Jesus: Our Sovereign King and Source of Hope

 

Summary

In our time of worship and reflection, we have declared Jesus as the King of Kings, placing Him at the highest position in our lives. We have lifted our prayers for healing, recovery, and comfort for those in need, trusting in God's provision and peace amidst chaos. We have also prayed for those affected by disasters, asking God to use these situations to draw hearts back to Him and to rebuild lives and communities stronger than before. As we embark on a new series exploring the book of Revelation, we acknowledge the complexity and varied interpretations of this prophetic text. Our approach will be to view it as the Word of God, using Scripture to interpret Scripture, and focusing on the big picture rather than getting lost in the details. We aim to understand what the text meant to its original audience and how it applies to us today, without making speculative predictions about future events.

Revelation is an unveiling, a revelation from Jesus Christ given by God to show His servants what must soon take place. It is not a book to be feared but one that offers a blessing to those who read and hear it. This letter, addressed to the seven churches in Asia Minor, symbolizes completeness and is meant for all Christians throughout history. The opening chapter introduces us to the Trinity and emphasizes Jesus' divine authority as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. These truths assure us of Jesus' faithfulness, our eternal inheritance, and His sovereignty over all earthly powers.

In a world marked by persecution, sin, and death, Revelation reminds us that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He holds authority over all creation and will bring history to its rightful conclusion. As His church, we are called to represent His reign and rule on earth, to be history makers in our communities. We have nothing to fear, for Jesus' promises are faithful and true, and He will protect and cause His people to thrive even in the darkest times.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus as King of Kings: In our lives, Jesus must be exalted above all else. We are called to remove anything that we have placed above Him, recognizing His supreme authority and sovereignty. This act of submission allows us to experience His peace and guidance in our lives. [36:54]

- Prayer and Healing: Our prayers for healing and recovery are a testament to our faith in God's power to restore. We trust that He hears our cries and responds in His perfect timing, bringing comfort and strength to those in need. [38:02]

- Revelation as an Unveiling: The book of Revelation is not a mystery to be feared but a revelation from Jesus meant to guide and bless us. It is an unveiling of divine truths that point us back to God, encouraging us to read and take its words to heart. [49:43]

- Jesus' Sovereignty: Jesus is the ruler of all earthly powers, and His church will prevail despite persecution and challenges. We are reminded that no power can thwart God's will, and we are called to be His representatives on earth, bringing His kingdom to fruition. [01:12:33]

- Eternal Assurance: As the Alpha and Omega, Jesus holds authority over all creation and history. We are assured of our eternal inheritance in Him, and His promises are faithful and true. This assurance empowers us to live boldly and fearlessly in a world marked by uncertainty. [01:16:58]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [36:54] - Prayers for Healing and Comfort
- [38:02] - Prayers for Disaster Relief
- [41:27] - Introduction to Revelation Series
- [47:49] - Approaches to Interpreting Revelation
- [49:43] - Revelation as the Word of God
- [51:25] - Reading Revelation Chapter 1
- [52:25] - The Trinity in Revelation
- [53:48] - Vision of the Son of Man
- [55:04] - Jesus' Authority and Promises
- [57:47] - Meaning of Apocalypse
- [59:19] - Revelation's Spiritual Nature
- [01:00:20] - Blessing of Reading Revelation
- [01:02:20] - Address to the Seven Churches
- [01:11:35] - Jesus as Ruler of Kings
- [01:16:58] - Jesus as Alpha and Omega
- [01:20:40] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Revelation 1:1-20

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the three roles of Jesus mentioned in Revelation 1:5, and how do they assure believers of His authority and faithfulness? [52:25]

2. How does the sermon describe the purpose of the book of Revelation, and what approach does it suggest for interpreting its messages? [49:43]

3. What is the significance of the number seven in the context of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, according to the sermon? [01:02:20]

4. How does the sermon explain the meaning of the term "apocalypse" as used in Revelation? [57:47]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' role as the "faithful witness" impacts our understanding of His promises? [01:06:21]

2. How does the sermon interpret the vision of Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16, and what does it reveal about His divine authority? [01:18:29]

3. What does the sermon imply about the relevance of Revelation's message to the original audience and to us today? [50:44]

4. How does the sermon address the fear often associated with the book of Revelation, and what encouragement does it offer to believers? [01:00:20]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the sermon’s call to exalt Jesus as the King of Kings in your life. What are some things you might need to "pull down" that have been exalted above Him? [36:54]

2. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer for healing and recovery. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer for those in need within your community? [38:02]

3. Revelation is described as an unveiling of divine truths. How can you approach reading this book with an open heart, ready to receive its blessings? [49:43]

4. Considering Jesus' sovereignty over all earthly powers, how can you represent His reign and rule in your daily interactions and decisions? [01:12:33]

5. The sermon assures us of our eternal inheritance in Christ. How does this assurance influence your perspective on current challenges and uncertainties? [01:16:58]

6. How can you actively participate in being a "history maker" in your community, as the sermon suggests, by bringing God's kingdom to fruition? [01:14:24]

7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about Jesus being the Alpha and Omega. How does this understanding of His authority over history affect your trust in His plans for your life? [01:16:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Exalting Jesus Above All Else
In our lives, Jesus must be exalted above all else. We are called to remove anything that we have placed above Him, recognizing His supreme authority and sovereignty. This act of submission allows us to experience His peace and guidance in our lives. When we declare Jesus as the King of Kings, we acknowledge His rightful place at the highest position in our lives. This means actively identifying and removing idols or distractions that compete for our attention and devotion. By doing so, we open ourselves to His peace and guidance, trusting in His perfect plan for us. [36:54]

Colossians 1:16-18 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."

Reflection: What is one thing in your life that you have placed above Jesus? How can you begin to remove it and exalt Him above all else today?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Healing Power
Our prayers for healing and recovery are a testament to our faith in God's power to restore. We trust that He hears our cries and responds in His perfect timing, bringing comfort and strength to those in need. In times of illness or distress, turning to God in prayer is an act of faith that acknowledges His ability to heal and restore. It is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is actively working in our lives, even when we cannot see it. [38:02]

James 5:14-15 (ESV): "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."

Reflection: Who in your life needs healing or comfort today? How can you commit to praying for them and trusting in God's timing and provision?


Day 3: Embracing Revelation as a Blessing
The book of Revelation is not a mystery to be feared but a revelation from Jesus meant to guide and bless us. It is an unveiling of divine truths that point us back to God, encouraging us to read and take its words to heart. Revelation offers a unique glimpse into God's plan for humanity and His ultimate victory over evil. By approaching it with an open heart and mind, we can gain insights into our faith and be encouraged by the promises it holds. [49:43]

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 approach the book of Revelation with an open heart, seeking to understand its message and apply it to your life today?


Day 4: Representing Jesus' Sovereignty on Earth
Jesus is the ruler of all earthly powers, and His church will prevail despite persecution and challenges. We are reminded that no power can thwart God's will, and we are called to be His representatives on earth, bringing His kingdom to fruition. As followers of Christ, we have the responsibility to embody His teachings and share His love with others. This means standing firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity, and being a light in our communities. [01:12:33]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively represent Jesus' sovereignty and love in your community today?


Day 5: Living with Eternal Assurance
As the Alpha and Omega, Jesus holds authority over all creation and history. We are assured of our eternal inheritance in Him, and His promises are faithful and true. This assurance empowers us to live boldly and fearlessly in a world marked by uncertainty. Knowing that Jesus is in control of all things gives us the confidence to face life's challenges with hope and courage. We can rest in the knowledge that our future is secure in Him. [01:16:58]

Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

Reflection: How does the assurance of your eternal inheritance in Jesus influence the way you live your life today? What steps can you take to live more boldly and fearlessly?

Quotes



Lord, we pray for those right now that are suffering under a disaster. In America, Lord Jesus. I know that there are many families, Lord, that are suffering. From one corner of the states to the other, Lord Jesus. We ask that you will come and be the provider. Lord, that you will come and bring peace in the midst of chaos. That you will bring comfort. [00:37:52] (24 seconds)


I pray that you will help these communities that have been devastated to rebuild. build, that, Lord, that they will rebuild back even stronger, Lord, that your church will be able to stand as a beacon, a beacon of light, that you will bring many people to you through these disasters, Lord, I pray that you will be the one, Lord Jesus, that proves to stand up and to stand in for those who have suffered great loss, Lord, and I pray for those who are running away from you, Lord, I ask that you will use this, that you will use these calamities to draw hearts back to you, Lord, because of your love and your grace, your provision, your goodness, and because you are the one who does bring order to chaos, Lord. [00:38:27] (60 seconds)


First, I'll take the approach that this book is the word of God. It's the word of God. And as such, the book has something to say to each and every one of us today. And second, in as much as possible, I will use the word of God to interpret the word of God, which is probably the best way to interpret the word of God. Use the word of God to interpret the word of God. [00:49:13] (22 seconds)


The word translated revelation which is revelation not revelations. Is apocalypse is that's the Greek word apocalypse is which probably sounds familiar to you right. And this is the word that we get the word apocalypse from. All right now today when we hear the word apocalypse. We tend to hear it used for. Major disasters. Fire that's destroying everything and earthquakes and. You know it's an apocalyptic scene of biblical proportions. [00:57:35] (35 seconds)


Well that's not actually that's not the true meaning of apocalypse. So apocalypse apocalypsis. Simply means unveiling. It means unveiling and so I've got a little. Just a prop here demonstration to show you that I saw when somebody do one time and this is always stuck in my mind to help me remember what apocalypse means and I think this will stick in your mind from now on this is what apocalypse means it's an unveiling. [00:58:26] (29 seconds)


The revealing of something that was hidden the letter is a revelation it's an unveiling by God. Of what was hidden previously hidden from humans. It's not a revelation for man. It's not a revelation of angelic origin. But it's a revelation from Jesus as given by God. It's a revelation. From Jesus. For us to read. Not for us to hide from or to be afraid of. [00:59:08] (28 seconds)


And verse three pronounces a blessing on the one who reads this prophecy out loud. And those who hear it and take it to heart. And as such this is the only book in the Bible that pronounces a blessing. On those who read and hear it. And we don't know what the blessing is. Though it is certainly a spiritual blessing. [01:00:40] (21 seconds)


In other words, we represent the reign and the rule of God on this earth. We represent Christ on this earth. And through us, his people, the reign and rule of God is seen and established on the earth. Through us, Jesus turns the course of history. We are history makers. You are a history maker. Did you know that? Take it up and be a history maker in this community. [01:14:25] (40 seconds)


We have the king of kings as our ruler. So what are we afraid of? We have the firstborn of the dead as our savior. Secures our future. Secures our eternity. Where there will be no more sin. So what are we afraid of? We have the promises of God with us. So what are we afraid of? There is nothing to be afraid of in this world or the next. [01:16:04] (28 seconds)


Because he is the Alpha and the Omega. Which means the beginning and the end. The Almighty. In other words, all of human history belongs to the Lord. All of humanity, from the first generation to the last, belongs to the Lord. And he does not share his creation with any other gods. And just as he began human history by his own will, he will bring human history to a close when he so desires. [01:17:09] (34 seconds)


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Transcript
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