July 24, 2022
Revelation Intro #
Revelation 1:1-2
Introduction
Chapter one, is a great introductory chapter, which sets the tone for the entire book.
Revelation – 1. The act of disclosing or discovering to others what was before unknown to them; appropriately, the disclosure or communication of truth to men by God himself, or by his authorized agents, the prophets and apostles. 2. That which is revealed; appropriately, the sacred truths which God has communicated to man for his instruction and direction. The revelations of God are contained in the Old and New Testament.
I. The Anonymous #
Gen. 1:1 ¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Gen. 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
A. Seer - Scripture’s Prophecy #
- First prophetic reference:
Gen. 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
- Prophecy of his death -
Is. 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
B. Sacrifice #
- The Gospels reveal Jesus humanity, his lineage, his sleep, his eating, his praying, his compassion, his thirst, death, burial & resurrection… humanity!
C. Sovereign – Revelation reveals Jesus deity #
1. In the NT, Jesus was not put on full display of his Deity #
2. In Revelation, we will not see his human frailty, but rather his Divine strength & power! #
- Look for Jesus as we go through Revelation!
II. The Author (originator) “…which God gave” #
A. Skepticism of man #
1. Old book #
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Many people tend to discount the Bible as an archaic old book! #
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It may be an old book, but there are unfulfilled prophecies… We are going to be raptured out of here, Judgement is coming, Jesus will setup an earthly reign…
2. Fictional book – some think #
B. System God employed #
1. God Gave – (Rev 1:1) #
- This was not man, just making things up, writing it down, and claiming it is God….
- That happens… there are many who claim the Authority of God!
- That is why is important to understand
2. Not by man (2 Pet 1:21) #
2Pet. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
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“holy men of God” … not just anyone, God was selective!
- Not perfect…
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“moved by the Holy Ghost.” - not as they pleased.
3. Bible is an amazing book! #
- The Bible has 40 human authors who wrote over a time of 1,600 years. Some men were kings, some were wise, some were ‘ignorant and unlearned men’
- Bible comes from God!
III. The Audience “…to shew unto his servants…” #
- The apostle John wrote it all down for us!
- You CANNOT be His servant, without being saved!
A. Saved #
- This is written to a saved audience!
B. Serving #
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This is written to the serving audience!
- Those who have skin in the game, care about the events of the game!
C. Seeking #
- There are saved people, there are serving people, then there are those who continue to hunger and thirst after righteousness!
IV. The Aim “…things which must shortly come to pass.” #
A. Show Christ as Sovereign God #
- See Christ, not simply as the Saviour, and Sacrifice for your sins, but as the Sovereign ruler He is!