Revelation: Comfort, Authority, and Our Commission
Summary
In today's reflection, we delved into the profound and often misunderstood book of Revelation, a text that has been described as intimidating and complex. Yet, it is a book that offers immense comfort and encouragement to the church, both in the past and today. Revelation was written nearly 2,000 years ago to assure the church of God's ultimate victory and to encourage faithfulness amidst trials. This message remains relevant, reminding us of God's redemptive plan and the reality of Christ's return. As we explore this book, we aim to gain clarity and understanding, moving beyond the mystery to see the glory of our Savior.
The vision given to John on the island of Patmos reveals the resurrected Jesus in a new light, a powerful and awe-inspiring figure who comforts, commissions, and compels the church. This vision challenges us to see Jesus not as a figure reinterpreted to fit our preferences, but as the glorious, risen Lord who holds authority over all. The imagery of the seven golden lampstands, representing the church, and Jesus standing among them, underscores His presence and authority as both high priest and king. This vision assures us that Jesus is actively building His church, fulfilling His promises, and that His kingdom will prevail.
John's introduction in Revelation emphasizes the reality of tribulation for believers, contrasting the false peace offered by worldly powers with the true peace and eternal life promised by God. This perspective encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that Jesus, who has conquered death, holds the keys to life and death. His comforting presence invites us to approach Him with humility, acknowledging our need for His grace.
As we continue to explore Revelation, we are reminded of our commission to share the gospel, assured by the victory of our risen Savior. This revelation compels us to step out of our comfort zones, to reach out to others with the message of hope and salvation. The glorious risen Christ calls us to live faithfully, to embrace the reality of His return, and to participate in His redemptive work.
Key Takeaways:
1. Revelation offers comfort and encouragement to the church, reminding us of God's ultimate victory and the call to remain faithful amidst trials. This message is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago, urging us to see beyond the mystery and embrace the glory of our Savior. [45:31]
2. The vision of the resurrected Jesus in Revelation challenges us to see Him as He truly is—glorious, powerful, and authoritative. This vision compels us to move beyond cultural reinterpretations of Jesus and to embrace His true identity as our Lord and Savior. [46:43]
3. The presence of Jesus among the lampstands symbolizes His active role in building and tending to His church. This assurance of His presence and authority encourages us to trust in His promises and to participate in His redemptive work. [01:02:28]
4. The reality of tribulation for believers is contrasted with the true peace and eternal life promised by God. This perspective encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that Jesus, who has conquered death, holds the keys to life and death. [53:25]
5. Our commission to share the gospel is grounded in the victory of our risen Savior. This revelation compels us to step out of our comfort zones, to reach out to others with the message of hope and salvation, assured by the authority and power of Jesus. [01:13:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [45:31] - Introduction to Revelation
- [46:43] - The Purpose of Revelation
- [52:06] - John's Introduction and Tribulation
- [53:25] - The Reality of Tribulation
- [54:25] - John's Vision on Patmos
- [55:30] - The Command to Write
- [56:19] - The Symbolism of Seven
- [56:59] - The Voice of Jesus
- [57:51] - The Seven Lampstands
- [58:34] - Old Testament Connections
- [01:00:36] - Zechariah's Vision
- [01:01:30] - Jesus and the Temple
- [01:02:28] - Jesus Among the Lampstands
- [01:04:23] - The Son of Man
- [01:05:19] - John's Response to Jesus
- [01:06:38] - Jesus' Comforting Presence
- [01:08:34] - Jesus' Authority Over Death
- [01:10:17] - The Recommissioning of John
- [01:12:16] - Our Commission Today
- [01:14:12] - The Call to Faithfulness
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 1:9-20
2. Matthew 24:9
3. Zechariah 4:1-14
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#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the seven golden lampstands in Revelation 1:12-13, and how do they relate to the church? [57:51]
2. How does John describe the appearance of the resurrected Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16, and what elements stand out to you? [01:04:23]
3. According to the sermon, what role does Jesus play among the lampstands, and how does this reflect His authority over the church? [01:02:28]
4. What does John’s reaction to seeing Jesus in Revelation 1:17 reveal about the nature of Jesus' presence? [01:05:19]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the vision of Jesus in Revelation 1 challenge cultural reinterpretations of Jesus, and why is it important to see Him as He truly is? [46:43]
2. In what ways does the presence of Jesus among the lampstands provide comfort and assurance to the church, both historically and today? [01:02:28]
3. How does the sermon explain the contrast between the tribulation promised by the kingdom of God and the false peace offered by worldly powers? [53:25]
4. What implications does Jesus' authority over life and death have for believers facing trials and tribulations? [01:08:34]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt intimidated by the book of Revelation. How can the message of God's ultimate victory encourage you in your current circumstances? [45:31]
2. How can you ensure that your understanding of Jesus is based on biblical truth rather than cultural reinterpretations? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of His true identity? [46:43]
3. In what ways can you actively participate in Jesus' work of building His church? Consider specific actions you can take within your community or church. [01:02:28]
4. How do you respond to tribulations in your life? What practices can help you remain steadfast in faith, knowing that Jesus holds the keys to life and death? [53:25]
5. The sermon encourages stepping out of comfort zones to share the gospel. Identify one person you can reach out to this week with the message of hope and salvation. [01:13:19]
6. How does the reality of Jesus' return influence your daily life and decisions? What changes might you make to live more faithfully in light of His coming? [01:14:12]
7. Consider the role of hospitality in your life. How can you use your home and resources to demonstrate the love of Christ to others? [46:43]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Ultimate Victory and Faithfulness
Revelation, often seen as complex, offers profound comfort and encouragement to believers. Written nearly 2,000 years ago, it assures the church of God's ultimate victory and calls for faithfulness amidst trials. This message remains relevant today, urging us to look beyond the mystery and embrace the glory of our Savior. The book reminds us of God's redemptive plan and the reality of Christ's return, providing hope and assurance in times of uncertainty. As we explore Revelation, we are invited to gain clarity and understanding, moving beyond fear to see the glory of our Savior. [45:31]
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: In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's ultimate victory? How can you remain faithful amidst your current trials?
Day 2: The True Identity of Jesus
The vision of the resurrected Jesus in Revelation challenges us to see Him as He truly is—glorious, powerful, and authoritative. This vision compels us to move beyond cultural reinterpretations of Jesus and to embrace His true identity as our Lord and Savior. The imagery of Jesus among the seven golden lampstands, representing the church, underscores His presence and authority as both high priest and king. This vision assures us that Jesus is actively building His church, fulfilling His promises, and that His kingdom will prevail. [46:43]
Revelation 1:12-13 (ESV): "Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest."
Reflection: How have you culturally reinterpreted Jesus to fit your preferences? What steps can you take to embrace His true identity as revealed in Revelation?
Day 3: Jesus' Presence and Authority
The presence of Jesus among the lampstands symbolizes His active role in building and tending to His church. This assurance of His presence and authority encourages us to trust in His promises and to participate in His redemptive work. Jesus stands among the churches, holding authority over all, and His comforting presence invites us to approach Him with humility, acknowledging our need for His grace. This vision challenges us to see Jesus not as a figure reinterpreted to fit our preferences, but as the glorious, risen Lord who holds authority over all. [01:02:28]
Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV): "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, 'Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in Jesus' redemptive work in your community? How does His presence and authority influence your daily life?
Day 4: True Peace and Eternal Life
The reality of tribulation for believers is contrasted with the true peace and eternal life promised by God. This perspective encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that Jesus, who has conquered death, holds the keys to life and death. The false peace offered by worldly powers is temporary, but the peace of God is eternal. As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises and to find comfort in the assurance of eternal life through Christ. [53:25]
John 16:33 (ESV): "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Reflection: How can you cultivate true peace in your life amidst worldly tribulations? What steps can you take to remain steadfast in your faith?
Day 5: Our Commission to Share the Gospel
Our commission to share the gospel is grounded in the victory of our risen Savior. This revelation compels us to step out of our comfort zones, to reach out to others with the message of hope and salvation, assured by the authority and power of Jesus. As we embrace the reality of Christ's return, we are called to live faithfully and to participate in His redemptive work. The glorious risen Christ calls us to share the gospel with boldness and confidence, knowing that His kingdom will prevail. [01:13:19]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of hope and salvation? How can you step out of your comfort zone to share the gospel with them today?
Quotes
1. "As we think about Christ building his church, as we marvel, and relish in the glory of our Savior, knowing that he is coming back. If you take nothing from today, would you take that with you?" ([00:44:47] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "We are starting this series because this book was written for the church almost 2,000 years ago, and the contents are meant to comfort and encourage the church to remain faithful, knowing that God has the final victory. That is the message for the church 2,000 years ago, and it is the message for the church today. And we need to hear it." ([00:46:05] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "The contents of this book are meant to give us perspective on God and his redemptive plan, which is already in motion. And this revelation that we will see gives us a behind-the-curtain view, per se. And I believe that this view that God reveals to John and to us has the potential to ignite the church into revival." ([00:46:26] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "Our faith does not promise prosperity. If it promises anything, it's that we will face tribulations. Just a quick survey of the New Testament reveals this. We see this in the New Testament, like in Matthew 24:9, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, and he says, then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake." ([00:52:23] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "You contrast that with the kingdom of God, which promises us tribulation and afflictions, but will deliver peace and eternal life for those found in Christ. This was John's reality. He was facing exile on the island of Patmos." ([00:53:31] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "The book of Revelation exists because Jesus revealed himself to John and told him to write it. That's why we have it. This was not John making up some sci-fi scene and writing it down. This was John obeying Jesus's words to write the vision for us." ([00:55:39] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "The point is this, that Jesus is among us. He is among the lampstands here in Revelation 1. And he is fulfilling the role of the high priest and the high king. He is tending to his church and has authority over the church as the high priest and the high king." ([01:01:38] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "To place our confidence in the glorious resurrected Jesus that we worship, the one who has all authority. And this is why we can confidently send people to the nations. Jesus. Even from among ourselves going to reach the unreached, not with empty hopes of building a church, but with the expectation that Jesus is building his church." ([01:03:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "This is the glorious, all-powerful king and priest who can bring judgment. This Lord and Savior does not mess around with sin. This is the real Jesus who we know will ultimately defeat evil at the end of all things." ([01:05:00] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "To know that because of the glorious risen Christ, though we suffer, we will not be crushed. Though we are tested, we will not fail. Though we face tribulation, we will be preserved. Though we die, we will rise because he holds the keys of death and Hades." ([01:15:53] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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