7 PRACTICAL LESSONS FROM REVELATIONS
By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com
I. THERE ARE TWO BOOKS OF THE BIBLE THAT MANY SEEM TO WANT TO
AVOID: ACTS AND REVELATIONS. I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AND DISCUSS
7 GREAT PRACTICAL LESSONS OF THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS.
Rev. 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
A. While many want to argue and discuss the HIDDEN SYMBOLISM and the
DRAMATIC APOCALYTIC EVENTS and PROPHECY TO COME we can tend to
MISS THE REAL LESSONS OF THIS GREAT BOOK.
B. While Revelations may seem difficult there are some good every day
practical lessons hidden in the 22 Chapters of Revelations.
C. John wrote a wonderful book called REVELATIONS after having several
VISIONS. This book contains 7 LETTERS, ONE EACH TO THE SEVEN
CHURCHES IN WESTERN ASIA MINOR.
D. We know Revelations is listed as the FINAL BOOK of the 66 books.
Many needlessly fear the book of Revelations and avoid it’s great lessons because Revelations is thought to be excessively COMPLEX and people’s OPINIONS of JOHN’S WORK VARY SO GREATLY over time.
II. REVELATIONS HAS SEVERAL MAIN THEMES...
A. God sees and knows man and THE CHURCH’S SERIOUS DEVIATIONS from
the GOD STANDARD expected of them.
B. PERSISTENCE, KEEP ON, FINISH THE WORK, CONTINUE FIRMLY, ENDURE.
To continue obstinately in the face of opposition and trouble.
To stay calm and faithful with a heart fixed on God.
C. PERSECUTION is coming. STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH and LOVE for
Jesus Christ.
EXPECT OPPOSITION, STRUGGLE, FIGHTS and CONFLICTS.
D. We must know there is a SERIOUS BATTLE and FIERCE CONFLICT
between Satan and evil and GOD and HIS KINGDOM. God will
win and defeat all His Foes!
E. We must know and trust God that He is going to COMPLETE and MAKE
PERFECT HIS PLAN AND PURPOSE. God is in control and He will bring
SIN TO AN END.
God will accomplish and OVERCOME every obstacle and enemy.
F. In the previous lesson we have discussed the value of the Bible.
The Bible is God’s word to you and for you.
We also stated that many fear two books of the Bible.
Some fear ACTS and others seem to dread or fear the book of
Revelations. We taught that the word of God must be studied and
loved in the totality and completeness of the WHOLE BOOK.
III. THERE IS A SWEET PROMISE TO THOSE THAT READ AND STUDY
THE 66TH BOOK OF THE BIBLE.
A. We have no reason to avoid Revelations.
WE MUST LOVE GOD’S WORD AND KEEP IT NEAR OUR HEARTS.
B. Revelations is more than just prophecy of the future.
There are commands in this practical book that carry moral lessons.
We must read this 66th book of the Bible to understand and apply the
heart of God and the lessons of SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES.
Rev. 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Rev. 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
IV. THE FIRST GREAT LESSON OF OF REVELATIONS IS THAT JESUS
LOVES THE CHURCH AND THERE ARE SOME GOOD THINGS HAPPENING
WITHIN THE CHURCH.
A. Jesus is happy to find people KEEPIN’ ON KEEPING ON...
Rev. 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
B. Jesus loves the church for standing for the truth and boldly standing
against evil and sin.
Rev. 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
C. Jesus sees that the church and every BELIEVER IS BEING TESTED
and TRIED and PUSHED TO THEIR LIMITS in the last days. God is
faithful and will help the church succeed in the last days.
D. Jesus knows the works of His people and that they are in the middle
of a great conflict ... they are LOOKING THE ENEMY SATAN EYE BALL TO
EYE BALL AND MANY ARE THRIVING IN GOD’S WORD AND GOD’S WORK.
Rev. 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
E. THERE WILL BE BELIEVERS THAT OVERCOME IN THE MIDST OF TERRIBLE TIMES AND A GREAT FAILING AWAY.
Rev. 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end,
to him will I give power over the nations:
V. THERE IS ANOTHER GREAT LESSON IN REVELATIONS:
GOD IS FAITHFUL TO REWARD ALL THAT PRESS ON, TRUST HIM AND
STAY FAITHFUL AND LOYAL TO GOD’S WORD.
A. God keeps good records, he knows who has been naughty or nice.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
B. There is a Divine Law, YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.
The harvest may seem delayed, but God will REMEMBER YOU.
You will reap more than what you sow.
GOD HAS HIDDEN MANNA (WHAT IS IT?) FOR YOU!
Rev. 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
C. WHEN GOD’S CHILDREN KEEP HIS WORD, GOD WILL KEEP US!
Rev. 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
D. WHILE GOD IS A REWARDER, YOU WILL BE REWARDED BY HOW
YOU LOVED THE WORD AND DID THE WORK OF GOD FAITHFULLY.
Rev. 22:10 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me,
to give every man according as his work shall be.
Rev. 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me,
to give every man according as his work shall be.
VI. REVELATIONS WARNS US THAT JESUS WILL NOT WINK AT
SIN. JESUS WILL UTTERLY DISAPPROVE OF EVIL AND SIN.
JESUS WILL FIND PEOPLE GUILTY THAT PLAY SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS
GAMES... SPIRITUAL NEGLECT IS AS DANGEROUS AS SPIRITUAL ABUSE.
Rev. 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast
left thy first love.
A. THE PENDULUM SWINGS THROUGHOUT HISTORY.
In the church the pendulum swings from heavy and harsh judgment to
LOVE and anything goes... We are in a time period right now that LOVE
IS SO PREACHED AND ACCEPTANCE OF SIN AS A NORM THAT GOD WILL
UNDERSTAND AND HE WILL TOLERATE SIN AS ACCEPTABLE.
This is a dangerous teaching within the church.
B. Revelations teaches us to have a CURRENT, DAILY PERSONAL
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND HIS WORD.
1 Cor. 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
C. Jesus will require INTEGRITY and MORAL VALUES at the hands
of all believers.
D. PEOPLE OF LEADERSHIP MUST STAND TRIED AND PROVEN BEFORE
A HOLY GOD.
E. SOME LIVE IN A NAME ONLY --- BUT THE REALITY IS FAR DIFFERENT.
Rev. 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
F. Some are measuring other people’s temperatures and can’t see
the real picture.
Rev. 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
VII. DON’T FORGET A GREAT LESSON THAT REVELATIONS TEACHES
BELIEVERS: WE MUST REPENT OR GOD WILL PUNISH CHURCHES
AND PEOPLE THAT ARE IN SPIRITUAL DECLINE AND MORAL CORRUPTION.
Rev. 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and
do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent
A. God will punish and remove any church that is not growing in the
WORD OF GOD. God loves people but He will remove all lazy, unfaithful
leaders. Unfaithfulness and immoral behavior will not be condoned or
tolerated by a HOLY GOD...
B. It is DOCTRINE FROM HELL that suggests all ways lead to God.
There is only one way --- that is JESUS CHRIST.
Rev. 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Rev. 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
VIII. ONE OF THE GREAT LESSONS OF REVELATIONS IS GOD WANTS
US TO REALIZE MAN IS PRONED TO BACKSLIDDING.
WE HAVE NATURUAL SPIRITUAL TENDANCIES TO GROW STAGNATE...
(Dull, sluggish, lazy, no action, stale or flat.)
MORAL DECLINE AND RELIGIOUS APOSTASY... ARE REAL KILLERS
A. Most religious people would never abandon or renounce their
former belief, but there can grow A SPIRIT OF GRADUALNESS where
we slowly drift away from the HEART OF GOD.
B. One can move from growing in God’s word to a lifestyle that
pleases the flesh and HAS A FORM OF GODLINESS.
BALAAM WAS A FALSE PROPHET.
THERE IS A SPIRIT OF BALAAM, REMEMBER THE DONKEY AND THE
SELLING AND COMPROMISE FOR MONEY AND POPULARITY?
THE SPIRIT OF BALAAM PLACES PROSPERITY AND GAIN ABOVE THE
WILL OF GOD.
Rev. 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Rev. 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
C. GOD’S WORD AND WILL IS THAT YOU WILL GROW AND THRIVE.
BE MORE THAN A MILK DRINKER, REACH FOR THE STEAK OF THE
WORD.
IX. GOD’S WORD AND THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS WANTS US TO BE
WISE TO THE TACTICS AND STRATEGIES OF OUR ENEMY. GOD WANTS
YOU TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO ACHIEVE AND OVERCOME THE ENEMIES
SCHEMES.
Rev. 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
A. We must develop an ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM ---a method of
self- evaluation.
1. search our hearts
2. search our words
3. search our deeds
4. search our giving
5. search our motives
B. We must stay FRESH and RENEW our SPIRITUAL PRIORITIES
daily.
We must stand upon the WORD OF GOD and come to a
place of GODLY SORROW WITH HONEST REPENTANCE.
C. We need spiritual discipline and self-correction
Rev. 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
D. THERE IS A LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN... Jesus died for our redemption
Rev. 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
X. THE GREATEST LESSON OF REVELATIONS IS THAT WE HAVE A
GREAT INVITATION AND JESUS IS COMING AGAIN TO TAKE HIS
CHURCH HOME WITH HIM... TOGETHER FOREVER.
A. Jesus invites all to COME
Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
B. The book of Revelations ends with a GREAT LONGING FROM JOHN’S
HEART ...
WE HAVE A GREAT PROMISE ... JESUS IS COMING AGAIN...
Rev. 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
[21] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
C. I hear people say: I can’t pray for the SECOND COMING of Jesus.
Too many are lost. Each day more and more people turn spiritually
accountable and more people will be lost to HELL.
There is a spirit of apathy and indifference that can grow.
Beware heed God’s word.
Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall
wax cold.
CONCLUSION: ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU GETTING OTHERS READY?
JESUS IS COMING. JOHN’S REVELATION IS TRUE. THE END OF THE BOOK
SAYS JESUS AND HIS CHURCH WILL WIN AND WE WILL BE TOGETHER
FOREVER AND EVER.
COME AND GO WITH ME TO MY FATHER’S HOUSE.
His servant, Wade Martin Hughes, Sr Kyfingers@aol.com
Could you join my team and tell another of my work?
