Lesson 8 January 15, 2003

Intro Review:

 

 

 

 

> That He is the first and the last, the living one; the one who became dead but is now alive forms the basis for the last phrase;

"and I have the keys of death and of hades."

- "keys" indicate access; it unlocks something; opens doors.

 

Hades is the intermediate state for the unbeliever; until the 2nd resurrection and their subsequent judgment at GWTJ at which time they will end up in the Lake of Fire.

 

 

What is the focus then of the "I have the keys of death and of hades."

 

 

** The one who was dead, and who is alive forever and ever, has robbed death of it's sting, Satan of his power and the grave of its victory.

C. Exhortation to John;1:19-20.

  1. An Inspired Outline: 1:19

- "past

- "present"

- "after these things"

 

2. The Mystery – an explanation. 1:20

mystery = musth,rion Refers to something that must be revealed to be understood; indicates something previously hidden, veiled, secret but now revealed.

 

Observations!

1. If you have stars, and lampstands, when are they needed?

- In the brightness of day? Or at night, in the darkness?

2. How dark is the world, the country, the city, the family that the light of God's word has not illuminated?

3. Where were we before we responded to the gospel? in darkness?

4. Implications of darkness: If your in a state of darkness:

a. You cannot see the reality of what surrounds you!

b. Any movement within a sphere of darkness is uncertain, impaired, or may cause one to stumble.

c. When in darkness one who is familiar with the surroundings has the potential of manipulating you. (Satan and false teachers)

d. The only sure way of conquering the darkness is to have a source of light.

5. The only source of light for the spiritual darkness of the world is Jesus Christ. John 8:12; 1:4-5;

6. Man's natural tendency is not to move to the light! Jn 3:19

(convicting ministry of H/S to wake man up to his need! Jn 16:7-11)

7. Must recognize that darkness is the rule, the dominion of Satan. Acts 26:15-18;

8. At salvation we were delivered from the domain of darkness. Col 1:13

9. Since we are delivered from the domain of darkness we should no longer walk in darkness, living a life characterized by darkness.

- know that whether we are walking in light or darkness is a chosen condition.

- Jn 8:12; Eph 4:17-18; Eph 5:8-11;

10. If we walk in darkness we have no fellowship with God. 1 Jn 1:6

11. Our source of light for our life is His truth, Word of God.