Lesson 7
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
4. John's reaction, and validation of the one revealed 1:17-18
- I think this command also looks ahead; not only is it Stop fearing what you see but also don't fear what is to come! This is only the beginning.
* What is the key to not being afraid in the midst of awesome circumstances! How can we do that?
"I am the first and the last, and the living One;"
* This statement is a link to the God of Israel, YHWH and is a proof, very strong proof of the deity of Christ; fact that He has the same essence as YHWH.
> "I am the first and the last, (18) and the living One;" o` zw/n( pres ptc lit. the one who lives!
> Notice the next phrase in vs:18, "and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore,"
> 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
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:
- "past
- "present"
- "after these things"
2. The Mystery – an explanation.
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: That is 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 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.
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.
- Ps 43:3
- Ps 119:105
- Ps 119:130