The Ultimate Overcomer Series

The Ultimate Overcomer: Jesus Christ!

Revelation 1:9-18

Introduction:

Cf. we have been learning what it means to be an “Overcomer” – not some super saint – SC emblazoned across their chest – saved you are an overcomer.

1John 5:4 – “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.”

“Overcomer” = to prevail, to conquer, to win the victory.

Christian = not a victim but a Victor.

Victory = is in the Lord Jesus

Rom. 8:37 – “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

1 Cor. 15:57 – “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Cor. 2:14 – “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,”

On this Easter Sunday I can affirm with every fiber of my being that we can overcome in life because Jesus overcame in death!

Revelation = (lit) unveiling of Jesus Christ.

v.9 – Apostle John has been exiled to the prison island of Patmos for the crime of preaching the Gospel.

Isle of Patmos = a small rocky island in the Aegean Sea 10 m long x 6 m wide – Alcatraz of its day. The beloved Apostle John, 90’s, had been boiled in oil, banished to Patmos, and forced into slavery laboring the mines.

John = given a vision of the glorified Christ.

Illlust: lot of folks have wrong view of Jesus:

1) Baby in a manger

2) Dead man on a cross

3) The Lord on the throne!

Jesus Christ = the Ultimate Overcomer!

Vision of Christ in Revelation 1:13-18 is not the scene of some monstrous looking person with red flaming eyes, white hair, feet on fire and a sword coming out of his mouth. Figurative language, descriptive language describing the characteristics of the glorified Christ!

Some see in this scene a picture of Jesus coming to Judge. While the Book of Revelation is about judgment… I don’t believe that is the scene before us.

Lord Jesus = pictured walking amongst His churches… here Jesus is pictured as our Great Intercessor and High Priest. Think about what that must have meant to John seeing the Lord.

John = 90’s – boiled in oil, banished to rocky, wet island of Patmos, forced into slave labor, sleeping on cold ground, barely enough food to keep him alive… churches facing the onslaught of persecution from the Imperial Roman government… wondering how turn out, felt abandoned and alone, confused… and then He sees Jesus as He is! The One who Overcame it all! It is a message of comfort, hope and victory not only to John but to you and me this morning.

Lord Jesus = saying John take your eyes off what is going on around you… get your eyes on Me!

Church = we need to get our eyes off what is going on in the world around us and get our eyes on the One who is above us!

1. The Living One!

v.10 – John hears a voice.

v.12 – turns to see the voice, the one talking to him.

v.13 – sees Jesus!

“Son of Man” = Lord’s favorite title of Himself – no less than 85x’s in Gospels… humanity of Jesus.

John = I’m not dead; I’m alive!

Illust: Other religions visit the tombs of their founders because of what is there… visit the G. Tomb because of what is not there.

Luke 24:6 – “He is not here, but is risen.”

It has been a full 60 years since John had last seen the Lord Jesus and He had not changed!

v.11 – “Alpha & Omega” = 1st letter Gk alphabet and last letter of Gk alphabet… “the first and the last” = One who started it all and the One who will bring it to pass… John, “I am the One in charge, I have this!”

2. The Interceding One!

Look: v.13b

“Garment” = robe and sash worn by Israel’s high priest – pictures Lord Jesus as our Great High Priest.

John = filled with comfort, hope, encouragement – sees the Lord Jesus as His Great High Priest, Intercessor, and Advocate.

High Priest = touched with the feeling of our infirmity.

Intercessor = in Heaven praying for us, sustaining us.

Advocate = He comes to help us.

Christian = there is One in Heaven touched by what touches you, continually intercedes, prays for you, helps you!

Heb. 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

3. The Purifying One!

Look: vv.14-15a

“Hair, eyes, feet” = symbolic of purity, righteousness, holiness – perfect sinlessness of Jesus.

Quote: “He was a Man of grace and a Man of glory, but never was He a Man of guilt.” – A Rogers