The Revelation of Jesus Christ
“The Message of Jesus to the Church”
INTRODUCTION
From the message to the seven churches of revelation…
We get a clear picture of Jesus Christ the head of the church walking among us.
We get a feel for what Jesus appreciates.
We understand what bothers Jesus about what goes on in the church.
We find out what we should do to get back on track.
We get a glimpse of what will happen if we don’t or a reward for faithfulness.
We gain a wonderful appreciation for life in the hereafter promised to genuine followers.
Every church in every age is called to hear and heed the message of Jesus to the church.
Characteristic of the resurrected glorified Jesus
The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands 2:1
Jesus is the one who continually keeps, protects and holds the pastors and churches with His continual presence among them.
Application
Even though we don’t see Him, Jesus walks among His churches.
He is concerned to hold them close.
He protects the pastors and people.
Jesus walks among us today by His spirit which makes Him aware of everything that goes on.
Every word, every action, every attitude, every thought and intent.
How different would we act if we were absolute convinced of the presence of Jesus among us?
Watch our words? Sing differently? Respond differently? Listen more carefully? Confess more readily?
The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life 2:8
He is the point of the church – first and last.
He is not a dead founder but one who was raised again to life.
Application
We are the only major religion or movement in the world whose founder is still alive. All the others can take you to a grave. I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today. We know that He is living no matter what men may say. Since He is the founder, we should pay more attention and give greater diligence to understanding what He designed us to be and do and what He want for us here and now.
The One who has the sharp two-edged sword 2:12
He bears a sharp two-edged sword.
The sword of authority and power.
The sword of truth that cuts through the lies.
Application
Nothing is hid from Him we have to do. All things will be brought to light. We need to be a people of the truth who let Him expose the very thoughts and intents of our heart. He stands as Lord over the church and must be Lord of our lives.
The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze 2:18
He has eyes that light up the things hidden in darkness.
He has the bronze feet of solid judgment.
Application
Jesus will judge. Jesus will bring us into account for words, deeds, thoughts and intents.
There will be an accounting one day.
He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars 3:1
He operates by the Holy Spirit and works through the pastors.
Application
We must walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit who enables us and gifts every member to function in the local church.
He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens 3:7
He is holy.
He is true and reliable.
He possesses absolute authority as the promised King of King and Lord of lords.
He opens and closes doors.
Application
Pray for open doors. Honor Him as holy and true.
The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God 3:14
He is the confirmation of all that is true.
He speaks truth.
He created everything both seen and unseen.
He opens and shuts doors.
Nothing gets by Him.
He continually and perfectly sees and knows all that transpires in the church.
Application
He is God’s final word, His faithful witness.
1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Heb 1:1-4
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. Revelation 19:11-13
Commendation
What does Jesus appreciate? Taking information from both negative and positive statements, we arrive at a list of things that please Jesus the head of the church.
? Jesus takes note of diligence and endurance and concerted effort to serve Him.
? He appreciates, insists on doctrinal purity.
? He commends a discerning attitude toward false teaching and teachers.
? He admires those who endure tribulation and poverty and ill-treatment.
? He praises those who honor His name and hold it fast.
? He rewards those who maintain their faith even in the fact of death.
? He takes note of our love and faith and simplicity of faith.
? He longs for a first-love kind of passion.
? He appreciates those who show fiery devotion toward Him and recognize their need of Him.
Application
How pleasing are we to God? It is not the normal things we think please God.
6 And without faith (trust, surrender) it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light, 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10
Take the time to review the things listed above. This is not a complete list but represents things close the heart of Jesus. Desiring and doing the things that please God is His continual work in us.
12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13
Correction
This is a summary of the things that really bother Jesus.
? He is bothered by those whose love has grown cold and fail to demonstrate a first-love.
? Toleration of false teaching and teachers causes great concern to Jesus.
? Toleration of sinful behavior in the church gives Jesus heartburn.
? Pretending to have life and not live like it stirs up Jesus.
? A lukewarm commitment and sense of self-satisfaction makes Jesus sick.
? Lack of doctrinal purity and knowledge.
? Failure to endure under trial.
? Failure to hold true to His name.
Application
Check out the list. Take time this week to review it with a listening ear.
Action
Jesus called for specific action to correct the course of the church.
? Five times calls the church to repent. (Change your way of thinking which directs you living.)
? Remember how far you have drifted from your first devotion to Him.
? Do the deeds you when you first expressed your love to Jesus.
? Be with
? Do for
? Give to
? Sacrifice for
? Talk about
? Don’t be afraid of coming tribulation.
? Be faithful until the end.
? Hold fast till I come.
? Wake up
? Strengthen what remains.
? Remember what you received and heard and treasure it.
? Acquire from Jesus the supernatural resources for life and ministry.
? Acquire from Jesus the covering of His heart and deeds.
? Acquire from Jesus the truth necessary to see life from an eternal perspective.
? Respond to His call to open the door and enter into fellowship with Him.
Application
Application here is quite straight forward. Jesus wants us as church and individuals to practice these things.
Consequence
Failure to get back on track will result in:
? Loss of opportunity to represent Jesus in your community.
? Note: the first church lost their witness. The witness of the last church continues today.
? Jesus will deal with false teachers in His church.
? Jesus will deal with impurity in His church.
? Jesus will deal with each one according to their actions.
? Jesus will come unexpectedly and deal with the disobedient.
? Jesus will discipline those he loves.
Jesus also promised reward to those who maintain a faithful life and ministry.
? He promised a crown of life.
? He promised a special relationship to those who keep unsoiled by the evil around them.
? He promised an un-closable door of opportunity for witness.
? He promised affirmation and vindication.
? He promised to come in and have intimate fellowship with all who will open the door.
Application
Sometime I think that we are not really convinced that Jesus will actually do anything about our failure to be fully devoted to Him. Business as usual. We confess – He forgives.
I don’t think we are really convinced of God’s promises blessing for obedience either.
Scripture clearly declares God will do both.
John talks about those followers of Christ who will shrink away in shame at His coming.
There will be others who rejoice with exultation at the revelation of Christ. (1 peter 4:13)
Promise to overcomers
By way of reminder concerning John’s definition of an overcomer.
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith (in Christ).
5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5
Jesus promised the following things to every born again follower of Christ.
? Eat of the tree of life
? Not be affected by the Second Death
? Given the hidden manna to satisfy hunger
? Given a white stone indicating justification, entrance into the kingdom and invitation to life.
? Given a new name indicating new connection, purpose and special identity
? Given authority to rule over nations
? Given the morning star
? Be clothed in white indicating a pure and blameless life
? Never to be rejected or erased from relationship with Him.
? Affirmation before the Father and all the angels
? Become a permanent pillar (important fixture) in the temple of God. (Permanent place)
? Verified connection with God (name inscribed), the New Jerusalem (permanent resident) and Jesus
? Co-reign on the throne of Jesus
Application
This is only a quick glimpse of the glory that is to be revealed. This is only a sample of the wonder of the life Jesus hold’s in store for His children. Little children, your Father desires to give you the kingdom.
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Philippians 3:13-21
Call to pay attention
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Benediction
20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
