Responding To Eternal Glory Part Ii Series

Part II

Revelation 22:10-13

Purpose: To command believers to spread God's truth.

Aim: I want the listener to urgently live and proclaim God's salvation.

INTRODUCTION: You might remember an old road sign that said, "Seat belts. Not just a good idea, it's the law." You may have seen a bumper sticker spoofing that sign: "Gravity. Not just a good idea. It's the law!" Rejecting the message of this book does not make the message untrue.

Since we have studied the book of Revelation, Jesus wants to make it clear that we must now urgently apply what we have learned. In fact, Jesus began this book by telling us: "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near" (Revelation 1:3).

I think we would all agree that one thing that Christians lack today is a sense of urgency. God's return to earth to forever defeat Satan and his followers, to wipe the world clean of all sin, and its effects, and to reward His followers and establish an eternal kingdom on earth is an unmistakable reality. Not only that, but it could happen very soon. The stakes could not be higher. If that is true then why do we live as if it is not true? We must ask ourselves: Do we really believe what we have learned in this book?

Notice how the Amplified Version translates Paul's words to young Timothy: "Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching. For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions. As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry" (2 Timothy 4:2--5).

REVIEW:

1:1-20 I. John's Vision of the Past "the things which you have seen"

2:1-5:14 II. Christ's Vision of the Present "the things which are"

Ch.6-22 III. John's Vision of the Future "things which will take places"

6-7; 12-14 A. Satan's war against God's creation- the first six seals

8-11; 13:11-18; 15-18 B. Savior's war against Satan: The wrath of God- the seventh seal

Ch.19-20 C. The worship of God

Ch.21-22:5 D. The wonder of eternal bliss

22:6-21 E. The responsibilities of those going to heaven

Vs.6-7 1. Be alert

Vs.6a a. God's message is true "words are faithful and true"

Vs.6b-7a b. God's judgment will come quickly "I am coming quickly

Vs.7b c. Obedience brings blessing "Blessed is he who heeds"

Vs.8-9 2. Worship God alone "Worship God."

LESSON:

Vs.10-11 3. Spread God's message

The book of Revelation concludes with nine responses that we should have to this glorious book. If we really believe what this book is saying then we will want to:

Vs.10 a. Explain this book "Do not seal...the prophecy"

"To seal here means to postpone disclosure." [1] This is very interesting in light of Daniel's prophecy in the OT.

"The vision of the evenings and mornings which has been told is true; but keep the vision secret, for it pertains to many days in the future"(Daniel 8:26).

"And I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, O my lord, what shall be the issue and final end of these things? And he [the angel] said, Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be tried, smelted, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but the teachers and those who are wise shall understand" (Daniel 12:8--10).

The meanings of Daniel's visions were to be kept sealed, or unexplained. But, the book of Revelation is NOT intended to be shrouded in secrecy. Revelation (which means that which reveals) explains what Daniel did not understand. This explodes the idea that the book of Revelation cannot be understood. The basic message of Revelation is clear when it is read carefully. The very first words set the unmistakable tone: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place..." (Revelation 1:1).