Participating in Heavenly Worship: A Divine Encounter

 

Summary

In our exploration of Revelation chapters 4 and 5, we are invited to witness the grandeur of heavenly worship and its implications for our earthly gatherings. The Apostle John, through a divine vision, is granted a glimpse into the heavenly realm, where the focus of worship is the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This vision serves as a reminder that our worship on earth is a participation in the heavenly worship, where saints and angels glorify God in His infinite majesty.

The scene in Revelation is rich with imagery: a throne surrounded by twenty-four elders, living creatures, and a myriad of angels, all proclaiming the holiness and worthiness of God. The Father is worshiped for His eternal existence and His role as Creator, while the Son, depicted as the Lamb who was slain, is central to the worship as the one who has redeemed humanity. The Spirit, flowing from the throne, enables our participation in this divine worship.

This heavenly worship is not just a future reality but a present experience for believers. Every Lord's Day, as we gather in the Spirit, we are drawn into this heavenly worship, joining the chorus of praise that echoes through eternity. Our worship is characterized by awe and reverence, as we cast our crowns before the throne, acknowledging God's sovereignty and grace.

The focus of our worship is not on ourselves or our preferences but on the triune God. It is through Christ's mediation that we are able to approach the throne, and it is by the Spirit's power that we are drawn into this divine fellowship. Our worship is a response to the revelation of God's glory, a participation in the eternal praise of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- Heavenly Worship as a Present Reality: Our worship on earth is a participation in the heavenly worship, where saints and angels glorify God. This understanding transforms our gatherings into moments of divine encounter, where we join the eternal chorus of praise. [10:59]

- The Triune Focus of Worship: The epicenter of worship is the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father is worshiped for His eternal existence and role as Creator, the Son for His redemptive work, and the Spirit for enabling our participation in this divine worship. [17:27]

- Christ as the Mediator of Worship: Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, stands at the center of the throne, mediating our worship. Through His sacrifice, He has made our salvation and worship possible, drawing us into the presence of the Father. [26:39]

- The Character of True Worship: True worship is characterized by awe and reverence, as we cast our crowns before the throne, acknowledging God's sovereignty and grace. It is a response to the revelation of God's glory, leading us to admire and adore Him. [36:52]

- The Transformative Power of Worship: When God is worshiped in the Spirit through the mediation of the Son, our gatherings become transformative experiences. We encounter the weight of God's glory, which draws others to worship with us, as they recognize God's presence among us. [48:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Reading Revelation 4 and 5
- [01:14] - John's Vision of Heaven
- [02:01] - The Throne and the Elders
- [02:44] - The Living Creatures
- [03:30] - Worship of the Creator
- [04:17] - The Scroll and the Lamb
- [05:00] - The New Song
- [05:45] - Worthy is the Lamb
- [06:37] - The Blessing of Revelation
- [07:30] - Personal Reflection on Revelation
- [08:12] - The Message of Conquest
- [09:07] - True Worship in Revelation
- [10:04] - The Church in Glory
- [10:59] - Access to Heavenly Worship
- [11:54] - Isaiah's Temple Experience
- [12:44] - Hebrews 12 and Worship
- [13:31] - The Nature of Godly Worship
- [14:12] - Entering Heaven's Glory
- [15:05] - Focus and Character of Worship
- [15:50] - Revelation as a Tapestry
- [16:41] - The Camera Angles of Revelation
- [17:27] - The Triune God in Worship
- [18:25] - The Father of Infinite Majesty
- [19:21] - Worshiping the Creator
- [20:26] - The Majesty of God's Creation
- [21:19] - The Throne of Glory
- [22:14] - Praise Leaders in Worship
- [23:06] - The Living Creatures
- [24:02] - The Home Life of the Father
- [24:54] - Surround Sound Worship
- [25:52] - The Sovereignty of God
- [26:39] - The Son in Worship
- [27:30] - The Lamb and the Lion
- [28:21] - Salvation and Worship
- [29:16] - The Sevenfold Spirit
- [30:06] - Access to the Father
- [31:04] - The Trinity in Worship
- [31:54] - The Indivisible Works of God
- [32:44] - The Attributes of God
- [33:33] - The Triune Engagement in Salvation
- [34:31] - Fellowship with the Creator
- [35:13] - The Son's Sacrifice
- [35:57] - The Spirit's Role in Worship
- [36:52] - The Goal of Worship
- [37:59] - The Weight of God's Glory
- [38:52] - Falling Down in Worship
- [39:55] - Casting Crowns Before the Lord
- [40:41] - Christ's Leadership in Worship
- [41:38] - Worship Through Christ's Mediation
- [42:36] - Jesus as Worship Leader
- [43:27] - Intercession and Preaching
- [44:21] - The Power of the Spirit in Worship
- [45:11] - Christ Preaching Peace
- [46:08] - Psalm 133 and Worship
- [47:01] - The Anointing of the Spirit
- [47:49] - A Visitation from Another World
- [48:41] - The Evangelistic Power of Worship
- [49:34] - The Revelation of God's Presence
- [50:37] - The Privilege of Worship
- [51:35] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Revelation 4-5

Bible Reading:
- Revelation 4-5

Observation Questions:
1. What are the key elements of the heavenly scene described in Revelation 4, and how do they contribute to the overall atmosphere of worship? [02:01]
2. In Revelation 5, what is the significance of the scroll and the Lamb, and how do they relate to the theme of redemption? [04:17]
3. How do the living creatures and the twenty-four elders participate in the worship described in these chapters? [05:00]
4. What role does the Spirit play in enabling the worship of God as described in Revelation 4-5? [29:16]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the vision of heavenly worship in Revelation 4-5 challenge or enhance our understanding of worship on earth? [10:59]
2. What does the presence of the Lamb in the center of the throne signify about the nature of Christ's role in worship and redemption? [26:39]
3. How does the imagery of casting crowns before the throne reflect the character of true worship? [39:55]
4. In what ways does the triune nature of God shape the focus and practice of worship as depicted in these chapters? [31:54]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal experience of worship. How can the understanding of heavenly worship as a present reality transform your approach to worship gatherings? [10:59]
2. Consider the triune focus of worship. How can you ensure that your worship is centered on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, rather than personal preferences or distractions? [17:27]
3. In what ways can you acknowledge Christ's mediation in your worship practices, both individually and corporately? [42:36]
4. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and reverence in your worship, similar to the casting of crowns before the throne? [39:55]
5. Think about a recent worship service you attended. Did you experience the transformative power of worship? If not, what might you do differently next time to be more open to encountering God's presence? [48:41]
6. Identify one aspect of your worship life that you feel needs growth. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your engagement in worship? [36:52]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to participate more fully in the worship of God, drawing them into the experience of heavenly worship? [48:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Heavenly Worship as a Present Reality
Our earthly worship is a profound participation in the heavenly worship, where saints and angels glorify God. This understanding transforms our gatherings into moments of divine encounter, where we join the eternal chorus of praise. As believers, we are invited to see our worship not as a mere routine but as a sacred connection to the heavenly realm. Each time we gather, we are reminded that we are part of something much greater than ourselves, a cosmic celebration of God's glory and majesty. This perspective should inspire us to approach worship with a sense of awe and reverence, knowing that we are joining a timeless and holy assembly. [10:59]

Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV): "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'"

Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of heavenly participation in your worship this week, both personally and in your community gatherings?


Day 2: The Triune Focus of Worship
The epicenter of worship is the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father is worshiped for His eternal existence and role as Creator, the Son for His redemptive work, and the Spirit for enabling our participation in this divine worship. This triune focus reminds us that worship is not about us or our preferences but about glorifying God in His fullness. Each person of the Trinity plays a unique role in our worship, and recognizing this helps us to appreciate the depth and richness of our faith. As we worship, we are invited to engage with the mystery and majesty of the triune God, allowing this understanding to deepen our devotion and commitment. [17:27]

2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV): "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally focus on each person of the Trinity during your worship this week?


Day 3: Christ as the Mediator of Worship
Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain, stands at the center of the throne, mediating our worship. Through His sacrifice, He has made our salvation and worship possible, drawing us into the presence of the Father. This central role of Christ in worship highlights the importance of His redemptive work and the access it grants us to God. As we worship, we are reminded that it is through Christ's mediation that we can approach the throne with confidence and gratitude. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of Christ's sacrifice and a more profound sense of humility and thankfulness in our worship. [26:39]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: How does recognizing Christ as the mediator of your worship change the way you approach God in prayer and praise?


Day 4: The Character of True Worship
True worship is characterized by awe and reverence, as we cast our crowns before the throne, acknowledging God's sovereignty and grace. It is a response to the revelation of God's glory, leading us to admire and adore Him. This understanding of worship calls us to move beyond superficial expressions and to engage deeply with the majesty of God. As we worship, we are invited to lay down our own achievements and pride, recognizing that all we have is a gift from God. This posture of humility and reverence allows us to experience the transformative power of worship, drawing us closer to God's heart. [36:52]

Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can cultivate a heart of awe and reverence in your worship this week?


Day 5: The Transformative Power of Worship
When God is worshiped in the Spirit through the mediation of the Son, our gatherings become transformative experiences. We encounter the weight of God's glory, which draws others to worship with us, as they recognize God's presence among us. This transformative power of worship is not just for our personal edification but also serves as a witness to the world. As we worship, we are changed, and this change can have a ripple effect, impacting those around us. This understanding challenges us to approach worship with expectation and openness, ready to be transformed by God's presence and to be a conduit of His love and grace to others. [48:41]

2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (ESV): "And it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, 'For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,' the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God."

Reflection: How can you prepare your heart and mind to be open to the transformative power of worship in your life and in your community this week?

Quotes

"After this," says John, "I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.' At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. [00:01:23]

And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!' And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him. [00:02:58]

And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.' [00:05:22]

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying together, 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!' And the four living creatures said, 'Amen!' and the elders fell down and worshiped. [00:06:26]

I suppose I was naïve enough not to see its problems, and I saw only its open secrets. The great message of the book of Revelation, Jesus Christ conquers, and I will conquer in Jesus Christ. And from that time for many years in those early days of my Christian life, I turned to these two chapters that we have read together every single Lord's Day morning to prepare my heart for the public worship of God. [00:08:20]

And he finds this door flown open into heaven and finds himself "caught up," as he says, "in the Spirit." He was in the Spirit, he says, at the beginning of the book of Revelation on the Lord's Day, and in some senses, what we see in these chapters in the book of Revelation is simply a pictorial representation of what happens to Christian believers and to our congregations, our assemblies of the Lord when on the Lord's Day we are in the Spirit and a door is opened into heaven. [00:10:52]

And it seems to me there can be few things more important for the church of Jesus Christ in our own age in the midst of all the discussions that take place about the nature and character of worship than that we should understand that this is the true nature and the true character of godly worship, that by the Spirit of God we who are in Christ on earth have access to the worship that is participated in by saints and angels, cherubim and seraphim, and a myriad host of those who are glorified in Jesus Christ. [00:13:55]

And so, in the book of Revelation where there is much action, much dynamism, one of the things to look for is the camera angles and the places where the camera pauses as though the Spirit were saying, "Now, fix your gaze upon this." And here in this vivid picture of heaven's worship, you notice where the focus of the camera lies. The epicenter of worship is the triune God, the Father, who is seated on the throne, what the Te Deum Laudamus describes as "the Father of an infinite majesty." [00:17:02]

And He is worshiped supremely, says John as he observes this great scene and then begins to be drawn in to participate in it. He is worshiped supremely because He sits on the throne of His glory. At the center of the cosmos, at the center of heaven's worship, there is a throne that is occupied by God. And you notice as this narrative unfolds we are told not only for what the Father is worshiped as He is seated on the throne, but by whom the Father is worshiped. [00:21:19]

And in these two marvelous pictures of our Lord Jesus Christ, John sees both, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the long-awaited day when Abraham's promise to his son, "God Himself will provide a lamb for the sacrifice" is married to the great promise that the Lion of the tribe of Judah will conquer for and deliver His people. And you notice that the place in which the Lamb is located in chapter 5 underlines for us that He is the one who has made our salvation actual. [00:27:30]

And so, the focus of the church's worship is on the sovereignty of the Creator God who is worshiped simply because He is the Father of an infinite majesty who is seated on the throne, but yes, as John sees, the worship of heaven is also focused on the Son who is in the center of the throne. Says John, "I saw on the right hand of Him who was seated on the throne a scroll," chapter 5 verse 1, and no one was found worthy to take the scroll and to break its seals and to open it. [00:26:39]

And so, John sees a door open into heaven. He learns what it is that we are to worship God in spirit and in truth, that is, by the Holy Spirit through the mediation of the One who is the truth. The Father seeks such to worship Him. Apparently, there were occasions in temple worship when something of this was experienced by the people of God, for example, in Psalm 133. [00:45:58]

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Transcript
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