51] (44 seconds)  #FaithfulWitnessInTruth Edit Clip

Not only that Jesus was the resurrected one, not only that he has risen and lives, but it's also a promise that we also will be resurrected and we also will live with him in heaven and in the new earth. And finally, he also describes him as the ruler, and in some versions you may see the prince, but the ruler of the kings of the earth. He identifies God as the one who presides over it all. And as we look at this world that we live in, we know that the rulers of this earth quote on quote prevailed against him. And we know that those same rulers killed him. They put him on the cross and he died. They technically win, right? They win the fight. They lose the war. And it was only, and it is only a matter of time that God will preside himself over them with authority. [01:10:15] (80 seconds)  #FreedomThroughChrist Edit Clip

And I want to encourage us this morning that as we live our lives, even as we think about the scripture revelation, that God wants us to see firstly that we are the kingdom on earth and we are to glorify and show his glory on this earth. [01:21:09] (23 seconds) Edit Clip