Lesson 2: Learning From Opening The Book

A. INTRODUCTION: Revelation 5:1-14

1. The title deed to the universe. What is “the book and the seven seals”? (v. 5).

2. Sin separates and destroys. Why could “no man . . . open and to read the book, neither to look thereon” (v. 4).

3. Who had temporary rulership of the world? “The god of this world” (II Cor. 4:4).

B. WHY CAN JESUS OPEN THE BOOK?

• Because Jesus is God

• Because the contents of the book are His

• Because it’s the last thing necessary before His return

1. THE LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH (v.5). A prediction of Jesus to come, from the right tribe. “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the rulers staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will

obey” (Gen. 49:10, LB).

2. THE ROOT OF DAVID (v. 5). “Call his name Jesus . . . give unto him the throne of David” (Luke 1:31-32). From the right family.

3. THE LAMB (v. 6). The fierce lion is the meek lamb. Both qualities in Jesus Christ.

DID CHRIST DIE ONLY FOR THE ELECT?

• A Lamb for a man – Adam (Gen. 3:21)

• A Lamb for a family – First Passover (Ex. 12:3)

• A Lamb for a nation – Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:15-16)

• A Lamb for the world – “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29)

4. Having seven horns. Points to His fullness of power (Ps. 89:17). Jesus has power to defeat all your enemies.

5. Seven eyes. Points to His complete wisdom (Zech. 4:10). Jesus has all wisdom to know all and see everything in your life.

6. Took the book. Only One who was worthy. This act is prelude to the coming of Christ. But first Christ must open seven seals.

C. HOW TO WORSHIP JESUS

1. “They fell down before the Lamb” (v. 8). When you bow, you yield all self pride.

2. Having . . . golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints” (v. 8).

a. Praying for themselves.

b. Praying for others.

c. Worship to Christ.

3. “Sung a new song” (v. 9).

a. New to them; unfamiliar.

b. New having never existed; original.

c. New to your feelings; awaken.

d. Freshly made; recent.

4. “Thou Art worthy.”

a. Creator, “Thou hast created all things” (4:11).

b. Savior, “Thou wast slain” (5:9).

c. Redeemer, “Thou hast redeemed us to God by the blood” (v. 9).

5. “Made us unto our God kings and priests” (v. 10).

a. We can intercede to God on behalf of others.

b. We can rule for Christ.

6. “Worthy is the Lamb” (v. 12). This is a polysyndeton, i.e., a verse with seven “ands” i.e., a seven fold accrual.

Power – Omnipotence, to do all things possible.

Riches – Possessions, the owner of Heaven and earth.

Wisdom – Omniscience, to know all things actual and possible.

Strength – All ability, to do what He plans.

Honor – Reputation, “He hath . . . ordained a more excellent name” (Heb. 1:4).

Glory – Exaltation, to be lifted up in our life and in the universe.

Blessing – Worship, “To give the honor that is due to Him.”

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.

To receive this lesson, log on to www.elmertowns.com. You will find it under Sunday School lessons. To email Dr. Towns, eltowns@liberty.edu.

For more information on the class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page

at www.trbc.org/pbc.