Encouraged by Knowing God

(Rev. 1:4-6,9-18)

The Greek word for Revelation is apokalupsis. It is the word from which we get our English word
apocalypse. It literally means, “an unveiling”.

God gives revelations (see Dan. 2:28-29, Amos 3:7, Rom. 16:25, Gal. 1:12, Eph. 3:3)

What was unveiled/revealed?

Message of encouragement to persecuted Christians

Individual churches need to remember that they are part of a larger community of believers

Seven Spirits = Seven Fold Work of the Holy Spirit

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of
the LORD will rest on him- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of
power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD - and he will delight in the fear of the
LORD . He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the
earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the
wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist." Isaiah 11:1-5.

Reveals About Jesus

Is, was, is to come

Seven Gold Lamp Stands represent 7 churches “bringing light” (see also Rev. 4:5)
Jesus was among them!
Son of Man – Emphasizes His humanity
Faithful witness (Prophecy: Ps. 89:35-37, see also Rev 3:14)
To what? (The Truth, see John 8:37)
Firstborn of the Dead (see also Acts 2:24 & Col. 1:18)
Has keys to death & the grave (Rev. 4:18)
Was anyone raised from the dead before Jesus? Yes, e.g. Lazarus
But they died again! Jesus permanently overcame death (Rom. 6:9)
Ruler above all kings of the earth (Prophecy: Ps. 89:27)
High Priest
Also made us a kingdom priests (see Ex. 19:6, 1 Pe. 2:5 & 9, to offer up sacrifices & praise)
White Hair = Wise
Flaming Eyes = See all (see Rev. 20:18-19, also see Dan. 7:9-10 for a similar vision)
Fine Copper in Furnace = Tested
Loud voice = Must pay attention to
Seven Stars = the “angels” (Messengers) of the churches (Rev. 1:20)
Sharp Two-Edged Sword Out of Mouth = Word of Truth? (Rev. 19:15 to smite the nations)
Face as the sun = God’s glory (see Matt. 17:2)