How Does Knowing the Character of Christ Help in Tribulation

Audience: The Seven Churches

The book of Revelation is written to seven churches that we will start talking about one by one in two weeks. Not only is scripture context import but historical context. So over the next month so we are going to be asking a lot of what was going on at this time. What were these churches going through. Through this our depth of Revelation will grow.

What country are these churches located in? Turkey

Characteristics of Christ

Tonight we see several characteristics of Christ mentioned. Several things to us are revealed and the question we need to ask is how do these characteristics of Christ give us faith in the midst of tribulation?

“Who is and who was and who is to come”

Another scripture puts it like this:

Hebrews 13:8 ESV

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Jesus character has always been his character and will always be. Christ will always be consistent. The question may come to mind while reading revelation is why did Christ not come like this the first time. The simple answer is grace, he very much in ways came with judgment and victory in his first coming. He showed judgment to the pharisees, Wrath was poured out on the cross so we may experience his grace now and forever. His first coming made the way for the great graces we will discover in this study.

#1. Jesus is consistent regardless of circumstances.

“Seven Spirits”

What are the seven spirits before his throne? What is our best commentary on scripture? the answer is found in the Old Testament. Isaiah 11:2

Isaiah 11:2 ESV

And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

So what is the seven spirits? It is a reference to the Holy Spirit. Remember 7 is a number of completeness.

#2. The Holy Spirit, whom is one with Christ, dwells with us giving us wisdom and power to face tribulation.

“Faithful witness”

What does this tell us about Christ? What was he a faithful witness about? Truth. Christ testified to what a perfect life looked like. Testified to who God is. In Revelation he testifies to the final victory he has in spiritual warfare.

#3. Scripture is a faithful witness to guide you through all tribulation in life.

“Firstborn of the dead”

What does it mean to be the firstborn of the dead? In scripture this is a reference to the resurrection of Christ. He is the first to be raised from the dead. We who have accepted Him as savior are the ones to follow.

#3. The worst enemy of all mankind has been defeated. Death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

1 Corinthians 15:54–57 ESV

When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Ruler of kings on earth”

In the end we all have to answer to Christ. All the way from us to King Charles III. Governments are under his authority and will have to answer to Him for their abuse of power (Romans 13).

#4. No matter the depths of the wickedness of any world government, Christ is still in control.

“I am the Alpha and Omega”

Anyone have a guess on what alpha and omega is? They are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In other words Christ is the beginning and the end, eternal. Christ encompasses everything from A to Z, He puts Amazon to shame.

#5. We are limited on our knowledge, but their is no limit to the knowledge of Christ.

“The Almighty”

What does it mean to be almighty? A better word to me is omnipotent. Which is to have no limit to power. Christ can literally speak and command all things to stop if he desired to do so.

#6. The abilities of the enemy are limited by the words of Christ.

Second Coming of Christ (v. 7)

The last thing pertaining to Christ we want to talk about in detail tonight is his second coming. It is important we discuss this because we serve a living God capable of returning. All other religious leaders are incapable of a second coming thousands of years in the making. As we go through these points let us also reflect on how these points can encourage us.

“Coming with the clouds and every eye will see him”

So this is referencing two things. One it is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14. But then it is also a reference to how he left during his first coming (Acts 1:9).

Acts 1:9 ESV

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

So Christ second coming is a continuation of his work. Is he sitting idly by during this gap? No. He is preparing for us and preparing us

John 14:3 ESV

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

But also in this section of scripture in revelation we see a big difference We see that everyone will see him. When he came the first time did everyone see him? No. He will becoming with judgment and no grace this time. So follow the words of of Isaiah 55:6

Isaiah 55:6 ESV

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;

Salvation is not a door forever open, it is a door that will eventually close.

#1. Christ is at work.

#2. Salvation is still available.

“those who pierced him and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him”

What is meant by this? Jew and gentiles will mourn all will be impacted. Their is not a single person who escapes Christ. We all have to answer to him.

#3. Don’t be caught persecuting Christ, get caught up in evangelism.