The Vision of Patmos

Message 3

A study on Revelation

The Vision of Patmos

Revelation 1:9-20

Theme: God teaches us the work He through prophetic future

Introduction: John the Apostle who wrote: the gospel of John, I, II, III John, and this book is the one whom God chose to deliver these powerful truths. We learn some things about John and how Jesus comes to encourage him with a better future.

This did not come through some ecstatic kind of emotionalism. God revealed this divine message to John and in the vision God gives us tremendous insight into what He is going to do. John’s physical life and circumstance reveals the truth of the gospel. God comes to him when his future looked hopeless and he could not help himself. God came to him.

Tonight, if you know Christ, remember when you were lost and hopeless and had an uncertain future, yet Christ came to you.

There are three parts of this vision.

I. The preparation for the vision vv. 9-11

A. The external condition v. 9

1. Brother and fellow companion which speaks of a spiritual family.

a. Companion in tribulation-this was common for believers under Domitian

b. Patience means to bear up under and kingdom is the spiritual relationship he has with Christ.

c. Patience speaks of a consistent walk enduring the trials.

d. Exiled to an Island 10 miles long, 6 miles wide-SW of Ephesus used by the Romans under penal suspension. The Romans may try to get rid of Christians out of their empire but God sees and knows where they are.

e. The reasons: v9b

a. Word of God-because of his preaching and obedience

b. Testimony of Christ-marturia-martyr- life is identified with Christ.

B. The internal condition vv. 10-11

1. In the spirit refers to a trance like state that God puts His servant into when he speaks to them.

“And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;” (Acts 22:17)

2. Lord’s Day v. 10-not all in one day like Sunday but refers to the Day of the Lord’s coming

“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: For the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand;” (Joel 2:1)

3. The voice of Christ vv. 10b-11

a. Trumpet as the sound of an alarm-like the trump for the rapture

b. Vision is to be written and sent-this was given for a reason.

II. The description of the vision vv. 12-16

A. Christ’s dwelling place vv. 12-13

1. Seven candlesticks are the seven churches v. 20

2. Christ dwells in the midst of the churches v. 13a-as a Judge and a Priest

B. Christ’s description vv. 13-16

1. Golden girdle v.13c-gold is a metal of exceeding value-royalty

2. His head v. 14

a. Head and hair white-represents wisdom (age) and purity-

“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.” (Daniel 7:9)

b. Eyes represent searching righteousness and judgement

“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:” (Revelation 19:1)

3. His feet and voice v. 15

a. Brass (bonze) represents Christ in judgement among the churches and all that is sinful

b. Voice is heard above all the noise in the earth-His authority and power

Psalm 29:3 “The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: The God of glory thundereth: The Lord is upon many waters.”

4. His hands and mouth v. 16

a. Stars-right hand place of power and protection-stars are His messengers either pastors or His angels- v.20

b. Two-edged sword-represents offensive weapon as a Roman soldier to destroy evil-basis of His judgment

c. He shines as the sun-speaks of His glory

III. The explanation of the vision vv. 17-20

A. Message of comfort vv. 17-18

1. John is stricken with fear.

2. Jesus comes to comfort him.

3. Notice Jesus shows John who He is-first and last-complete, the risen Savior, and has authority over heaven and over hell.

4. Offers a message of hope v.18

B. Message of promise vv. 19-20

1. Commanded to write out the message.

2. Writes out the three dimensions of time-past, present, and future.

3. The mystery is explained in verse 20-stars are angels and the candlesticks are the churches.

Conclusion: Take away truths

1. Christ needs to be in the midst of the churches.

2. Christ has His messengers in the churches.

3. Christ holds the eternal destinies of mankind.

4. Christ wants us to realize that His Word expects a response.