Introduction to Revelation

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The messages to the seven churches initially belonged to them at the time they were sent to them.  But in a larger sense, the messages to the seven churches are timeless and universal because the seven churches still exist  - not in the same place, nor with the same people.  People come and go.  Times change, but the seven churches of Jesus remain.  The point is that the seven churches represent the body of believers in Christ!  The problems with sin haven’t changed and the promises and threatenings Jesus gave each church still stands.  In fact, Jesus concluded his message to each church saying, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches.”

 

The seven churches are not numbered 1 through 7.  They are not sequential.  They are not apocalyptic.  They simultaneous existed in John’s day and they simultaneous exist now.

 

Something old, something new

 

We need to observe three things from the messages to the seven churches and see if they apply to ourselves.  We need to comprehend the description of Jesus as He is represented to each church; we need to understand the things said to each church and we need to notice the promise given to each church.  Notice:

1. Ephesus:  Jesus holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven lamp stands.  {1:20-2:1}
2. Smyrna:  Jesus is the First and Last, who died and came to life again.  {2:8}
3. Pergamum:  Jesus has the sharp, double-edged sword.  {2:12}
4. Thyatira:  Jesus is the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  {2:18}
5. Sardis:  Jesus holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.  {3:1}
6. Philadelphia:  Jesus has the key of David.  What he shuts – no one can open.  What he opens – no one can shut.  He sets before us an open door that no one can shut. (3:7,8}
7. Laodicea:  Jesus is the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. {3:14}

A promise is a promise

 

Notice what the victors receive:

 

1. Ephesus:  Those overcoming will have the right to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.  {2:7}
2. Smyrna:  Those overcoming will not be hurt by the second death.  {2:11}
3. Pergamum:  Those overcoming will receive some of the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name on it.  {2:17}
4. Thyatira:  Those overcoming will have authority over the nations.  {2:26}
5. Sardis:  Those overcoming will be dressed in white and their names will never be erased from the Book of Life.  {3:5}
6. Philadelphia:  Those overcoming will be a pillar in the temple of God.  {3:12}
7. Laodicea:  Those overcoming will have the right to sit with Jesus on His throne.  {3:21}

 

To the sincere in all churches

 

Jesus says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  The messages to the seven churches are timeless.  As the number seven denotes fullness or wholeness, the seven churches represent all the children of God – scattered over the face of the earth.  Which church describes your experience in the Lord?  The glory of Jesus is not dimmed by time.  Even though He clearly sees the frailty and weakness of His people, He blends encouragement with divine warning.  The promised rewards far surpass any price we have to pay.  To God is the glory!

 

 

Summary

 

Revelation follows a very careful outline.  The story is designed to do two things:  First, prepare God’s people for the things He is about to do and secondly, provide credibility to the message that God’s people will give just before the second coming.  The story, the language and the meaning combine in an integral way to reveal the glory of Jesus, hence the book is called “The Revelation of Jesus.”

 

Rules of interpretation are vitally important.  Rules are directly connected to conclusions and good rules are no respecter of persons or denominations.

 

Revelation had information for the seven churches that existed in John’s day, and Revelation contains information for the final and last generation upon earth.  The core message to each of the seven churches is still applicable today.  Which church do you belong to?

 

Quiz

 

1. What three types of language make up Revelation?

 

2. Name three of the five types of prophecy.

 

3. Name two of the 3 rules of interpretation.

 

4. Which descriptions of Jesus given to the churches do you like best?

 

5. In which of the seven churches do you find yourself?

 

Memory Verse:  Revelation 2:11  “”He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

 

 

 

 

Notes:

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