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END TIMES PROPHECY Introduction I. The apocalypse - apokalupsis – an uncovering, an unveiling, disclosure ( it literally means something or someone that was formerly hidden, but now becomes visible.) a. Divinely _inspired_ 1:2
b. _278_ of the _404_ verses allude to the Old Testament
c. Reveals God the _FATHER__
i. In all His _GLORY_ 4:8
ii. As True 6:10
iii. As Omnipotent 4:11
iv. As Wise 7:12
v. As Sovereign 4:11
vi. As Eternal 4:10
d. Reveals Christ
IV. Interpretation a. Preterist Approach
i. Not as a Future Event
ii. Not as Prophecy
iii. Historical Record of events in 1st Century Roman Empire
b. Historicist Approach
i. Church History from Apostolic times to the present
ii. Partial Allegorizing the text to fit into past history
1. Roman Empire
2. Barbarians
3. Roman Catholic Church
c. Idealist Approach i. The timeless struggle between good and evil ii. Not Historical iii. Not Predictive Prophecy iv. All Allegory
d. Futurist Approach i. Chapters 1 – 3 Historical ii. Chapters 4 – 22 people and events Yet to Come iii. Revelation is Literal not Allegorical I. Revelation - Apokalupsis used 18 times A. Simeon exulted that the Messiah was made Visible to men Luke 2:32 B. Paul spoke of the manifest transformation of believers in glory Romans 8:19 C. Paul and Peter refer to the revelation of Christ at His Second Coming 1Cor 1:7 & 1 Peter 1:7
II. Of Jesus Christ A. The Glorified Christ
III. Which God gave Him A. Father’s Gift To The Son B. Reward For His Perfect, Humble, Faithful, Holy Service Philippians 2:5-8 C. God the Father Promised To Exalt God the Son Philippians 2:9-11
IV. To Show To His Bond-Servant A. Bond Servant – Doulois – slave special type of slave – one who server out of love and devotion to his master Exodus 21:5-6 B. This is why non believers cannot understand 1 Cor 2:14
V. The Things Which Must Soon Take PlaceVI. And He sent and communicated it by His ANGELS A. Jesus reaffirms that He sent His ANGELS to testify to the things of this book Rev 22:16 B. Angels gave the law to MOSES Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19 C. ANGELS appear in every chapter of this book except 4 & 13 D. Angels appear 71 times in this book
VII. To His bond servant JOHNI. Who bore WITNESS to the WORD of God A. Witness – to the FIRST coming of Jesus B. Word - JOHN 1:1-3,14 II. To the TESTIMONY of Jesus ChristA. Testimony-FIRST HAND accountB. JOHN 1:19III. Even to ALL to he SAWA. SECOND coming of ChristI. BLESSEDis he who READSA. SIX blessings1. Blessings for those that HEAR, READ and OBEY2. Blessed those that DIE in the Lord Rev 14:13 a. REST from labors b. DEEDS will follow them 3. Blessed is the one who is ALERT and WAITING on the Lord 16:15 4. Blessed are those that are invited to the MARRIAGE SUPPER of the LAMB 19:95. Blessed and holy is the one who is part of the 1ST resurrection 20:66. Blessed are those that have the right to the TREE of LIFE and enter into the CITY 22:14 II. And those that HEAR the words of the prophecyA. Hear the words – listening to the HOLY SPIRIT III HEED the things which are WRITTEN in it A. Choose with our WILL to the OBEDIENTIV. For the TIME is NEARA. TIME1. Chronos – refers to time on a CLOCK or CALENDAR2. Kairos – refers to SEASONS, EPOCHS or ERASB. NEAR1. The next great ERA of God’s REDEMPTIVE history is near2. Christians to watch EXPECTANTLY for our Lord’s RETURN Luke 12:35-403. PAUL thought that he would see the Lord’s return 1 Thessalonians 4:15-184. JAMES thought that he would see the Lord’s return James 5:7-95. PETER addressed the skeptics and scoffers 2Peter 3:4 I. John to the seven churches1. Ephesus - was the influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. Ephesus is now known for its huge metropolis of ancient streets, arches and ruins, including the large gymnasium, library, and 24,000-person amphitheater2. SMYRNA_ - was located north of Ephesus in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, including its massive city market (agora) and underground sanitation system. The primary ruins of Smyrna are located in the modern Turkish city of Izmir. Since Izmir is a bustling city with the second largest population in Turkey, very little of ancient Smyrna has been excavated.3. Pergamum - is located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. It was considered a major city in Asia Minor since the 3rd century BC, and became a Greek and Roman hub for temple worship worshipping Aesclepius, the god of healing, and Serapis, the Egyptian god of the underworld.4. Thyatira - is located in western Asia Minor about 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The ancient city was known for its textiles and dyeing trade, evidenced by a number of artifacts and inscriptions from the various guilds of wool workers, linen weavers, tanners, and dyers and is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar.5. Sardis - is located on the banks of the Pactolus River in western Asia Minor, 60 miles inland from Ephesus and Smyrna. Popular ruins include the decadent temples and bath house complexes. Capital of the Lydian empire and one of the most influential cities of the ancient world Popular ruins at ancient Sardis include the huge acropolis, one of the popular temples to Artemis (Diana) in the region, the gymnasium and other archaeology that reveal the it’s decadence. 6. Philadelphia - is located on the Cogamis River in western Asia Minor, about 80 miles east of Smyrna. Philadelphia was known for its variety of temples and worship centers. Today, Philadelphia is known as the Turkish city of Alasehir.7. Laodicea - is located in the Lycus River Valley of western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East. Laodicea was known as a primary hub for the Roman aqueduct system II. That are in Asia A. Modern day Turkey III. Grace to you and peace A. Standard greeting in New Testament Letters B. Found in Rom 1:1-2, 1 Cor 1:3, 2 Cor 1:2, Gal 1:3, Eph 1:2, Phil 1:2, Col 1:2, 1 Thess 1:1-2, 2 Thess 1:2 & Philem 3 C. Grace - an unmerited Gift D. Peace - set at one again IV. From Him who is, and who was and who is to come A. Identifies the first Person of the Trinity B. God described in a anthropomorhic terms C. Views God in time dimensions past, present , future D. God is Timeless V. And from the seven SpiritsA. Seven – represents completion and perfection Isaiah 11:2 1. Spirit of the LORD 2. Spirit of Wisdom3. Spirit of Understanding4. Spirit of Counsel5. Spirit of Strength6. Spirit of Knowledge7. Spirit of FearVI. who are before His throneA. The seven churches are before the throne of GodI. And from Jesus ChristA. Seen in the Glory of His Exaltation II. the faithful witness A. One who always speaks and represents the truth B. John 18:37 “Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘So You are a king?’ Jesus Answered, ‘You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been Born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice’. Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth.’ C. Perfect witness to the nature of God III. the first born of the deadA. Prototokos – does not mean first born in time sequenceB. Prototokos – means first born in preeminenceC. Psalm 89:27 – “I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.”D. The first born was the next head of the family and controlled the inheritance. IV. The ruler of the kings of the earth A. Christ is absolute sovereign over the affairs of the earth B. Christ holds the title deed Rev. 5:1 C. Christ as sovereign is repeated in Ps 2:6-8, Jer 23:5, Zech 9:9, Matt 2:2, 21:5, Luke 19:38, 23:3, John 1:49 D. Christ’s name is “above every name” Phil 2:9-11 V. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood A. Christ’s Atonement for provided by his sacrificial death on the cross B. Christ’s Unbreakable love for us Romans 8:35-39 C. Christ’s Divine love for us1. Divine love mentioned only Two other places 3:9 for the church in Philadelphia and 20:9 for the beloved city which is Jerusalem VI. And He has made us to be a Kingdom 1:6 A. Sphere of God’s rule Colossians 1:13-14 B. To rule in His Name VII. Priest to His God and Father 1:6 A. Saints are not only rulers but PriestsB. Spiritual Sacrifice or Worship of God through our Lives1. Romans12:1-22. Hebrews 10:19-203. 1 Peter 2:5VII. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. A. Doxology – Ascriptions of Glory or Praise to God B. Used in the Synagogue – Ps 96:6, 112:1, 113:1 C. Used by Apostles – Rom 11:36, Eph 3:21, Rev 1:6 D. Celestial Doxology – Rev 5:13, 19:1 VIII. The Preview of the Coming of Christ A. Behold, He is coming with the clouds
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- Daniel 7:13 - 14
- Matthew 24:29 - 31
- Mark 13:24 - 27
- Luke 21:25 - 28
- Acts 1:9 - 11
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – 18
B. And every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him.1. Zechariah 12:10-11 2. Jeremiah 6:263. Amos 8:10 4. John 19:37 5. Luke 23:27-28 6. Acts2:22-237. Acts 3:14-15 C. Even So. Amen 1. Truth of the Revelation2. Ramification of the Revelation3. Reality of the Revelation4. Conformation of the RevelationD. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God 1:8a 1. Alpha the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet – God is the beginning 2. Omega the last letter of the Greek alphabet – God is the end 3. All knowledge is conveyed through the letters of the alphabet 4. Omniscience of God“God is an infinite circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere” Augustine of Hippo 5. God is the first and last 1:8a, 21:6 6. Jesus is the first and last 1:17, 22:13 7. Lord – should always connected with “I am” the Yahweh of the OT 8. Lord God – Puts God’s signature and seal of approval on the prophecy E. “who is and who was and who is to come, 1. This is a repeat from verse 4 – author of history and the eternal God F. “the almighty” 1. Used in 4:8, 11:17, 15:3, 16:7, 16:14, 19:6, 19:15, 21:22 2. God’s Omnipotence 3. In the LXX – gives the OT title of “LORD of Hosts” 2 Sam 5:10, Jer 5:14, Amos 3:134. Military imagery referring to God as a mighty warrior 5. Nothing can hinder God from carrying out the prophecy of this book 6. Nothing can hinder Jesus from returning for his bride IX. THE VISION OF CHRIST 1:9-20 A. “I John your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation” 1. 3rd time John referred to himself by name 2. Humility of John a. Disciple of Jesus Christ b. Apostle of Jesus Christ c. Eye witness to the revelation of Jesus Christ 3. Endured persecution a. Boiled in oil b. Exiled criminal 4. Close of 1st Century – Christianity a. Pliny – the Roman governor of Bithynia (Northern Turkey) 1. “depraved and extravagant superstition 2. “the contagion of this superstition has spread not only To the cities, but in the villages and rural districts as well” b. Tacitus – Roman historian 1. “a class hated for their abominations” B. “and kingdom and perseverance which are in Christ Jesus” 1. Kingdom – Sphere of Salvation a. Redeemed Community b. Jesus Reigns as Lord and King 2. Perseverance – Hupomone literally means to remain under a. Patiently enduring difficulties without giving up 3. In Jesus – for the cause of Christ C. “was on the island called Patmos” 1. Volcanic island in the Aegean Sea 2. 10 miles long by 6 miles wide 3. Common place of exile for political criminals 4. Exhausting labor under Roman Soldiers 5. Insufficient food and clothing 6. Made to sleep on the ground D. “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus”1. John’s crime was his faithful, uncompromising preaching of the gospel of Christ E. “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” 1. John was being led by the Holy Spirit 2. 4 times used in Revelation - 1:10 - 4:2 - 17:3 - 21:10 3. God’s Supernaturally revealing - Ezekiel in Ezekiel 2:2 - Peter in Acts 10:9-10 - Paul in Acts 22:17-21 4. Lord’s Day – Sunday - The day of Christ’s resurrection F. “and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet” 1. Loud voice – Christ 2. Sound of Trumpet a. eschatological significance as a harbinger of the Day of the Lord 1. Matthew 24:31 2. 1 Corinthians 15:52 3. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 b. Theophany – Presence of God to a human 1. Hebrews 12:19 c. OT usage of trumpet 1. to signal warfare - Judges 3:27 2. Heralds of kings - 2 Samual 6:15 3. Sacrificial offering - 2 Chronicles 29:27-28 X. Christ Command to John A. “Write in a book what you see,” 1. This is the 1st of twelve commands to write down what he saw 2. 1:11, 1:19, 2:1, 2:8, 2:12, 2:18, 3:1, 3:7, 3:14, 14:13, 19:9, & 21:5 3. He was forbidden to write down in 10:4 B. “and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea” 1. These cities were located in Asia Minor (present day Turkey) 2. Key cities of the postal districts in Asia Minor 3. Central points of Dissemination of information 4. After landing at Miletus the messenger would travel north to Ephesus and then clockwise to the other six cities C. “And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me.” 1. John turned to the voice 2. Turning point in John’s life 3. Turning point for the church D. “And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands” 1. seven lampstands represent the seven churches Rev 1:20 - to be the light to the world Phil 2:15 2. Gold represents the preciousness of the churches - so valuable God purchased us with His blood Acts 20:28 3. Seven represents completeness Gen 2:3 4. Seven separate lampstands - each church is unique and specialXI. Christ Presence A. “and in the middle of the lampstands one like a son of man” 1. Glorified Christ 2. Moving amongst His Churches 3. Christ promise Matthew 28:20 4. When the church confronts sin Matthew 18:20 5. We are not alone Hebrews 13:5 6. We can do all things Phil 4:13 7. We are made in His image Gen 1:27 B. “clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His breast with a golden girdle.” 1. Robes were worn by Royalty a. Kings of Midian Judges 8:26 b. Jonathan - 1 Samuel 18:4 c. Esther - Esther 5:1 2. Robes were worn by Prophets a. Samuel – 1 Samuel 28:14 3. Robes were worn by High Priest a. Exodus 28:4 4. Golden Sash Worn by High Priest Exodus28:4 5. Christ as the High Priest a. Propitiation (removal of wrath by the offering of a gift) for our sins Hebrews 2:17-18 b. High Priest for our confession Hebrews 3:1 c. Passed through the heavens Hebrews 4:14 d. Saves those who draw near Hebrews 7:25 e. Eternal Redemption Hebrews 9:11-12 C. “And His Head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flam of fire; and His feet were like burnished bronze, when it as been caused to flow in a furnace,’ 1:14-15a 1. Christ purifies the church a. Church made perfect Matthew 5:48 b. Church cleansed Ephesians 5:25-27 c. Church to be Holy 1 Peter 1:15-16 2. White (leukos) - bright, blazing or brilliant 3. Ancient of days Daniel 7:9 4. Eyes penetrates to the very depths of the church a. Nothing concealed Matthew 10:26 b. Sees all Hebrews 4:13 5. Red Hot feet represent Christ chastising authority Hebrews 12:5-10 D. “and His voice was like the sound of many waters.” 1:15b 1. Crashing surf on the rocky shores on the island of Patmos E. “And in His right hand He held seven stars;” 1. Seven stars are the angels of the seven churches 1:20 2. angels – angeloi – messangers 3. Pastor’s of the seven churches F. “and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword” 1. Two edged sword to bring conviction Hebrews 4:12 2. two edged sword against the enemies within the church 3. two edged sword against the enemies outside of the church 19:15,21 G. “and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.” 1:16 1. Shekinah glory – radiance glory and presence of GodXII. THE EFFECTS OF THE VISION A. “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man.” 1. Overwhelmed with terror at the manifestation of Christ’s glory 2. Mount of Transfiguration Matthew 17:6 3. Daniel experienced this in Daniel 10:8-9 B. “And He laid His right hand upon me, saying ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and Hades.” 1. Christ __Comforted__ John Matthew 17:7 2. Compassionate ___Reassurance___ ‘Do not be afraid’ 3. __Assurance_ of the eternal God a. I am – ego eimi the __Covenant__ name for God b. Title of ___God___ Isaiah 44:6, 48:12 c. ___Third___ title ‘the living One’ Joshua 3:10, Matthew 16:16 4. Assurance of the ___Resurrection__ ‘I was dead and behold, I am alive forevermore’ a. Greek literally “___Become____ dead” b. Humanness He died without ___Ceasing___ to be the living God 1 Peter3:18 5. Jesus has the ___Authority___ and ___Access___ over Death and Hades a. ____Sheol___ (realm of the dead) in the Old Testament b. ____Hades___ (realm of the dead) in the New Testament c. ___Death___ and ___Hades___ 1. Always go ___Together___ 1:18, 6:8, 20:13-14 2. Refer to ___Demonic___ Forces 6:8, 20:13-14 C. “Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things.” 1. The vision that John had just ___Seen___ verses 10 – 16 2. The things that are is in reference to the ___State___ of the ____Churches____ in Chapter 2-3 3. Finally John is to write down the ___Prophet_____ ____Events____ that will unfold before him Chapters 4-22. 4. We need to ___Teach_____ these the scriptures to our children “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 5. So that we may be ____Transformed____ into the image of Christ“But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 |
Sermons
