On The Edge

Revelation 1:9–20 ESV

9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Sermon: Never Done and Never Forgotten by M.W. Mauldin (Revelation 1:9-20) from the series: ON THE EDGE

#MY-SERMONS  

My Goal or Main Idea (for my purposes only) 

Review from the last visit to the Series: ON THE EDGE

Simon 1: The Revealing

ATTENTION: (illustration, premise, Summary Statement) 

I. A DIRECTIVE in DIFFICULTIES

Reason, Summary Statement, or Question to be answered concerning the point

Revelation 1:9–11 (NKJV) Vision of the Son of Man

9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

A. Fellowship of Suffering

9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

>Endure Hardship with Faith:

John’s example of suffering for the sake of the gospel (v. 9) encourages believers to endure trials and tribulations with steadfast faith.

B. Exiled but not Alone 

 …was on the island that is called Patmos..

C. Life in the Spirit 

>Stay Spiritually Attuned:

John was "in the Spirit" on the Lord’s Day (v. 10), emphasizing the importance of maintaining a close and receptive relationship with the Holy Spirit.

D. The Directive: A pattern for us also (Rev 1:11) 

11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

II. A GLIMPSE of HIS GLORY (“Cause”) 

Reason, Summary Statement, or Question to be answered concerning the point

Revelation 1:12–16 (NKJV)

12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

>Acknowledge Christ’s Authority:

Recognize and honor the sovereignty and majesty of Christ as depicted in His glorious vision (vv. 12-16). He holds ultimate authority over the church and all creation.

A. Alpha and Omega (will speak more about self-proclamation later)

Alpha and Omega: These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. By using this phrase, Jesus is signifying that He is the beginning and the end of all things. This title emphasizes His eternal nature and His omnipresence.

Theological Implications

Eternal Existence: Jesus is asserting His eternal nature, having no beginning or end. He is before all creation and will exist beyond it.

Sovereignty and Authority: As the Alpha and Omega, Jesus has authority over all time and creation. He is sovereign over history and the ultimate fulfillment of all things.

Completeness and Fulfillment: This phrase suggests that Jesus encompasses all aspects of existence and purpose. Everything begins with Him and finds its ultimate end in Him.

Revelation 22:13: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."

Isaiah 44:6: "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.'"

God's Eternal Nature: Scholars emphasize that this title highlights the eternal and unchanging nature of God, reflecting both His omnipotence and omniscience.

Christ's Divinity: By using this title, Jesus is equating Himself with God, affirming His divinity and reinforcing the doctrine of the Trinity.

Biblical Consistency: This title connects Jesus with Old Testament descriptions of God, showing the consistency and continuity of God's revelation throughout Scripture.

Related Scriptural References

Interpretations by Bible Scholars

B. The Angels Cry Holy - 

C. Here is What Our Companion sees and describes as best as he Can 

Seven Golden Lampstands: These represent the seven churches to which Revelation is addressed (Revelation 1:20). The imagery of lampstands indicates the role of the churches to be bearers of light in the world.

Son of Man: This is a Messianic title that Jesus used for Himself. It reflects both His humanity and His divine authority (Daniel 7:13-14).

Garment down to the feet: This long robe signifies authority and dignity, often associated with priests and kings.

Golden band: The golden sash around the chest may symbolize high rank and priestly service, suggesting Jesus' role as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14).

White hair: This signifies wisdom, purity, and eternity, resonating with descriptions of the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9.

Eyes like a flame of fire: This symbolizes penetrating insight and judgment, indicating that Christ sees all and judges righteously (Hebrews 4:13).

Feet like fine brass: Brass, refined in a furnace, suggests strength, stability, and purity. It also implies judgment and the ability to tread down wickedness.

Voice as the sound of many waters: This conveys power and authority, indicating that Christ's words are commanding and overwhelming (Ezekiel 43:2).

Seven stars: These represent the angels (or messengers) of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20). Being in His right hand signifies control and protection.

Sharp two-edged sword: This symbolizes the power and authority of Christ's words, able to judge and discern truth from falsehood (Hebrews 4:12).

Countenance like the sun: The brightness of His face signifies His glory and divine radiance, reflecting His overwhelming holiness and righteousness (Matthew 17:2).

III. HIS GLORY PROCLAIMED (“Cure”) 

God often Begins His Answer to Our Weaknesses with a Self-Proclamation of his Own Strength

Many instances in the Bible: 

Isaiah 41:10

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Exodus 14:13-14

"And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.’"

2 Chronicles 20:15

"And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.’"

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Psalm 46:1-3

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Isaiah 40:29-31

"He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Psalm 27:1

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

OUR TEXT: Revelation 1:17–20 (NKJV)

17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

A. Death Could Not Keep Me (Rev 1:17-18) 

B. I Have Authority (Rev 1:18) 

C. I Am Aware of All Things and I Hold the Future (Rev 1:19) 

D. Care About My Church - I Not only hold the future but I hold My Church (1:20) 

CONCLUSION: (illustration, Conclusion Statement

D. ALTAR CALL:

For the Sinner/Unconverted

For the Saint

*******Pre-Sermon WORKFLOW*******************

PHRASING/Breaking into Parental Clauses: 

OBSERVATIONS/INTERPRETATIONS

Context (events, topics in close or parental location, Historical, Politica, Geological) 

PEOPLE (Who?):

ACTIONS (What?): 

PLACES (Where?):

THINGS:

TIME (When?):

PRINCIPLES (Spiritual Laws)/APPLICATIONS/IMPLEMENTATIONS

Endure Hardship with Faith:

John’s example of suffering for the sake of the gospel (v. 9) encourages believers to endure trials and tribulations with steadfast faith.

Stay Spiritually Attuned:

John was "in the Spirit" on the Lord’s Day (v. 10), emphasizing the importance of maintaining a close and receptive relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Acknowledge Christ’s Authority:

Recognize and honor the sovereignty and majesty of Christ as depicted in His glorious vision (vv. 12-16). He holds ultimate authority over the church and all creation.

Be a Light in the World:

The seven lampstands representing the churches (v. 20) symbolize the role of believers to be a light in a dark world, reflecting Christ’s presence.

Find Courage in Christ’s Presence:

Jesus’ words to John, "Fear not" (v. 17), remind Christians to take courage and find peace in the knowledge that Christ is with them.

Trust in the Resurrection:

Jesus’ declaration of being the "living one" who was dead and is now alive forevermore (v. 18) reinforces the hope and assurance of the resurrection and eternal life.

Recognize Christ’s Intercessory Role:

The imagery of Christ dressed in a robe with a golden sash (v. 13) reflects His role as the High Priest who intercedes on behalf of believers.

Submit to Christ’s Judgement:

The sharp two-edged sword coming from Christ’s mouth (v. 16) symbolizes His role as the righteous judge whose word discerns truth and falsehood.

Understand Christ’s Authority Over Death:

Christ holding "the keys of Death and Hades" (v. 18) signifies His victory over death and His authority to grant eternal life.

Heed Prophetic Messages:

John’s command to write and share his vision with the churches (v. 11) underscores the importance of paying attention to and obeying God’s prophetic revelations and the teachings of Scripture.

Maintain the Testimony of Jesus:

John’s witness to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ (v. 9) encourages believers to steadfastly maintain and proclaim their faith.

Be Prepared for Christ’s Return:

The detailed description of Christ’s coming in glory and power (vv. 12-16) serves as a reminder to live in readiness and anticipation of His return.

THEMES:

Perseverance in Suffering:

John shares in the "tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance" (v. 9). This highlights the Christian call to endure suffering and remain faithful despite persecution.

Divine Revelation:

John’s vision on the island of Patmos, where he was "in the Spirit" on the Lord’s Day (v. 10), underscores the theme of divine revelation. This demonstrates how God reveals His plans and purposes to His servants.

Christ’s Sovereignty and Glory:

The vision of the glorified Christ (vv. 12-16) emphasizes His majesty, power, and authority. The imagery of Christ among the lampstands with His radiant appearance signifies His divine nature and sovereign rule.

The Role of the Church:

The seven golden lampstands represent the seven churches (v. 20). This symbolizes the presence of Christ among His churches and their role as light-bearers in the world.

Christ as High Priest and Judge:

The description of Christ’s attire, resembling that of a high priest (v. 13), and His sharp two-edged sword (v. 16) symbolize His roles as the intercessor and the righteous judge.

The Call to Fear Not:

Jesus' reassurance to John, "Fear not" (v. 17), provides comfort and encouragement. It reminds believers of Christ’s victory over death and His eternal presence with them.

Resurrection and Eternal Life:

Jesus declares, "I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore" (vv. 17-18). This affirms the resurrection and the promise of eternal life through Christ.

Authority Over Death and Hades:

Christ’s possession of "the keys of Death and Hades" (v. 18) signifies His ultimate authority over life and death, and His power to save and deliver.

The Importance of Prophetic Vision:

John is commanded to write what he sees and send it to the seven churches (v. 11). This emphasizes the importance of prophetic vision and the role of Scripture in guiding and edifying the church.

Christ’s Presence and Protection:

The imagery of Christ walking among the lampstands (v. 13) symbolizes His continual presence and protection of His church. It reassures believers that they are not alone.

ILLUSTRATIONS (PT/Articles/Anecdotes/Psychology/Biology etc) 

*Note: Try using the Bible First *Psalms (Primarily Emotional Content)*Genesis & Proverbs (Primary for a Principle) *Prophets (for proper reaction or recognition of God’s feelings) 

KEY WORDS/WORD-STUDIES

SCRIPTURES:

Applicable Proverbs (for mind/memory)

Applicable Psalms (for relation to heart) 

COMMENTARY: