THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Introduction:
1. Much confusion and misunderstand of this book.
2. Written to Christians in a most difficult time.
3. PURPOSE: To show them God was still on His Throne.
4. VICTORY IS ASSURED.
5. Comfort of God's children. Things are not what they seem.
6. These Christians were faced with many physical problems
because of their obedience to the gospel.
7. EMPEROR WORSHIP was all around them.
8. They had a daily choice to make:
(1) Surrender to the tremendous pressures to do like those
around them, emperor worship, trade guilds, heathen
worship (Their jobs often depended on participation).
Fornication was a way of life for most. Temple worship
involved vile acts.
(2) Choose to serve God. God, who was so far off, who seemed
to be loosing the battle. He was letting them suffer. He
was unconcerned about them.
9. WE, TOO, HAVE THIS SAME CHOICE TO MAKE, though not in the
same temptations possibly, but just as real and just as
difficult at times. Often mental suffering is even more
difficult than physical.
10. When it seems as if Satan is winning the battle and all goes
against you---YOU NEED THE LESSON OF REVELATION.
11. Book written in Apocalytic language, moving pictures,
changing scenes and images.
(1) cf. Parable of Good Samaritan. Do not get bogged down in
the details, but what is the central message. "Who is my
neighbor?" Do not symbolize the animal, inn, wounds, etc.
SURVEY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION:
I. The struggle on earth -- Chapters 1--11.
A. Christ in the midst of the churches. (1-3)
Matthew 28:20 -- "I'll be with you always...."
B. God on the Throne. (4--5)
John 16:33 -- "Be of good cheer, I have overcome..."
C. Let the trials come. "Seals." (6--7)
(1) White Horse (6:2). Christ going forth with the
Gospel. Where light appears darkness follows.
(2) Red Horse (6:4). Slaughter of the Saints.
(3) Black Horse (6:5). Economic hardships.
(4) Pale Horse (6:8). Death.
(5) Cry of the Righteous (6:9).
(6) The Judgment (6:12).
(7) Introduction of the seven Trumpets (8:1).
D. Man is warned against disobedience--Trumpets (8--9).
(1) Various disasters on the earth (8:7).
(2) Calamities of the sea (8:8).
(3) Calamities of the rivers (8:10).
(4) Abnormal functions of heavenly bodies (8:12).
(5) Scourge of Locusts (9:1).
(6) War (9:13).
(7) Judgment (11:15).
E. The Little Book (10).
F. The Two Witnesses (11).
II. A Deeper Struggle (chapters 12--20).
A. Christ comes; escape from the Dragon offered (12).
B. Enemies arise to overthrow the faithful (13--14).
(1) Beast of the sea--Anti-Christian persecution (13:1).
(2) Beast of the earth--Anti-Christian religions (13:11).
The mark of the beast and the man of Sin (13:16-18).
(3) Harlot, Babylon--Fleshly sins and enticements (14:8).
C. The multitude around the Throne (14).
D. God's wrath (bowls) poured out on these enemies (15--16).
(1) Grievous sores (16:2).
(2) Calamities of the seas (16:3.
(3) Calamities of the rivers (16:4).
(4) Scorched by the sun (16:8).
(5) Darkness and pain (16:10).
(6) Armageddon (16:12).
(7) Judgment (16:17).
E. They all fall (17--19). 1 John 2:17; Romans 2:5.
They fall in reverse order in which they came.
III. The Judgment and its consequences (20).
IV. The place of the righteous (21--22). Romans 8:37.
V. OVERALL LESSON OF THE BOOK:
1. Christ is ever pictured as the victor, conqueror. He
conquerors death, Hades, Dragon, Beast, False Prophet, all
who worship the Beast.
SO ARE WE. Romans 8:37.
2. Look at the Believers:
(1) Garments are splashed, filthy, BUT, WASHED in the
blood of the Lamb--(7:14; 22:14).
(2) Great tribulation, BUT, they come out of it--(7:14).
(3) Killed, BUT, standing on their feet--(11:11).
(4) Persecuted, BUT, as victors on Zion--(14:1-5).
(5) Defeated, BUT THEY REIGN.
3. Look at Satan and His co-workers:
(1) Down in defeat.
(2) Cast into pit.
(3) Fire and brimstone.
(4) Along with all who follow Him.
4. John 5:28--"Marvel not at this, for the hour is come...."
Resurrection of Life and/or Condemnation.
5. YOU, TOO, SHALL STAND THERE!!!
NOW---We must make the decision.
While here in the flesh.
6. Rev. 1:17,18 -- Christ has the keys of death and hades.
7. But, we must do His will-- 2:11; 3:5; 14:13; 22:14; 17:14.
8. Romans 8:31-37.
NOTE: Things not mentioned in Revelation 20:
(1) Second coming of Christ.
(2) Bodily resurrection.
(3) Reign of Christ on earth.
(4) Literal throne of David.
(5) Jerusalem of Palestine.
(6) Christ on earth.
NOTE: "Bound." cf. Dog on the end of a chain. Unless you step
within the circle of the chain, you are out of reach of the dog.
So, likewise, Satan is bound. We can escape his power as long as we
remain out of his arena, his circle. Remain in God's care.
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