Revelation: Embracing the Majesty and Return of Jesus
Summary
In our journey through the book of Revelation, we are invited to see Jesus in a new and profound way. This book is not just a prophecy of future events but a revelation of Jesus Christ Himself. It is a lifting of the veil, allowing us to see Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the one who holds all authority and power. In the Gospels, we see Jesus as the Lamb of God, meek and sacrificial. However, in Revelation, we see Him as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the judge who will execute judgment and lead the armies of heaven. This duality is not a contradiction but a fuller picture of who Jesus is.
As we delve into Revelation, we are reminded that our faith is like gold, refined through trials and testing. Just as gold is purified by fire, our faith is strengthened and purified through the challenges we face. This process is essential because it prepares us for the return of Jesus, the second coming, which is a central theme in Revelation. The Bible speaks more about the second coming than the first, emphasizing its significance as the time when Jesus will come as judge, sealing the eternal fate of humanity.
The book of Revelation is a call to readiness. It urges us to prepare for Jesus' return, to live in a way that reflects our belief in His sovereignty and authority. This readiness is not just about knowing the signs but about living a life that honors and glorifies Jesus. It is about keeping our eyes on Him, even amidst the trials and tribulations of life. The world may tempt us to compromise our faith, but Revelation calls us to stand firm, to choose Jesus above all else.
This revelation was given to John, the apostle, to show us the hidden truths of Jesus' return. It is a message meant to bless those who read, hear, and keep its words. As we engage with this book, we are encouraged to deepen our faith, to worship Jesus with greater fervor, and to live in anticipation of His return. The world may grow darker, but our hope is in the one who sits on the throne, the one who will ultimately bring all things to completion according to His will.
Key Takeaways:
1. Revelation of Jesus Christ: The book of Revelation unveils Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, emphasizing His authority and power. This revelation encourages us to see Jesus in His full glory, beyond the sacrificial Lamb, as the Lion of Judah who will execute judgment. [06:45]
2. Faith Refined by Trials: Our faith, like gold, is refined through trials and testing. These challenges bring impurities to the surface, allowing us to grow in purity and genuineness. This process prepares us for the return of Jesus, strengthening our faith and deepening our worship. [11:18]
3. Readiness for Jesus' Return: Revelation calls us to be ready for Jesus' second coming, emphasizing the importance of living a life that honors Him. This readiness involves understanding the signs and living in a way that reflects our belief in His sovereignty. [12:29]
4. Blessing of Revelation: The book of Revelation is meant to bless those who read, hear, and keep its words. It encourages us to deepen our faith, worship Jesus with greater fervor, and live in anticipation of His return, despite the world's challenges. [21:32]
5. Choosing Jesus Above All: In a world that tempts us to compromise, Revelation calls us to stand firm in our faith, choosing Jesus above all else. Our hope is in the one who sits on the throne, and we are encouraged to keep our eyes on Him, trusting in His ultimate victory. [32:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to Revelation
- [02:30] - Seeing Jesus in Revelation
- [04:15] - The Duality of Jesus: Lamb and Lion
- [06:45] - Faith Refined Like Gold
- [08:30] - The Significance of the Second Coming
- [11:18] - Preparing for Jesus' Return
- [12:29] - The Role of John in Revelation
- [14:00] - Understanding Symbols in Revelation
- [16:51] - The Timing of Revelation's Events
- [19:30] - The Call to Readiness
- [21:32] - The Blessing of Revelation
- [24:00] - Living in Anticipation of Jesus' Return
- [27:29] - Standing Firm in Faith
- [32:29] - Choosing Jesus Above All Else
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 1:1-3
2. 1 Peter 1:7
3. Matthew 24:30
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does the term "Revelation" mean in the context of Revelation 1:1-3, and how does it relate to the unveiling of Jesus Christ? [06:45]
2. How does the sermon describe the duality of Jesus as both the Lamb of God and the Lion of the tribe of Judah? [04:15]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of our faith being compared to gold refined by fire? [11:18]
4. What role does John play in the book of Revelation, and how was the revelation given to him? [12:29]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the duality of Jesus as both the Lamb and the Lion provide a fuller understanding of His character and mission? [04:15]
2. In what ways does the refining of our faith through trials prepare us for the second coming of Jesus? [11:18]
3. How does the sermon suggest we should live in readiness for Jesus' return, and what does this readiness look like in practical terms? [12:29]
4. What are the implications of the blessing mentioned in Revelation 1:3 for those who read, hear, and keep the words of the prophecy? [21:32]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial or challenge in your life. How can you view it as a refining process for your faith, similar to gold being purified by fire? [11:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus amidst life's trials. What specific distractions in your life might be preventing you from focusing on Him, and how can you address them this week? [33:09]
3. In what ways can you actively prepare for Jesus' return in your daily life? Consider both spiritual practices and lifestyle choices. [12:29]
4. How can you stand firm in your faith when faced with temptations or pressures to compromise, as described in the sermon? [32:29]
5. The sermon calls us to choose Jesus above all else. Identify one area in your life where you might be tempted to prioritize something over your relationship with Jesus. How can you realign your priorities? [32:29]
6. How can you encourage others in your community to deepen their faith and live in anticipation of Jesus' return? Consider practical steps you can take to support and uplift those around you. [21:32]
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus is the only way, as emphasized in the sermon. How does this belief influence your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your faith? [27:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as King and Judge
The book of Revelation offers a profound unveiling of Jesus Christ, presenting Him not only as the sacrificial Lamb but also as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. This duality reveals the fullness of His character, emphasizing His authority and power as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as meek and sacrificial, but Revelation shows Him as the ultimate judge who will execute judgment and lead the armies of heaven. This revelation encourages believers to see Jesus in His full glory, understanding that His role as judge is not a contradiction to His sacrificial nature but a completion of His divine mission. [06:45]
Revelation 19:11-13 (ESV): "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as both the Lamb and the Lion influence the way you approach Him in prayer and worship today?
Day 2: Faith Refined Through Trials
Our faith is likened to gold, which is refined and purified through fire. This metaphor illustrates how trials and testing bring impurities to the surface, allowing believers to grow in purity and genuineness. The challenges we face are not meant to break us but to strengthen our faith, preparing us for the return of Jesus. As we endure these trials, our faith is deepened, and our worship becomes more fervent. This process is essential for spiritual growth, reminding us that the trials we face have a divine purpose in shaping us into the image of Christ. [11:18]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What current trial are you facing, and how can you see it as an opportunity for your faith to be refined and strengthened?
Day 3: Living in Readiness for Jesus' Return
The book of Revelation calls believers to be ready for the second coming of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of living a life that honors Him. This readiness is not just about recognizing the signs of His return but involves a daily commitment to live in a way that reflects our belief in His sovereignty and authority. It is a call to align our lives with His will, standing firm in faith despite the temptations and challenges of the world. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we prepare ourselves for His return, living in anticipation of the fulfillment of His promises. [12:29]
Matthew 24:42-44 (ESV): "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to live in readiness for Jesus' return, ensuring that your life reflects His sovereignty?
Day 4: The Blessing of Revelation
Engaging with the book of Revelation is meant to be a blessing for those who read, hear, and keep its words. It encourages believers to deepen their faith, worship Jesus with greater fervor, and live in anticipation of His return. Despite the challenges and darkness of the world, Revelation offers hope in the one who sits on the throne, assuring us of His ultimate victory. This blessing is not just about future events but is a present reality that transforms how we live today, calling us to a life of faithfulness and devotion to Jesus. [21:32]
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 incorporate the blessings of Revelation into your daily life, allowing its truths to deepen your faith and worship?
Day 5: Choosing Jesus Above All
In a world that constantly tempts us to compromise our faith, the book of Revelation calls believers to stand firm, choosing Jesus above all else. This choice is a daily commitment to prioritize our relationship with Him, trusting in His ultimate victory and sovereignty. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded of the hope we have in Him, even amidst trials and tribulations. Revelation encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that our hope is secure in the one who sits on the throne and will bring all things to completion according to His will. [32:29]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to compromise your faith, and how can you choose Jesus above all else in that area today?
Quotes
"I really believe the book of Revelation is exactly what it says it is. The first words we're going to read are a revelation of Jesus Christ. I think we're supposed to see Jesus. I think we're supposed to know more about Jesus. I think we're supposed to see who He is." [00:03:00]
"Let's talk about that first point this is the revelation of Jesus Christ I think we're supposed to see something about who Jesus is it starts with the word revelation now the Greek word for revelation here is a word that should sound familiar it's apocalypsis which you would get apocalypse from." [00:06:45]
"John seems to suggest we're going to have this curtain pulled back or this cover lifted or this veil raised and what we're going to see is Jesus we're going to see Jesus in a very unique way in this book now if you were to go back to the four gospels you would have a picture of Jesus." [00:08:45]
"Peter compares our faith to gold he says that you and I go through these times of testing these difficult moments and and we're going to have plenty of those in the book of revelation the purpose is to start to bring impurities up and as we recognize those impurities we're we're scraping those off." [00:11:18]
"In other words, if you and I see who Jesus really is, he grows our faith. And what we want to do is praise him more. What we want to do is honor him more. What we want to do is glorify him more. That just becomes a natural process." [00:09:51]
"He's telling us Jesus is going to come and he's going to come as judge. He's going to come as king. He's going to come in his power. He's going to come in his authority. And when he comes. Judgment. Get ready. Get ready. Know that he's coming and be prepared for him coming." [00:12:33]
"John may not be telling us that these things are going to happen soon. He may be saying when things begin to happen, they happen quickly. Now, you and I know there were periods of time that we talked about in big blocks. You can talk about dark ages. You could talk about the Renaissance." [00:20:45]
"John's saying when it starts, it's going to happen quick. And here's the thing. If you want to decide how you're going to live for Jesus, don't wait till it starts to happen and say, well, I'll figure it out when it all happens. No, it's going to happen so quick." [00:21:32]
"John's telling us no he's not there's only one person who sits on the throne only one person can break the seals only one person will lead the army of heaven only one person is the lamb that was slain and yet lives only one person sits at the center of heaven." [00:26:20]
"Listen, I think the world's getting worse. I think the ability to be a disciple of Jesus is that little gray area is starting to disappear. You either follow Him with everything you've got or you compromise to go along to get along. And the book of Revelation is calling us." [00:32:29]
"He's going to say, I'm going to lift high Jesus. I just want you to see Jesus because you're going to be tempted to do everything else in this world. And this world is going to try to force you to conform to its mold. But listen, I know it's hard and I know it's difficult, but it will be worth it." [00:32:34]
"Father God, we thank you for the truth that you are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. God, would you just help our eyes be set on you, to see you in all things, exalted and lifted up. And God, whatever the future may hold, even when it is unpredictable, God, you still sit on your throne." [00:42:56]
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