The Delights of the Delivered

Rev. 22:1-10

Introduction:  The chapter brings us to the end of man’s journey.  The path has been rugged and from Genesis to Revelation God shows the continuous path of man and his walk with God.  There are many questions unanswered and many problems unsolved, but a believer enters into eternity in fellowship with God forever.  The Bible opens with God on the scene in Gen. 1:1 and ends with God on the scene and in complete control.

Here in chapter 22, God is going to give us some specifics of this for us to enjoy.

I. The life of the city v. 1

A. The description

1.  Most of the earth’s cities are built along the banks of important rivers which are soon polluted.

2. There is no muddy, filthy stream here but a pure and crystal river.

3. A river in the Scripture is used to symbolize both pleasure Ps 36:8 “They shall

be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; And thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.” And prosperity Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

            His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4.  In the Garden of Eden there were four rivers which nourished the life in the garden and there was also a Tree of Life-here is the water of Life where all of heaven can have an abundant supply.

B. The source

1.  All life comes from God this river flows from the throne of God.

2. The Lord Jesus likened the Holy Spirit to a river John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

3. He is the Source of all purity and life here is characterized by purity, pleasure, and prosperity.

II. The loyalty of the city vv. 2-3

A. The tree v. 2a

1.  This refers back to the Garden of Eden where mankind’s loyalty was tested.

2. The tree of life was not forbidden while man was sinless.

3. God removed the tree once sin entered into the world to prevent the temptation.

4. The tree is a standing memorial to the loyalty of His people to God Himself.

B. The testimony v. 2b

1.  Not only is the tree there, but it is flourishing with abundance.

2. It graces the celestial city, lines the banks of the river and runs in splendor down, the central boulevard.

3. The saints in glory enjoy the fruit all year long as each month it blooms with new fruit.

4. There God shows us the beauty of life with water and food.

5. The leaves seem to have a medicinal value to the nations which are unclear in what way-perhaps to preserve the health of those who occupy the New Earth.

C. The throne v. 3

1.  No more curse-Satan will be banished to hell, all of creation will be made new, and curse of sin will be gone.

2. The general headquarters for God the Father and God the Son is here in this celestial city.

3. There in heaven the inhabitants are serving the Lamb-this what we will do in heaven.

4. There will be a ceaseless activity of serving God-no need for rest.

 III. The Lord of the city vv. 4-5

A. The glorification

1.  They will be able to see His face-not now but in their glorified state.

2. This will be heaven’s crowning glory to see the face of their Savior.

3. We cannot see Him and live in this body of clay but we can in the glorified state.

B. The identification

1.  We are identified with the Savior.

2. His name means that we belong to Him in our foreheads. 

3. We shall be totally surrendered and committed to Him.

C. The illumination v. 5

1.  There will be no darkness because light dispels darkness.

2. No candle or light of the sun which are reflections of the light.

3. God is the Light of heaven.

4. Saints in heaven will reign with Jesus Christ which is promised in our salvation.

 IV. The Word of the city vv. 6-10

A. The accuracy of the Word v. 6

1.  Faithful means that they are to be trusted above all things.

2. God means that they are not to tampered with but accepted with all authority.

3. True means that all the Word is true, there not part without truth.

4. God says His Word is preserved Psalm 12:6-7 “The words of the Lord are pure words, as sliver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.  Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserved them from this generation forever.”

5. God has transmitted, recorded, arranged, and preserved His Word.

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: Because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it:

Surely the people is grass.8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth:  But the word of our God shall stand for ever.  Isaiah 40:7-8

B. The authority of the Word v.v. 7-9

1.  We are to keep the truth v. 7

2. God’s truth will be for all eternity.

3. John is overwhelmed with the message that he falls down to worship the angel.

4. John is directed back to worship God v. 9

C. The accessibility of the Word v. 10

1.  The time is at hand means the prophesies are being fulfilled at this time in the future.

2. God’s Word should be preached so that others may hear the gospel and be saved so they would be ready for the future. 

Conclusion:  This passage describes the great delights given to us in the future.  No more sin, no more darkness, no more pain.  The future will be filled with all the delights given to us by God.