Lesson
#2
The
Revelation of Jesus Christ
Review:
1. Title found in verse 1
Chain of Mediation of the revelation.
1. Ultimate source is God the Father; God gave it to Jesus Christ
2. The Son, Jesus Christ; it was given to him for a purpose; to show it to his bond-slaves. (C/A saints in general)
3. Through the agency of his messenger, a teaching angel
4. Christ's bond-servant John; who inscripturated it under the ministry of the Holy Spirit. John 16:13
2. Purpose of the book; indicated by the phrase;
"to show to his bond-servants," [to
testify these things for the churches,
See here also who the book is
for! bond-servants douloij
3. Contents of the Book
Since this is a disclosure, a revelation of what? "the things which must shortly take place"
#1 certainty; dei/ expresses absolute certainty;
#2 Rapidity; of the events, shortly;
4. Author; John, Christ's bond-servant. His bond-servant John,
- The point of the term doulos is the relationship of the one referred to with the Master!
In 1:2 we find some other characteristics of John; and these are specifically of his relationship to the Word of God.
- John's whole life, every facet witnessed to the Word; he communicated it and he lived it!
* John gives us here a strong requirement of a faithful communicator;
- he must report accurately what is there; demands intellectual honesty, and diligence.
5. The Promise of the Book 1:3
blessed = maka,rioj means to be fully satisfied; content; therefore speaks of spiritual prosperity not material
- Seven beatitudes of Revelation: 1:3;
** Prin: You can be spiritually prosperous in anytime frame, under any conditions!
Description of those who receive the "blessing;"
#1 "he who reads" (the one reading - singular);
#2 "those who hear" (plural)
#3 "and heed the things which are written in it;"
- So its more than just info; interesting info; it demands concentration on its message and a response to it.
What we should learn:
"for the time [is] near."