공동체와 양육

Responding to the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:1-18)

2010.04.04Rev. Eddie Byun

Jesus Christ is in control and has conquered all, so we trust him, worship him, and stand ready for his return; the book of Revelation reveals this truth to a suffering church and to us.

He is in control, therefore trust him (1-3)

Revelation 1:1 says that God revealed the things that must soon take place through Jesus to his servant John, and that God knows not only what will happen but when it will happen. Proverbs 16:33, Proverbs 21:1, and Romans 8:28 show that God is sovereign over all of human history and our personal lives. The preacher told of Ravi Zacharias's narrow escape in Vietnam, where a broken-down van kept them from driving into the ambush that riddled the other van with bullets, to show that no event in this world is outside God's careful watch. History is not random, and so we trust God who holds our whole life in his hands. The first of the seven blessings in this book is given to those who read, hear, and keep this prophecy. Because God knows all things and controls all things, we trust him in the midst of difficulty.

He has conquered all, therefore worship him (4-6)

John's greeting, grace and peace from the Father, the seven spirits, and Jesus Christ, is a Trinitarian greeting. The number seven represents fullness and perfection, so the seven spirits point to the perfect divinity of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is introduced as the faithful witness unto death, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings on earth. Because Jesus died and rose again and reigns forever, his people should look to him rather than to their own suffering. Jesus loves us, freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us a kingdom of priests who have direct access to God. Seeing this, the natural response is to give glory and dominion to him forever.

He is coming back soon, therefore be ready (7-8)

Verse 7 says that he is coming, meaning the process of his return has already begun, and his kingdom is being established. Through our prayers for his kingdom to come and our missions to the unreached, we help prepare for that day. Every eye will see him, and those who trust him will receive blessing and eternal life, while those who reject him face judgment and the second death. Verse 8 declares him the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end, who reigns over all of history. Therefore, believers have reason for hope and joy, and the question remains whether we are ready for his return.

Why we study Revelation now

The preacher gave three reasons for studying Revelation: pastorally, so that the congregation would be blessed, and encouraged by Jesus's words to his suffering church to see all things in light of Christ; and personally, because his mind has been on heaven since his daughter Emma passed away in January. Because of Jesus Christ, believers will spend an eternity with their loved ones in Christ, far longer than the time spent apart. Set your minds on things above, and gather with your faith family forever.

Apply to Life

  • Let us trust God, who knows all things and controls all things, in the midst of our difficulties.
  • Let us look to Jesus, who conquered sin and death, rather than dwelling on our own suffering.
  • Let us worship the Lord, who has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us priests with direct access to God.
  • Let us be ready for the return of Christ by praying for his kingdom to come and by taking part in missions to the unreached.
  • Let us set our minds on things above and share the gospel with our loved ones so they may be with us forever.

This summary was made automatically from the sermon's captions and may differ from the sermon.

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