Day 3: Revelation 5:1-8

Show notes for Week 3

Week 3: Revelation 4-5

Day 1: 4:1-8

In Revelation chapters 4 and 5, we transition from the message of the seven churches to the heavenly realm. John is whisked away into the presence of God, and he begins to see things that will forever change history.

This place has been described by Isaiah, Ezekiel and Paul, but no one gives us so detailed a tour as John. God is pulling back the veil of heaven for we believers to be able to peer into eternity. This is the beginning of a truly life-changing encounter with God.

John is only writing the main points of what he sees from now on, and doing the best he can with hu man language and experience. We are seeing everything from here on in Revelation through the lens of a first century Jewish Christian. We must understand that John saw this all clearly, but what he saw likely confused him at times. We see that by the end of this Revelation in chapter 19, he is so undone by all of it he is willing to fall down and worship anything that seems to have any amount of glory on it.

The Throne Room

* Color: The first thing we notice is color. For whatever reason, John described the color of God and His throne first before anything else. We should take this to heart—God is architect, designer, engineer, master builder and expert craftsman. He has given Himself beautiful accommodations and He intends them for us too, and it caught John’s eye first and foremost.

* The Elders

* John – not likely, since he was seeing them

* Angels – not as likely since they are not referenced in an angelic way

* Humans – more likely, but who are they?

* Sounds: Next John notices sounds. This is a fully immersive experience like no other. John is really there, not in a dim visionary state

* Seven lamps: Seven Spirits of God

* This is the second time we see this in Revelation. We don’t know what the seven spirits are, or what is meant, but many believe it is a reference to the seven spirits of God listed in Isaiah 11:2 (inclusive of the “Spirit” Himself)

* Sea of Glass: How big? Why is it there? It is what was represented by the sea that was part of the tabernacle Moses was commanded to build. We see here that the tabernacle and the temple were meant to represent and foreshadow the very real place that exists around God’s throne.

* Living Creatures

* Same as Ezekiel saw?

* Why only four?

* What do their faces represent?

Day 2: 4:9-11

The Activity Of The Throne Room

* The four living creatures sing constantly: Are we to understand that they literally never stop, or is it a regular thing that breaks out at set times?

* Is this singing why David established 24/7 prayer and worship around the tabernacle? David alluded to having visited this place (in person or in a vision) when he gave Solomon the temple plans in 1 Chronicles 28.

* When the elders hear the songs of the creatures, they join in the song and throw down their crowns before God. They realize that they are in the same debt to God as we are. Everything given to them, and to us, is due back to God and God alone. That cannot help but recognize this in His presence.

* God is worthy of all power and glory because He created everything, therefore we owe everything to Him.

Day 3: 5:1-8

The Plan

God is holding the plans for the culmination of this temporary world, wrapped up within a scroll and sealed with wax seals on the outside.

Why does John see Jesus as a slain lamb with seven horns and ...

Show notes for Week 3

Week 3: Revelation 4-5

Day 1: 4:1-8

In Revelation chapters 4 and 5, we transition from the message of the seven churches to the heavenly realm. John is whisked away into the presence of God, and he begins to see things that will forever change history.

This place has been described by Isaiah, Ezekiel and Paul, but no one gives us so detailed a tour as John. God is pulling back the veil of heaven for we believers to be able to peer into eternity. This is the beginning of a truly life-changing encounter with God.

John is only writing the main points of what he sees from now on, and doing the best he can with hu man language and experience. We are seeing everything from here on in Revelation through the lens of a first century Jewish Christian. We must understand that John saw this all clearly, but what he saw likely confused him at times. We see that by the end of this Revelation in chapter 19, he is so undone by all of it he is willing to fall down and worship anything that seems to have any amount of glory on it.

The Throne Room

Color: The first thing we notice is color. For whatever reason, John described the color of God and His throne first before anything else. We should take this to heart—God is architect, designer, engineer, master builder and expert craftsman. He has given Himself beautiful accommodations and He intends them for us too, and it caught John’s eye first and foremost.

The Elders

John - not likely, since he was seeing them

Angels - not as likely since they are not referenced in an angelic way

Humans - more likely, but who are they?

Sounds: Next John notices sounds. This is a fully immersive experience like no other. John is really there, not in a dim visionary state

Seven lamps: Seven Spirits of God

This is the second time we see this in Revelation. We don’t know what the seven spirits are, or what is meant, but many believe it is a reference to the seven spirits of God listed in Isaiah 11:2 (inclusive of the “Spirit” Himself)

Sea of Glass: How big? Why is it there? It is what was represented by the sea that was part of the tabernacle Moses was commanded to build. We see here that the tabernacle and the temple were meant to represent and foreshadow the very real place that exists around God’s throne.

Living Creatures

Same as Ezekiel saw?

Why only four?

What do their faces represent?

Day 2: 4:9-11

The Activity Of The Throne Room

The four living creatures sing constantly: Are we to understand that they literally never stop, or is it a regular thing that breaks out at set times?

Is this singing why David established 24/7 prayer and worship around the tabernacle? David alluded to having visited this place (in person or in a vision) when he gave Solomon the temple plans in 1 Chronicles 28.

When the elders hear the songs of the creatures, they join in the song and throw down their crowns before God. They realize that they are in the same debt to God as we are. Everything given to them, and to us, is due back to God and God alone. That cannot help but recognize this in His presence.

God is worthy of all power and glory because He created everything, therefore we owe everything to Him.

Day 3: 5:1-8

The Plan

God is holding the plans for the culmination of this temporary world, wrapped up within a scroll and sealed with wax seals on the outside.

Why does John see Jesus as a slain lamb with seven horns and seven eyes?

Jesus Himself will open these seals and release the deadliest battle plan in human history upon the earth.

Day 4: 5:9-14

The Song

Here we find that the elders are each holding harps and bowls of incense - which we are told re...

Show notes for Week 3

Week 3: Revelation 4-5

Day 1: 4:1-8

In Revelation chapters 4 and 5, we transition from the message of the seven churches to the heavenly realm. John is whisked away into the presence of God, and he begins to see things that will forever change history.

This place has been described by Isaiah, Ezekiel and Paul, but no one gives us so detailed a tour as John. God is pulling back the veil of heaven for we believers to be able to peer into eternity. This is the beginning of a truly life-changing encounter with God.

John is only writing the main points of what he sees from now on, and doing the best he can with hu man language and experience. We are seeing everything from here on in Revelation through the lens of a first century Jewish Christian. We must understand that John saw this all clearly, but what he saw likely confused him at times. We see that by the end of this Revelation in chapter 19, he is so undone by all of it he is willing to fall down and worship anything that seems to have any amount of glory on it.

The Throne Room

Color: The first thing we notice is color. For whatever reason, John described the color of God and His throne first before anything else. We should take this to heart—God is architect, designer, engineer, master builder and expert craftsman. He has given Himself beautiful accommodations and He intends them for us too, and it caught John’s eye first and foremost.

The Elders

John - not likely, since he was seeing them

Angels - not as likely since they are not referenced in an angelic way

Humans - more likely, but who are they?

Sounds: Next John notices sounds. This is a fully immersive experience like no other. John is really there, not in a dim visionary state

Seven lamps: Seven Spirits of God

This is the second time we see this in Revelation. We don’t know what the seven spirits are, or what is meant, but many believe it is a reference to the seven spirits of God listed in Isaiah 11:2 (inclusive of the “Spirit” Himself)

Sea of Glass: How big? Why is it there? It is what was represented by the sea that was part of the tabernacle Moses was commanded to build. We see here that the tabernacle and the temple were meant to represent and foreshadow the very real place that exists around God’s throne.

Living Creatures

Same as Ezekiel saw?

Why only four?

What do their faces represent?

Day 2: 4:9-11

The Activity Of The Throne Room

The four living creatures sing constantly: Are we to understand that they literally never stop, or is it a regular thing that breaks out at set times?

Is this singing why David established 24/7 prayer and worship around the tabernacle? David alluded to having visited this place (in person or in a vision) when he gave Solomon the temple plans in 1 Chronicles 28.

When the elders hear the songs of the creatures, they join in the song and throw down their crowns before God. They realize that they are in the same debt to God as we are. Everything given to them, and to us, is due back to God and God alone. That cannot help but recognize this in His presence.

God is worthy of all power and glory because He created everything, therefore we owe everything to Him.

Day 3: 5:1-8

The Plan

God is holding the plans for the culmination of this temporary world, wrapped up within a scroll and sealed with wax seals on the outside.

Why does John see Jesus as a slain lamb with seven horns and seven eyes?

Jesus Himself will open these seals and release the deadliest battle plan in human history upon the earth.

Day 4: 5:9-14

The Song

Here we find that the elders are each holding harps and bowls of incense - which we are told re...

Show notes for Week 1

Each promise to each church is universal for all believers, and we can learn from each church and apply the negatives, positives and promises to each of our lives.

1. Ephesus

Background

Ancient Greek city in Western Turkey where the Temple of Artemis was - one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Many ancient writers who came up with their lists of 7 wonders called the Temple of Artemis the greatest of all the wonders in its scale and grandeur.

Paul spent over two years here evangelizing an extended region surrounding Ephesus, but he didn’t found it.

Greeting

The one who holds the seven stars - Jesus is telling the church He is the one over the angelic hosts that fight for each church.

Positives

Hard work, laboring through hardships for His name.

Won’t tolerate false apostles - men who claimed spiritual authority over churches but preached a “different gospel” than that of Jesus saves - not just bad teachers or teachers who teach error.

They hated the “Nicolaitans”, which Jesus hated.

They were possibly a group that preached lascivious living

Greek literally means “destroyer of men.”

Not entirely certain what they stood for

Ephesus stood against heresy

Negatives

Lost their first love - why? We’re not told. He speaks to them as if they know exactly what He’s talking about. He tells them to return to their “first works.” We can understand the same for our lives. When Jesus rebukes us, we seldom need extended clarification.

Chillingly, Jesus tells them that if they don’t repent, he will take away their lampstand - what we learned in chapter one stood for the church itself. Jesus is telling them He will remove their church if they don’t change.

Promises

Eat of the tree of life - one of the restorative aspects of Revelation

2. Smyrna

Background

Modern city of Izmir, Turkey

Prosperous city at this time

Christians suffered financially amidst a prosperous city

Greeting

The beginning and end and the one who rose again - Jesus alludes to himself as He is sung about in chapter 4 - the one who is worthy because of His suffering. Jesus is telling the Smyrnians their suffering is worth it because He is worthy.

Positives

They are poor and have suffered, but Jesus tells them they are rich - they have traded earthly wealth for eternal riches

Jesus prophesies to them that those who persecute them will do so for a little while longer, but encourages them to stand strong as they already have

Negatives

Smyrna is one of two churches to have no negatives

Promises

Jesus tells them to be faithful unto death and He will give them the crown of life. This is much like the paradox of their poverty but promised riches

Won’t be hurt by the second death - eternity in hell

3. Pergamum

Background

Pagan center of worship

Temple of Asclepius - god of health who was a snake on a pole - much like Moses’ during the Exodus. This is where we get our medical symbols today of one or two snakes around a staff

Temple of Zeus (which still exists today in Berlin)

Imperial cult was strong here - worship of Caesar

Greeting

Sharp, two edged sword - we will see later this is the Jesus who will judge - His word will cut and divide those who do not follow Him

Positives

Have stayed faithful in a city where Satan lives, even in the midst of martyrdom.

Negatives

People participating in sexual immorality like Balaam (this story is referencing mostly extra-biblical background information about the story of Balaam and Balak from Deuteronomy)

Show notes for Week 1

Each promise to each church is universal for all believers, and we can learn from each church and apply the negatives, positives and promises to each of our lives.

1. Ephesus

Background

Ancient Greek city in Western Turkey where the Temple of Artemis was - one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Many ancient writers who came up with their lists of 7 wonders called the Temple of Artemis the greatest of all the wonders in its scale and grandeur.

Paul spent over two years here evangelizing an extended region surrounding Ephesus, but he didn’t found it.

Greeting

The one who holds the seven stars - Jesus is telling the church He is the one over the angelic hosts that fight for each church.

Positives

Hard work, laboring through hardships for His name.

Won’t tolerate false apostles - men who claimed spiritual authority over churches but preached a “different gospel” than that of Jesus saves - not just bad teachers or teachers who teach error.

They hated the “Nicolaitans”, which Jesus hated.

They were possibly a group that preached lascivious living

Greek literally means “destroyer of men.”

Not entirely certain what they stood for

Ephesus stood against heresy

Negatives

Lost their first love - why? We’re not told. He speaks to them as if they know exactly what He’s talking about. He tells them to return to their “first works.” We can understand the same for our lives. When Jesus rebukes us, we seldom need extended clarification.

Chillingly, Jesus tells them that if they don’t repent, he will take away their lampstand - what we learned in chapter one stood for the church itself. Jesus is telling them He will remove their church if they don’t change.

Promises

Eat of the tree of life - one of the restorative aspects of Revelation

2. Smyrna

Background

Modern city of Izmir, Turkey

Prosperous city at this time

Christians suffered financially amidst a prosperous city

Greeting

The beginning and end and the one who rose again - Jesus alludes to himself as He is sung about in chapter 4 - the one who is worthy because of His suffering. Jesus is telling the Smyrnians their suffering is worth it because He is worthy.

Positives

They are poor and have suffered, but Jesus tells them they are rich - they have traded earthly wealth for eternal riches

Jesus prophesies to them that those who persecute them will do so for a little while longer, but encourages them to stand strong as they already have

Negatives

Smyrna is one of two churches to have no negatives

Promises

Jesus tells them to be faithful unto death and He will give them the crown of life. This is much like the paradox of their poverty but promised riches

Won’t be hurt by the second death - eternity in hell

3. Pergamum

Background

Pagan center of worship

Temple of Asclepius - god of health who was a snake on a pole - much like Moses’ during the Exodus. This is where we get our medical symbols today of one or two snakes around a staff

Temple of Zeus (which still exists today in Berlin)

Imperial cult was strong here - worship of Caesar

Greeting

Sharp, two edged sword - we will see later this is the Jesus who will judge - His word will cut and divide those who do not follow Him

Positives

Have stayed faithful in a city where Satan lives, even in the midst of martyrdom.

Negatives

People participating in sexual immorality like Balaam (this story is referencing mostly extra-biblical background information about the story of Balaam and Balak from Deuteronomy)

Show notes for Week 1

Each promise to each church is universal for all believers, and we can learn from each church and apply the negatives, positives and promises to each of our lives.

1. Ephesus

Background

Ancient Greek city in Western Turkey where the Temple of Artemis was - one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Many ancient writers who came up with their lists of 7 wonders called the Temple of Artemis the greatest of all the wonders in its scale and grandeur.

Paul spent over two years here evangelizing an extended region surrounding Ephesus, but he didn’t found it.

Greeting

The one who holds the seven stars - Jesus is telling the church He is the one over the angelic hosts that fight for each church.

Positives

Hard work, laboring through hardships for His name.

Won’t tolerate false apostles - men who claimed spiritual authority over churches but preached a “different gospel” than that of Jesus saves - not just bad teachers or teachers who teach error.

They hated the “Nicolaitans”, which Jesus hated.

They were possibly a group that preached lascivious living

Greek literally means “destroyer of men.”

Not entirely certain what they stood for

Ephesus stood against heresy

Negatives

Lost their first love - why? We’re not told. He speaks to them as if they know exactly what He’s talking about. He tells them to return to their “first works.” We can understand the same for our lives. When Jesus rebukes us, we seldom need extended clarification.

Chillingly, Jesus tells them that if they don’t repent, he will take away their lampstand - what we learned in chapter one stood for the church itself. Jesus is telling them He will remove their church if they don’t change.

Promises

Eat of the tree of life - one of the restorative aspects of Revelation

2. Smyrna

Background

Modern city of Izmir, Turkey

Prosperous city at this time

Christians suffered financially amidst a prosperous city

Greeting

The beginning and end and the one who rose again - Jesus alludes to himself as He is sung about in chapter 4 - the one who is worthy because of His suffering. Jesus is telling the Smyrnians their suffering is worth it because He is worthy.

Positives

They are poor and have suffered, but Jesus tells them they are rich - they have traded earthly wealth for eternal riches

Jesus prophesies to them that those who persecute them will do so for a little while longer, but encourages them to stand strong as they already have

Negatives

Smyrna is one of two churches to have no negatives

Promises

Jesus tells them to be faithful unto death and He will give them the crown of life. This is much like the paradox of their poverty but promised riches

Won’t be hurt by the second death - eternity in hell

3. Pergamum

Background

Pagan center of worship

Temple of Asclepius - god of health who was a snake on a pole - much like Moses’ during the Exodus. This is where we get our medical symbols today of one or two snakes around a staff

Temple of Zeus (which still exists today in Berlin)

Imperial cult was strong here - worship of Caesar

Greeting

Sharp, two edged sword - we will see later this is the Jesus who will judge - His word will cut and divide those who do not follow Him

Positives

Have stayed faithful in a city where Satan lives, even in the midst of martyrdom.

Negatives

People participating in sexual immorality like Balaam (this story is referencing mostly extra-biblical background information about the story of Balaam and Balak from Deuteronomy)

Day 2: Revelation 2:12-29

Show notes for Week 1

Each promise to each church is universal for all believers, and we can learn from each church and apply the negatives, positives and promises to each of our lives.

1. Ephesus

Background

* Ancient Greek city in Western Turkey where the Temple of Artemis was – one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Many ancient writers who came up with their lists of 7 wonders called the Temple of Artemis the greatest of all the wonders in its scale and grandeur.

* Paul spent over two years here evangelizing an extended region surrounding Ephesus, but he didn’t found it.

Greeting

* The one who holds the seven stars – Jesus is telling the church He is the one over the angelic hosts that fight for each church.

Positives

* Hard work, laboring through hardships for His name.

* Won’t tolerate false apostles – men who claimed spiritual authority over churches but preached a “different gospel” than that of Jesus saves – not just bad teachers or teachers who teach error.

* They hated the “Nicolaitans”, which Jesus hated.

* They were possibly a group that preached lascivious living

* Greek literally means “destroyer of men.”

* Not entirely certain what they stood for

* Ephesus stood against heresy

Negatives

* Lost their first love – why? We’re not told. He speaks to them as if they know exactly what He’s talking about. He tells them to return to their “first works.” We can understand the same for our lives. When Jesus rebukes us, we seldom need extended clarification.

* Chillingly, Jesus tells them that if they don’t repent, he will take away their lampstand – what we learned in chapter one stood for the church itself. Jesus is telling them He will remove their church if they don’t change.

Promises

* Eat of the tree of life – one of the restorative aspects of Revelation

2. Smyrna

Background

* Modern city of Izmir, Turkey

* Prosperous city at this time

* Christians suffered financially amidst a prosperous city

Greeting

* The beginning and end and the one who rose again – Jesus alludes to himself as He is sung about in chapter 4 – the one who is worthy because of His suffering. Jesus is telling the Smyrnians their suffering is worth it because He is worthy.

Positives

* They are poor and have suffered, but Jesus tells them they are rich – they have traded earthly wealth for eternal riches

* Jesus prophesies to them that those who persecute them will do so for a little while longer, but encourages them to stand strong as they already have

Negatives

* Smyrna is one of two churches to have no negatives

Promises

* Jesus tells them to be faithful unto death and He will give them the crown of life. This is much like the paradox of their poverty but promised riches

* Won’t be hurt by the second death – eternity in hell

3. Pergamum

Background

* Pagan center of worship

* Temple of Asclepius – god of health who was a snake on a pole – much like Moses’ during the Exodus. This is where we get our medical symbols today of one or two snakes around a staff

* Temple of Zeus (which still exists today in Berlin)

* Imperial cult was strong here – worship of Caesar

Greeting

* Sharp, two edged sword – we will see later this is the Jesus who will judge – His word will cut and divide those who do not follow Him

Positives

Show notes for Week 1

Each promise to each church is universal for all believers, and we can learn from each church and apply the negatives, positives and promises to each of our lives.

1. Ephesus

Background

Ancient Greek city in Western Turkey where the Temple of Artemis was - one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Many ancient writers who came up with their lists of 7 wonders called the Temple of Artemis the greatest of all the wonders in its scale and grandeur.

Paul spent over two years here evangelizing an extended region surrounding Ephesus, but he didn’t found it.

Greeting

The one who holds the seven stars - Jesus is telling the church He is the one over the angelic hosts that fight for each church.

Positives

Hard work, laboring through hardships for His name.

Won’t tolerate false apostles - men who claimed spiritual authority over churches but preached a “different gospel” than that of Jesus saves - not just bad teachers or teachers who teach error.

They hated the “Nicolaitans”, which Jesus hated.

They were possibly a group that preached lascivious living

Greek literally means “destroyer of men.”

Not entirely certain what they stood for

Ephesus stood against heresy

Negatives

Lost their first love - why? We’re not told. He speaks to them as if they know exactly what He’s talking about. He tells them to return to their “first works.” We can understand the same for our lives. When Jesus rebukes us, we seldom need extended clarification.

Chillingly, Jesus tells them that if they don’t repent, he will take away their lampstand - what we learned in chapter one stood for the church itself. Jesus is telling them He will remove their church if they don’t change.

Promises

Eat of the tree of life - one of the restorative aspects of Revelation

2. Smyrna

Background

Modern city of Izmir, Turkey

Prosperous city at this time

Christians suffered financially amidst a prosperous city

Greeting

The beginning and end and the one who rose again - Jesus alludes to himself as He is sung about in chapter 4 - the one who is worthy because of His suffering. Jesus is telling the Smyrnians their suffering is worth it because He is worthy.

Positives

They are poor and have suffered, but Jesus tells them they are rich - they have traded earthly wealth for eternal riches

Jesus prophesies to them that those who persecute them will do so for a little while longer, but encourages them to stand strong as they already have

Negatives

Smyrna is one of two churches to have no negatives

Promises

Jesus tells them to be faithful unto death and He will give them the crown of life. This is much like the paradox of their poverty but promised riches

Won’t be hurt by the second death - eternity in hell

3. Pergamum

Background

Pagan center of worship

Temple of Asclepius - god of health who was a snake on a pole - much like Moses’ during the Exodus. This is where we get our medical symbols today of one or two snakes around a staff

Temple of Zeus (which still exists today in Berlin)

Imperial cult was strong here - worship of Caesar

Greeting

Sharp, two edged sword - we will see later this is the Jesus who will judge - His word will cut and divide those who do not follow Him

Positives

Have stayed faithful in a city where Satan lives, even in the midst of martyrdom.

Negatives

People participating in sexual immorality like Balaam (this story is referencing mostly extra-biblical background information about the story of Balaam and Balak from Deuteronomy)

Day 5: Recap of Revelation 1

Show notes for Week 1

*

* 1. Introduction – we should study Revelation, and every book of Scripture, not to gain more information, but to know God more. We should read and study and engage so that we will grow closer to God. In the process, we’ll gain knowledge, but that should never be our primary aim in studying the Bible. No matter how you choose to interpret Revelation, even if it is different from me, you should grow in your love for God. You should feel your heart moved and warmed by His great love for you.

* Who Wrote Revelation?

* John the Apostle or someone else

* John the apostle of the lamb is held by most

* When was it written?

* Around 90 AD. Fewer people agree on this, but many who believe John didn’t just make this up put the dating later rather than earlier

* Why was it written?

* If you don’t believe the Bible, speculation runs wild.

* If you believe the Bible, John makes it very clear–God told him to write every bit of this down. John had no motivations of his own to write this book.

* Read it

* This is the only book in the Bible where we are so specifically told we will be blessed just for reading it. The implication is to read it out loud. We are also commanded to keep the words in the book–we must actually take the words in Revelation and make them meaningful in our lives. We can’t just study this at a distance, we must engage the Holy Spirit in prayer and study about how this affects our lives, regardless of whether we believe we will live through these events or not.

* Greeting

* John was on the island of Patmos – the tradition goes that John had been sentenced to death by being submerged in molten tar, but that when he was submerged, he was completely unharmed. Some say that John’s exile to Patmos was because they couldn’t kill him, so the Romans just wanted him out of the way. John seems to allude to this when he speaks of himself in John 21:22-23.

* The Vision of Jesus

* John jumps right into the vision. Right away we find the answer to the question of why John wrote Revelation. John didn’t make this up, he was told by Jesus to write all this down.

* Symbols

* If you are intimidated by symbols in Revelation, fear not! The first chapter only has a few and they are almost all interpreted for us.

* Seven lampstands – the seven churches in Revelation

* Son of man dressed in a robe with a golden sash – we will see this clothing later in Revelation again, but we are told plainly that it is Jesus (First and Last, living one who was dead but is alive)

* Hair like snow – purity

* Eyes like fire – passion

* Feet like glowing bronze – power

* Voice like rushing waters – thunderous

* Sharp sword – we’ll see this again as well, but it stands for the Word of God (which we’ll see later)

* Shining like the sun – Jesus, we’ll find, will literally be the shining sun in eternity.

* Seven stars – the seven angels (messengers) to the seven churches

* Seven lampstands – the seven churches of Revelation.

* Questions

* Why is this book Jesus’ Revelation?

* Why was this book written specifically to seven churches in Asia? What part of Asia is this referring to?

* Is Revelation meaningful to us today? What if we are not living in the end times described in Revelation–is it still meaningful?

* Why should we study Revelation?

Show notes for Week 1

1. Introduction - we should study Revelation, and every book of Scripture, not to gain more information, but to know God more. We should read and study and engage so that we will grow closer to God. In the process, we’ll gain knowledge, but that should never be our primary aim in studying the Bible. No matter how you choose to interpret Revelation, even if it is different from me, you should grow in your love for God. You should feel your heart moved and warmed by His great love for you.

Who Wrote Revelation?

John the Apostle or someone else

John the apostle of the lamb is held by most

When was it written?

Around 90 AD. Fewer people agree on this, but many who believe John didn’t just make this up put the dating later rather than earlier

Why was it written?

If you don’t believe the Bible, speculation runs wild.

If you believe the Bible, John makes it very clear--God told him to write every bit of this down. John had no motivations of his own to write this book.

Read it

This is the only book in the Bible where we are so specifically told we will be blessed just for reading it. The implication is to read it out loud. We are also commanded to keep the words in the book--we must actually take the words in Revelation and make them meaningful in our lives. We can’t just study this at a distance, we must engage the Holy Spirit in prayer and study about how this affects our lives, regardless of whether we believe we will live through these events or not.

Greeting

John was on the island of Patmos - the tradition goes that John had been sentenced to death by being submerged in molten tar, but that when he was submerged, he was completely unharmed. Some say that John’s exile to Patmos was because they couldn’t kill him, so the Romans just wanted him out of the way. John seems to allude to this when he speaks of himself in John 21:22-23.

The Vision of Jesus

John jumps right into the vision. Right away we find the answer to the question of why John wrote Revelation. John didn’t make this up, he was told by Jesus to write all this down.

Symbols

If you are intimidated by symbols in Revelation, fear not! The first chapter only has a few and they are almost all interpreted for us.

Seven lampstands - the seven churches in Revelation

Son of man dressed in a robe with a golden sash - we will see this clothing later in Revelation again, but we are told plainly that it is Jesus (First and Last, living one who was dead but is alive)

Hair like snow - purity

Eyes like fire - passion

Feet like glowing bronze - power

Voice like rushing waters - thunderous

Sharp sword - we’ll see this again as well, but it stands for the Word of God (which we’ll see later)

Shining like the sun - Jesus, we’ll find, will literally be the shining sun in eternity.

Seven stars - the seven angels (messengers) to the seven churches

Seven lampstands - the seven churches of Revelation.

Questions

Why is this book Jesus’ Revelation?

Why was this book written specifically to seven churches in Asia? What part of Asia is this referring to?

Is Revelation meaningful to us today? What if we are not living in the end times described in Revelation--is it still meaningful?

Why should we study Revelation?