A. INTRODUCTION
“This is a revelation from Jesus Christ … to His servant John … to the seven churches in … Asia … I am Alpha and Omega … who is – who always was, and who is still coming … I John was exiled to the island Patmos” (Revelation 1:1-9).
B. BACKGROUND
1. John, an old disciple was approximately 90 years old, (born 10 AD), followed Jesus at age 20, (30 AD); book written approximately 90 AD.
2. Five things about the elderly John:
a. Called himself a bondservant. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ … sent and communicated … sent to His servant John” (1:1).
b. He remained a brother to the end. “I, John, your brother” (1:9).
c. He was, “worshiping in the Spirit” (1:10).
d. He had humility, “I fell at His feet” (1:17).
e. He was suffering persecution, “Companion in the tribulation” (1:9, NKJV).
3. Condition in prison:
a. Cold.
b. Hungry.
c. Lonely.
d. Threat of death.
e. Yet he was optimistic about believers and the church, loyal to Jesus and determined to write and minister to readers.
4. Highlights:
a. Called as a teen to follow Jesus.
b. Left father's business.
c. With Jesus at transfiguration (Matthew 17).
d. Laid his head on Jesus’ chest at the Last Supper (John 13).
e. At Jesus’ trial (John 18:16).
f. At the cross (John 19:25).
g. Given care of Jesus’ mother (John 19:25-27).
h. First at empty tomb, and first to believe (John 20:8).
i. God’s man to write in humility, “I, John, your brother” (Revelation 1:9).
5. Why in prison on Patmos? Everyone as well as Christians were required to take a pinch of salt, and place it on the altar vowing and saying, “Caesar is lord.” John refused. Persecution followed for political/religious/special reasons.
6. John the worshipper. “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” (1:10).
a. He was there to give to God, not receive.
b. Was this “Sunday?” “Lord’s Day?”
c. Reference to His coming then/future?
d. Was it the day of John’s going to Heaven? “If I will that He tarry till I come, what is that to thee” (John 21:23).
7. John did not have a human basis to be optimistic/positive/faith-filled.
a. A prisoner.
b. Exiled (out of circulation).
c. Churches were “slipping.”
d. Rome aggression.
e. Holy Land/Temple destroyed 70 AD.
f. Many Jews and Christians massacred.
g. There were 985 Jewish towns destroyed.
h. Churches compromising.
i. Gnosticism, i.e., unbelief and doubt.
8. Why John wrote:
a. For us to be optimistic and filled with faith. “These things we write to you that you may be filled with joy” (1 John 1:4).
b. So you will not sin. “These things I write to you so you may not sin” (1 John 2:1).
c. So you will have assurance by believing in Jesus. “These things I have written to you … that you may know you have eternal life, and … continue to believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13, NKJV).
9. Was John the last? Did he consider himself last?
a. Last of the 12 apostles alive.
b. Last church leader alive (Did he think persecution was the last seven years of Tribulation?).
c. Last to write a New Testament inspired book.
d. Last to be raptured.
C. TEN PRACTICAL TAKE AWAYS
1. If you are the last believer left on earth, resolve to follow Jesus as much as possible, as long as possible.
2. Resolve to live a godly life today as if were your last day.
3. Resolve to tell someone today that Jesus could return from Heaven. Are you ready to go to Heaven?
4. Resolve to study Scriptures to learn as much as possible about Jesus’ return.
5. Plan to put things in order as though this is your last day.
6. No matter how old you are, look back over your life and thank/praise God for His leadership/working in your life.
7. Add to the end of your daily list of prayer items, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
8. Make a list of things you must do before you leave this life/earth.
9. Make a list of people who have been most influential/beneficial to your life and thank God for each one.
10. Before you go to sleep tonight, confess all your sins to God (1 John 1:9) and thank God for the blood of Jesus that cleanses you and prepares you for Heaven.
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 and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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