Living in Victory: Embracing God's Word and Worship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, First Baptist family. Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the final chapter of Revelation, concluding our sermon series. We began by reciting Acts 2:42-47, reminding ourselves of the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer. We then delved into Psalm 30, where David praises God for turning his mourning into dancing, a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and mercy.
As we transitioned into the sermon, we focused on Revelation 22, emphasizing the certainty of Jesus' return and the call to live in light of His victory. Revelation is not just the end of the Bible but the beginning of an eternal story where each chapter is better than the last. This book serves as a reminder that Jesus is victorious, and we are to live our lives in that victory, engaging in His mission until He returns.
We explored seven key points from Revelation 22:6-21:
1. Obey God's Word: The words of Revelation and the entire Bible are trustworthy and true. We are blessed when we keep the words of this prophecy, living by the teachings of the Bible and allowing it to transform our lives.
2. Faithfully Worship God: Worship is central to our faith. We must ensure that our worship is directed solely to God, avoiding idolatry in any form. True worship brings joy and satisfaction, aligning our hearts with God's will.
3. Proclaim the Truth of the Gospel: We are called to share the gospel with urgency, knowing that Jesus' return is imminent. Despite the evil in the world, we must focus on proclaiming the good news and leading others to Christ.
4. Pursue God's Will: Our lives should reflect our faith through our actions. We are to seek God's will in all areas of our lives, allowing His Word to guide us and shape our decisions.
5. Turn from the Things of the World: We must forsake worldly desires and seek righteousness. This involves a call to repentance, turning away from sin and towards Christ.
6. Heed God's Warning: We must take seriously the warnings in Scripture, avoiding the temptation to add to or take away from God's Word. The Bible is sufficient and authoritative for all aspects of life.
7. Pray for God's Coming: We should long for and pray for Jesus' return, living in anticipation of His coming and the fulfillment of His promises.
As we conclude this series, let us be motivated to live differently, with a renewed focus on worship, obedience, and proclamation of the gospel. May we find joy in our faith and eagerly await the return of our victorious King.
### Key Takeaways
1. Obey God's Word: The Bible is our ultimate guide, and its teachings are trustworthy and true. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we deepen our understanding of Jesus and align our lives with His will. Obedience to God's Word is not a means to salvation but a response to the salvation we have received. [45:17]
2. Faithfully Worship God: True worship is directed solely to God and brings joy and satisfaction. It is essential to guard against idolatry, even in subtle forms. Our worship should reflect our reverence for God and our desire to honor Him above all else. [50:13]
3. Proclaim the Truth of the Gospel: The urgency of sharing the gospel cannot be overstated. Despite the presence of evil in the world, we are called to focus on proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. This mission is our primary purpose as believers. [58:27]
4. Pursue God's Will: Our actions should reflect our faith, and we must seek God's will in every aspect of our lives. This involves submitting to His guidance and allowing His Word to shape our decisions. Pursuing God's will leads to true satisfaction and joy. [01:04:16]
5. Turn from the Things of the World: Repentance is a continual process of turning away from sin and towards Christ. We must forsake worldly desires and seek righteousness, longing for the fulfillment of God's promises and the return of Jesus. [01:09:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:47] - Announcements and Membership Class
[24:14] - Psalm 30 Reading and Prayer
[35:47] - Introduction to Revelation 22
[41:07] - Obey God's Word
[48:55] - Faithfully Worship God
[58:27] - Proclaim the Truth of the Gospel
[01:02:00] - Pursue God's Will
[01:07:13] - Turn from the Things of the World
[01:10:53] - Heed God's Warning
[01:18:36] - Pray for God's Coming
[01:21:11] - Conclusion and Call to Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
2. Psalm 30:11-12: "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever."
3. Revelation 22:6-21: "The angel said to me, 'These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.' 'Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.' I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, 'Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!' Then he told me, 'Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.' 'Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.' The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the early church members devoted to according to Acts 2:42-47?
2. In Psalm 30, what transformation does David describe that God performed in his life?
3. According to Revelation 22:6-21, what are the seven key points that believers are reminded to follow? [42:16]
4. What does Jesus declare about His return in Revelation 22:12, and what will He bring with Him? [01:02:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the devotion of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 serve as a model for modern believers in terms of community and worship?
2. What does David’s transformation from mourning to dancing in Psalm 30 teach us about God’s deliverance and mercy?
3. In Revelation 22:6-21, why is it significant that Jesus emphasizes the trustworthiness and truth of His words? [42:40]
4. How should the certainty of Jesus' return and the rewards He brings influence the way believers live their daily lives? [01:02:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Acts 2:42-47, how can you personally contribute to fostering a sense of community and devotion within your small group or church?
2. David experienced a profound transformation in Psalm 30. Can you recall a time when God turned your mourning into joy? How did that experience impact your faith?
3. Revelation 22:6-21 calls believers to obey God's Word. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your engagement with Scripture and allow it to transform your life? [42:40]
4. Worship is central to our faith. How can you ensure that your worship remains directed solely to God, avoiding any form of idolatry? [50:13]
5. The urgency of proclaiming the gospel is highlighted in Revelation 22. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus. How can you share the gospel with them this week? [58:27]
6. Pursuing God's will involves submitting to His guidance. What area of your life do you find most challenging to surrender to God’s will, and how can you begin to seek His guidance in that area? [01:04:16]
7. Revelation 22:20-21 encourages believers to pray for Jesus' return. How can you incorporate this anticipation into your daily prayers and live in a way that reflects your longing for His coming? [01:18:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Living by God's Word
The Bible is our ultimate guide, and its teachings are trustworthy and true. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we deepen our understanding of Jesus and align our lives with His will. Obedience to God's Word is not a means to salvation but a response to the salvation we have received. The words of Revelation and the entire Bible are trustworthy and true. We are blessed when we keep the words of this prophecy, living by the teachings of the Bible and allowing it to transform our lives. [45:17]
Psalm 119:105-106 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to immerse yourself more deeply in God's Word and allow it to guide your decisions and actions?
Day 2: True Worship
True worship is directed solely to God and brings joy and satisfaction. It is essential to guard against idolatry, even in subtle forms. Our worship should reflect our reverence for God and our desire to honor Him above all else. Worship is central to our faith. We must ensure that our worship is directed solely to God, avoiding idolatry in any form. True worship brings joy and satisfaction, aligning our hearts with God's will. [50:13]
John 4:23-24 (ESV): "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
Reflection: Are there any areas in your life where you might be placing something or someone above God? How can you refocus your worship solely on Him today?
Day 3: Urgency in Proclaiming the Gospel
The urgency of sharing the gospel cannot be overstated. Despite the presence of evil in the world, we are called to focus on proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. This mission is our primary purpose as believers. We are called to share the gospel with urgency, knowing that Jesus' return is imminent. Despite the evil in the world, we must focus on proclaiming the good news and leading others to Christ. [58:27]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? How can you take a step today to share the good news of Jesus with them?
Day 4: Seeking God's Will
Our actions should reflect our faith, and we must seek God's will in every aspect of our lives. This involves submitting to His guidance and allowing His Word to shape our decisions. Pursuing God's will leads to true satisfaction and joy. Our lives should reflect our faith through our actions. We are to seek God's will in all areas of our lives, allowing His Word to guide us and shape our decisions. [01:04:16]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God's will more earnestly? How can you begin to submit this area to His guidance today?
Day 5: Turning from Worldly Desires
Repentance is a continual process of turning away from sin and towards Christ. We must forsake worldly desires and seek righteousness, longing for the fulfillment of God's promises and the return of Jesus. We must forsake worldly desires and seek righteousness. This involves a call to repentance, turning away from sin and towards Christ. [01:09:54]
1 John 2:15-17 (ESV): "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
Reflection: What worldly desires or habits do you need to turn away from? How can you actively seek righteousness and draw closer to Christ today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. As for me, I said in my prosperity, I shall never be moved. By your favor, oh, Lord, you made my mountain stand strong, and you hid your face. I was dismayed. To you, oh, Lord, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy. What profit is there in my death? If I go down to the pit, will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, oh, Lord, and be merciful to me. Oh, Lord, be my helper. You have turned for me my mourning into dancing. You have loosened my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. That my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. Oh, Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever and ever." [24:14] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "As Paul says, we rejoice always, rejoice always. And we choose to do that because of the power that resides in us. And, because we've heard the gospel and experienced it." [25:56] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We pray for the unreached. Pray for those in Libya. Lord, we pray for Sharon and someone's dad on the Hoosier One Cross. I don't know who that is, but you do. We pray for that person. We pray for their salvation. We pray the gospel would be proclaimed to them. We pray they would hear it and that their heart would be softened. They would be given a heart of flesh and they would ultimately be given new life. And just like us, they can come and rejoice with God's people, understanding that their salvation is sure." [27:37] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Behold, I am coming soon, blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. But he said, You must not do that. I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and the prophets and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God." [39:05] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The spirit and the bride, say, Come. And let the one who hears say, Come. And let the one who is thirsty, Come. Let the one who desires take the water of life without price." [40:10] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Listen, I get it. That's not how all of you might be feeling right now. You're thinking, thank goodness we're finally at the end. You've been thinking the whole time since week one, when is this crazy guy going to finally stop preaching through Revelation? Well, if that's you, here we are. This is the last one. And listen, I get it. I respect it. I hope you've at least been challenged to dig into Revelation over the past 13 weeks, and you've allowed it to strengthen your faith through that. But listen, for me, my heart, it has been warmed by this book. I have been encouraged personally in my own walk, pastorally, in my leadership here of the church." [36:32] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In light of Revelation, the Spirit reminds us that we are to obey God's word. Just look at verses 6 and 7 with me again. He says, These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place. And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy, the prophecy of this book." [42:16] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you want to live your life today in joy and satisfaction, you'll be able to, through the Spirit, even amidst this falling world, to do that with joy. You'll want to worship. You'll be able to faithfully worship. You'll look forward to Sunday and you won't be able to wait. You will be ready to gather with God's people when you have the proper understanding of worship." [51:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Quit looking at all the evil in the world and sinning. And stop letting that be your excuse to not do the one thing that you're commanded to do. Quit letting the wrong things be your sole focus of attention. Instead, see that evil, guys. Let that evil burden you. Let it cause you to do what's righteous, to do what's holy. Let it, like Jesus did for us, let it cause us to become broken over those people's sins and their evil. And let it cause us to be motivated to communicate the love of God in their life." [01:00:07] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Revelation is communicating to believers that Jesus is already victorious. We have the ability to live in victory today. People ask me, Well, how in the world do believers throughout history have the faith to be martyred, to give their life for their faith? That's because they lived in victory. They understood that their death, it was temporary." [01:21:51] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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