Encouraged By Knowing God

Encouraged by Knowing God (Rev. 1:4-6,9-18) The Greek word for Revelation is apokalupsis. It is the word from which we get our English word apocalypse. It literally means, “an unveiling”. God gives revelations (see Dan. 2:28-29, Amos 3:7, Rom. 16:25, Gal. 1:12, Eph. 3:3) What was unveiled/revealed? Message of encouragement to persecuted Christians Individual churches need to remember that they are part of a larger community of believers Seven Spirits = Seven Fold Work of the Holy Spirit "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD - and he will delight in the fear of the LORD . He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist." Isaiah 11:1-5. Reveals About Jesus Is, was, is to come Seven Gold Lamp Stands represent 7 churches “bringing light” (see also Rev. 4:5) Jesus was among them! Son of Man – Emphasizes His humanity Faithful witness (Prophecy: Ps. 89:35-37, see also Rev 3:14) To what? (The Truth, see John 8:37) Firstborn of the Dead (see also Acts 2:24 & Col. 1:18) Has keys to death & the grave (Rev. 4:18) Was anyone raised from the dead before Jesus? Yes, e.g. Lazarus But they died again! Jesus permanently overcame death (Rom. 6:9) Ruler above all kings of the earth (Prophecy: Ps. 89:27) High Priest Also made us a kingdom priests (see Ex. 19:6, 1 Pe. 2:5 & 9, to offer up sacrifices & praise) White Hair = Wise Flaming Eyes = See all (see Rev. 20:18-19, also see Dan. 7:9-10 for a similar vision) Fine Copper in Furnace = Tested Loud voice = Must pay attention to Seven Stars = the “angels” (Messengers) of the churches (Rev. 1:20) Sharp Two-Edged Sword Out of Mouth = Word of Truth? (Rev. 19:15 to smite the nations) Face as the sun = God’s glory (see Matt. 17:2)