Revelation 1 1-3 Reading Someone Else’s Mail God Speaking to Them and to You

Tradition from early Christians indicate that John had move to Ephesus from Jerusalem and had been pastor of the large church at Ephesus – the major seaport gateway to Asia Minor – the place Paul had spent the largest amount of time during his mission journeys.

Because of his witness for Christ John had been arrested. Tradition says he was boiled in oil, but did not die so he was exiled to Patmos about 50 miles from Ephesus during the reign of Domitian. (the oil thing might not be true, but he definitely was sent to Patmos.)

Here was a small town and a small mining operation. Not in prison per say – but exiled on this small island away from his friends and church John was living out his life.

A look at Patmos in slides

Upon the death of Domitian a year and a half later, John was allowed to go back to Ephesus where he remained until his natural death at a great age.

Whether tradition is true or not we don’t know. But one thing we do know. While here at Patmos, God intervened into John’s life. He came met John in the midst of his exile. He gave John a message. He gave John a message for those who were close to Him. The Lord wins. Kingdoms hold no power. And for us? We need to live faithful. That’s our role in it all.

Isn’t that just how God works. Trouble comes into our lives. We struggle with faith and even may come close to giving up.

But then God steps in. Shows Himself to be God. An regardless of what He does or doesn’t do we can be at peace. It’s about Him. And He will ultimately demonstrate that He always wins.

God continues to speak to us today through the words He gave. The message continues to apply today.

I. God Speaking to You: About Christ

A. Wants you to know Christ     Rev 1:1a

(ESV) Revelation 1 1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. …

a. The book of Revelation is about Christ primarily

b. The unknowable makes Himself known through Jesus Christ

1) With knowledge comes freedom

c. With urgency

d. Intended for all His servants

B. Uses people to tell about Christ         Rev 1:1b-2

(ESV) Revelation 1 1 … He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.

a. Sent - Reveals Himself to a person

b. Witness - The person tells of what he has come to know – experienced

1) The Word of God

2) The knowledge of Christ – the Word personalized

3) His experience

c. To one who has already established a desire to share with others

C. Blesses when you hear and respond to Christ          Rev 1:3a

(ESV) Revelation 1 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessedare those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

1. Blessing – well being / God’s favor

2. Engage in listening

3. Respond – react to what He said

e. Not for those guessing well but obeying

D. Communicates with an urgency to respond to Christ         Rev 1:1c, 3b

(ESV) Revelation 1 1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. … 3 … for the time is near.

1. Things have begun and will it will all unfold – closer than we were

2. His Kingdom has come and yet not yet – unfolding in time with full impact yet ahead

3. It will come in the immediate future – delay as always by grace

4. So Respond now

a. Time is soon – walk appropriately toward sin

(ESV) Romans 13 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearerto us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

b. Hold fast to the truth and engaging together in church community

(ESV) Hebrews 10 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

c. Endure even in the midst of trouble

(ESV) James 5 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. …11 … You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

d. Be controlled by the Spirit in Christlikeness

(ESV) 1 Peter 4 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: