Why should we read, study, preach and hear preached, apply to our lives, the Book of Revelation?
I. Because of its glorious main theme, the Unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ’s glory – Revelation 1:1
1. The word “revelation” here means “unveiling” of something that was/ is hidden; the Greek work is apokalupsis / apokalupsis.
2. The implication is that Christ’s glory was set aside (in some manner) when He humbled Himself becoming a man – Philippians 2:5-8
3. Those who want to know Christ should seek to learn of Him from this Book – John 17:3; Philippians 3:10-11
II. Because of its origin and special delivery –
1. Given as a gift from God – Revelation 1:1
2. To Him (Jesus Christ) – Revelation 1:1
A. He (Jesus Christ) is competent (worthy) to handle such a gift – Revelation 5:1-3; Revelation 5:6; 9-10 (5:1-10)
B. He makes this “revelation” known – Revelation 1:1
3. Given to His angel – Revelation 1:1
4. To John (the apostle who Jesus loved) – Revelation 1:2
5. Ultimately it is given to His servants (us) – Revelation 1:1
III. Because of its urgent and relevant information – Revelation 1:1
1. “What must soon take place” – Revelation 1:1
2. Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords and His kingdom is coming – Revelation 19:16
3. We need to kiss the Son – Psalm 2:11-12
4. His Gospel is going forth even now – Revelation 6:1-2
IV. Because of the bounty of blessings connected to reading, hearing and taking to heart, applying what is written in this Book – Revelation 1:3
1. This is dramatically true of all of God’s Holy Word – Psalm 1; Joshua 1:7-8
2. Yet, a special blessing is connected to this Book – Revelation 1:3
A. God knows our weaknesses – Psalm 103:14
B. His blessings are sweet – Psalm 19:10; Revelation 10:9-10
V. Because of its Divine Authorship and Authority – Revelation 1:4-6
1. Here is a greeting, from John and the Living God - :4
A. Grace – God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense / Grace is the realm of the redeemed – Romans 5:2
B. Peace – Know Jesus, know peace! No Jesus, no peace – Romans 5:1; Isaiah 57:20-21
2. Here is the Trinity
A. The Eternal God -:4b; Psalm 90:1-2
B. The Holy Spirit as Supplier of all spiritual graces - :4
C. Jesus Christ, described in terms of His life, His resurrection and His rule over all - :5; Psalm 2:11-12; Daniel 2:44-45
3. Here is appropriate praise - 6
VI. Because of the certain doom of those who ignore or despise its message – Revelation 1:7-8
1. Jesus is coming, many will not be ready for this, that is why they “mourn” –:7; Matthew 24:38-39
2. This is the certain truth of God - :7b - :8
God asserts His own irresistible, unstoppable sovereignty in these verses. The main point we need to realize is that we need to know WHO we are dealing with and if we KNOW we will realize it is far better to KNEEL to God and His sovereign will than to “deal” with Him in any way. The Book of Revelation is a great blessing to those who will study it and take it to heart, yet those who neglect it, do so at risk of great peril.
