The second message from Christ to the churches in Asia Minor is addressed to the church at Smyrna. Unlike the message to the church at Ephesus, this one does not contain any rebuke. The Ephesian believers had grown cold in their love for Christ, and their church would eventually be dissolved. If you were to travel to Ephesus today, all you would find is the ruins of an ancient city with no remnants of a church. The judgment that Christ forewarned them of had apparently come, and the church at Ephesus had its candlestick removed.
Now, the message of Christ came to Smyrna. Smyrna is a very special city in church history. John’s own disciple, a man named Polycarp, was the bishop of Smyrna. He faithfully pastored the church there into his eighties. From the message to the church at Smyrna we find many of the things that church history affirms. First, the church at Smyrna was a church of great physical and financial poverty. This was compounded by the second thing we know of the church, they endured overwhelming opposition and persecution.
According to this message from Jesus, some of the believers were cast into prison, others were forced to face death. This was a very dangerous place to be a Christian, but the Christians of Smyrna were not like the Ephesians. The Smyrnans loved Jesus more than they loved their own lives. The greatest testament we have of this love is the testimony of the Bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp. The day came when the pagans and the Jews in Smyrna called for Polycarp to be killed. Instead of fleeing and hiding, Polycarp willingly surrendered to the Roman soldiers.
The guards that took Polycarp even sought to spare his life by beckoning him to simply recant his faith in Jesus and proclaim that Ceasar was Lord. The famous reply of Polycarp echoes through history, and stands as a challenge and a bolster of faith to all those who follow him to stand fast in the face of persecution. He said, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and he never did me any injury; how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior.”
For this proclamation he was taken to an arena and burned alive while the crowds cheered. This church was greatly persecuted. However, they never caved to the pressure of oppression. Their faith in Christ withstood the overwhelming opposition they faced both physically and financially. Their love of Jesus endured the sharpest pains and greatest tribulations, and they were rewarded by Christ for their faithfulness.
Finally, because they were willing to face the first death, physical death, they would never have to endure the second death, eternal death. Their endurance had assured them of their eternal life. They could trust the One who according to verse 8 had overcome death and now offered eternal life. Their faith was not without works, instead their genuine faith allowed them to rest secured in the promises of Christ to them.
Reflect: How do you think you would face persecution? Does the example and unwavering faith of Saint Polycarp challenge you? Click on this link to read some of Polycarp’s writing to the early church at Philippi.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Revelation 2:1-7
In Acts 18 Paul went to Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila and left them there to plant a church while he travelled back to Jerusalem. It was their task to establish the church in Ephesus. Eventually another preacher, Apollos, travelled to Ephesus and worked alongside Priscilla and Aquila. Together they saw quite a great work accomplished, and when Paul returned he found that Apollos had been greatly instructed in the gospel by the husband and wife team and was now boldly declaring it throughout Asia Minor.
Eventually, the church at Ephesus would grow through the efforts of these four saints and we find that within a couple of years the gospel had spread throughout most of Asia Minor from this cultural and commercial hub. The Christian revolution left a number of icon artisans furious at the mass conversions of the citizens of this pagan metropolis, and in Acts 19 they lashed out against some of Paul’s companions who had laboring for the gospel there in Ephesus.
Finally, the church was established and Paul would eventually write an epistle to encourage the Christians in Ephesus and Asia Minor as they faced regular persecution. Following Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians, we don’t hear anything else about them until Revelation. Here, the first message in John’s revelation of Jesus is a directly addressed to those Christians who are in trials and trouble there in Ephesus. Church history indicates that before the Apostle John was exiled to Patmos he had been the leader of the church there at Ephesus.
This church had quite the pedigree. Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos, and the Apostle John had all personally invested in the congregation there. A number of things had apparently gone very well in Ephesus. As the glorified Jesus addressed them in Revelation 2, He first praised them for their hard work and their striving to accomplish much in the face of such opposition. They had also grown to a level of commendable discernment and had been able to refute those who came into their midst who were theologically misled.
Sadly, however, the message from Christ carried with it a grave rebuke for the Ephesians. In spite of their laboring intensely and pursuing right doctrine, they had departed from the right motivation for service and pure theology. It is not that they had followed false doctrine, or that they were spiritually lazy, rather, they had let their love for Christ wane. In striving to accomplish good things, they had left off the one most important thing.
The grand mark of Christianity is love for Christ and for His people. Here the church at Ephesus was distracted from the passion and affection that had first motivated them in their spiritual pursuits. They were heatless light. The truth remained, but the heart was unaffected by it. Now, they were receiving a warning from Jesus through John that if they did not repent of their lack of love they would be undone. The only hope for survival of their church would be repentance for their lack of love and a striving as a church to love once again as they had at first.
This did not mean that all was lost for every member. In Christ’s message to Ephesus was one final point. To the individual who would persevere and continue in love and pure doctrine and serving others, this one would receive the reward of heaven. In dissembling the loveless congregation Christ would not abandon the true believers. His love for His own would always remain.
Reflect: Do you see any areas in your life where your service or your doctrine is not carried along with love for Christ as much as other influence? Read verse 5 again.
Eventually, the church at Ephesus would grow through the efforts of these four saints and we find that within a couple of years the gospel had spread throughout most of Asia Minor from this cultural and commercial hub. The Christian revolution left a number of icon artisans furious at the mass conversions of the citizens of this pagan metropolis, and in Acts 19 they lashed out against some of Paul’s companions who had laboring for the gospel there in Ephesus.
Finally, the church was established and Paul would eventually write an epistle to encourage the Christians in Ephesus and Asia Minor as they faced regular persecution. Following Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians, we don’t hear anything else about them until Revelation. Here, the first message in John’s revelation of Jesus is a directly addressed to those Christians who are in trials and trouble there in Ephesus. Church history indicates that before the Apostle John was exiled to Patmos he had been the leader of the church there at Ephesus.
This church had quite the pedigree. Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos, and the Apostle John had all personally invested in the congregation there. A number of things had apparently gone very well in Ephesus. As the glorified Jesus addressed them in Revelation 2, He first praised them for their hard work and their striving to accomplish much in the face of such opposition. They had also grown to a level of commendable discernment and had been able to refute those who came into their midst who were theologically misled.
Sadly, however, the message from Christ carried with it a grave rebuke for the Ephesians. In spite of their laboring intensely and pursuing right doctrine, they had departed from the right motivation for service and pure theology. It is not that they had followed false doctrine, or that they were spiritually lazy, rather, they had let their love for Christ wane. In striving to accomplish good things, they had left off the one most important thing.
The grand mark of Christianity is love for Christ and for His people. Here the church at Ephesus was distracted from the passion and affection that had first motivated them in their spiritual pursuits. They were heatless light. The truth remained, but the heart was unaffected by it. Now, they were receiving a warning from Jesus through John that if they did not repent of their lack of love they would be undone. The only hope for survival of their church would be repentance for their lack of love and a striving as a church to love once again as they had at first.
This did not mean that all was lost for every member. In Christ’s message to Ephesus was one final point. To the individual who would persevere and continue in love and pure doctrine and serving others, this one would receive the reward of heaven. In dissembling the loveless congregation Christ would not abandon the true believers. His love for His own would always remain.
Reflect: Do you see any areas in your life where your service or your doctrine is not carried along with love for Christ as much as other influence? Read verse 5 again.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Revelation 1:9-20
The first vision that John has in the book of Revelation comes at the end of chapter 1. This vision came to John on Sunday (he refers to it as “the Lord’s Day”), and John was given specific instructions to “write in a book” the things that he would see. John was then to make a total of seven copies of this revelation and send it to each of the churches in Asia Minor. From church history, we understand that John more than likely led the churches of Asia Minor until his persecution and exile on the island of Patmos.
Since Patmos was a penal colony, it didn’t matter that John was 90 years old, he would have been forced to labor in the rock quarries on that island while in exile. We must also remember that his suffering was caused by one thing – an unshakable conviction that the gospel of Jesus Christ must be preached even if the government told him not to preach it. Now, in spite of his tribulation and suffering, John was sending letters back to the seven major churches of Asia Minor (which Jesus mentions by name in verse 11) attempting to encourage them with the revelation that he had of Jesus Christ. The times were hard. The church was persecuted. But in this vision, John would be able to see and then share that Jesus was in control of all things.
In John’s vision, he heard the voice of Jesus, and turned to look at Him. There in front of John were seven golden candlesticks described as the seven churches to whom John was writing these seven letters, and in the middle of them all was Jesus. Here, John used a phrase to describe Jesus that hearkened to the Old Testament prophecies and Jesus’s own claims during His ministry.
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire… and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days…and there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. - Daniel 7:9-14
Here was one standing in the midst of the candlesticks who sounds remarkably like the one prophesied of in Daniel 7. This one who was given a kingdom and authority, dominion and power, dwells in the midst of His churches. At a time of unrest and concern for the churches, John could clearly see that Christ had not failed to keep his promises to never leave or forsake his church. Although they may not have known it or even felt it, the churches were ever in the presence of their High Priest who was constantly making intercession for them.
In John’s vision, Christ held seven stars in his hand that represented the messengers of Christ to each of the churches. Christ had not forgotten his own. The tribulation of the Christians under the Roman Empire was certainly increasing, but the love of Christ for His church would never diminish. He would continue to speak to them through His Word, and would lovingly guide them through this difficult time.
The message of Revelation was meant to be a comfort for those churches that faced times of crisis in the first century. Although things were difficult for them, Jesus would continually care for them and guide them through the Spirit through His Word. Similarly, we can rest confidently that Jesus loves and cares for us. We too have the Scriptures and the Spirit. We too can be cared for and ministered to by Christ. Let this be a comfort to you today - the one with all power and authority loves and cares for you.
Reflect: What was John’s response when he saw Jesus fully glorified and glowing with splendor? Why do you think that was?
Since Patmos was a penal colony, it didn’t matter that John was 90 years old, he would have been forced to labor in the rock quarries on that island while in exile. We must also remember that his suffering was caused by one thing – an unshakable conviction that the gospel of Jesus Christ must be preached even if the government told him not to preach it. Now, in spite of his tribulation and suffering, John was sending letters back to the seven major churches of Asia Minor (which Jesus mentions by name in verse 11) attempting to encourage them with the revelation that he had of Jesus Christ. The times were hard. The church was persecuted. But in this vision, John would be able to see and then share that Jesus was in control of all things.
In John’s vision, he heard the voice of Jesus, and turned to look at Him. There in front of John were seven golden candlesticks described as the seven churches to whom John was writing these seven letters, and in the middle of them all was Jesus. Here, John used a phrase to describe Jesus that hearkened to the Old Testament prophecies and Jesus’s own claims during His ministry.
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire… and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days…and there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. - Daniel 7:9-14
Here was one standing in the midst of the candlesticks who sounds remarkably like the one prophesied of in Daniel 7. This one who was given a kingdom and authority, dominion and power, dwells in the midst of His churches. At a time of unrest and concern for the churches, John could clearly see that Christ had not failed to keep his promises to never leave or forsake his church. Although they may not have known it or even felt it, the churches were ever in the presence of their High Priest who was constantly making intercession for them.
In John’s vision, Christ held seven stars in his hand that represented the messengers of Christ to each of the churches. Christ had not forgotten his own. The tribulation of the Christians under the Roman Empire was certainly increasing, but the love of Christ for His church would never diminish. He would continue to speak to them through His Word, and would lovingly guide them through this difficult time.
The message of Revelation was meant to be a comfort for those churches that faced times of crisis in the first century. Although things were difficult for them, Jesus would continually care for them and guide them through the Spirit through His Word. Similarly, we can rest confidently that Jesus loves and cares for us. We too have the Scriptures and the Spirit. We too can be cared for and ministered to by Christ. Let this be a comfort to you today - the one with all power and authority loves and cares for you.
Reflect: What was John’s response when he saw Jesus fully glorified and glowing with splendor? Why do you think that was?
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Revelation 1:4-8
In addressing his Revelation to the churches in Asia Minor, John goes beyond a simple greeting and moves directly into doxology and praise. The Book of Revelation tells of the majesty and glory of Jesus, and as John begins recording it, he cannot keep from getting carried along in the wonderful truths that surround the person of Jesus Christ.
John first explains that Jesus is a faithful witness. There is no questioning the authenticity of the message of Christ. He came as God in the flesh to represent God to humanity. There is no purer or clearer representation of God than Jesus. Jesus made this point clear when he told his disciples in John 14:9, “He who has seen me, has seen the Father.” There was no better representation of the grace and mercy of God than the selfless sacrifice of Jesus, and there is no greater demonstration of the wrath and justice of God than the selfless sacrifice of Jesus. God is most clearly revealed through the faithful witness and testimony of Jesus.
John further describes Jesus as the first begotten or firstborn of the dead. This has less to do with the order of resurrection than it does with the importance of resurrection. There were several who resurrected before Jesus (even some that Jesus raised to life himself), but the resurrection of Jesus stands as the most important of all resurrections. In it, we find the validation of His message. In it, we find power against temptation, comfort in suffering, assurance in doubt, and an unshakeable hope in the future. No other resurrection accomplished that, only the resurrection of Jesus.
According to Romans 14:9, Jesus rose from the grave so that He could be Lord both of the living and the dead. Here in verse 5, John calls him the prince of the kings of the earth. Every ruler is under the reign of Jesus and has received delegated authority from the true sovereign One, Jesus. He is the one who rules and reigns and will ultimately claim His victory over all of the kingdoms of the earth.
Among the many glorious truths that John includes in this doxology however, we find truths that are especially comforting. In Jesus we find a death-defeating, God-revealing Sovereign, but we also find a loving and selfless Savior who died for us. In Christ’s exaltation, He does not leave us or forget us. Rather, in love, He has saved us and has called us to join in worship as kings and priests.
He truly is praiseworthy. Those who followed Him at His first coming and follow Him now in His absence will find their reward at His return. But those who defied Him at His first coming and scorn His loving call now, will “wail because of Him.” He is the great Sovereign Savior and we would do well to worship Him as such.
Reflect: In what ways is John’s doxology truly a revelation of Jesus Christ?
John first explains that Jesus is a faithful witness. There is no questioning the authenticity of the message of Christ. He came as God in the flesh to represent God to humanity. There is no purer or clearer representation of God than Jesus. Jesus made this point clear when he told his disciples in John 14:9, “He who has seen me, has seen the Father.” There was no better representation of the grace and mercy of God than the selfless sacrifice of Jesus, and there is no greater demonstration of the wrath and justice of God than the selfless sacrifice of Jesus. God is most clearly revealed through the faithful witness and testimony of Jesus.
John further describes Jesus as the first begotten or firstborn of the dead. This has less to do with the order of resurrection than it does with the importance of resurrection. There were several who resurrected before Jesus (even some that Jesus raised to life himself), but the resurrection of Jesus stands as the most important of all resurrections. In it, we find the validation of His message. In it, we find power against temptation, comfort in suffering, assurance in doubt, and an unshakeable hope in the future. No other resurrection accomplished that, only the resurrection of Jesus.
According to Romans 14:9, Jesus rose from the grave so that He could be Lord both of the living and the dead. Here in verse 5, John calls him the prince of the kings of the earth. Every ruler is under the reign of Jesus and has received delegated authority from the true sovereign One, Jesus. He is the one who rules and reigns and will ultimately claim His victory over all of the kingdoms of the earth.
Among the many glorious truths that John includes in this doxology however, we find truths that are especially comforting. In Jesus we find a death-defeating, God-revealing Sovereign, but we also find a loving and selfless Savior who died for us. In Christ’s exaltation, He does not leave us or forget us. Rather, in love, He has saved us and has called us to join in worship as kings and priests.
He truly is praiseworthy. Those who followed Him at His first coming and follow Him now in His absence will find their reward at His return. But those who defied Him at His first coming and scorn His loving call now, will “wail because of Him.” He is the great Sovereign Savior and we would do well to worship Him as such.
Reflect: In what ways is John’s doxology truly a revelation of Jesus Christ?
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Revelation 1:1-3
The New Testament can be separated into three sections: Past, Present, and Future. The first five books of the NT (the Gospels and Acts) tell of events that have already taken place in the first century. The next twenty-one books (the Epistles) are written for us in the present and deal with the nature of the church. The last book (Revelation) is written expressly about future events, and stands alone as the only prophetic book of the New Testament. We learned last time that it is called “Revelation” because it is the unveiling of truths that have been previously unknown. These are the truths that prior to A.D. 95, God had not yet chosen to give the church.
Revelation is truly a book of extremes. The truths revealed will be grave at times, as God executes His wrath on sinful humanity and destroys Satan once and for all, but there will also be glorious truths revealed as Christ is exalted and the redemption of all creation is accomplished. As we begin the text of Revelation, we see that the Apostle John writes that this is the “revelation of Jesus Christ.” He continues by saying that it is the revelation that “God gave to Him.” To understand the book of Revelation, we must understand that the number one thing to be revealed in the entire book of Revelation is the glory and exaltation of Jesus.
When we first meet Jesus in the New Testament he is announced as the coming Savior of the world. However, as He comes in the gospels it is in humility and without much dignity. Born in a stable, raised by poor parents, and maligned by an entire nation, Jesus does not come with much glory or fanfare. However, the prophecies of the Old Testament foretold of the day when He would reign in power. Now, in the revelation of Jesus Christ, we see a glimpse of the forthcoming glory of Jesus. Worshipped and revered, no longer is Jesus seen in a meek and humble place, rather, in this prophetic glimpse into the future, all of creation joins together to worship Him as it should.
Through the unfolding story of the end of all things, Jesus is seen above all and over all. Just as Paul had written in Philippians 2:9 that God has “highly exalted Him and given Him a name that is above every name.” Jesus is exalted and glorified, and in the revelation of all things, God shows John that in the future all those in rebellion against the authority and reign of Jesus will be punished and done away with. Jesus is revealed as the final victor and the restorer of all things.
God in His omniscience and in His Sovereignty would have nothing else but the victory of Christ over all His foes. Now, the future has been plainly shown. The events of Revelation cannot unfold in any other form. Satan and his minions will certainly be destroyed. And although the book of Revelation speaks of such dire destruction, in the end it reveals the glorious restoration of God’s perfect design in creation. Every believer seeing Jesus glorified and realizing the glory that awaits us can only turn in wonder and worship through the unfolding of this revelation of Jesus Christ.
Reflect: In your own words, explain why John would write that Revelation is the “revelation of Jesus.”
Revelation is truly a book of extremes. The truths revealed will be grave at times, as God executes His wrath on sinful humanity and destroys Satan once and for all, but there will also be glorious truths revealed as Christ is exalted and the redemption of all creation is accomplished. As we begin the text of Revelation, we see that the Apostle John writes that this is the “revelation of Jesus Christ.” He continues by saying that it is the revelation that “God gave to Him.” To understand the book of Revelation, we must understand that the number one thing to be revealed in the entire book of Revelation is the glory and exaltation of Jesus.
When we first meet Jesus in the New Testament he is announced as the coming Savior of the world. However, as He comes in the gospels it is in humility and without much dignity. Born in a stable, raised by poor parents, and maligned by an entire nation, Jesus does not come with much glory or fanfare. However, the prophecies of the Old Testament foretold of the day when He would reign in power. Now, in the revelation of Jesus Christ, we see a glimpse of the forthcoming glory of Jesus. Worshipped and revered, no longer is Jesus seen in a meek and humble place, rather, in this prophetic glimpse into the future, all of creation joins together to worship Him as it should.
Through the unfolding story of the end of all things, Jesus is seen above all and over all. Just as Paul had written in Philippians 2:9 that God has “highly exalted Him and given Him a name that is above every name.” Jesus is exalted and glorified, and in the revelation of all things, God shows John that in the future all those in rebellion against the authority and reign of Jesus will be punished and done away with. Jesus is revealed as the final victor and the restorer of all things.
God in His omniscience and in His Sovereignty would have nothing else but the victory of Christ over all His foes. Now, the future has been plainly shown. The events of Revelation cannot unfold in any other form. Satan and his minions will certainly be destroyed. And although the book of Revelation speaks of such dire destruction, in the end it reveals the glorious restoration of God’s perfect design in creation. Every believer seeing Jesus glorified and realizing the glory that awaits us can only turn in wonder and worship through the unfolding of this revelation of Jesus Christ.
Reflect: In your own words, explain why John would write that Revelation is the “revelation of Jesus.”
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Introduction to Revelation
Imagine what it would be like if we travelled back in time, captured Hammurabi, the great emperor of the Ancient Babylonian Empire, and brought him to 2016 in Time Square in the middle of Manhattan, and then took him back to his ancient empire. If he hadn’t completely lost his mind yet, how do you think he would describe it to his fellow Babylonians? What words would an ancient Babylonian be able to muster to describe modern marvels like the automobile, airplanes, cellphones, light bulbs, skyscrapers, highways, air conditioning, and the football-field-sized digital billboard screen? The range of vocabulary in ancient Babylonia would never suffice the nuance of every object that he could see. A lack of understanding of how electricity, steel, internal combustion, condensers, and a myriad of other technological advances would leave him feeling as though he was in a mythical place of wonder and magic.
Now, imagine that you, a person who lives in 2016 were to travel to heaven. What would it look like? How would you describe it? What things would you compare it to? A place unmarred by sin and full of the glowing glory of God, how would you put into words the beings that you saw there? What words could you possibly muster? You certainly could never describe in full detail the things you were seeing. At best, you would have to use words that referenced things that you were familiar with or could imagine to describe the things with which you were unfamiliar.
When we come to the book of Revelation, we must understand that this is sort of what we are handling. The title of the book should give an indication as to the subject and body of the book, something is going to be revealed. The book is also known as the Apocalypse, and many who refer to the Apocalypse have something of the Book of Revelation in mind with the end of the world, destruction, and catastrophe. The word Apocalypse should not distract us from the purpose of the book however, because the word Apocalypse simply comes from the Greek word apokalypsis which means “revelation or unveiling.”
Here in the Book of Revelation we have the unveiling of future events not yet seen or experienced. The author is the Apostle John who followed Jesus and would help to establish the church after Jesus’s resurrection and ascension into heaven. From the time that Jesus came on the scene and began teaching of a future day when all wrongs would be made right and when sin would be undone, through the entire First Century, Christians heard of the great culmination of the redeeming work of Jesus. The majority of the New Testament books reference this great conclusion of sin and restoration of a holy and righteous creation. Now, through the revelation of God and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John would pen down what this great conclusion would look like.
The promises of heaven and eternal rewards had been made, there had been a claim that God was in heaven and we had access to Him through Jesus, Christ had promised that we would one day be with Him in heaven, and now, through the Revelation of the Apostle John, the church could have a glimpse into the heavenlies and the final age. What would it look like? What would it be like? What sights and sounds and feelings would we feel in this wonderful place that we have been promised?
In verbal plenary inspiration, the Holy Spirit used John’s own vocabulary to describe John’s experience in heaven. As we read and study the Book of Revelation we must remember to take Scripture literally where it is meant to be literal and that we can understand that some other things merely reflect John’s personal vocabulary limitations. However, as you read, do not lose sight of the main point of Revelation, and as we study it know that John saw the things in heaven that exist and the things that will certainly come to pass in time.
Reflect: Why is it dangerous to take the John’s descriptions of heaven and future events in Revelation too literally?
Now, imagine that you, a person who lives in 2016 were to travel to heaven. What would it look like? How would you describe it? What things would you compare it to? A place unmarred by sin and full of the glowing glory of God, how would you put into words the beings that you saw there? What words could you possibly muster? You certainly could never describe in full detail the things you were seeing. At best, you would have to use words that referenced things that you were familiar with or could imagine to describe the things with which you were unfamiliar.
When we come to the book of Revelation, we must understand that this is sort of what we are handling. The title of the book should give an indication as to the subject and body of the book, something is going to be revealed. The book is also known as the Apocalypse, and many who refer to the Apocalypse have something of the Book of Revelation in mind with the end of the world, destruction, and catastrophe. The word Apocalypse should not distract us from the purpose of the book however, because the word Apocalypse simply comes from the Greek word apokalypsis which means “revelation or unveiling.”
Here in the Book of Revelation we have the unveiling of future events not yet seen or experienced. The author is the Apostle John who followed Jesus and would help to establish the church after Jesus’s resurrection and ascension into heaven. From the time that Jesus came on the scene and began teaching of a future day when all wrongs would be made right and when sin would be undone, through the entire First Century, Christians heard of the great culmination of the redeeming work of Jesus. The majority of the New Testament books reference this great conclusion of sin and restoration of a holy and righteous creation. Now, through the revelation of God and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John would pen down what this great conclusion would look like.
The promises of heaven and eternal rewards had been made, there had been a claim that God was in heaven and we had access to Him through Jesus, Christ had promised that we would one day be with Him in heaven, and now, through the Revelation of the Apostle John, the church could have a glimpse into the heavenlies and the final age. What would it look like? What would it be like? What sights and sounds and feelings would we feel in this wonderful place that we have been promised?
In verbal plenary inspiration, the Holy Spirit used John’s own vocabulary to describe John’s experience in heaven. As we read and study the Book of Revelation we must remember to take Scripture literally where it is meant to be literal and that we can understand that some other things merely reflect John’s personal vocabulary limitations. However, as you read, do not lose sight of the main point of Revelation, and as we study it know that John saw the things in heaven that exist and the things that will certainly come to pass in time.
Reflect: Why is it dangerous to take the John’s descriptions of heaven and future events in Revelation too literally?
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Ephesians 6:21-24
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: - 1 Peter 2:9
Through his entire epistle to the Ephesians, Paul labored to reveal the realities of God’s love and grace to those who are His chosen people. In Ephesians 1:4, God of His own sovereign grace chose us before the foundation of the world. In 1:11 and 18, we learned that as His chosen people we have been promised the extravagant promises of a future with God and an eternal promise of His power and provision.
After seeing the grandeur of God’s grace and glory, in chapter 2 Paul turned to the darkness of undeserving mankind. In disobedience and wickedness, every person has rejected God and followed after their own hedonistic desires. Whether comfort or pleasure, all have departed from obedience and worship and have become followers of Satan himself. Being set against this depraved situation, the grace of God sparkles with an even greater luster. It was not that in grace we merely received what we did not deserve, rather, in His grace God blessed us with the exact opposite of what we deserved. Without pulling any punches, Paul reminded us that it is by grace that we are saved and that we are God’s workmanship.
Having established these truths of God’s grace to believers, Paul continued his letter by explaining the need for believers to live in response to those truths. As undeserving recipients of the grace of God, Christians should respond according to Ephesians 4:2 with lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering and with forbearing love. Furthermore, every avenue of the believer’s life should reflect a transformed and converted nature. Whether a husband or wife, father or mother, child or employee, every believer must view themselves in light of the transforming work of God in their lives.
Paul finally concluded his epistle with a reminder that believers will face spiritual battle but that God has provided an unending fountain of help. Every Christian must rely on the power of God and should turn constantly in faith and trust in God. Here we see that the entire Epistle to the Ephesians mirrors 1 Peter 2 in that we have been chosen and transformed that we might show forth the praise of God in our lives.
Closing his letter to his friends in Asia Minor, Paul sent his parting love and care to them. He was never simply a cold and distant teacher. Paul’s life was consumed with relationships and serving others. He genuinely loved the believers in Ephesus and longed for them to continue to grow in love and faith long after he was gone. Awaiting a trial and ultimately execution, Paul was moved with care for the brothers and sisters that were hundreds of miles away from him. Clearly he had already been transformed by the truth that he was teaching. Perhaps we can see his final teaching revealed by his own heart and be challenged to compassionately love and care for those around us.
Reflect: What are some of the emotions that Paul speaks of in Ephesians 6:21-24?
Through his entire epistle to the Ephesians, Paul labored to reveal the realities of God’s love and grace to those who are His chosen people. In Ephesians 1:4, God of His own sovereign grace chose us before the foundation of the world. In 1:11 and 18, we learned that as His chosen people we have been promised the extravagant promises of a future with God and an eternal promise of His power and provision.
After seeing the grandeur of God’s grace and glory, in chapter 2 Paul turned to the darkness of undeserving mankind. In disobedience and wickedness, every person has rejected God and followed after their own hedonistic desires. Whether comfort or pleasure, all have departed from obedience and worship and have become followers of Satan himself. Being set against this depraved situation, the grace of God sparkles with an even greater luster. It was not that in grace we merely received what we did not deserve, rather, in His grace God blessed us with the exact opposite of what we deserved. Without pulling any punches, Paul reminded us that it is by grace that we are saved and that we are God’s workmanship.
Having established these truths of God’s grace to believers, Paul continued his letter by explaining the need for believers to live in response to those truths. As undeserving recipients of the grace of God, Christians should respond according to Ephesians 4:2 with lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering and with forbearing love. Furthermore, every avenue of the believer’s life should reflect a transformed and converted nature. Whether a husband or wife, father or mother, child or employee, every believer must view themselves in light of the transforming work of God in their lives.
Paul finally concluded his epistle with a reminder that believers will face spiritual battle but that God has provided an unending fountain of help. Every Christian must rely on the power of God and should turn constantly in faith and trust in God. Here we see that the entire Epistle to the Ephesians mirrors 1 Peter 2 in that we have been chosen and transformed that we might show forth the praise of God in our lives.
Closing his letter to his friends in Asia Minor, Paul sent his parting love and care to them. He was never simply a cold and distant teacher. Paul’s life was consumed with relationships and serving others. He genuinely loved the believers in Ephesus and longed for them to continue to grow in love and faith long after he was gone. Awaiting a trial and ultimately execution, Paul was moved with care for the brothers and sisters that were hundreds of miles away from him. Clearly he had already been transformed by the truth that he was teaching. Perhaps we can see his final teaching revealed by his own heart and be challenged to compassionately love and care for those around us.
Reflect: What are some of the emotions that Paul speaks of in Ephesians 6:21-24?
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