WHO
HOLDS YOUR FUTURE?
Revelation 1:1-3
Introduction: This Book is both historical and prophetic. There are three major divisions in this Book (v.19) past, present, and future. The Revelation of Jesus Christ not only tells us the future, but it reveals who holds the future! In this day of uncertainty many are paralyzed by fear. However, God wants us to know that whatever the age there is victory in Jesus! This wonderful Book teaches many things, but three stand out. The Book of the Revelation deals with:
I. THE PURPOSES OF GOD (V.1a)
“Revelation” not revelations. The unveiling of Jesus. Jesus is pictured here differently than anywhere else in the Bible. All of the purposes of God are in Jesus.
A. His Majesty Is Revealed
·
How
He is Seen in the Gospels - (Phil 2:6-8) "Who,
being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: {7}
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a
servant, and was made in the likeness of men: {8} And being found in
fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even
the death of the cross." Jesus is God and at that time was veiled
in the flesh and only once do we see a glimpse of His deity on
· How He is Seen in the Revelation – Not in a manger, but in majesty. Not abused, but worshiped and adored with a septor on a throne ruling in judgment with a rod of iron. We see Him not as the lamb, but the lion!
B. His Might Is Revealed
History is His-story.
 | “Must” = there is a certainty in God’s purposes. When we read of His majesty and might it is not that it might happen it is certain to happen! God is not surprised by anything He has a plan and a purpose. Everything revealed in His Word and through world history is pointing to when Jesus, who is God in the flesh, will consummate all things into His order, bringing an end to sin and its effects to His justice and sovereign reign. |
| “Shortly come to pass” (Ills. But it’s been 2000 years. (Mat 24:6) "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.") Understand this; once the things that are in this Book begin to fall into place they are going to happen swiftly. (Ills. Slow assent of roller coaster until the fast ride to the end.) |
So the Bible speaks of the purposes of God in Christ Jesus who when He walked this earth was the veiled suffering servant (expound crucifixion & resurrection), but will be revealed as The King Of Kings and Lord Of Lords, coming in flaming judgment; righting all wrongs and reigning eternally! The Book of the Revelation also deals with:
II. THE PEOPLE OF GOD (VV.1b-2)
A. The Position Of The People Of God
God uses the same word twice to describe our position. “Servants” = “doulos”; one who is owned by another; not a hired servant, but a willing volunteer. Christians belong to Jesus (expound).
B. The Privilege Of The People Of God
“Signified” = with signs or symbols. The Book Revelation is God’s word to man, but God uses signs and symbols to communicate that message. Why? (Words and their meanings change with the passing of years, but signs and symbols do not, expound). God sent an angel to deliver His message. As a child of God we have the privilege to hold in our hand the very Word of God! John bore witness (record) of the Word of God (v.2). This Word I have comes from God it’s not man’s opinion this is the very “breath” of God. I’m privileged to hold in my hand the Bible! (Ills. All the books on advice today…we have the Bible…why not open it!!!) The privilege of having and understanding this book.
C. The Perceptiveness Of The People Of God
“All things that he saw” God’s people aren’t sitting around wringing our hands wondering what’s going to happen next.
III. THE PROSPERITY OF GOD (V.3)
How to live a blessed life in these last days. “Blessed” = divinely happy or prosperous. Blessed is the child of God that will do three things. The blessings of God come to those who are:
A. Reading The Word
There is an extra blessing given to those who among the distractions of this world will take time to read His Word.
B. Hearing The Word
Not just listening, but hearing the Word of God. That means to appropriating and taking it into your heart. It will help you none if you read this Book but you don’t hear the voice of God speaking to you through it!
C. Keeping The Word
“Keep” = to watch over; to prevent from escaping; to fulfill a command; to withhold (for personal ends; to hold fast, serve, and watch or observe carefully. The only way to keep the Word in your heart is to do what it says! You keep it by practicing it! (Ills. We want the blessing of God, but we don’t want to do what He says).
Conclusion:
(Ills. Question, “Do you understand that book?”… Answer, yes;
it means Jesus is going to win!) The Book of Revelation will deliver the
Christian from fear. We live in uncertain times, but the Book of
Revelation says that the best is yet to come. If it could be truly said in
John’s day the time is at hand, how much more can it be said today!