God's Control and Our Call: Hope in Revelation
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we dive into Revelation chapter 10. Before we begin, I want to share a bit about my journey with the book of Revelation. As a teenager, I found it overwhelming and avoided it for years, even as a pastor. However, my perspective changed when I had to preach on Revelation chapter 4, which deepened my worship and endurance for Christ's return. Now, I embrace Revelation as a source of hope, faith, and perseverance.
In Revelation chapter 9, we saw the fifth and sixth trumpets blow, bringing torment and death. Despite these judgments, people still refused to turn to God. This sets the stage for chapter 10, where we see a shift in the vision. Amidst the chaos and evil in the world, we must ask ourselves, is God still in control? Revelation 10 reassures us that He is.
John sees a mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow above his head, symbolizing judgment and God's promise. The angel's face shines like the sun, reflecting God's glory, and his legs are like fiery pillars, indicating the coming judgment by fire. The angel holds a little scroll, which is significant for John and us.
The angel plants his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, symbolizing God's dominion over the entire earth. He shouts like a lion, and seven thunders respond, but John is instructed not to write down what they said. This reminds us that we won't understand everything about God's plans.
The angel raises his right hand and swears by God, declaring that there will be no more delay. This is the answer to our prayers for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth. The seventh trumpet will soon sound, bringing the completion of God's mystery.
John is then given an unusual assignment. He is told to take the little scroll from the angel and eat it. The scroll tastes sweet in his mouth but turns sour in his stomach. This symbolizes the sweetness of God's word to believers and the bitterness of the coming judgment on the world. John is instructed to prophesy again to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, reminding us of our commission to share the gospel.
As we reflect on this chapter, we must remember that God's word is sweet to us, but the reality of judgment should turn our stomachs. We are called to share the gospel with those who need to hear it, trusting that God will keep His promises and bring His kingdom to earth.
Let's pray for strength and courage to share God's word with those who need it, knowing that a day is coming when there will be no more delay. May we be faithful in our assignment, just as John was in his vision.
### Key Takeaways
1. Revelation as a Source of Hope and Perseverance: Revelation is not meant to instill fear or confusion but to inspire hope, faith, and perseverance. It reminds us that God is in control, even amidst chaos and evil. By focusing on the main message rather than the details, we can find encouragement to stay the course and walk in faith. [48:39]
2. God's Judgment and Human Stubbornness: Despite the severe judgments described in Revelation, many people still refuse to turn to God. This highlights the stubbornness of the human heart and the importance of our role in sharing the gospel. We must persist in our efforts to reach out to those who need to hear God's message, even when it seems they are not receptive. [51:49]
3. The Symbolism of the Mighty Angel: The mighty angel in Revelation 10, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow, symbolizes both judgment and God's promise. His face shining like the sun reflects God's glory, and his legs like fiery pillars indicate the coming judgment by fire. This imagery reassures us of God's control and His plan to reclaim the earth from evil. [01:02:12]
4. The Sweetness and Bitterness of God's Word: When John eats the little scroll, it tastes sweet in his mouth but turns sour in his stomach. This symbolizes the dual nature of God's word: it is sweet to believers but brings the bitter reality of judgment to the world. As Christians, we must embrace the sweetness of God's promises while also recognizing the gravity of His judgments. [01:24:12]
5. Our Commission to Share the Gospel: Just as John was instructed to prophesy to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, we are called to share the gospel with everyone. It is not our job to save people but to tell them about God's love and the coming judgment. We must be faithful in our assignment, trusting that God will work in the hearts of those who hear His message. [01:26:37]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[48:39] - Revelation as a Source of Hope
[51:49] - God's Judgment and Human Stubbornness
[01:02:12] - The Symbolism of the Mighty Angel
[01:24:12] - The Sweetness and Bitterness of God's Word
[01:26:37] - Our Commission to Share the Gospel
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 10:1-11
2. Jeremiah 25:29-30
3. 1 Samuel 7:10
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the mighty angel's appearance and actions in Revelation 10? ([55:18])
2. How does the angel's declaration of "no more delay" relate to the prayers for God's kingdom to come? ([01:18:54])
3. What does the little scroll symbolize when John eats it, and what are its effects on him? ([01:22:31])
4. How does the imagery of the rainbow and the cloud in Revelation 10 connect to God's promises and judgment? ([01:02:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the dual nature of the little scroll (sweet in the mouth, sour in the stomach) reveal about the message of God's word to believers and the world? ([01:24:12])
2. How does the angel's stance with one foot on the sea and one on the land symbolize God's dominion and control over the earth? ([01:09:51])
3. Why do you think God instructed John not to write down what the seven thunders said? What might this teach us about the mysteries of God's plans? ([01:14:58])
4. How does the angel's vow to God emphasize the certainty and imminence of God's judgment and the fulfillment of His promises? ([01:16:56])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own attitude towards the book of Revelation. How has it changed over time, and what steps can you take to embrace it as a source of hope and perseverance? ([48:39])
2. Considering the stubbornness of the human heart depicted in Revelation 9, how can you persist in sharing the gospel with those who seem unreceptive? ([51:49])
3. The mighty angel's appearance reassures us of God's control. In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded that God is in control, and how can you practically surrender those areas to Him? ([53:39])
4. The sweetness and bitterness of God's word highlight the joy of His promises and the gravity of His judgments. How can you balance these aspects in your daily walk and conversations with others? ([01:24:12])
5. John was given a commission to prophesy to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings. Who in your life needs to hear the gospel, and what specific steps can you take this week to share God's message with them? ([01:26:37])
6. How can you cultivate the strength and courage to share God's word, especially knowing that a day is coming when there will be no more delay? ([01:29:02])
7. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by the chaos and evil in the world. How did you find reassurance in God's control, and how can you help others find that same reassurance? ([53:39])
Devotional
Day 1: Revelation as a Source of Hope and Perseverance
Revelation is often seen as a book of mystery and fear, but it is fundamentally a source of hope and perseverance for believers. It reminds us that God is in control, even amidst chaos and evil. By focusing on the main message rather than getting lost in the details, we can find encouragement to stay the course and walk in faith. Revelation chapter 10 reassures us that despite the turmoil, God's plan is unfolding, and His kingdom will come. This perspective helps us endure and remain faithful, knowing that God's promises are sure and His victory is certain. [48:39]
Revelation 1:3 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from the chaos around you to the hope and promises found in Revelation? What practical steps can you take today to remind yourself of God's control and His ultimate plan?
Day 2: God's Judgment and Human Stubbornness
Despite the severe judgments described in Revelation, many people still refuse to turn to God. This highlights the stubbornness of the human heart and the importance of our role in sharing the gospel. We must persist in our efforts to reach out to those who need to hear God's message, even when it seems they are not receptive. The reality of human stubbornness should not discourage us but rather motivate us to be more diligent in our mission, knowing that God's word has the power to transform hearts. [51:49]
Jeremiah 5:3 (ESV): "O Lord, do not your eyes look for truth? You have struck them down, but they felt no anguish; you have consumed them, but they refused to take correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to repent."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who seems resistant to the gospel. How can you persist in sharing God's love with them, despite their stubbornness? What specific actions can you take this week to reach out to them?
Day 3: The Symbolism of the Mighty Angel
The mighty angel in Revelation 10, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow, symbolizes both judgment and God's promise. His face shining like the sun reflects God's glory, and his legs like fiery pillars indicate the coming judgment by fire. This imagery reassures us of God's control and His plan to reclaim the earth from evil. The angel's presence and actions remind us that God's dominion extends over the entire earth, and His plans will come to fruition. This vision encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate victory over evil. [01:02:12]
Daniel 10:5-6 (ESV): "I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude."
Reflection: How does the imagery of the mighty angel in Revelation 10 impact your understanding of God's power and control? What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God's sovereignty today?
Day 4: The Sweetness and Bitterness of God's Word
When John eats the little scroll, it tastes sweet in his mouth but turns sour in his stomach. This symbolizes the dual nature of God's word: it is sweet to believers but brings the bitter reality of judgment to the world. As Christians, we must embrace the sweetness of God's promises while also recognizing the gravity of His judgments. This duality should motivate us to share the gospel with urgency and compassion, knowing that while God's word brings life to those who believe, it also brings judgment to those who reject it. [01:24:12]
Ezekiel 3:3 (ESV): "And he said to me, 'Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.' Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when God's word was both sweet and challenging to you. How can you balance the joy of God's promises with the responsibility of sharing the reality of His judgments? What steps can you take to share this balanced message with others?
Day 5: Our Commission to Share the Gospel
Just as John was instructed to prophesy to many peoples, nations, languages, and kings, we are called to share the gospel with everyone. It is not our job to save people but to tell them about God's love and the coming judgment. We must be faithful in our assignment, trusting that God will work in the hearts of those who hear His message. This commission is a reminder of our responsibility to spread the good news and the urgency with which we must do so, knowing that a day is coming when there will be no more delay. [01:26:37]
Matthew 24:14 (ESV): "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel message? How can you take a step today to share God's love and truth with them? What practical actions can you commit to this week to fulfill your commission to spread the gospel?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want to ask you a question before I get started this morning because I want to share a little bit of my journey into this sermon, but I want to ask you this. What is your attitude toward Revelation? Don't answer out loud, just in your mind. What's your attitude toward the book of Revelation? Well, let me tell you a little bit. As a 15-year-old teenager that just received Christ as his Lord and Savior, I began my journey to read Revelation. I made it through the first chapter and I said, not for me. And then for many, many, many years, I avoided that. And when I became a pastor, it was time that I have to preach the whole counsel of God, but I avoided revelation." [48:39]
2. "I used to see Revelation as a picture book. And now, I mean, as a puzzle book. I had to find out all those little mysteries. Like last week, when Angel was sharing with us about the locusts, and the scorpion tail, and the face like a man, and the hair like a woman, and the crown, and all of that, I used to think, I got to find out what that crown's about. I got to find out why they've got a tail of a scorpion, and they're a locust, and they don't eat greens. I had to find out all of that stuff. And that was me. I had to fix the puzzle. I had to find out. But it's really a picture book." [50:14]
3. "How many of you have someone that you know in your life that does not know Christ, has not come to Christ as Lord and Savior? I didn't say they weren't a good person, but you know them. And I would say right now, God has placed somebody in your mind that needs to know Christ. How many of you would raise your right hand and say, I know somebody that needs to hear? The gospel. I do. I do. So there's your assignment. Just like John got an assignment. Go tell them. Go tell. doesn't say save them. It says tell them. It's up to them whether they accept Christ or not." [01:26:37]
4. "I have to ask myself, I'm reading through chapter nine. I'm going this question. Is God still in control with all the chaos that's going on? And we have to ask ourselves today, is God still on the throne? Is God still in control? And that's what Revelation chapter 10 is about. It's about the control." [53:39]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God's word is sweet. And when we as Christians devour this word, when we eat, we feast on God's word, it's sweet for us. Because he says, in your mouth, John was Christian and in his mouth. So what did John do? He took the little scroll from the angel's hand. He ate it. It tasted sweet as honey in his mouth. But when he had eaten it, his stomach turned sour. I have to say, this is great. This is fabulous. It is sweet in a Christian's mouth. But also it has something else to it. Another effect. When we think about the way the world's going to be and where we're going, when we think about that, it should turn our stomach." [01:24:12]
2. "So what's God saying to us? He's saying that this is sweet. God's word is sweet. And when we as Christians devour this word, when we eat, we feast on God's word, it's sweet for us. Because he says, in your mouth, John was Christian and in his mouth. So what did John do? He took the little scroll from the angel's hand. He ate it. It tasted sweet as honey in his mouth. But when he had eaten it, his stomach turned sour. I have to say, this is great. This is fabulous. It is sweet in a Christian's mouth. But also it has something else to it. Another effect. When we think about the way the world's going to be and where we're going, when we think about that, it should turn our stomach." [01:24:12]
3. "This angel has this scroll. What scroll is on? What's on this scroll? Well, if we go back to chapter 5 of Revelation, we find John's in the throne room. God's holding a book. A scroll. A seven-sealed scroll to be exact. And they looked on earth. They looked under the earth. They looked in the whole universe. And they could not find anybody to open that scroll. John begins to cry because they can't open the scroll. And Jesus Christ steps from the right hand of God the Father. He takes the scroll out of God's right hand. And he opens the book. And it causes immediate celebration. And it also causes immediate worship. Everybody falls down on their face. And worships God, Christ. Because he can open the book." [01:05:42]
4. "This angel has this scroll. What scroll is on? What's on this scroll? Well, if we go back to chapter 5 of Revelation, we find John's in the throne room. God's holding a book. A scroll. A seven-sealed scroll to be exact. And they looked on earth. They looked under the earth. They looked in the whole universe. And they could not find anybody to open that scroll. John begins to cry because they can't open the scroll. And Jesus Christ steps from the right hand of God the Father. He takes the scroll out of God's right hand. And he opens the book. And it causes immediate celebration. And it also causes immediate worship. Everybody falls down on their face. And worships God, Christ. Because he can open the book." [01:05:42]
5. "This angel has this scroll. What scroll is on? What's on this scroll? Well, if we go back to chapter 5 of Revelation, we find John's in the throne room. God's holding a book. A scroll. A seven-sealed scroll to be exact. And they looked on earth. They looked under the earth. They looked in the whole universe. And they could not find anybody to open that scroll. John begins to cry because they can't open the scroll. And Jesus Christ steps from the right hand of God the Father. He takes the scroll out of God's right hand. And he opens the book. And it causes immediate celebration. And it also causes immediate worship. Everybody falls down on their face. And worships God, Christ. Because he can open the book." [01:05:42]
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