YAHWEH JESUS THE LAMB OPENS THE SEVEN SEALS (PART 1)
Revelation 6:1 – 8:1
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. There is a certain amount of background information that is needed before a proper exegesis (drawing the meaning out of the text) of Revelation chapter 6 through 19 can occur.
A. First we need to know when these events are occurring.
1. The timetable of the events of Revelation chapters 6-19 are going to occur during a 7 year period in the future which culminates in Christ’s return. This is called the futurists view and will be our primary mode of interpretation.
a. This view awaits the fulfillment of Daniel’s 70th week of seven years as prophesied in Daniel 9:27.
b. This view awaits the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Day of Yahweh where His wrath is outpoured on the entire earth (Isa 13:6-13; Amos 5:18; Joel 1:15, 2:2, 11; Zech. 14:1-11).
c. This view awaits the prophecies of Christ that explain the events leading up to His return (Matt. 24:2-35; Mark 13:2-31; Luke 21:6-33).
d. This view awaits the prophecies of the Apostles that explain the events leading up to His return (Romans 2:8-11, 12:19; I Thessalonians 5:1-9; II Thessalonians 2:1-12; II Peter 4:4-9).
2. Two other methods of interpretation are common among our fellow believers and so will be mentioned briefly.
a. The historical (preterist) view usually interprets all these events as having already occurred around 70 A.D. (Jerusalem’s fall) although some include events throughout church history.
b. The idealist (allegorical, symbolic) view interprets all these events according to apocalyptic genre that is primarily symbolic. They would say that “when” these events happen are not important as long as the church receives strength to follow Yahweh better and endure persecution.
B. Second we need to know how these chapters are organized. There are three main judgments of seven which are seven seals (Rev. 6:1 – 8:1), seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2 – 14:20) and seven bowls (Rev. 15:1 – 19:10). There are two main ways of organizing these from a futuristic approach.
1. The dovetailing or telescopic way to organize these chapters has the seventh seal (Revelation 8:1) contain the seven trumpets and the seven trumpets (Revelation 11:15) contain the seven bowls. In other words, all of the judgments (possibly 19 to 21 depending on if the seventh seal and seventh trumpet are counted as judgments) happen in order with a relationship between the seventh seal and the rest of the judgments. This view is the main view we will use and points out the many differences in execution and intensity of the judgments.
2. The recapitulation or cyclical way to organize these chapters has seven judgments consisting of seals, trumpets, and bowls repeated three different ways for emphasis. This view points out that there are many similarities between the judgments as they are compared.
II. The opening of the first two seals by Yahweh Jesus, the Lamb (Revelation 6:1-4).
A. The first seal of judgment (Revelation 6:1, 2)
1. John saw the Lamb open the seal and then heard the noise of thunder (usually associated with judgment or power, Exodus 20:18; John 12:28, 29) from one of the four living creatures. The opening of the seal produced the calling forth of the first rider of the apocalypse (verse 1).
2. The white horse is probably a symbol of purity or righteousness. The person had a bow (military strength without using arrows), a crown (authoritative power), and the ability to conquer (evidently in a somewhat peaceful way) (verse 2).
a. There were four horsemen in the Old Testament that brought about judgment on Israel’s enemies for the purpose of establishing real peace (Zech. 1:8, 6:1-8). The colors of the horses were different as well as the scope and span of their purpose.
b. There are wide and varied views as to the identity of this first rider including the Roman emperor, the Word of God, the gospel, Roman invaders, and the Jewish Messiah. However, even though Jesus is going to ride in on a white horse in Rev. 19:11, He cannot be on this horse because He is opening the seals and judging the earth. The best choice seems to be the false antichrists or Antichrist that has a deceptive righteousness and starts conquering in peace (verse 2; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:5, 24; Mark 13:6; Luke 21:8).
B. The second seal of judgment (Revelation 6:3, 4)
1. Yahweh Jesus opens the second seal and a second living creature (angel from the throne) calls forth the second horse and horseman of the Apocalypse (verse 3).
2. This horses color was fiery red signifying great bloodshed due to civil unrest and war. This could be the same type of situation that Jesus prophesied as “wars and rumors of wars” and “nation against nation” (Matt. 24:6, 7; Mark 13:7, 8 and Luke 21:9, 10). The rider “was given” the ability to take away a certain amount of peace (shalom) out of the earth and he “was given” a great sword (a judgment executer).
THOUGHT: All activity is still under the control of Yahweh Jesus from the heavenly throne. He is the only rightful ruler of this world as well as the rightful judge and redeemer! Praise Yahweh Jesus!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Revelation 5:1-13
FOUR HEAVENLY SCENES SHOW YAHWEH JESUS AS THE RIGHTFUL RULER OVER THIS EARTH AND ALL OF CREATION
Revelation 5:1-14
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
The Apostle John divides this section up into four scenes with the words “and I saw”
(kai eidon – Greek) used in verses 1, 2, 6, and 11.
I. Scene One: Yahweh Father and the seven-sealed scroll (Revelation 5:1).
A. Yahweh Father, who is still on His throne that was described in chapter 4, is now seen balancing a scroll on His right palm.
B. The scroll has been written on both sides and sealed with seven seals.
1. The scroll was probably made of papyrus strips that were glued together and then rolled. The writing on front and back of papyrus scrolls was usually reserved for documents, divorce settlements, and contract deeds (verse 1, Ezek. 2:9, 10).
2. Important Roman documents of the time such as wills were sealed seven times to make them authentic. Seals were usually made of clay or wax and then an impression or signature carved in it. Only an authorized person could open a document that had been sealed (verse 1, Isaiah 29:11, 12; Daniel 8:26, 12:4, 9).
3. The seals could have either been on the side of the scroll (so that each time a seal was opened more of the scroll could be read) or all seven on the top of the scroll (with the events of Revelation not being read but depicted).
4. By looking at the things contained in Revelation chapters 6 through 22, Ezekiel 2:9 through 3:1; Daniel 7:8-28, 8:26, 9:27, 12:1-13 as well as every passage in the Old Testament dealing with the Day of Yahweh and every New Testament passage on Christ’s return, we can surmise what the scroll contains. It is the end of this world as we know it that concludes with Yahweh’s judgment of unrighteousness and unbelief, the establishing of Yahweh Jesus’ Kingdom, the reward for the saints, and the New Heaven and New Earth.
II. Scene Two: Yahweh Jesus the Messiah (Christ) is the only One who can open the scroll (Revelation 5:2-5).
A. A worthy (axios – Greek, meaning of proper weight as in a scale) individual is looked for in all of creation to open the scroll. However, no one was found who was, as the word worthy became, competent enough, sufficient enough, or fit enough to do the job (verses 2-4).
B. One of the 24 elders informs the weeping John that it is none other than Yahweh Jesus who is worthy to do this (verse 5).
1. He is the prophesied Messiah who is called the Lion of Judah (verse 5;
Genesis 49:9-12).
2. He is the prophesied Messiah who is called the Root of David (verse 5; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Jeremiah 23:5, 6; 33:15, 16; Romans 15:12).
THOUGHT: The way Yahweh set it up, only Jesus the unique One, who was 100% Yahweh and 100% human, could judge, rule, and reign with His people. This prophesied Christ has come and will come again!
III. Scene Three: Yahweh Jesus is the Old Testament’s prophesied Lion as well as its prophesied slain Lamb who takes the scroll, redeems believers, and brings about His reign on this earth with His saints! (verses 6-10)
A. John next sees Jesus as the slain Passover Lamb in the midst of Yahweh Father’s throne, probably at His right hand (verse 6; Psalms 110:1; Colossians. 3:1; Rev. 3:21). Evidently Jesus bore the marks of His suffering on the cross (which He bears throughout all eternity in His new body, Luke 24:39) and He can morph in the vision depicting various forms. The Passover Lamb was a definite depiction for Jesus’ death as paying for the sins of the world and freeing all those who would apply His blood to the doorpost of their lives through belief (verse 6; Exodus 12:3-11; Isaiah 53:6, 7; John 1:29; 19:14, 31-36).
B. The Lamb has seven horns and seven eyes. The Biblical number seven is the perfect number symbolizing fullness or completeness. The horns represent the fullness of His power and strength (verse 6, Deut. 33:17; 2 Sam. 22:3) and the eyes represent His ability to discern and purify this world through the power of His Holy Spirit (verse 6, Zech. 3:9, 4:10; Rev. 1:4, 3:1).
C. The Lamb evidently switches positions, probably moves to the front of Yahweh Father, and takes the scroll from the Father’s right hand. At this event, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fall down before the Lamb in worship to celebrate the magnitude of the occasion. At this time, each of these 28 beings has a harp (usually 10 or 12 strings were commonly used in temple worship – I Chron. 25:1, 6) and a golden incense bowl (containing the petitions of the saints for true justice and the Kingdom of Jesus – Psalms 141:2; Luke 18:7, 8; Revelation 8:3-5) (verses 7, 8).
D. The new song (like Isaiah 42:10) these 28 beings sing and say relates to glorifying Yahweh Jesus for His redemptive sacrifice, His reward for His saints, and His coming Kingdom (verses 9, 10).
IV. Scene 4: The praising and glorifying of Yahweh Jesus expands to an innumerable number of angels as well as all of creation (Revelation 5:11-14).
A. The transfer of authority for the judgment and rulership of this world from Yahweh Father to Yahweh Jesus in Revelation 5 is very similar to that of the Ancient of Days to the Son of Man found in Daniel 7:9-14, 26. In both Biblical accounts, an innumerable number of angels surround the heavenly throne proclaiming His attributes and praise (verses 11, 12; I Chronicles 29:10-13; Revelation 7:12).
B. Every living creature is seen giving praise to Yahweh Jesus, no matter their location, and no matter what kind or type of creation. All of creation will worship and glorify the Lamb! (verse 13; Isaiah 45:23; Romans 8:18-25; Philippians. 2:10, 11; Rev. 19:11 - 22:21).
C. The four living creatures add their Amen (so be it, the things being done and said are true) and the 24 elders once again fall down and worship the eternal ruler! (verse 14)
THOUGHT: Let us add our Amen and our worship for our awesome Lamb, Lion, and
King! He alone has the power to open the seals and do the things He has promised. Our hope is only in Him!
Revelation 5:1-14
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
The Apostle John divides this section up into four scenes with the words “and I saw”
(kai eidon – Greek) used in verses 1, 2, 6, and 11.
I. Scene One: Yahweh Father and the seven-sealed scroll (Revelation 5:1).
A. Yahweh Father, who is still on His throne that was described in chapter 4, is now seen balancing a scroll on His right palm.
B. The scroll has been written on both sides and sealed with seven seals.
1. The scroll was probably made of papyrus strips that were glued together and then rolled. The writing on front and back of papyrus scrolls was usually reserved for documents, divorce settlements, and contract deeds (verse 1, Ezek. 2:9, 10).
2. Important Roman documents of the time such as wills were sealed seven times to make them authentic. Seals were usually made of clay or wax and then an impression or signature carved in it. Only an authorized person could open a document that had been sealed (verse 1, Isaiah 29:11, 12; Daniel 8:26, 12:4, 9).
3. The seals could have either been on the side of the scroll (so that each time a seal was opened more of the scroll could be read) or all seven on the top of the scroll (with the events of Revelation not being read but depicted).
4. By looking at the things contained in Revelation chapters 6 through 22, Ezekiel 2:9 through 3:1; Daniel 7:8-28, 8:26, 9:27, 12:1-13 as well as every passage in the Old Testament dealing with the Day of Yahweh and every New Testament passage on Christ’s return, we can surmise what the scroll contains. It is the end of this world as we know it that concludes with Yahweh’s judgment of unrighteousness and unbelief, the establishing of Yahweh Jesus’ Kingdom, the reward for the saints, and the New Heaven and New Earth.
II. Scene Two: Yahweh Jesus the Messiah (Christ) is the only One who can open the scroll (Revelation 5:2-5).
A. A worthy (axios – Greek, meaning of proper weight as in a scale) individual is looked for in all of creation to open the scroll. However, no one was found who was, as the word worthy became, competent enough, sufficient enough, or fit enough to do the job (verses 2-4).
B. One of the 24 elders informs the weeping John that it is none other than Yahweh Jesus who is worthy to do this (verse 5).
1. He is the prophesied Messiah who is called the Lion of Judah (verse 5;
Genesis 49:9-12).
2. He is the prophesied Messiah who is called the Root of David (verse 5; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Jeremiah 23:5, 6; 33:15, 16; Romans 15:12).
THOUGHT: The way Yahweh set it up, only Jesus the unique One, who was 100% Yahweh and 100% human, could judge, rule, and reign with His people. This prophesied Christ has come and will come again!
III. Scene Three: Yahweh Jesus is the Old Testament’s prophesied Lion as well as its prophesied slain Lamb who takes the scroll, redeems believers, and brings about His reign on this earth with His saints! (verses 6-10)
A. John next sees Jesus as the slain Passover Lamb in the midst of Yahweh Father’s throne, probably at His right hand (verse 6; Psalms 110:1; Colossians. 3:1; Rev. 3:21). Evidently Jesus bore the marks of His suffering on the cross (which He bears throughout all eternity in His new body, Luke 24:39) and He can morph in the vision depicting various forms. The Passover Lamb was a definite depiction for Jesus’ death as paying for the sins of the world and freeing all those who would apply His blood to the doorpost of their lives through belief (verse 6; Exodus 12:3-11; Isaiah 53:6, 7; John 1:29; 19:14, 31-36).
B. The Lamb has seven horns and seven eyes. The Biblical number seven is the perfect number symbolizing fullness or completeness. The horns represent the fullness of His power and strength (verse 6, Deut. 33:17; 2 Sam. 22:3) and the eyes represent His ability to discern and purify this world through the power of His Holy Spirit (verse 6, Zech. 3:9, 4:10; Rev. 1:4, 3:1).
C. The Lamb evidently switches positions, probably moves to the front of Yahweh Father, and takes the scroll from the Father’s right hand. At this event, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fall down before the Lamb in worship to celebrate the magnitude of the occasion. At this time, each of these 28 beings has a harp (usually 10 or 12 strings were commonly used in temple worship – I Chron. 25:1, 6) and a golden incense bowl (containing the petitions of the saints for true justice and the Kingdom of Jesus – Psalms 141:2; Luke 18:7, 8; Revelation 8:3-5) (verses 7, 8).
D. The new song (like Isaiah 42:10) these 28 beings sing and say relates to glorifying Yahweh Jesus for His redemptive sacrifice, His reward for His saints, and His coming Kingdom (verses 9, 10).
IV. Scene 4: The praising and glorifying of Yahweh Jesus expands to an innumerable number of angels as well as all of creation (Revelation 5:11-14).
A. The transfer of authority for the judgment and rulership of this world from Yahweh Father to Yahweh Jesus in Revelation 5 is very similar to that of the Ancient of Days to the Son of Man found in Daniel 7:9-14, 26. In both Biblical accounts, an innumerable number of angels surround the heavenly throne proclaiming His attributes and praise (verses 11, 12; I Chronicles 29:10-13; Revelation 7:12).
B. Every living creature is seen giving praise to Yahweh Jesus, no matter their location, and no matter what kind or type of creation. All of creation will worship and glorify the Lamb! (verse 13; Isaiah 45:23; Romans 8:18-25; Philippians. 2:10, 11; Rev. 19:11 - 22:21).
C. The four living creatures add their Amen (so be it, the things being done and said are true) and the 24 elders once again fall down and worship the eternal ruler! (verse 14)
THOUGHT: Let us add our Amen and our worship for our awesome Lamb, Lion, and
King! He alone has the power to open the seals and do the things He has promised. Our hope is only in Him!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Revelation 4:1-11
YAHWEH FATHER’S THRONE IN HEAVEN
Revelation 4:1-11
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The revealing of the glory and awesomeness of Yahweh Father’s throne in heaven
(Revelation 4:1-6).
A. This is the start of a new section of prophecy that goes from Revelation 4:1 – 22:5. It starts with the sovereign throne of Yahweh and ends with the establishment of the New Heaven and New Earth. John seems to tie vision after vision together with words like “after these things” which give primarily a futuristic idea (Rev. 1:19, 4:1, 7:1, 9, 9:12, 15:5, 18:1, 19:1, 20:3).
B. The Apostle John next sees a door that had been opened in heaven and hears the powerful trumpet voice of Yahweh Jesus inviting him into the open door for a look into future events (Rev. 4:1; Rev. 1:10, 19).
1. Up until now John received his vision of the glorified Christ (Rev. 1:1-20) and Christ’s message to the seven churches (Rev. 2:1 – 3:22) while probably in his cave on the isle of Patmos. Now he is given a vision which elevates him to the vantage point of heaven.
2. Many believers see the rapture (“catching up” Greek “harpazo” I Thes.4:17) of the church as occurring before (between Rev. 3:10 – 4:1) or at Rev. 4:1. Believers who hold to this position believe that Christ will rapture His church before the seven years of tribulation that will come on this earth as prophesied in Daniel 9:27, 12:1; Matt. 24:4-29; 2 Thes. 2:3-10; and
Rev. 6:1 – 19:10 and so are called pretribulational.
C. As John went through the open door of heaven (in the spirit, in his vision), he immediately is struck by the awesomeness of the throne of Yahweh Father! (Rev. 4:2; I Kings 22:19; Isa. 6:1-4; Ezek. 1:26-28). With the inspiration of Yahweh’s Spirit, he describes it for us in Rev. 4:3-6. The concept of the throne of Yahweh is very important in Revelation.
1. Out of the 22 chapters of Revelation, the throne is related to in 14 of the chapters. The word throne is used 13 times in Revelation 4:1-11 alone!
2. Yahweh Father is described by the Spirit inspired John in terms of light in the color of three stones: jasper (probably like translucent diamond), sardius (also called carnelian which was fiery red), and emerald (covering a rainbow of shades of green encircling the throne). Brilliant splendor, glory, and unapproachable light give us a visual of our Yahweh Father (Rev. 4:3; Ezek. 1:26-28; I Tim. 6:16).
3. Around the Father’s throne were 24 thrones occupied by 24 elders wearing white clothes and gold crowns (Rev. 4:4).
a. Many believe these to be human elders such as 12 chosen from Israel and 12 chosen from the church as in the New Jerusalem
(Rev. 21:12-14).
b. Many believe these to be a special elevated rank of angelic beings who have served Yahweh and His creation well. They point out that these 24 elders seem to be uniquely linked with the four living creatures that are for sure angelic, they are always distinguished from the saints
(Rev. 5:8, 11:17-18, 19:1-4), and their place seems to center around the heavenly throne rather than any earthly thrones. This probably fits the context of the passage better.
4. From the throne came an awesome display of lightning, thundering sounds, and seven fire torches representing Yahweh’s seven-fold (all- encompassing) Spirit. Each of these depict Yahweh’s power to judge and purify by His Holy Spirit (Rev. 4:5, 8:5, 11:19, 16:18; Exodus 19:16;
Matt. 3:11).
5. The throne was located on a large expanse of crystal glass that was like looking into the sea or ocean (this magnified Yahweh’s transcendence, purity, and holiness). However, four six winged, supernatural angelic creatures, probably in the same order as seraphim and cherubim, who could see from any position (rich in Yahweh’s will and knowledge), were right next to the throne and surrounding it (Rev. 4:6; Ezek. 1:5-25, 10:1-22; Isa. 6:1-3).
THOUGHT: Let’s silently meditate on this awesome sight of Yahweh Father our Heavenly Father and give Him praise.
II. John next gives us more detail concerning these four living creatures (Rev. 4:7-8).
A. They have faces like a lion, calf (ox), man, and flying eagle. Even though the early church fathers assigned these to the four gospels and others to tribes of Israel, the most probable explanation is that these highly ranked, supernaturally close order of angelic beings expressed Yahweh’s heart in creation. They represent and bring continuous worship by acknowledging His power, strength, spiritual relationship, and soaring ability over this creation (verse 7; Ezek. 1:10, 10:14).
B. They each have six wings (Ezek. chapters 1, 10; Isaiah 6:1-3) that can shield them from the awesome holiness of Yahweh and eyes that expressed their ability to see from any angle to discern Yahweh’s bidding or will. They continuously say that Yahweh is beyond holy (repeated for emphasis, Isaiah 6:3, “set apart” from all else), that He is the only Ruler of All or Lord God Almighty (Adonai Yahweh Sabaoth “ of Hosts” in Hebrew, Isaiah 6:3; Ezekiel 6:3), and that He is Yahweh the great I Am (was, is, and is to come Exodus 3:14).
III. John next gives us more detail concerning the 24 elders (Revelation 4:9-11).
A. When the four living creatures worship Yahweh’s attributes, His right to rule, and return thanks for who He is, the 24 elders worship by prostrating themselves and placing their crowns toward the throne (verses 9, 10).
B. The 24 elders then join in the praise by saying their own chorus and adding aspects of Yahweh’s creation, will, and sovereignty (verse 11).
IV. Some helpful terminology and definitions.
A. Millennium comes from two latin words “mille-1,000” and “annum-year”. Therefore, the word refers to the 1,000 year reign of Christ found in Rev. 20:1-8 (chiliasm is derived from the Greek word for 1,000).
1. A person who believes that Christ will return to this literal earth “before” setting up and reigning 1,000 years on this earth is called a Premillennialist.
2. An Amillennialist is a person who believes that the 1,000 year time period is not literal but symbolic. Many believe that if there is a millennial reign of Christ, it is already happening during this present time of the church.
3. A Postmillennialist is a person who believes that the church will usher in the restoration and millennial reign of Christ on this earth under Christ’s invisible direction. Christ will then return visibly after this millennial work on earth to judge the wicked and set up His New Heaven and New Earth.
B. Tribulation is suffering or affliction and the word taken in a prophetic sense means the seven year period of suffering (that starts the day of the Lord) that is to come on the earth according to Daniel 9:27, 12:1; Matthew 24:4-29; 2 Thes. 2:1-10; Rev. 4:1 – 19:10). The Tribulation Period is usually seven years and the most intense suffering happens in the last three and a half years of the seven and is called the Great Tribulation (Daniel 9:27b; Matthew 24:21).
1. A person who believes that the church will be raptured before the seven year Tribulation starts is pretribulational.
2. A person who believes that the church will be raptured in the middle of the seven year Tribulation but before the three and a half year Great Tribulation is midtribulational.
3. A person who believes that the church will be raptured before the wrath of the Lamb is pre-wrath tribulational (usually after the middle).
4. A person who believes that the church will be raptured after the seven year Tribulation Period is posttribulational.
Revelation 4:1-11
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The revealing of the glory and awesomeness of Yahweh Father’s throne in heaven
(Revelation 4:1-6).
A. This is the start of a new section of prophecy that goes from Revelation 4:1 – 22:5. It starts with the sovereign throne of Yahweh and ends with the establishment of the New Heaven and New Earth. John seems to tie vision after vision together with words like “after these things” which give primarily a futuristic idea (Rev. 1:19, 4:1, 7:1, 9, 9:12, 15:5, 18:1, 19:1, 20:3).
B. The Apostle John next sees a door that had been opened in heaven and hears the powerful trumpet voice of Yahweh Jesus inviting him into the open door for a look into future events (Rev. 4:1; Rev. 1:10, 19).
1. Up until now John received his vision of the glorified Christ (Rev. 1:1-20) and Christ’s message to the seven churches (Rev. 2:1 – 3:22) while probably in his cave on the isle of Patmos. Now he is given a vision which elevates him to the vantage point of heaven.
2. Many believers see the rapture (“catching up” Greek “harpazo” I Thes.4:17) of the church as occurring before (between Rev. 3:10 – 4:1) or at Rev. 4:1. Believers who hold to this position believe that Christ will rapture His church before the seven years of tribulation that will come on this earth as prophesied in Daniel 9:27, 12:1; Matt. 24:4-29; 2 Thes. 2:3-10; and
Rev. 6:1 – 19:10 and so are called pretribulational.
C. As John went through the open door of heaven (in the spirit, in his vision), he immediately is struck by the awesomeness of the throne of Yahweh Father! (Rev. 4:2; I Kings 22:19; Isa. 6:1-4; Ezek. 1:26-28). With the inspiration of Yahweh’s Spirit, he describes it for us in Rev. 4:3-6. The concept of the throne of Yahweh is very important in Revelation.
1. Out of the 22 chapters of Revelation, the throne is related to in 14 of the chapters. The word throne is used 13 times in Revelation 4:1-11 alone!
2. Yahweh Father is described by the Spirit inspired John in terms of light in the color of three stones: jasper (probably like translucent diamond), sardius (also called carnelian which was fiery red), and emerald (covering a rainbow of shades of green encircling the throne). Brilliant splendor, glory, and unapproachable light give us a visual of our Yahweh Father (Rev. 4:3; Ezek. 1:26-28; I Tim. 6:16).
3. Around the Father’s throne were 24 thrones occupied by 24 elders wearing white clothes and gold crowns (Rev. 4:4).
a. Many believe these to be human elders such as 12 chosen from Israel and 12 chosen from the church as in the New Jerusalem
(Rev. 21:12-14).
b. Many believe these to be a special elevated rank of angelic beings who have served Yahweh and His creation well. They point out that these 24 elders seem to be uniquely linked with the four living creatures that are for sure angelic, they are always distinguished from the saints
(Rev. 5:8, 11:17-18, 19:1-4), and their place seems to center around the heavenly throne rather than any earthly thrones. This probably fits the context of the passage better.
4. From the throne came an awesome display of lightning, thundering sounds, and seven fire torches representing Yahweh’s seven-fold (all- encompassing) Spirit. Each of these depict Yahweh’s power to judge and purify by His Holy Spirit (Rev. 4:5, 8:5, 11:19, 16:18; Exodus 19:16;
Matt. 3:11).
5. The throne was located on a large expanse of crystal glass that was like looking into the sea or ocean (this magnified Yahweh’s transcendence, purity, and holiness). However, four six winged, supernatural angelic creatures, probably in the same order as seraphim and cherubim, who could see from any position (rich in Yahweh’s will and knowledge), were right next to the throne and surrounding it (Rev. 4:6; Ezek. 1:5-25, 10:1-22; Isa. 6:1-3).
THOUGHT: Let’s silently meditate on this awesome sight of Yahweh Father our Heavenly Father and give Him praise.
II. John next gives us more detail concerning these four living creatures (Rev. 4:7-8).
A. They have faces like a lion, calf (ox), man, and flying eagle. Even though the early church fathers assigned these to the four gospels and others to tribes of Israel, the most probable explanation is that these highly ranked, supernaturally close order of angelic beings expressed Yahweh’s heart in creation. They represent and bring continuous worship by acknowledging His power, strength, spiritual relationship, and soaring ability over this creation (verse 7; Ezek. 1:10, 10:14).
B. They each have six wings (Ezek. chapters 1, 10; Isaiah 6:1-3) that can shield them from the awesome holiness of Yahweh and eyes that expressed their ability to see from any angle to discern Yahweh’s bidding or will. They continuously say that Yahweh is beyond holy (repeated for emphasis, Isaiah 6:3, “set apart” from all else), that He is the only Ruler of All or Lord God Almighty (Adonai Yahweh Sabaoth “ of Hosts” in Hebrew, Isaiah 6:3; Ezekiel 6:3), and that He is Yahweh the great I Am (was, is, and is to come Exodus 3:14).
III. John next gives us more detail concerning the 24 elders (Revelation 4:9-11).
A. When the four living creatures worship Yahweh’s attributes, His right to rule, and return thanks for who He is, the 24 elders worship by prostrating themselves and placing their crowns toward the throne (verses 9, 10).
B. The 24 elders then join in the praise by saying their own chorus and adding aspects of Yahweh’s creation, will, and sovereignty (verse 11).
IV. Some helpful terminology and definitions.
A. Millennium comes from two latin words “mille-1,000” and “annum-year”. Therefore, the word refers to the 1,000 year reign of Christ found in Rev. 20:1-8 (chiliasm is derived from the Greek word for 1,000).
1. A person who believes that Christ will return to this literal earth “before” setting up and reigning 1,000 years on this earth is called a Premillennialist.
2. An Amillennialist is a person who believes that the 1,000 year time period is not literal but symbolic. Many believe that if there is a millennial reign of Christ, it is already happening during this present time of the church.
3. A Postmillennialist is a person who believes that the church will usher in the restoration and millennial reign of Christ on this earth under Christ’s invisible direction. Christ will then return visibly after this millennial work on earth to judge the wicked and set up His New Heaven and New Earth.
B. Tribulation is suffering or affliction and the word taken in a prophetic sense means the seven year period of suffering (that starts the day of the Lord) that is to come on the earth according to Daniel 9:27, 12:1; Matthew 24:4-29; 2 Thes. 2:1-10; Rev. 4:1 – 19:10). The Tribulation Period is usually seven years and the most intense suffering happens in the last three and a half years of the seven and is called the Great Tribulation (Daniel 9:27b; Matthew 24:21).
1. A person who believes that the church will be raptured before the seven year Tribulation starts is pretribulational.
2. A person who believes that the church will be raptured in the middle of the seven year Tribulation but before the three and a half year Great Tribulation is midtribulational.
3. A person who believes that the church will be raptured before the wrath of the Lamb is pre-wrath tribulational (usually after the middle).
4. A person who believes that the church will be raptured after the seven year Tribulation Period is posttribulational.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Revelation 3:14-22
YAHWEH JESUS IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES (PART IV)
Revelation 3:14-22
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #7: The Church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22).
A. A brief history of the city of Laodicea: Laodicea was located 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 100 miles east of Ephesus. It was a city that was at the crossroads of the major trade routes in Asia Minor and so had become wealthy. It was known for a soft, black wool made in the area and their famous medical school. An eye salve came from this school known as “Phygian powder” which brought the city fame and fortune. The city had temples to Zeus, Men Karou (also known as Asclepius, the god of healing) as well as shrines to many trade gods. The valley it was located in was prone to earthquakes and the city was severely damaged in both 17 A.D. and 60 A.D. The city had to bring its water in from an aqueduct system from six miles away and so was known to have lukewarm and many times bad tasting water. The cities and churches of Colosse and Hierapolis were very close to the city of Laodicea (Colosse was 10 miles east and Hierapolis was 6 miles north) forming a tri-city complex. It is believed that all three churches were evangelized and planted by Epaphras (Col. 1:7, 2:1, 4:13) between 54-56 A.D.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Rev. 3:14. He identifies Himself as the churches’ Amen which means the words and actions of Jesus are firmly fixed, unchangeable, and true (Isa. 65:16, He is the God of truth, in Hebrew “Elohim Aman”). He is the faithful and true witness and wants the Laodiceans to be like Him (2 Cor. 1:20). He is also the ruler (chief, source, origin, beginner) of creation and therefore worthy to be listened to (Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5, 22:13).
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches’ situation and problem (Rev. 3:15-20).
a. Christ knows that the Laodicean church, like their city water, is lukewarm and bad tasting. Out of the seven churches, they receive the worst report from Yahweh Jesus and receive only rebuke. None of the works of the Laodicean church are acceptable in Yahweh Jesus’ sight (verses 15, 16).
b. Christ knows that the Laodicean church is a congregation that boasts in their own wealth and self-sufficiency rather than their need and abandonment in Yahweh. This attitude never went well for Israel and it’s not going well for this church either (Deut. 8:10-20; Jer. 9:23, 24). Christ describes this congregation in five words that are very much different from their self-evaluation. They are wretched (only other time used in Romans 7:24), miserable (only other time used in I Cor. 15:19), poor, blind, and naked (verse 17).
c. Christ knows that the Laodicean church is prideful in three areas which are their gold, clothing, and eye medicine. He desires for their self- sufficiency to be reversed and therefore He instructs this congregation to “buy” into His true spiritual life instead (verse 18). If they will listen to His loving rebuke and repent (change their mind and turn) then Christ will open the door of His Kingdom blessings and personal fellowship to them (verses 19, 20; Matt. 24:33; John 14:23).
3. Christ’s award for the faithful Laodiceans (Rev. 3:21, 22).
a. Christ’s true overcomers will co-reign with Christ in His Millennial (1,000 year) Kingdom on this earth (verse 21; Dan. 7:27; Luke 22:28- 30; Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:6).
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to overcome and listen to the true words of the Holy Spirit (verse 22).
THOUGHT: In what areas are you showing boastfulness in your family, resources, or ability without giving credit to Yahweh? How can you correct this? How can we as a church body be better at Hallelu-Yah (praising Yahweh)?
II. Two final teachings regarding the seven churches of Revelation.
A. Some teachers like to point out that there seems to be a possible chronological development of church history in the seven churches. They would possibly say that a scenario like this is represented in church history: Ephesus (approx. 30- 100 A.D., losing first love), Smyrna (approx. 100-312 A.D., severe persecution before Constantine), Pergamum (approx. 300-600 A.D., false doctrine), Thyatira (600-1517 A.D., immorality, false doctrine), Sardis (1517-1750 A.D., reform- ation, persecution), Philadelphia (1750-1950’s A.D., revivals, great world wars), Laodicea (1950-now, the lukewarm church). Even though there are some interesting historical events that seem to line up with this view, there is not enough to give precise breaks to the next chronological development for my exegetical taste. A better exegesis is to see the seven churches representing possible church scenarios for all church time before Christ’s rapture and/or return.
B. There seems to be a possible Hebraic chiasm in Christ’s words to the seven churches of Revelation. The Greek letter chi looks like the English X. Therefore, a chiasm in the literature has similarities matching beginning and ending parts of the writing and has its main point in the middle (where the X crosses). Ephesus and Laodicea, Smyrna and Philadelphia, and Pergamum and Sardis all have similarities relating in order of passion for Christ, persecution in Christ, and participation in cultural immorality. Thyatira is the middle church, has the longest amount of writing, deals with doctrinal error and immorality, and is the only letter that quotes Scripture directly (Psalms 2:9). This deals with Christ’s rule on this earth and His overcomers ruling with Him. This church seems to embody Christ’s main theme to His churches for all time.
Revelation 3:14-22
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #7: The Church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22).
A. A brief history of the city of Laodicea: Laodicea was located 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 100 miles east of Ephesus. It was a city that was at the crossroads of the major trade routes in Asia Minor and so had become wealthy. It was known for a soft, black wool made in the area and their famous medical school. An eye salve came from this school known as “Phygian powder” which brought the city fame and fortune. The city had temples to Zeus, Men Karou (also known as Asclepius, the god of healing) as well as shrines to many trade gods. The valley it was located in was prone to earthquakes and the city was severely damaged in both 17 A.D. and 60 A.D. The city had to bring its water in from an aqueduct system from six miles away and so was known to have lukewarm and many times bad tasting water. The cities and churches of Colosse and Hierapolis were very close to the city of Laodicea (Colosse was 10 miles east and Hierapolis was 6 miles north) forming a tri-city complex. It is believed that all three churches were evangelized and planted by Epaphras (Col. 1:7, 2:1, 4:13) between 54-56 A.D.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Rev. 3:14. He identifies Himself as the churches’ Amen which means the words and actions of Jesus are firmly fixed, unchangeable, and true (Isa. 65:16, He is the God of truth, in Hebrew “Elohim Aman”). He is the faithful and true witness and wants the Laodiceans to be like Him (2 Cor. 1:20). He is also the ruler (chief, source, origin, beginner) of creation and therefore worthy to be listened to (Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5, 22:13).
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches’ situation and problem (Rev. 3:15-20).
a. Christ knows that the Laodicean church, like their city water, is lukewarm and bad tasting. Out of the seven churches, they receive the worst report from Yahweh Jesus and receive only rebuke. None of the works of the Laodicean church are acceptable in Yahweh Jesus’ sight (verses 15, 16).
b. Christ knows that the Laodicean church is a congregation that boasts in their own wealth and self-sufficiency rather than their need and abandonment in Yahweh. This attitude never went well for Israel and it’s not going well for this church either (Deut. 8:10-20; Jer. 9:23, 24). Christ describes this congregation in five words that are very much different from their self-evaluation. They are wretched (only other time used in Romans 7:24), miserable (only other time used in I Cor. 15:19), poor, blind, and naked (verse 17).
c. Christ knows that the Laodicean church is prideful in three areas which are their gold, clothing, and eye medicine. He desires for their self- sufficiency to be reversed and therefore He instructs this congregation to “buy” into His true spiritual life instead (verse 18). If they will listen to His loving rebuke and repent (change their mind and turn) then Christ will open the door of His Kingdom blessings and personal fellowship to them (verses 19, 20; Matt. 24:33; John 14:23).
3. Christ’s award for the faithful Laodiceans (Rev. 3:21, 22).
a. Christ’s true overcomers will co-reign with Christ in His Millennial (1,000 year) Kingdom on this earth (verse 21; Dan. 7:27; Luke 22:28- 30; Rom. 8:17; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 20:6).
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to overcome and listen to the true words of the Holy Spirit (verse 22).
THOUGHT: In what areas are you showing boastfulness in your family, resources, or ability without giving credit to Yahweh? How can you correct this? How can we as a church body be better at Hallelu-Yah (praising Yahweh)?
II. Two final teachings regarding the seven churches of Revelation.
A. Some teachers like to point out that there seems to be a possible chronological development of church history in the seven churches. They would possibly say that a scenario like this is represented in church history: Ephesus (approx. 30- 100 A.D., losing first love), Smyrna (approx. 100-312 A.D., severe persecution before Constantine), Pergamum (approx. 300-600 A.D., false doctrine), Thyatira (600-1517 A.D., immorality, false doctrine), Sardis (1517-1750 A.D., reform- ation, persecution), Philadelphia (1750-1950’s A.D., revivals, great world wars), Laodicea (1950-now, the lukewarm church). Even though there are some interesting historical events that seem to line up with this view, there is not enough to give precise breaks to the next chronological development for my exegetical taste. A better exegesis is to see the seven churches representing possible church scenarios for all church time before Christ’s rapture and/or return.
B. There seems to be a possible Hebraic chiasm in Christ’s words to the seven churches of Revelation. The Greek letter chi looks like the English X. Therefore, a chiasm in the literature has similarities matching beginning and ending parts of the writing and has its main point in the middle (where the X crosses). Ephesus and Laodicea, Smyrna and Philadelphia, and Pergamum and Sardis all have similarities relating in order of passion for Christ, persecution in Christ, and participation in cultural immorality. Thyatira is the middle church, has the longest amount of writing, deals with doctrinal error and immorality, and is the only letter that quotes Scripture directly (Psalms 2:9). This deals with Christ’s rule on this earth and His overcomers ruling with Him. This church seems to embody Christ’s main theme to His churches for all time.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Revelation 3:1-13
Revelation 3:1-13
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #5: The Church at Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6).
A. A brief history of the city of Sardis: Sardis was located 30 miles south of Thyatira and was located on the main Roman trade and military routes. As a result, it was a very wealthy city and was known as the old capital city of Persia in Asia Minor. It was located on an elevated area 1500 feet from the valley below and so was a perfect military fortress for the kingdoms of Lydia, Persia, Greece, and Rome. It had impressive structures built through hundreds of years of history including the acropolis (a well fortified military structure), temples to Artemis (Cybele, Diana) and the Emperor, and the necropolis (huge cemetery). Their main industry at 95 A.D. (the time of Revelation) was woolen goods and clothing. However, most of the city’s wealth accumulated from its past history and so it had become prideful, lethargic, and morally compromised.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Rev. 3:1b. He identifies Himself as the one who has the seven Spirits of God which communicates the Holy Spirit’s blessing, anointing, and teaching (Rev. 1:4; Zech. 4:1-10). He also identifies Himself as the churches’ powerful protector and sovereign ruler as the one who has the seven stars
(Rev. 1:16, 20). This church by thinking about these things should return to living a life in Yahweh’s Spirit and power and stop relying on their own selves.
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches’ situation and problem (Rev. 3:1c-4).
a. Christ does not commend this church for its work (only this one and Laodicea receive no commendation). This church is thought of by others and themselves to be spiritually alive but Christ says they are dead (“necros” Greek) (Rev. 3:1c).
b. Christ commands His congregation in Sardis to wake up and to watch constantly (present tense). Whatever this church was doing for Christ was not found to be done correctly (complete, to the full). This probably meant that there were either bad doctrine, personal boasting, immorality, or/and ulterior motives involved with the works (Rev. 3:2; I Cor. 4:1-5; II Cor. 11:1-6; I John 2:16).
c. Christ commands His congregation in Sardis to correct the problem with a three-fold formula: 1) Remember! (what they have received from Christ and His teaching), 2) Keep it!, and 3) Repent! (change your mind and turn). If they refuse to do these things, Christ will come to them like a thief which probably means that He will remove them as one of His churches (Rev. 3:3, 2:5).
d. Christ does comfort a few in the church who have not soiled their clothes. The white clothes probably relate to the wedding and feast garments of the saints (Rev. 19:7, 8) or the victorious white garments worn after a battle victory in the Roman empire (Rev. 3:4).
3. Christ’s award for the overcomers in Sardis (Rev. 3:5, 6).
a. They are promised white clothes (verse 4) having their names stay in the book of life (all humans start out in the book but non-believers in Yahweh Christ’s righteousness choosing instead self-righteousness get blotted out, Dan. 12:1; Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 13:8, 17:8, 20:15, 21:27) and acknowledgement before Yahweh Father and the angels.
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to hear and obey this message.
THOUGHT: How do churches that were once alive become dead? What can we do to prevent dying as a church?
II. Church #6: The Church at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).
A. A brief history of the city of Philadelphia: Philadelphia was located 25 miles southeast of Sardis and 100 miles east of Smyrna. It was a wealthy city which traded in textile, leather, and wine. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 17 A.D. along with 10 other cities in the area but was rebuilt by Tiberias Caesar. In honor to Caesar, the city changed its name to Neocaesarea for over 30 years but by 95 A.D. (the time of Revelation) it went by the names of Philadelphia or Flavia. It had temples dedicated to emperor worship, Zeus, and shrines to pagan cults. There was also a large Jewish Synagogue in the city. Between the immorality of the culture and persecution, the church had many difficulties.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:7. He identifies Himself as the Holy One (“set apart” for the Father’s purposes, Isaiah 6:3), the True One (perfectly trustworthy, what He said and says He will do, as an example Isaiah 9:1, 2; Matt. 4:12-16), and the One who has the key of David. The key to King David’s treasury (Isaiah 22:22) is given ultimately to the Holy True Messiah from David’s line, Jesus Christ, which opens the door to His Kingdom (Matt. 16:19).
2. Christ’s assessment of the situation without a rebuke (Revelation 3:8-11).
a. Christ knows that this congregation has been suffering (little strength) and persecuted but has kept His word and not denied His name. He continues to set before them this open door into the Kingdom blessings and possibly ministry (verse 8; Col. 4:3; Rev. 21:25).
b. Christ knows that this congregation is being persecuted by the Jewish community. He tells this predominately Gentile church that His true Jews would receive their Messiah as the Philadelphian church has already done. Christ loves (“agapao” Greek) this church and all people will see this in His fulfilled Kingdom (vs. 9; Dan. 7:27; Phil. 2:10, 11).
c. Christ knows that the Philadelphia congregation has kept His word through suffering times by enduring (“remaining under” Greek) in Christ’s strength (verse 10a). Since they were willing to endure now, they and future patient endurers will be kept from a future time of trial and tribulation which will come upon the whole earth (verse 10b, c). Most dispensationalists believe the rapture will take the church out of this world before the hour of trial or great tribulation happens on this earth (Daniel 12:1; Matt. 24:21; I Thes. 4:17; Rev. 7:14). Most other groups see this as Christ’s preservation and strength to His believers through the great trials in this world (James 1:27).
d. Christ encourages His suffering Church with His soon coming. The idea of “soon” should be looked at from the perspective of wrapping up prophetic events and Yahweh’s grand timescale (Dan. 2:28, 45; Luke 18:8; 2 Pet. 3:8-13; Rev. 1:12, 22:6). As they hold on (to the Holy True Messiah), they will keep their crown (reward) (verse 11; James 1:12; Rev. 2:10).
3. Christ’s award for the overcoming Philadelphians (Rev. 3:12, 13).
a. They will be pillars in the Temple of God (probably relating to service in Christ’s kingdom being built properly on the apostles foundation, Rev. 21:14; Eph. 2:20-22). They will be written on by Christ Himself which means intimacy and ownership. Overcomers receive on their new bodies the name of Yahweh Father, the new Jerusalem, and Yahweh Jesus’ new name (verse 12; Eze. 48:35; Rev. 19:12-22:5).
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to hear and obey this message.
THOUGHT: Jesus promises future glories to those who will patiently trust, keep His word, endure, and follow Him now!
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #5: The Church at Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6).
A. A brief history of the city of Sardis: Sardis was located 30 miles south of Thyatira and was located on the main Roman trade and military routes. As a result, it was a very wealthy city and was known as the old capital city of Persia in Asia Minor. It was located on an elevated area 1500 feet from the valley below and so was a perfect military fortress for the kingdoms of Lydia, Persia, Greece, and Rome. It had impressive structures built through hundreds of years of history including the acropolis (a well fortified military structure), temples to Artemis (Cybele, Diana) and the Emperor, and the necropolis (huge cemetery). Their main industry at 95 A.D. (the time of Revelation) was woolen goods and clothing. However, most of the city’s wealth accumulated from its past history and so it had become prideful, lethargic, and morally compromised.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Rev. 3:1b. He identifies Himself as the one who has the seven Spirits of God which communicates the Holy Spirit’s blessing, anointing, and teaching (Rev. 1:4; Zech. 4:1-10). He also identifies Himself as the churches’ powerful protector and sovereign ruler as the one who has the seven stars
(Rev. 1:16, 20). This church by thinking about these things should return to living a life in Yahweh’s Spirit and power and stop relying on their own selves.
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches’ situation and problem (Rev. 3:1c-4).
a. Christ does not commend this church for its work (only this one and Laodicea receive no commendation). This church is thought of by others and themselves to be spiritually alive but Christ says they are dead (“necros” Greek) (Rev. 3:1c).
b. Christ commands His congregation in Sardis to wake up and to watch constantly (present tense). Whatever this church was doing for Christ was not found to be done correctly (complete, to the full). This probably meant that there were either bad doctrine, personal boasting, immorality, or/and ulterior motives involved with the works (Rev. 3:2; I Cor. 4:1-5; II Cor. 11:1-6; I John 2:16).
c. Christ commands His congregation in Sardis to correct the problem with a three-fold formula: 1) Remember! (what they have received from Christ and His teaching), 2) Keep it!, and 3) Repent! (change your mind and turn). If they refuse to do these things, Christ will come to them like a thief which probably means that He will remove them as one of His churches (Rev. 3:3, 2:5).
d. Christ does comfort a few in the church who have not soiled their clothes. The white clothes probably relate to the wedding and feast garments of the saints (Rev. 19:7, 8) or the victorious white garments worn after a battle victory in the Roman empire (Rev. 3:4).
3. Christ’s award for the overcomers in Sardis (Rev. 3:5, 6).
a. They are promised white clothes (verse 4) having their names stay in the book of life (all humans start out in the book but non-believers in Yahweh Christ’s righteousness choosing instead self-righteousness get blotted out, Dan. 12:1; Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 13:8, 17:8, 20:15, 21:27) and acknowledgement before Yahweh Father and the angels.
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to hear and obey this message.
THOUGHT: How do churches that were once alive become dead? What can we do to prevent dying as a church?
II. Church #6: The Church at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).
A. A brief history of the city of Philadelphia: Philadelphia was located 25 miles southeast of Sardis and 100 miles east of Smyrna. It was a wealthy city which traded in textile, leather, and wine. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 17 A.D. along with 10 other cities in the area but was rebuilt by Tiberias Caesar. In honor to Caesar, the city changed its name to Neocaesarea for over 30 years but by 95 A.D. (the time of Revelation) it went by the names of Philadelphia or Flavia. It had temples dedicated to emperor worship, Zeus, and shrines to pagan cults. There was also a large Jewish Synagogue in the city. Between the immorality of the culture and persecution, the church had many difficulties.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:7. He identifies Himself as the Holy One (“set apart” for the Father’s purposes, Isaiah 6:3), the True One (perfectly trustworthy, what He said and says He will do, as an example Isaiah 9:1, 2; Matt. 4:12-16), and the One who has the key of David. The key to King David’s treasury (Isaiah 22:22) is given ultimately to the Holy True Messiah from David’s line, Jesus Christ, which opens the door to His Kingdom (Matt. 16:19).
2. Christ’s assessment of the situation without a rebuke (Revelation 3:8-11).
a. Christ knows that this congregation has been suffering (little strength) and persecuted but has kept His word and not denied His name. He continues to set before them this open door into the Kingdom blessings and possibly ministry (verse 8; Col. 4:3; Rev. 21:25).
b. Christ knows that this congregation is being persecuted by the Jewish community. He tells this predominately Gentile church that His true Jews would receive their Messiah as the Philadelphian church has already done. Christ loves (“agapao” Greek) this church and all people will see this in His fulfilled Kingdom (vs. 9; Dan. 7:27; Phil. 2:10, 11).
c. Christ knows that the Philadelphia congregation has kept His word through suffering times by enduring (“remaining under” Greek) in Christ’s strength (verse 10a). Since they were willing to endure now, they and future patient endurers will be kept from a future time of trial and tribulation which will come upon the whole earth (verse 10b, c). Most dispensationalists believe the rapture will take the church out of this world before the hour of trial or great tribulation happens on this earth (Daniel 12:1; Matt. 24:21; I Thes. 4:17; Rev. 7:14). Most other groups see this as Christ’s preservation and strength to His believers through the great trials in this world (James 1:27).
d. Christ encourages His suffering Church with His soon coming. The idea of “soon” should be looked at from the perspective of wrapping up prophetic events and Yahweh’s grand timescale (Dan. 2:28, 45; Luke 18:8; 2 Pet. 3:8-13; Rev. 1:12, 22:6). As they hold on (to the Holy True Messiah), they will keep their crown (reward) (verse 11; James 1:12; Rev. 2:10).
3. Christ’s award for the overcoming Philadelphians (Rev. 3:12, 13).
a. They will be pillars in the Temple of God (probably relating to service in Christ’s kingdom being built properly on the apostles foundation, Rev. 21:14; Eph. 2:20-22). They will be written on by Christ Himself which means intimacy and ownership. Overcomers receive on their new bodies the name of Yahweh Father, the new Jerusalem, and Yahweh Jesus’ new name (verse 12; Eze. 48:35; Rev. 19:12-22:5).
b. There is a universal call to all of Christ’s churches then and now to hear and obey this message.
THOUGHT: Jesus promises future glories to those who will patiently trust, keep His word, endure, and follow Him now!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Revelation 2:12-29
YAHWEH JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES (PART 2)
Revelation 2:12-29
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #3: The Church at Pergamum
A. A brief history of the city of Pergamum: Pergamum in 95 A.D. was a large (over 200,000 population) and important city located about 70 miles north of Smyrna and about 15 miles inland from the coast. It boasted itself as the capital city of Asia Minor (along with Ephesus and Smyrna), had the second largest library in Rome with over 200,000 volumes (Alexandria was first), and was known as a learning and medical community. It also was a multiple temple and shrine city with three temples dedicated to the worship of the Roman Emperor (represented by a Bull), and temples to Zeus, Athena, and the healing god Asclepius (represented by a snake). In modern Turkey today, the city is known as Bergama.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17).
1. Christ’s attribute for the church to meditate on is found in Revelation 2:12. He identifies Himself as the one who has the sharp two-edged sword and we know from Revelation 1:16 that it comes out of His mouth. This shows Yahweh Jesus as the one who conquers, judges, and rebukes by the power of His words and the one who perfectly carried out the words of prophecy (Isa. 11:4; Rev. 12:10, 11; 19:13-15).
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches situation and problem (Rev. 2:13-16).
a. Christ knows that the church at Pergamum is in a city that has given itself over to multiple forms of idol worship including Emperor worship (Satan’s throne). In the midst of persecution, including one of their own being killed by the name of Antipas, the church has not denied Christ’s name or their faith (verse 13).
b. Christ knows that there are some in their congregation who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans (like the Ephesian church Rev. 2:2, 6) which ends up leading people astray. From church history we know that this group taught their followers to overcome (“nike” Greek) the lusts of this world and their flesh by giving themselves to licentious living. They probably believed that their physical bodies didn’t matter since God is essentially Spirit. Christ likens this teaching to that taught by the prophet Balaam. He advised the pagan King Balak on how to lure the Israelites into the sin of sacrificing to the false gods of the Moabites by seducing them by their women (verses 14, 15; Numbers 22:1-25:17, 31:16; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11).
c. Christ knows that false teachers need to repent (change their mind and accept and do truth) and the church leaders need to repent and not allow these false teachers to teach and exercise authority. Without repentance the church could come under Yahweh Jesus’ discipline (verse 16).
3. Christ’s award for His faithful ones (Rev. 2:17). To His true overcomers who will listen and put His words into practice Christ will give two things: 1) Hidden manna – manna was the daily food given by Yahweh to the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert of which some of it was hidden in the Ark of the Covenant (Ex. 16:31-34; Heb. 9:4). This promises sustaining intimacy with Christ now and millennial and eternal intimate fellowship in His service in the future (John 6:48-51; Revelation 19:6-9); 2) A White Stone with a new name – In the Roman world, white stones were given for special feasts or banquets which were presented at the time of entrance into the event. Many times the name of the person was inscribed on the stone. Christ is going to give His overcomers a stone with a new name picked out specifically by Him (Christ also has a new name, Rev. 19:12).
THOUGHT: Believers today need to watch out for some of the same problems that influenced the church at Pergamum. The lust for other things (idols) and sexual immorality are all around us. Christ’s word will speak to us and purify us if we let it!
II. Church #4: The Church at Thyatira
A. A brief history of the city of Thyatira: Thyatira was a merchant city located 45 miles southeast of Pergamum. During 95 A.D. at the time of the writing of Revelation, the city had a multitude of trade guilds which supplied the Roman military (being one of its military outposts) as well as the other cities since it was on Asia Minor’s major trade route. There were guilds (workers unions) for wool, linen, clothing, dyers, potters, bakers, leather, tanners, bronze smiths and slave traders. In the city were temples to Apollo, Artemis (Diana) and shrines to individual trade guild gods. Members of the trade guilds were expected to worship the god of that guild, participate in its feasts, and follow its social and sexual practices. Not participating in any of these could involve financial and social hardship. Lydia was from Thyatira as a “seller of purple” when the Apostle Paul witnesses Christ to her in Philippi (Acts 16:12-15).
B. Christ’s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Rev. 2:18. He is the Son of God which is the only time it is used in the book. The Apostle John uses this term to show the divine side of the Messiah whom he described for us as the Son of Man earlier (Rev. 1:13; John 1:34, 49; 20:31). He is also the one with blazing fire eyes and glowing bronze feet. His eyes speak of His all-knowing ability to exercise wise judgment and His feet speak of His ability to purify and conquer. These came from Revelation 1:14, 15 and could particularly speak to trade workers.
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches situation and problem (Rev. 2:19-25).
a. Christ knows the Thyatiran church’s ministry of love and faith, their endurance (the ability to “remain under” their situations), and commends them for doing more now than when they first started
(verse 19).
b. Christ knows that as a church, they are putting up with and giving a woman, who calls herself a prophetess, a platform to teach ideas that are not in conformity to the teaching of Christ and the apostles. Christ identifies her as similar to the Old Testament person Queen Jezebel. She was a Baal worshipping Canaanite who married Israel’s King Ahab and brought idolatry and deception to Israel provoking Yahweh to anger (I Kings 16:31-33; 2 Kings 9:22). This prophetess in Thyatira seemed to be teaching a form of Nicolaitan licentious living which has already been discussed in the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum (verse 20).
c. Christ has already confronted her with her error before this and has been waiting patiently for her and her followers to repent (change their mind and obey) (verse 21). If they choose to go their own way and not follow Christ’s discipline which could include affliction and suffering (“thlipsis” Greek), sickness (“I will cast her on her bed”), and death (verse 22). When this happens, those in the seven churches will take Christ’s discipline seriously (verse 23; I Cor. 11:30-32; James 5:19, 20; I John 5:16, 17).
d. Christ speaks comfort for those in the church who refuse to accept this prophetesses teachings on “the deep things of Satan.” This is probably the wrong view that Christians cannot be hurt by this world, and therefore can participate in it fully, because they are essentially spiritual beings. However, Christ says they should “hold fast” to His and the apostles true teaching until He comes. Christ took on human flesh (now has a glorified human body) and walked in purity and truth in His mortal body (verse 24, 25; Col. 3:5; I John 2:14-20).
3. Christ’s award for the faithful Thyatirans (Rev. 2:26-29).
a. True overcomers in Christ are promised a co-reigning with Him in His Millennial Kingdom on this earth (verse 26, 27; Psalms 2:8, 9; Daniel 7:27; Rom. 8:17; Rev. 20:4-6).
b. True overcomers in Christ (the Morning Star, Rev. 22:16) are given the glories and splendors of being with Christ forever. In new and glorified bodies, they can shine like the brightness of the heavens (verses 28, 29; Daniel 12:3).
THOUGHT: This is the center church (the fourth out of seven). Many times the main Hebrew and Greek message is found in the center of a writing. In this writing, the Son of God calls us to hold to the truth and to live for the Kingdom. This is also the message of the whole book!
Revelation 2:12-29
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #3: The Church at Pergamum
A. A brief history of the city of Pergamum: Pergamum in 95 A.D. was a large (over 200,000 population) and important city located about 70 miles north of Smyrna and about 15 miles inland from the coast. It boasted itself as the capital city of Asia Minor (along with Ephesus and Smyrna), had the second largest library in Rome with over 200,000 volumes (Alexandria was first), and was known as a learning and medical community. It also was a multiple temple and shrine city with three temples dedicated to the worship of the Roman Emperor (represented by a Bull), and temples to Zeus, Athena, and the healing god Asclepius (represented by a snake). In modern Turkey today, the city is known as Bergama.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17).
1. Christ’s attribute for the church to meditate on is found in Revelation 2:12. He identifies Himself as the one who has the sharp two-edged sword and we know from Revelation 1:16 that it comes out of His mouth. This shows Yahweh Jesus as the one who conquers, judges, and rebukes by the power of His words and the one who perfectly carried out the words of prophecy (Isa. 11:4; Rev. 12:10, 11; 19:13-15).
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches situation and problem (Rev. 2:13-16).
a. Christ knows that the church at Pergamum is in a city that has given itself over to multiple forms of idol worship including Emperor worship (Satan’s throne). In the midst of persecution, including one of their own being killed by the name of Antipas, the church has not denied Christ’s name or their faith (verse 13).
b. Christ knows that there are some in their congregation who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans (like the Ephesian church Rev. 2:2, 6) which ends up leading people astray. From church history we know that this group taught their followers to overcome (“nike” Greek) the lusts of this world and their flesh by giving themselves to licentious living. They probably believed that their physical bodies didn’t matter since God is essentially Spirit. Christ likens this teaching to that taught by the prophet Balaam. He advised the pagan King Balak on how to lure the Israelites into the sin of sacrificing to the false gods of the Moabites by seducing them by their women (verses 14, 15; Numbers 22:1-25:17, 31:16; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11).
c. Christ knows that false teachers need to repent (change their mind and accept and do truth) and the church leaders need to repent and not allow these false teachers to teach and exercise authority. Without repentance the church could come under Yahweh Jesus’ discipline (verse 16).
3. Christ’s award for His faithful ones (Rev. 2:17). To His true overcomers who will listen and put His words into practice Christ will give two things: 1) Hidden manna – manna was the daily food given by Yahweh to the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert of which some of it was hidden in the Ark of the Covenant (Ex. 16:31-34; Heb. 9:4). This promises sustaining intimacy with Christ now and millennial and eternal intimate fellowship in His service in the future (John 6:48-51; Revelation 19:6-9); 2) A White Stone with a new name – In the Roman world, white stones were given for special feasts or banquets which were presented at the time of entrance into the event. Many times the name of the person was inscribed on the stone. Christ is going to give His overcomers a stone with a new name picked out specifically by Him (Christ also has a new name, Rev. 19:12).
THOUGHT: Believers today need to watch out for some of the same problems that influenced the church at Pergamum. The lust for other things (idols) and sexual immorality are all around us. Christ’s word will speak to us and purify us if we let it!
II. Church #4: The Church at Thyatira
A. A brief history of the city of Thyatira: Thyatira was a merchant city located 45 miles southeast of Pergamum. During 95 A.D. at the time of the writing of Revelation, the city had a multitude of trade guilds which supplied the Roman military (being one of its military outposts) as well as the other cities since it was on Asia Minor’s major trade route. There were guilds (workers unions) for wool, linen, clothing, dyers, potters, bakers, leather, tanners, bronze smiths and slave traders. In the city were temples to Apollo, Artemis (Diana) and shrines to individual trade guild gods. Members of the trade guilds were expected to worship the god of that guild, participate in its feasts, and follow its social and sexual practices. Not participating in any of these could involve financial and social hardship. Lydia was from Thyatira as a “seller of purple” when the Apostle Paul witnesses Christ to her in Philippi (Acts 16:12-15).
B. Christ’s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Rev. 2:18. He is the Son of God which is the only time it is used in the book. The Apostle John uses this term to show the divine side of the Messiah whom he described for us as the Son of Man earlier (Rev. 1:13; John 1:34, 49; 20:31). He is also the one with blazing fire eyes and glowing bronze feet. His eyes speak of His all-knowing ability to exercise wise judgment and His feet speak of His ability to purify and conquer. These came from Revelation 1:14, 15 and could particularly speak to trade workers.
2. Christ’s assessment of the churches situation and problem (Rev. 2:19-25).
a. Christ knows the Thyatiran church’s ministry of love and faith, their endurance (the ability to “remain under” their situations), and commends them for doing more now than when they first started
(verse 19).
b. Christ knows that as a church, they are putting up with and giving a woman, who calls herself a prophetess, a platform to teach ideas that are not in conformity to the teaching of Christ and the apostles. Christ identifies her as similar to the Old Testament person Queen Jezebel. She was a Baal worshipping Canaanite who married Israel’s King Ahab and brought idolatry and deception to Israel provoking Yahweh to anger (I Kings 16:31-33; 2 Kings 9:22). This prophetess in Thyatira seemed to be teaching a form of Nicolaitan licentious living which has already been discussed in the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum (verse 20).
c. Christ has already confronted her with her error before this and has been waiting patiently for her and her followers to repent (change their mind and obey) (verse 21). If they choose to go their own way and not follow Christ’s discipline which could include affliction and suffering (“thlipsis” Greek), sickness (“I will cast her on her bed”), and death (verse 22). When this happens, those in the seven churches will take Christ’s discipline seriously (verse 23; I Cor. 11:30-32; James 5:19, 20; I John 5:16, 17).
d. Christ speaks comfort for those in the church who refuse to accept this prophetesses teachings on “the deep things of Satan.” This is probably the wrong view that Christians cannot be hurt by this world, and therefore can participate in it fully, because they are essentially spiritual beings. However, Christ says they should “hold fast” to His and the apostles true teaching until He comes. Christ took on human flesh (now has a glorified human body) and walked in purity and truth in His mortal body (verse 24, 25; Col. 3:5; I John 2:14-20).
3. Christ’s award for the faithful Thyatirans (Rev. 2:26-29).
a. True overcomers in Christ are promised a co-reigning with Him in His Millennial Kingdom on this earth (verse 26, 27; Psalms 2:8, 9; Daniel 7:27; Rom. 8:17; Rev. 20:4-6).
b. True overcomers in Christ (the Morning Star, Rev. 22:16) are given the glories and splendors of being with Christ forever. In new and glorified bodies, they can shine like the brightness of the heavens (verses 28, 29; Daniel 12:3).
THOUGHT: This is the center church (the fourth out of seven). Many times the main Hebrew and Greek message is found in the center of a writing. In this writing, the Son of God calls us to hold to the truth and to live for the Kingdom. This is also the message of the whole book!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Revelation 2:1-11
YAHWEH JESUS IS IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES (PART I)
Revelation 2:1-11
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #1: The Church as Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7).
A. A brief history of the city of Ephesus: Ephesus was one of the most important and largest cities in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) at the time of Revelation (95 A.D.). It was given “free city” status and, therefore, could be self governed. It was a major trade city for Rome and a “temple warden” city for the fertility goddess Artemis (Greek) or Diana (Roman version). In this city of over 200,000 people, the temple had thousands of priests and priestesses dedicated to prostitution. The Apostle Paul planted the church at Ephesus in about 52 A.D. (Acts 18:19-21), spent three years ministering there between 54-56 A.D. and wrote his Ephesian letter while imprisoned in Rome in 60 A.D.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:1. He identifies Himself as the churches’ powerful protector (“holding the seven stars in His right hand”) as well as the one who has intimate knowledge of their activity (“walking in their midst”) (Rev. 2:1, 1:13, 20). 2. Christ’s assessment of the churches’ situation and problem (Rev. 2:2-6).
a. Christ knows that the Ephesian church has been faithful at discerning and calling out evil men who are false apostles (probably claiming special authority from God) (verse 2). These are probably the same as the Nicolaitanes of verse 6 (possibly followers of the deacon Nicolas Acts 6:5). From church history we know that this group seemed to be teaching their followers to overcome (“nike” Greek) the lusts of this world and their flesh by giving themselves over to licenscious living. They probably believed their physical bodies didn’t matter since God is essentially Spirit. However, they were deceived since Christ took on human flesh (now has a glorified human body) and walked in purity, truth, and sinlessness (Revelation 2:2, 6; Col. 3:5;
I John 2:14-20).
b. Christ knows that the Ephesian church has patiently endured hard conditions for Christ’s name and have not given up. This probably relates to being a church in such a pagan city (verse 3).
c. Christ knows that the Ephesian church has forsaken or left their first love. The “first love” is like the passion and zeal of a new bride and groom for each other. Leaving the “first love” of Christ probably indicates a staleness or mediocrity with their individual and congregational witness of Christ’s love. If this church does not repent (change their minds or perspective), they could be removed as Christ’s light to this city (verse 4 and 5).
3. Christ’s award for the faithful Ephesians (Revelation 2:7).
a. There is a universal call to all of His churches then and now to this message. To repent, a person or congregation first needs to listen and obey (Greek “listen under”) (Isa. 6:9, 10; Matt. 13:9-17).
b. Christ’s true overcomers will eat of the tree of life. In other words, they will come back to the full situation of life with Yahweh and even more so that Adam and Eve were banished from (Gen. 3:22-24; Revelation. 22:1-5). This seems to promise a deeper life of knowing Yahweh Father and Son now and throughout eternity (John 17:1-5).
THOUGHT: On a scale of 1 to 10 is our passion and love for Christ higher or lower than it was 3 months, 3 years, or 30 years ago? How about our church as a whole?
II. Church #2: The Church at Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11).
A. A brief history of the city of Smyrna: Smyrna was a large (200,000 population) and beautiful seaport city located 35 miles north of Ephesus. In modern Turkey, it is now called Izmir and is known to be the birthplace of Homer. It was an educational center for the area, wealthy, and a center for imperial worship as well as the Greek temples of Cybele, Zeus, Apollo, Asclepius, and Aphrodite. Under the Roman Emperor Domitian (81-96 A.D.) emperor worship became compulsory. A Christian who refused to worship Caesar or any of the other numerous Greek gods risked societal alienation, persecution, and death.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:8. He identifies Himself as the churches’ promised Old Testament king and Messiah (Rev. 1:17; Isa. 44:6) that has made and will make everything right in the end. Yahweh Jesus suffered, died, and rose again and He will supply strength for the believers in Smyrna to do the same.
2. Christ’s assessment of the situation without a rebuke (Rev. 2:9, 10).
a. Christ knows that the Smyrnan church has had suffering (“thlipsis,” distress, ordeal) and economic hardship due to their stand for Christ. Evidently, Jewish non-believers have made matters worse for them by aggressively persecuting them and reporting Christian non-compliance (verse 9).
b. Christ knows that the Smyrnan church will still suffer some more specific things in the future and will experience a certain amount of fear. For a specific ten day period of time (same as Dan. 1:12-15), they would undergo very severe suffering and they are encouraged to remain faithful (verse 10a,b,c).
3. Christ’s award for the faithful Smyrnans (Revelation 2:10d, 11).
a. Christ’s faithful sufferers will receive a crown of life. The crown (“stephanos” Greek) was a reward given to the winner of the Olympic Games receiving a laurel wreathed (woven branched) crown. This seems to be a consistent specific reward for faithful suffering (James 2:12) which overcomers are rewarded with to lay before Christ’s throne in worship (Rev. 4:10d).
b. There is a universal call to all of His churches then and now to overcome and know that even though the first death hurts, the second death (being thrown into Hell, Rev. 20:6, 14, 15) will never hurt them (Rev. 4:11).
THOUGHT: Let’s meditate on our Yahweh Jesus’ attributes this week and receive
His strength.
Revelation 2:1-11
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Church #1: The Church as Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7).
A. A brief history of the city of Ephesus: Ephesus was one of the most important and largest cities in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) at the time of Revelation (95 A.D.). It was given “free city” status and, therefore, could be self governed. It was a major trade city for Rome and a “temple warden” city for the fertility goddess Artemis (Greek) or Diana (Roman version). In this city of over 200,000 people, the temple had thousands of priests and priestesses dedicated to prostitution. The Apostle Paul planted the church at Ephesus in about 52 A.D. (Acts 18:19-21), spent three years ministering there between 54-56 A.D. and wrote his Ephesian letter while imprisoned in Rome in 60 A.D.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessments, and award for the congregation at Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:1. He identifies Himself as the churches’ powerful protector (“holding the seven stars in His right hand”) as well as the one who has intimate knowledge of their activity (“walking in their midst”) (Rev. 2:1, 1:13, 20). 2. Christ’s assessment of the churches’ situation and problem (Rev. 2:2-6).
a. Christ knows that the Ephesian church has been faithful at discerning and calling out evil men who are false apostles (probably claiming special authority from God) (verse 2). These are probably the same as the Nicolaitanes of verse 6 (possibly followers of the deacon Nicolas Acts 6:5). From church history we know that this group seemed to be teaching their followers to overcome (“nike” Greek) the lusts of this world and their flesh by giving themselves over to licenscious living. They probably believed their physical bodies didn’t matter since God is essentially Spirit. However, they were deceived since Christ took on human flesh (now has a glorified human body) and walked in purity, truth, and sinlessness (Revelation 2:2, 6; Col. 3:5;
I John 2:14-20).
b. Christ knows that the Ephesian church has patiently endured hard conditions for Christ’s name and have not given up. This probably relates to being a church in such a pagan city (verse 3).
c. Christ knows that the Ephesian church has forsaken or left their first love. The “first love” is like the passion and zeal of a new bride and groom for each other. Leaving the “first love” of Christ probably indicates a staleness or mediocrity with their individual and congregational witness of Christ’s love. If this church does not repent (change their minds or perspective), they could be removed as Christ’s light to this city (verse 4 and 5).
3. Christ’s award for the faithful Ephesians (Revelation 2:7).
a. There is a universal call to all of His churches then and now to this message. To repent, a person or congregation first needs to listen and obey (Greek “listen under”) (Isa. 6:9, 10; Matt. 13:9-17).
b. Christ’s true overcomers will eat of the tree of life. In other words, they will come back to the full situation of life with Yahweh and even more so that Adam and Eve were banished from (Gen. 3:22-24; Revelation. 22:1-5). This seems to promise a deeper life of knowing Yahweh Father and Son now and throughout eternity (John 17:1-5).
THOUGHT: On a scale of 1 to 10 is our passion and love for Christ higher or lower than it was 3 months, 3 years, or 30 years ago? How about our church as a whole?
II. Church #2: The Church at Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11).
A. A brief history of the city of Smyrna: Smyrna was a large (200,000 population) and beautiful seaport city located 35 miles north of Ephesus. In modern Turkey, it is now called Izmir and is known to be the birthplace of Homer. It was an educational center for the area, wealthy, and a center for imperial worship as well as the Greek temples of Cybele, Zeus, Apollo, Asclepius, and Aphrodite. Under the Roman Emperor Domitian (81-96 A.D.) emperor worship became compulsory. A Christian who refused to worship Caesar or any of the other numerous Greek gods risked societal alienation, persecution, and death.
B. Christ’s attributes, assessment, and award for the congregation at Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11).
1. Christ’s attributes for the church to meditate on are found in Revelation 2:8. He identifies Himself as the churches’ promised Old Testament king and Messiah (Rev. 1:17; Isa. 44:6) that has made and will make everything right in the end. Yahweh Jesus suffered, died, and rose again and He will supply strength for the believers in Smyrna to do the same.
2. Christ’s assessment of the situation without a rebuke (Rev. 2:9, 10).
a. Christ knows that the Smyrnan church has had suffering (“thlipsis,” distress, ordeal) and economic hardship due to their stand for Christ. Evidently, Jewish non-believers have made matters worse for them by aggressively persecuting them and reporting Christian non-compliance (verse 9).
b. Christ knows that the Smyrnan church will still suffer some more specific things in the future and will experience a certain amount of fear. For a specific ten day period of time (same as Dan. 1:12-15), they would undergo very severe suffering and they are encouraged to remain faithful (verse 10a,b,c).
3. Christ’s award for the faithful Smyrnans (Revelation 2:10d, 11).
a. Christ’s faithful sufferers will receive a crown of life. The crown (“stephanos” Greek) was a reward given to the winner of the Olympic Games receiving a laurel wreathed (woven branched) crown. This seems to be a consistent specific reward for faithful suffering (James 2:12) which overcomers are rewarded with to lay before Christ’s throne in worship (Rev. 4:10d).
b. There is a universal call to all of His churches then and now to overcome and know that even though the first death hurts, the second death (being thrown into Hell, Rev. 20:6, 14, 15) will never hurt them (Rev. 4:11).
THOUGHT: Let’s meditate on our Yahweh Jesus’ attributes this week and receive
His strength.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Revelation 1:9-20
THE COMMISSION OF THE APOSTLE JOHN’S WRITINGS AND
THE VISION OF THE GLORIFIED CHRIST AND
HIS PRESENCE IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES
Revelation 1:9-20
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The Apostle John gives the historical setting as well as his commission to write the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:9-11)
A. John tells his Christian readers and hearers that he is their fellow brother (they are all in the same family of God in Christ). He also explains to them that they share fellowship together (Greek “koinonia”) in three areas: 1) suffering (Greek “thlipsis,” distress, ordeal); 2) kingdom (as believers we are now part of Christ’s kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20; John 12:12-16) and await Christ’s completed kingdom reign (Rev. 19:11-22:5); 3) patient endurance (Greek “hupomona,” remaining under), as Christians we call upon Yahweh to help us to remain a faithful witness through the trials and temptations of this world we are in (I Cor. 10:13; Rev. 1:9a).
B. John had been exiled to the island of Patmos and writes Revelation from there (Rev. 1:9b).
1. The historian Eusebius confirms that the Apostle John was banished to the island of Patmos in the fourteenth year of Roman Emperor Domitian’s reign (95 A.D.).
2. It was an island 10 miles long and 6 miles wide 37 miles off the coast of Miletus. It became a penal colony area for Rome but also had a decent population of citizens on the island, two gymnasia and a temple of Artemis.
3. There is presently a cave near the top of the island marked off as a shrine where it is thought that John received his visions and wrote the book of Revelation. He probably did this while looking out on the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
4. He had been banished because of his teaching and preaching the Word of God and for being a witness of Jesus Christ.
5. Emperor Domitian died in 96 A.D., a general amnesty for the exiles were given, and it is believed that John returned to Ephesus.
THOUGHT: Right now, we as believers share a life in Christ’s Kingdom that has trouble and needs patient endurance. However, as we are faithful to our individual callings, Yahweh accomplishes His Kingdom purposes in and through us. Look at the example of the Apostle John!
C. John explains how he received his calling and commission to write the book of Revelation in a manner similar to an Old Testament prophet (Rev. 1:10,11; Ezek. 2:2, 3:12, 14, 24; Dan. 7:1,15).
1. John’s commission happened on the Lord’s Day. Scripture and church history helps us to understand this as Sunday (John 20:19, 26; Acts 20:7;
I Cor. 11:20; 16:2).
2. John’s commission happened while he was in the Spirit. This seems to be another way of saying that he was given the Holy Spirit’s understanding in his spirit through supernatural means (Rev. 4:2, 17:3, 21:10).
3. John heard his commission from a loud voice (probably Christ’s see also Rev. 1:19). It sounded to him like a trumpet which many times is used in Scripture to alert, warn, and prepare God’s people (Matt. 24:31;
I Cor. 15:52; I Thes. 4:16).
4. John was to write this book on a scroll to seven churches in Asia Minor which would now be in modern day Turkey.
a. This scroll would have been on a papyrus scroll and on completion might have spanned 17 feet rolled out.
b. The seven churches were probably selected because they were well known to the Apostle John, they were postal distribution centers, and they each showed important church issues (which churches for all time could relate to).
c. It seemed to be that the book would first go to Ephesus where it would be copied and then sent off to the next destination. After all seven churches copied their scroll, it was then probably sent to other Christian churches where it became widely known.
THOUGHT: Christianity is both supernatural and rational at the same time. The commission, writing, and distribution of Revelation shows both/and not either/or.
II. The Apostle John’s vision of the glorified Christ (Rev. 1:12-20).
A. Someone “like a son of man” is seen among or in the midst of a golden seven- branched lampstand which represents the seven churches (Rev. 1:12, 13a).
1. The coming Messiah (anointed one) is prophesied in Daniel 7:13 as “someone like the son of man” and while on earth Jesus called Himself the “Son of Man” (Luke 5:24, 6:5, 17:22, 24, 26, 30). Now in Revelation, John picks up this theme for our glorified Jesus Christ.
2. The golden seven-branched lampstand comes from the Old Testament lampstands found in the Jewish Tabernacle and Temples (Ex.25:31-40) and from the prophet Zechariah (Zech. 4:2 already used in Rev. 1:4 and will be used again in Rev. 11:4). The lampstand was the structure which supported the oil which could be lit and give light to an area. In the New Testament, Christ’s church is Yahweh’s light to this world (Matt. 5:14).
THOUGHT: It is interesting that the churches vision of the glorified Christ, after a time of over 60 years from the time of Acts, finds Jesus actively among His churches. We are not alone!
B. John next describes features of the glorified Son of Man (Rev. 1:13b-16).
1. John describes Jesus’ clothes, head and hair, eyes, feet, voice, right hand, mouth and face in which reveals the majesty of the King-Judge-Messiah of Isaiah 22:21, 22, Daniel 7:9-14, and Daniel 10:5, 6.
2. A ruler or dignitary wore a long robe with a golden sash around the chest as opposed to a day laborer whose robe would have been tucked in with the sash around his waist (Rev. 15:6). The white hair and blazing eyes speaks of Christ’s wisdom to judge (Daniel 7:9). The glowing feet show Christ’s ability to conquer and purify (Ezek. 1:13, 27). The voice of many waters demonstrates Christ’s awesome power and glory (Ezek. 43:2), His right hand held seven stars which are interpreted for us as seven angels evidently assigned to each of the seven churches (Rev. 1:20; Dan. 12:1; angels are always real angels in the rest of the book). His mouth with the double- edged sword expresses Christ’s ability to conquer, judge, and rebuke by the power of His Words, Word and faithfulness to His Father’s will (Isa. 11:4; Rev. 12:10, 11; 19:13-15). Finally, Christ’s amazingly bright shining face reveals His divine splendor and glory (Matt. 17:2).
C. This glorified Christ which the Apostle John has just seen is the very same one which was prophesied to come and the one who has accomplished the salvation of all who have and will believe (Rev. 1:17-20).
1. The Apostle John is strengthened by the glorified Christ after seeing this supernatural amazing sight (verse 17a; Matt. 17:6, 7).
2. Jesus proclaims Himself as the First and the Last revealing Himself to be the prophesied Old Testament’s King and Messiah (verse 17b; Isa. 44:6).
3. Jesus proclaims His own death, burial, and resurrection as the basis and power of His authority just as He has always done (verse 18a; John 5:19-30, 11:25; Matt. 28:18-20).
4. Jesus proclaims that because of His faithfulness to this plan of redemption that He now possesses the keys to death and Hades (the place of the dead which was Sheol in the Old Testament) (verse 18b; Isa. 53:4-12; John 5:38; Matt. 16:18, 19; John 5:38).
5. The Apostle John is again told to write this message of the glorified Christ which will include the things which he has seen (visions and instructions) for both the current and future time periods (verses 19, 20).
THE VISION OF THE GLORIFIED CHRIST AND
HIS PRESENCE IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCHES
Revelation 1:9-20
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The Apostle John gives the historical setting as well as his commission to write the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:9-11)
A. John tells his Christian readers and hearers that he is their fellow brother (they are all in the same family of God in Christ). He also explains to them that they share fellowship together (Greek “koinonia”) in three areas: 1) suffering (Greek “thlipsis,” distress, ordeal); 2) kingdom (as believers we are now part of Christ’s kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20; John 12:12-16) and await Christ’s completed kingdom reign (Rev. 19:11-22:5); 3) patient endurance (Greek “hupomona,” remaining under), as Christians we call upon Yahweh to help us to remain a faithful witness through the trials and temptations of this world we are in (I Cor. 10:13; Rev. 1:9a).
B. John had been exiled to the island of Patmos and writes Revelation from there (Rev. 1:9b).
1. The historian Eusebius confirms that the Apostle John was banished to the island of Patmos in the fourteenth year of Roman Emperor Domitian’s reign (95 A.D.).
2. It was an island 10 miles long and 6 miles wide 37 miles off the coast of Miletus. It became a penal colony area for Rome but also had a decent population of citizens on the island, two gymnasia and a temple of Artemis.
3. There is presently a cave near the top of the island marked off as a shrine where it is thought that John received his visions and wrote the book of Revelation. He probably did this while looking out on the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
4. He had been banished because of his teaching and preaching the Word of God and for being a witness of Jesus Christ.
5. Emperor Domitian died in 96 A.D., a general amnesty for the exiles were given, and it is believed that John returned to Ephesus.
THOUGHT: Right now, we as believers share a life in Christ’s Kingdom that has trouble and needs patient endurance. However, as we are faithful to our individual callings, Yahweh accomplishes His Kingdom purposes in and through us. Look at the example of the Apostle John!
C. John explains how he received his calling and commission to write the book of Revelation in a manner similar to an Old Testament prophet (Rev. 1:10,11; Ezek. 2:2, 3:12, 14, 24; Dan. 7:1,15).
1. John’s commission happened on the Lord’s Day. Scripture and church history helps us to understand this as Sunday (John 20:19, 26; Acts 20:7;
I Cor. 11:20; 16:2).
2. John’s commission happened while he was in the Spirit. This seems to be another way of saying that he was given the Holy Spirit’s understanding in his spirit through supernatural means (Rev. 4:2, 17:3, 21:10).
3. John heard his commission from a loud voice (probably Christ’s see also Rev. 1:19). It sounded to him like a trumpet which many times is used in Scripture to alert, warn, and prepare God’s people (Matt. 24:31;
I Cor. 15:52; I Thes. 4:16).
4. John was to write this book on a scroll to seven churches in Asia Minor which would now be in modern day Turkey.
a. This scroll would have been on a papyrus scroll and on completion might have spanned 17 feet rolled out.
b. The seven churches were probably selected because they were well known to the Apostle John, they were postal distribution centers, and they each showed important church issues (which churches for all time could relate to).
c. It seemed to be that the book would first go to Ephesus where it would be copied and then sent off to the next destination. After all seven churches copied their scroll, it was then probably sent to other Christian churches where it became widely known.
THOUGHT: Christianity is both supernatural and rational at the same time. The commission, writing, and distribution of Revelation shows both/and not either/or.
II. The Apostle John’s vision of the glorified Christ (Rev. 1:12-20).
A. Someone “like a son of man” is seen among or in the midst of a golden seven- branched lampstand which represents the seven churches (Rev. 1:12, 13a).
1. The coming Messiah (anointed one) is prophesied in Daniel 7:13 as “someone like the son of man” and while on earth Jesus called Himself the “Son of Man” (Luke 5:24, 6:5, 17:22, 24, 26, 30). Now in Revelation, John picks up this theme for our glorified Jesus Christ.
2. The golden seven-branched lampstand comes from the Old Testament lampstands found in the Jewish Tabernacle and Temples (Ex.25:31-40) and from the prophet Zechariah (Zech. 4:2 already used in Rev. 1:4 and will be used again in Rev. 11:4). The lampstand was the structure which supported the oil which could be lit and give light to an area. In the New Testament, Christ’s church is Yahweh’s light to this world (Matt. 5:14).
THOUGHT: It is interesting that the churches vision of the glorified Christ, after a time of over 60 years from the time of Acts, finds Jesus actively among His churches. We are not alone!
B. John next describes features of the glorified Son of Man (Rev. 1:13b-16).
1. John describes Jesus’ clothes, head and hair, eyes, feet, voice, right hand, mouth and face in which reveals the majesty of the King-Judge-Messiah of Isaiah 22:21, 22, Daniel 7:9-14, and Daniel 10:5, 6.
2. A ruler or dignitary wore a long robe with a golden sash around the chest as opposed to a day laborer whose robe would have been tucked in with the sash around his waist (Rev. 15:6). The white hair and blazing eyes speaks of Christ’s wisdom to judge (Daniel 7:9). The glowing feet show Christ’s ability to conquer and purify (Ezek. 1:13, 27). The voice of many waters demonstrates Christ’s awesome power and glory (Ezek. 43:2), His right hand held seven stars which are interpreted for us as seven angels evidently assigned to each of the seven churches (Rev. 1:20; Dan. 12:1; angels are always real angels in the rest of the book). His mouth with the double- edged sword expresses Christ’s ability to conquer, judge, and rebuke by the power of His Words, Word and faithfulness to His Father’s will (Isa. 11:4; Rev. 12:10, 11; 19:13-15). Finally, Christ’s amazingly bright shining face reveals His divine splendor and glory (Matt. 17:2).
C. This glorified Christ which the Apostle John has just seen is the very same one which was prophesied to come and the one who has accomplished the salvation of all who have and will believe (Rev. 1:17-20).
1. The Apostle John is strengthened by the glorified Christ after seeing this supernatural amazing sight (verse 17a; Matt. 17:6, 7).
2. Jesus proclaims Himself as the First and the Last revealing Himself to be the prophesied Old Testament’s King and Messiah (verse 17b; Isa. 44:6).
3. Jesus proclaims His own death, burial, and resurrection as the basis and power of His authority just as He has always done (verse 18a; John 5:19-30, 11:25; Matt. 28:18-20).
4. Jesus proclaims that because of His faithfulness to this plan of redemption that He now possesses the keys to death and Hades (the place of the dead which was Sheol in the Old Testament) (verse 18b; Isa. 53:4-12; John 5:38; Matt. 16:18, 19; John 5:38).
5. The Apostle John is again told to write this message of the glorified Christ which will include the things which he has seen (visions and instructions) for both the current and future time periods (verses 19, 20).
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Revelation 1:4-8
THE GREETING AND THEME OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Revelation 1:4-8
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The amazingly deep greeting in the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:4-6).
A. John writes to not just one church but to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern day western Turkey). This message of Revelation was very important and ultimately was for every local church for the last almost 2,000 years of church history (verse 4a).
B. As with most New Testament letters or books, it starts off with a greeting from the writer and a greeting from Yahweh (verses 4b-5a).
1. Grace (Yahweh’s unmerited favor) and peace (Yahweh’s Shalom) bestowed upon the seven churches (and all future churches). These ultimately can be given only through belief in Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection (verse 4b; Rom. 1:7, 5:1-5).
2. This comes from Yahweh who has revealed Himself as Father, Spirit, and Son (verses 4c-6).
a. Yahweh Father is He who is, was, and is to come. This is very closely related to Yahweh’s name (the “I am who I am”) (Ex. 3:14).
b. Yahweh Spirit is represented as the seven spirits before the throne, a reference to the Holy Spirit from the book of Zechariah (Zech. 4:1-10; Rev. 4:5).
c. Yahweh Son (Jesus Christ) is last in this list because the whole book is about Him including His work in redemption, His work among the churches, His judgments, and His coming in His glory to set up His earthly and eternal kingdom (verse 5a).
C. Jesus Christ is described for us with three of His titles and three of His works (verses 5b-6).
1. Title #1 – He is the faithful witness. He is the one who will faithfully speak out Yahweh’s plans of redemption and kingdom for eternity (as the prophesied Messiah and Son of David (2 Sam. 7:8-16; Ps. 89:36, 37; Daniel 9:26a; Isa. 52:13 – 53:12).
2. Title #2 – He is the firstborn from the dead. He is the highest in preeminence (the Hebrew-Greek idea of firstborn) as well as the first to rise from the dead with a new body (Psalms 89:27; Acts 2:29-36; Col. 1:18;
I Cor. 15:23).
3. Title #3 – He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. He will ultimately prove Himself to be this earthly king and the eternal King! (Psalms 89:27;
Dan. 7:13, 14; Rev. 19:16).
4. Work #1 – He presently loves us as members of His church body
(Hebrews 13:5, 6, 8).
5. Work #2 – In the past, He has freed us from our sins by His blood
(Romans 3:21-26).
6. Work #3 – He has made all of His believers part of His Kingdom and Priesthood now, but these will be fully realized at His second coming
(Dan. 12:33, Ex. 19:6; Rev. 20:6).
7. Jesus Christ deserves to receive glory (“doxa”) from all of His creation but especially from His people (Isa. 45:23; Phil. 2:10, 11). He deserves the authority and power to rule throughout all the ages (eternity)
(Matt. 25:31-34). May the truth of this statement be affirmed! So be it! Amen (“be firm”)!
THOUGHT: Which title or work of Jesus Christ brought you deeper into Yahweh’s presence today? Let’s make sure and bring a fresh offering of praise to Him for this.
II. The ultimate theme in the book of Revelation is the coming glorified Christ to rule and reign on this earth and throughout eternity (verses 7, 8).
A. The prophecy of verse 7 comes from a combination of two Old Testament Scriptures found in Daniel 7:13, 14 and Zechariah 12:10.
B. Besides these Old Testament passages, Jesus and the New Testament writers prophesied the same thing (Matt. 11:2, 24:3, 30, 31; Acts 1:3, 6, 11; 2 Thes. 2:1, 8).
C. There are seven places in the book of Revelation where Christ Himself tells of His coming (Rev. 2:5, 16; 3:11; 16:15; 22:7, 12, 20).
D. Christ will return in the sky with the clouds. This could be real clouds or/and His Saints (Dan. 7:13, 18, 27; Rev. 19:14).
E. At His return, every eye will be able to see Him. This possibly implies both the living and the dead. Perhaps Yahweh will miraculously open each person’s eyes in visionary form if this is the case.
F. Those who pierced Him (the Apostle John used the Hebrew Text rather than the Septuagint here as in John 19:37) could be both the Jewish and Roman non- believers as were the original Christ crucifiers.
G. Both Zechariah 12:10-13 and Daniel 7:19-26 talk about a time of great mourning and tribulation that will come on the earth before Christ’s return. The book of Revelation will show the truthfulness of this prophecy.
H. An affirmation of the truthfulness of the statement of verse 7 is given by the Lord God (“Kurios ha Theos”) Himself in verse 8.
1. In context, the best person of the Trinity to make this statement seems to be Yahweh Father since He is identified as this part of the Trinity in Rev. 1:4. However, the person of the Son says many of the same things in
Rev. 21:12, 13 so there seems to be a handing over of authority between the Father and Son for a certain period of time. This follows the patterns of Daniel 7:9-14 as well as I Cor. 15:24-28.
2. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter. Therefore, Yahweh Father is the great “I Am” (Ex. 3:15) who has existed for all eternity perfectly carrying out His will (Isa. 41:4) as the Almighty Ruler of All.
THOUGHT: The second coming of Jesus Christ is a Scriptural certainty backed up by the guarantee of the truthfulness and word of Yahweh Himself.
Revelation 1:4-8
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The amazingly deep greeting in the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:4-6).
A. John writes to not just one church but to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern day western Turkey). This message of Revelation was very important and ultimately was for every local church for the last almost 2,000 years of church history (verse 4a).
B. As with most New Testament letters or books, it starts off with a greeting from the writer and a greeting from Yahweh (verses 4b-5a).
1. Grace (Yahweh’s unmerited favor) and peace (Yahweh’s Shalom) bestowed upon the seven churches (and all future churches). These ultimately can be given only through belief in Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection (verse 4b; Rom. 1:7, 5:1-5).
2. This comes from Yahweh who has revealed Himself as Father, Spirit, and Son (verses 4c-6).
a. Yahweh Father is He who is, was, and is to come. This is very closely related to Yahweh’s name (the “I am who I am”) (Ex. 3:14).
b. Yahweh Spirit is represented as the seven spirits before the throne, a reference to the Holy Spirit from the book of Zechariah (Zech. 4:1-10; Rev. 4:5).
c. Yahweh Son (Jesus Christ) is last in this list because the whole book is about Him including His work in redemption, His work among the churches, His judgments, and His coming in His glory to set up His earthly and eternal kingdom (verse 5a).
C. Jesus Christ is described for us with three of His titles and three of His works (verses 5b-6).
1. Title #1 – He is the faithful witness. He is the one who will faithfully speak out Yahweh’s plans of redemption and kingdom for eternity (as the prophesied Messiah and Son of David (2 Sam. 7:8-16; Ps. 89:36, 37; Daniel 9:26a; Isa. 52:13 – 53:12).
2. Title #2 – He is the firstborn from the dead. He is the highest in preeminence (the Hebrew-Greek idea of firstborn) as well as the first to rise from the dead with a new body (Psalms 89:27; Acts 2:29-36; Col. 1:18;
I Cor. 15:23).
3. Title #3 – He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. He will ultimately prove Himself to be this earthly king and the eternal King! (Psalms 89:27;
Dan. 7:13, 14; Rev. 19:16).
4. Work #1 – He presently loves us as members of His church body
(Hebrews 13:5, 6, 8).
5. Work #2 – In the past, He has freed us from our sins by His blood
(Romans 3:21-26).
6. Work #3 – He has made all of His believers part of His Kingdom and Priesthood now, but these will be fully realized at His second coming
(Dan. 12:33, Ex. 19:6; Rev. 20:6).
7. Jesus Christ deserves to receive glory (“doxa”) from all of His creation but especially from His people (Isa. 45:23; Phil. 2:10, 11). He deserves the authority and power to rule throughout all the ages (eternity)
(Matt. 25:31-34). May the truth of this statement be affirmed! So be it! Amen (“be firm”)!
THOUGHT: Which title or work of Jesus Christ brought you deeper into Yahweh’s presence today? Let’s make sure and bring a fresh offering of praise to Him for this.
II. The ultimate theme in the book of Revelation is the coming glorified Christ to rule and reign on this earth and throughout eternity (verses 7, 8).
A. The prophecy of verse 7 comes from a combination of two Old Testament Scriptures found in Daniel 7:13, 14 and Zechariah 12:10.
B. Besides these Old Testament passages, Jesus and the New Testament writers prophesied the same thing (Matt. 11:2, 24:3, 30, 31; Acts 1:3, 6, 11; 2 Thes. 2:1, 8).
C. There are seven places in the book of Revelation where Christ Himself tells of His coming (Rev. 2:5, 16; 3:11; 16:15; 22:7, 12, 20).
D. Christ will return in the sky with the clouds. This could be real clouds or/and His Saints (Dan. 7:13, 18, 27; Rev. 19:14).
E. At His return, every eye will be able to see Him. This possibly implies both the living and the dead. Perhaps Yahweh will miraculously open each person’s eyes in visionary form if this is the case.
F. Those who pierced Him (the Apostle John used the Hebrew Text rather than the Septuagint here as in John 19:37) could be both the Jewish and Roman non- believers as were the original Christ crucifiers.
G. Both Zechariah 12:10-13 and Daniel 7:19-26 talk about a time of great mourning and tribulation that will come on the earth before Christ’s return. The book of Revelation will show the truthfulness of this prophecy.
H. An affirmation of the truthfulness of the statement of verse 7 is given by the Lord God (“Kurios ha Theos”) Himself in verse 8.
1. In context, the best person of the Trinity to make this statement seems to be Yahweh Father since He is identified as this part of the Trinity in Rev. 1:4. However, the person of the Son says many of the same things in
Rev. 21:12, 13 so there seems to be a handing over of authority between the Father and Son for a certain period of time. This follows the patterns of Daniel 7:9-14 as well as I Cor. 15:24-28.
2. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter. Therefore, Yahweh Father is the great “I Am” (Ex. 3:15) who has existed for all eternity perfectly carrying out His will (Isa. 41:4) as the Almighty Ruler of All.
THOUGHT: The second coming of Jesus Christ is a Scriptural certainty backed up by the guarantee of the truthfulness and word of Yahweh Himself.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND, AND REVELATION 1:1-3
INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND, AND
REVELATION 1:1-3
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The author of Revelation is the Apostle John.
A. Revelation 1:1, 4, 9; 22:8 give the author’s name as that of John.
B. The early church leaders including Papias, Justin Martyr, Iranaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Origen, Methodius and the Muratorian fragment all attest to the Apostle John as the writer.
C. Internal evidence inside the book of Revelation compared with John’s other writings (The Gospel of John, I, II, III John) show many similarities and few differences. Some examples are:
1. The use of “The Word” (John 1:1, I John 1:1, Rev. 19:13).
2. The use of “fellowship with” or “companion in: (I John 1:3, 6, 7; Rev. 1:9, 18:4).
3. The use from the quote from Zech. 12:10 in exactly the same way
(John 19:37, Rev. 1:7).
D. The Apostle John’s five books show a rich and full dynamic of Yahweh’s salvation found only in Jesus Christ.
1. The Apostle John wrote the Gospel of John to give instruction on justification (believing in Christ) and sanctification (believers living out their life in Christ) (John 20:31).
2. He wrote his letters of I, II, III John to the churches in Asia Minor concerning doctrinal issues (I John 4:2, 3; II John 7) and how to have real fellowship in Yahweh Father and Yahweh Jesus (sanctification,
I John 1:3, 4)
3. He wrote Revelation to reveal the glorified Christ to the churches of Asia Minor (sanctification, Revelation chapters 2 and 3) and to reveal Jesus judging this earth, setting up His Earthly and Eternal Kingdom reign, the bodily resurrection of the dead, and rewarding His faithful believers (glorification, Revelation chapters 1, 5-22).
E. The Apostle John became one of Jesus’ closest disciples while ministering with Him. John reclined close to Jesus at the Lord’s supper (John 13:23), He witnessed the transfiguration (Luke 9:28), and was entrusted with the care of Mary (the mother of Jesus, John 19:26-27).
Thought: How do we determine teaching and preaching credibility today in our churches?
II. A date for the writing of Revelation that is the most plausible and historically substantiated is around 95 A.D.
A. This date best agrees with the early church leaders who place John’s exile to Patmos during the time of the Roman emperor Domitian (81-96 A.D.).
B. One possible scenario: John took care of Mary (Jesus’ mother) after 33 A.D. where the apostles headquartered in Jerusalem. He might have become an evangelist – church planter in Asia Minor setting up his missionary headquarters in Ephesus. He might have written the Gospel of John at Ephesus (as per Irenaeus) between 48-52 A.D. to strengthen the seven churches when he moved back to Jerusalem. He participated in the Apostle Paul’s concordat of missionary division around 48 A.D. (Gal. 2:1-10). At the time of the writing of
I John (probably 64-65 A.D.), he seems to be back in Jerusalem with the other apostles (I John 2:19). After the Jewish war (66 A.D.) broke out and the destruction of the Jewish temple (70 A.D.), he moved back to Ephesus and continued his ministry for another 25-30 years in Asia Minor. He is exiled to Patmos and writes Revelation around 95 A.D.
C. Some Bible scholars and commentators prefer an earlier date for the writing of Revelation under the Roman emperor Nero (54-68 A.D.). Many of these commentators see the events of Revelation as primarily historical and dealing with the things Christians struggled with under Nero. Primarily a futurist exegesis of Revelation is thought to follow the rules of the literal-historical- grammatical interpretation of prophecy and so will be used in this study. Mention will be made to those that have other persuasions.
III. The Apostle John was given a wonderful message by the God of the Universe (Yahweh) which he was instructed to write down and share with all of Yahweh’s servants (Rev. 1:1-3).
A. It is called the revelation of Jesus Christ (verse 1).
1. The English word revelation comes from the Greek word “apokalypsis.” The word has a prefix “apo” (away or take away) and the root “kalypsis” (a cover) bringing out the ideas of taking away a cover, an uncovering, or unveiling. Thus, revelation discloses or reveals something which has been concealed. It’s amazing!
2. This message is specifically going to unveil the message and glory of Jesus Christ our Yeshua Ha Meshiach (Savior Messiah or Annointed Savior). We will be able to see Jesus in a whole new way!
B. It is going to speak of things that “must soon take place” or “must happen soon” which concerns future events (verse 1). The idea is probably a Scriptural fulfilling of already mentioned prophetic events (see the similar wording of Daniel 2:28, 29, 45; Mark 13:7; Rev. 4:1, 22:6). The idea of “soon” can be looked at from Yahweh’s timetable (Luke 18:8; 2 Peter 3:8-13). It’s important!
C. John assures his readers that the things he is writing about is the very “Word of God” and the very “testimony of Jesus Christ” (verse 2). It’s reliable!
D. It is a prophecy which brings a blessing to those who will read it, hear it, and apply it (verse 3). It will bless you!
Thought: Let’s commit ourselves to reading, hearing, and applying this amazing, important, reliable, blessing producing book of Revelation!
REVELATION 1:1-3
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The author of Revelation is the Apostle John.
A. Revelation 1:1, 4, 9; 22:8 give the author’s name as that of John.
B. The early church leaders including Papias, Justin Martyr, Iranaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Origen, Methodius and the Muratorian fragment all attest to the Apostle John as the writer.
C. Internal evidence inside the book of Revelation compared with John’s other writings (The Gospel of John, I, II, III John) show many similarities and few differences. Some examples are:
1. The use of “The Word” (John 1:1, I John 1:1, Rev. 19:13).
2. The use of “fellowship with” or “companion in: (I John 1:3, 6, 7; Rev. 1:9, 18:4).
3. The use from the quote from Zech. 12:10 in exactly the same way
(John 19:37, Rev. 1:7).
D. The Apostle John’s five books show a rich and full dynamic of Yahweh’s salvation found only in Jesus Christ.
1. The Apostle John wrote the Gospel of John to give instruction on justification (believing in Christ) and sanctification (believers living out their life in Christ) (John 20:31).
2. He wrote his letters of I, II, III John to the churches in Asia Minor concerning doctrinal issues (I John 4:2, 3; II John 7) and how to have real fellowship in Yahweh Father and Yahweh Jesus (sanctification,
I John 1:3, 4)
3. He wrote Revelation to reveal the glorified Christ to the churches of Asia Minor (sanctification, Revelation chapters 2 and 3) and to reveal Jesus judging this earth, setting up His Earthly and Eternal Kingdom reign, the bodily resurrection of the dead, and rewarding His faithful believers (glorification, Revelation chapters 1, 5-22).
E. The Apostle John became one of Jesus’ closest disciples while ministering with Him. John reclined close to Jesus at the Lord’s supper (John 13:23), He witnessed the transfiguration (Luke 9:28), and was entrusted with the care of Mary (the mother of Jesus, John 19:26-27).
Thought: How do we determine teaching and preaching credibility today in our churches?
II. A date for the writing of Revelation that is the most plausible and historically substantiated is around 95 A.D.
A. This date best agrees with the early church leaders who place John’s exile to Patmos during the time of the Roman emperor Domitian (81-96 A.D.).
B. One possible scenario: John took care of Mary (Jesus’ mother) after 33 A.D. where the apostles headquartered in Jerusalem. He might have become an evangelist – church planter in Asia Minor setting up his missionary headquarters in Ephesus. He might have written the Gospel of John at Ephesus (as per Irenaeus) between 48-52 A.D. to strengthen the seven churches when he moved back to Jerusalem. He participated in the Apostle Paul’s concordat of missionary division around 48 A.D. (Gal. 2:1-10). At the time of the writing of
I John (probably 64-65 A.D.), he seems to be back in Jerusalem with the other apostles (I John 2:19). After the Jewish war (66 A.D.) broke out and the destruction of the Jewish temple (70 A.D.), he moved back to Ephesus and continued his ministry for another 25-30 years in Asia Minor. He is exiled to Patmos and writes Revelation around 95 A.D.
C. Some Bible scholars and commentators prefer an earlier date for the writing of Revelation under the Roman emperor Nero (54-68 A.D.). Many of these commentators see the events of Revelation as primarily historical and dealing with the things Christians struggled with under Nero. Primarily a futurist exegesis of Revelation is thought to follow the rules of the literal-historical- grammatical interpretation of prophecy and so will be used in this study. Mention will be made to those that have other persuasions.
III. The Apostle John was given a wonderful message by the God of the Universe (Yahweh) which he was instructed to write down and share with all of Yahweh’s servants (Rev. 1:1-3).
A. It is called the revelation of Jesus Christ (verse 1).
1. The English word revelation comes from the Greek word “apokalypsis.” The word has a prefix “apo” (away or take away) and the root “kalypsis” (a cover) bringing out the ideas of taking away a cover, an uncovering, or unveiling. Thus, revelation discloses or reveals something which has been concealed. It’s amazing!
2. This message is specifically going to unveil the message and glory of Jesus Christ our Yeshua Ha Meshiach (Savior Messiah or Annointed Savior). We will be able to see Jesus in a whole new way!
B. It is going to speak of things that “must soon take place” or “must happen soon” which concerns future events (verse 1). The idea is probably a Scriptural fulfilling of already mentioned prophetic events (see the similar wording of Daniel 2:28, 29, 45; Mark 13:7; Rev. 4:1, 22:6). The idea of “soon” can be looked at from Yahweh’s timetable (Luke 18:8; 2 Peter 3:8-13). It’s important!
C. John assures his readers that the things he is writing about is the very “Word of God” and the very “testimony of Jesus Christ” (verse 2). It’s reliable!
D. It is a prophecy which brings a blessing to those who will read it, hear it, and apply it (verse 3). It will bless you!
Thought: Let’s commit ourselves to reading, hearing, and applying this amazing, important, reliable, blessing producing book of Revelation!
Returning To Weekly Updates!
Paeter Frandsen, here! Just wanted to let you know that this blog will now be returning to a weekly posting schedule. As smart as Dave is, some of his earlier notes (including those on Romans) had not yet entered the digital age, and so required me to type them up to post each week, which was sometimes tough to do with all I've got going on.
But from here on out I'll be posting notes that are already in a digital format and just require me to copy and paste, making weekly updates much more possible.
Thanks for your patience!
Next up is 31 weeks of Dave's teaching notes for the book of Revelation. I had the pleasure of being in Dave's class when he presented his teaching on this. His approach is very logical and grounded and treats the text with the greatest respect, as always. The book of Revelation isn't something I plan to tackle anytime soon in my blog
or podcast, so I especially hope you enjoy Dave's notes as you read this encouraging book of the Bible and seek the truth!
-Paeter Frandsen
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Romans 15:14-16:27
PAUL BLESSES, ENCOURAGES AND GIVES HIS FUTURE PLANS TO THE CHURCH AT ROME
Romans 15:14-16:27
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Paul praises Christ Jesus because of the great work being done among the Gentiles and his call to this work (Rom. 15:14-22).
A. The church of Rome has been a good and growing church but now with this letter they should be even more equipped to instruct (nouthetein- counsel, admonish, warn) one another (vs 14,15).
B.Paul's calling was to serve as a priest of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles (vs 16-22).
1. He proclaimed the Gospel of God to the Gentiles and the Gentiles after belief (justification) and discipleship (sanctification) became and continue to become an acceptable offering (vs 16; Rom. 1-5; 12:1).
2. He gives all the glory to Christ Jesus for his ministry (vs 17,18).
3. As an apostle, God gave Paul the ability to proclaim the Gospel through signs and miracles to areas where Christ was previously unknown (vs 19-22; I. Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 12:12; Isa. 52:15).
Thought: As a believer, do you know what spiritual gifts you have been given? Do you know what ministry area you have been called to?
II. Paul lets the church at Rome know of his short range and long range plans (Rom. 15:23-33).
A. Paul believed his work east of Rome had been pretty much completed in his first three missionary journeys (vs 23; Acts 13:1-20:3).
B. His future plan is to start proclaiming the Gospel West of Rome all the way to Spain and visit Rome on the way (vs 24a, 28c).
C. He currently was on his way to Jerusalem with an offering to the needy and poor Jewish believers from the Gentile churches (vs 24b-28b).
D. He knew of the dangers, asked prayer for safety, but sensed the leading of the Lord to go anyway (vs 29-33). As it turned out, the Lord had a plan to get Paul to Rome in a different way (Acts chapters 21-28).
Thought: Have you ever had the Lord change the way in which you thought you were supposed to go?
III. Paul sends his greetings to some of the believers at the church at Rome (Rom. 16:1-16).
A. Phoebe was a deaconess (diakonon) of a church at Cenchrea (seven miles from Corinth - where Paul wrote this letter). She probably was on her way to Rome and carried the letter (vs 1,2).
B. Paul greets 26 people in these verses and a third of them are women (vs 3-16).
C. Rufus (vs 13) was probably the son of Simon the Cyrene who was forced to carry the cross of Christ (Mark 15:21). It is believed that Mark's gospel was written for the church in Rome and Rufus would have been known by all the believers there (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11).
Thought: As believers serving in Christ's Kingdom, we accomplish more together than separate.
IV. Paul finishes the letter with a warning and a blessing (Rom. 16:17-27).
A. Believers need to watch out (skopeiv - observe, mark, scrutinize) for division causers and stumbling causers in regards to their teaching (vs 17; Rom. 3:20-23; 14:13).
1. After warning and counseling them, the next step is to avoid them (vs 20; Rom. 15:14).
2. Through our knowing the truth in Scripture and applying it, God will bring restored peace through His power and disciplining process (vs 20; Gen. 3:15).
B. Believers are made firm and stable through the Gospel which is the proclamation of Jesus Christ as delivered to us in the Scriptures. The mystery of the Gentiles and Jews being one body in Christ has now been revealed and may the only God who is awesomely wise receive all the glory! (vs 21-27).
Romans 15:14-16:27
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. Paul praises Christ Jesus because of the great work being done among the Gentiles and his call to this work (Rom. 15:14-22).
A. The church of Rome has been a good and growing church but now with this letter they should be even more equipped to instruct (nouthetein- counsel, admonish, warn) one another (vs 14,15).
B.Paul's calling was to serve as a priest of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles (vs 16-22).
1. He proclaimed the Gospel of God to the Gentiles and the Gentiles after belief (justification) and discipleship (sanctification) became and continue to become an acceptable offering (vs 16; Rom. 1-5; 12:1).
2. He gives all the glory to Christ Jesus for his ministry (vs 17,18).
3. As an apostle, God gave Paul the ability to proclaim the Gospel through signs and miracles to areas where Christ was previously unknown (vs 19-22; I. Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 12:12; Isa. 52:15).
Thought: As a believer, do you know what spiritual gifts you have been given? Do you know what ministry area you have been called to?
II. Paul lets the church at Rome know of his short range and long range plans (Rom. 15:23-33).
A. Paul believed his work east of Rome had been pretty much completed in his first three missionary journeys (vs 23; Acts 13:1-20:3).
B. His future plan is to start proclaiming the Gospel West of Rome all the way to Spain and visit Rome on the way (vs 24a, 28c).
C. He currently was on his way to Jerusalem with an offering to the needy and poor Jewish believers from the Gentile churches (vs 24b-28b).
D. He knew of the dangers, asked prayer for safety, but sensed the leading of the Lord to go anyway (vs 29-33). As it turned out, the Lord had a plan to get Paul to Rome in a different way (Acts chapters 21-28).
Thought: Have you ever had the Lord change the way in which you thought you were supposed to go?
III. Paul sends his greetings to some of the believers at the church at Rome (Rom. 16:1-16).
A. Phoebe was a deaconess (diakonon) of a church at Cenchrea (seven miles from Corinth - where Paul wrote this letter). She probably was on her way to Rome and carried the letter (vs 1,2).
B. Paul greets 26 people in these verses and a third of them are women (vs 3-16).
C. Rufus (vs 13) was probably the son of Simon the Cyrene who was forced to carry the cross of Christ (Mark 15:21). It is believed that Mark's gospel was written for the church in Rome and Rufus would have been known by all the believers there (Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11).
Thought: As believers serving in Christ's Kingdom, we accomplish more together than separate.
IV. Paul finishes the letter with a warning and a blessing (Rom. 16:17-27).
A. Believers need to watch out (skopeiv - observe, mark, scrutinize) for division causers and stumbling causers in regards to their teaching (vs 17; Rom. 3:20-23; 14:13).
1. After warning and counseling them, the next step is to avoid them (vs 20; Rom. 15:14).
2. Through our knowing the truth in Scripture and applying it, God will bring restored peace through His power and disciplining process (vs 20; Gen. 3:15).
B. Believers are made firm and stable through the Gospel which is the proclamation of Jesus Christ as delivered to us in the Scriptures. The mystery of the Gentiles and Jews being one body in Christ has now been revealed and may the only God who is awesomely wise receive all the glory! (vs 21-27).
Friday, July 29, 2011
Romans 14:1-15:13
WHAT BELIEVERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FOOD, DRINK, HOLY DAYS AND UNITY
Romans 14:1-15:13
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. In matters of Christian freedom, believers should warmly accept one another (Rom. 14:1-12).
A. A person who is weak in faith is a fellow believer in the faith. The context of this weakness relates to a believer's conscience and comes from their family background, personality, previous teaching and life events (vs 1; I Thes. 5:14).
1. In the church at Rome, believers argued over whether to eat everything or only vegetables (vs 2-5).
a. This probably had to do with Jewish dietary law practices, the way which Gentile Romans prepared food, and Roman pagan food sacrifices (vs 2,3; Lev. 11, I Cor. 8)
b. Paul's view is that we, as believers, are servants of Christ and therefore need to be careful and gentle with each other (vs 4).
2. In the church at Rome, believers argued over whether certain days were more holy or important than others. (vs 5-8)
a. This relates to Jewish feasts, new moons, and Sabbaths (Gal. 4:10; Col. 2:16).
b. Paul's view is that believers have freedom to be fully convinced in their own minds in regards to special days and food (vs 5). As long as we commit our lives to Christ and give thanks to God, we keep our walk with Christ's Spirit (vs 6-8; I Tim. 4:4,5).
B. All believers will stand before God's judgment seat which will be administered through Christ to give an account of how well we followed Christ for the purpose of reward (vs 9-12; I Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:9,10).
Thought: What has granting Christian freedom looked like in your life?
II. A believer's walk with Christ is a walk of love that bring glory to God (Rom. 14:13-15:13).
A. In regard's to a weak faith-conscience or a strong faith-conscience believers should not judge each other (vs 13).
B. Believers should try not to be a stumbling block (proskomma- something which trips people up) or an obstacle (skandalon- a trap or snare) to fellow believers (vs 13; I Cor. 8).
C. Paul has been convinced by Jesus that nothing is unclean (koinon- ritually impure) in itself (vs 14; Mark 7:15-23; Acts 10; I Tim. 4:4). Yet he seeks to love all believers (vs 15, 16).
D. The kingdom of God in verse 17 refers to living out our present salvation primarily in the context of the Christian community.
1. It consists of the internally motivated aspects of living life in the Holy Spirit such as righteousness (Christ-like thinking and acting), peace and joy (vs 17, 18; Mark 7:15-23; Gal. 5:13-26).
2. It consists of looking for ways to build other believers up which might include giving up an acceptable freedom, for a specific event or time, for another believer's faith (vs 19-15:2; I Cor. 8:7-13).
3. The power to live this life in the Spirit comes from looking at the life of Christ and studying and meditating on the Scriptures. These give believers and the Christian community the ability to endure hardship, stay encouraged, and have a spirit of unity (homothumadon- with the same mind, purpose. Rom. 15:3-6; Ps. 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16).
4. It consists of accepting one another as Christ has accepted all believers, including Jews and Gentiles, to the praise and glory of God. The Gentiles coming into full salvation with the Jews fulfills certain prophecies of the Scripture and brings hope to all believers (Rom. 15:7-13; II Sam.22:50; Ps. 18:49; Deut. 32:43; Ps. 117:1; Isa. 11:10).
Thought: What are some ways we can know we are walking in the Spirit according to Romans 14:17 though 15:13? Which areas have you struggled with and how are you overcoming through Christ?
Romans 14:1-15:13
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. In matters of Christian freedom, believers should warmly accept one another (Rom. 14:1-12).
A. A person who is weak in faith is a fellow believer in the faith. The context of this weakness relates to a believer's conscience and comes from their family background, personality, previous teaching and life events (vs 1; I Thes. 5:14).
1. In the church at Rome, believers argued over whether to eat everything or only vegetables (vs 2-5).
a. This probably had to do with Jewish dietary law practices, the way which Gentile Romans prepared food, and Roman pagan food sacrifices (vs 2,3; Lev. 11, I Cor. 8)
b. Paul's view is that we, as believers, are servants of Christ and therefore need to be careful and gentle with each other (vs 4).
2. In the church at Rome, believers argued over whether certain days were more holy or important than others. (vs 5-8)
a. This relates to Jewish feasts, new moons, and Sabbaths (Gal. 4:10; Col. 2:16).
b. Paul's view is that believers have freedom to be fully convinced in their own minds in regards to special days and food (vs 5). As long as we commit our lives to Christ and give thanks to God, we keep our walk with Christ's Spirit (vs 6-8; I Tim. 4:4,5).
B. All believers will stand before God's judgment seat which will be administered through Christ to give an account of how well we followed Christ for the purpose of reward (vs 9-12; I Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:9,10).
Thought: What has granting Christian freedom looked like in your life?
II. A believer's walk with Christ is a walk of love that bring glory to God (Rom. 14:13-15:13).
A. In regard's to a weak faith-conscience or a strong faith-conscience believers should not judge each other (vs 13).
B. Believers should try not to be a stumbling block (proskomma- something which trips people up) or an obstacle (skandalon- a trap or snare) to fellow believers (vs 13; I Cor. 8).
C. Paul has been convinced by Jesus that nothing is unclean (koinon- ritually impure) in itself (vs 14; Mark 7:15-23; Acts 10; I Tim. 4:4). Yet he seeks to love all believers (vs 15, 16).
D. The kingdom of God in verse 17 refers to living out our present salvation primarily in the context of the Christian community.
1. It consists of the internally motivated aspects of living life in the Holy Spirit such as righteousness (Christ-like thinking and acting), peace and joy (vs 17, 18; Mark 7:15-23; Gal. 5:13-26).
2. It consists of looking for ways to build other believers up which might include giving up an acceptable freedom, for a specific event or time, for another believer's faith (vs 19-15:2; I Cor. 8:7-13).
3. The power to live this life in the Spirit comes from looking at the life of Christ and studying and meditating on the Scriptures. These give believers and the Christian community the ability to endure hardship, stay encouraged, and have a spirit of unity (homothumadon- with the same mind, purpose. Rom. 15:3-6; Ps. 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16).
4. It consists of accepting one another as Christ has accepted all believers, including Jews and Gentiles, to the praise and glory of God. The Gentiles coming into full salvation with the Jews fulfills certain prophecies of the Scripture and brings hope to all believers (Rom. 15:7-13; II Sam.22:50; Ps. 18:49; Deut. 32:43; Ps. 117:1; Isa. 11:10).
Thought: What are some ways we can know we are walking in the Spirit according to Romans 14:17 though 15:13? Which areas have you struggled with and how are you overcoming through Christ?
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Romans 13
The Christian's Obligation to Government and Society
Romans 13
As taught by Guest Geek, Richard Weisenburger
I. Part of the Christian's spiritual WORSHIP is to submit to the governing authorities. (vv 1-7)
A. The fact that we are citizens of heaven does not EXCUSE use from being responsible earthly citizens.
B. Submission to human government is required for the following reasons:
1. All authority comes from GOD and all human government is instituted by GOD. (v.1) Does this mean God approves of all those who are in power?
2. Therefore, rebellion against the government is rebellion against what GOD has ordained and will incur JUDGMENT. (v.2)
3. Government is God's servant to punish EVIL and reward GOOD. (vv 3-4) What should we do when the government is a 'bad' servant? (see Acts 5:29; also Acts 22:25)
4. Submission to human authority is also required by CONSCIENCE. (v 5)
C. Submission is demonstrated in part by paying TAXES. This is appropriate since those in authority dedicate their lives to PUBLIC SERVICE. What else do we owe to those in authority over us?
Question: Why is submission to government so important in Paul's thinking? (Hint: see 1 Timothy 2:1-4)
II. LOVE is our debt to all; it is the key to FULFILLING all obligations (vv 8-10)
A. This command (V.8) is not a prohibition of all financial DEBT but an exhortation to MAKE GOOD on all our obligations.
B. Our principle obligation is to LOVE one another.
C. Love fulfills all the requirements of the LAW because love does only GOOD. (v.10)
D. The command to love your neighbor as yourself assumes that you already KNOW HOW to love yourself.
Question: How does the admonition "Love your neighbor as yourself" lead us toward a godly expression of love?
III. We need to do these things because Christ's RETURN is imminent. (vv11-14)
A. It is time to be ALERT because the COMPLETION of our salvation is nearer than ever.
B. The nearness of the day should be reflected in our BEHAVIOR. Paul's use of the term 'armor' suggests that to do so will require us to do BATTLE. What specific behaviors does Paul warn against?
C. We can avoid these pitfalls by making no PROVISION for them and by "clothing ourselves with Jesus Christ."
Question: What are some ways that you can clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ?
Romans 13
As taught by Guest Geek, Richard Weisenburger
I. Part of the Christian's spiritual WORSHIP is to submit to the governing authorities. (vv 1-7)
A. The fact that we are citizens of heaven does not EXCUSE use from being responsible earthly citizens.
B. Submission to human government is required for the following reasons:
1. All authority comes from GOD and all human government is instituted by GOD. (v.1) Does this mean God approves of all those who are in power?
2. Therefore, rebellion against the government is rebellion against what GOD has ordained and will incur JUDGMENT. (v.2)
3. Government is God's servant to punish EVIL and reward GOOD. (vv 3-4) What should we do when the government is a 'bad' servant? (see Acts 5:29; also Acts 22:25)
4. Submission to human authority is also required by CONSCIENCE. (v 5)
C. Submission is demonstrated in part by paying TAXES. This is appropriate since those in authority dedicate their lives to PUBLIC SERVICE. What else do we owe to those in authority over us?
Question: Why is submission to government so important in Paul's thinking? (Hint: see 1 Timothy 2:1-4)
II. LOVE is our debt to all; it is the key to FULFILLING all obligations (vv 8-10)
A. This command (V.8) is not a prohibition of all financial DEBT but an exhortation to MAKE GOOD on all our obligations.
B. Our principle obligation is to LOVE one another.
C. Love fulfills all the requirements of the LAW because love does only GOOD. (v.10)
D. The command to love your neighbor as yourself assumes that you already KNOW HOW to love yourself.
Question: How does the admonition "Love your neighbor as yourself" lead us toward a godly expression of love?
III. We need to do these things because Christ's RETURN is imminent. (vv11-14)
A. It is time to be ALERT because the COMPLETION of our salvation is nearer than ever.
B. The nearness of the day should be reflected in our BEHAVIOR. Paul's use of the term 'armor' suggests that to do so will require us to do BATTLE. What specific behaviors does Paul warn against?
C. We can avoid these pitfalls by making no PROVISION for them and by "clothing ourselves with Jesus Christ."
Question: What are some ways that you can clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Romans 12:1-21
THE DEDICATED LIFE: THE HEALTHY RESPONSE OF GOD'S GOSPEL PEOPLE
Romans 12:1-21
As taught by "Guest Geek", Preston Hancock
I. Our decision to offer ourselves in worship to God is a response to our understanding of His mercy. (Rom. 12:1; 6:13)
a. We are to allow God to shape our inner lives and our outward physical conduct so that we are set apart for His glory and His use. (Mal. 1:8-13)
i. This is how we can worship God thoughtfully and deliberately. (Is. 29:13)
b. Being a "living sacrifice" is a two-part, continual life process requiring diligence and dedication:
i. We refuse to be influenced by the common thoughts, attitudes and choices of this age. (vs. 2; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 2:16)
ii. We allow God's Word and the Holy Spirit to transform how we think and make decisions. (Eph. 5:8-10)
c.RESULT: Then we can test and discern (dokimazo) through experience what God's will is: what is good (and what is not). what is pleasing to Him, and what we strive toward (what is perfect). (Contrast those in Rom. 1:25-28)
Thought: In the Church in America today, there are various reasons why people choose to serve God. What are they?
II. We must remember that we are part of a larger, interconnected group of believers. We each have our individual part to play while we also support others in their ministries. (3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-6)
a. Identifying and exercising our spiritual gifts requires sensible thinking, not thinking too much or too little of ourselves. A major "factor" also to be considered is the amount of faith each of us has. (vs. 3)
b. The exercise of our gifts is at once both an individual and a group venture and therefore full of possibilities and responsibilities. (4-5)
c. There are seven spiritual gifts we exercise. How we use our gifts should be governed by our faith in the Holy Spirit. The seven gifts are:
i. prophesy (1 Cor. 14:3)
ii. serving (1 Cor. 12:28- those able to help others)
iii. teaching (Rom. 15:4)
iv. encouraging/exhorting (Rom. 12:1; Acts 14:22)
v. giving- contributing to the needs of others generously
vi. leading- governing diligently (1 Ti. 5:17)
vii. showing mercy- cheerfully (Rom. 9:16)
Thought: Why do you think more people don't take the time to discover and use their spiritual gifts?
III. One of the marks of a follower of Christ is genuine love towards others. (John 13:35; 1 Cor. 12, 13, 14) This sincere love is engendered by hating evil and fighting for the "good thing" (Rom. 6:11-13).
a. We are to be affectionate and respectful of fellow believers, faithfully following the Spirit's lead, seeking opportunities to meet the physical and emotional needs within the body of Christ. (vs. 9-13)
b. Humbly seek to be a blessing to those you encounter, including your enemies. (vs. 14-16; Col. 4:5)
c. We are to live in a hostile world by recognizing that God will make things right and that we can overcome evil by doing the right thing. (vs. 17-21; Prov. 25:21-22)
Personal Thought: Is there someone in your life that is difficult to love or even be around? How can you meet that person's immediate need?
Romans 12:1-21
As taught by "Guest Geek", Preston Hancock
I. Our decision to offer ourselves in worship to God is a response to our understanding of His mercy. (Rom. 12:1; 6:13)
a. We are to allow God to shape our inner lives and our outward physical conduct so that we are set apart for His glory and His use. (Mal. 1:8-13)
i. This is how we can worship God thoughtfully and deliberately. (Is. 29:13)
b. Being a "living sacrifice" is a two-part, continual life process requiring diligence and dedication:
i. We refuse to be influenced by the common thoughts, attitudes and choices of this age. (vs. 2; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 2:16)
ii. We allow God's Word and the Holy Spirit to transform how we think and make decisions. (Eph. 5:8-10)
c.RESULT: Then we can test and discern (dokimazo) through experience what God's will is: what is good (and what is not). what is pleasing to Him, and what we strive toward (what is perfect). (Contrast those in Rom. 1:25-28)
Thought: In the Church in America today, there are various reasons why people choose to serve God. What are they?
II. We must remember that we are part of a larger, interconnected group of believers. We each have our individual part to play while we also support others in their ministries. (3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-6)
a. Identifying and exercising our spiritual gifts requires sensible thinking, not thinking too much or too little of ourselves. A major "factor" also to be considered is the amount of faith each of us has. (vs. 3)
b. The exercise of our gifts is at once both an individual and a group venture and therefore full of possibilities and responsibilities. (4-5)
c. There are seven spiritual gifts we exercise. How we use our gifts should be governed by our faith in the Holy Spirit. The seven gifts are:
i. prophesy (1 Cor. 14:3)
ii. serving (1 Cor. 12:28- those able to help others)
iii. teaching (Rom. 15:4)
iv. encouraging/exhorting (Rom. 12:1; Acts 14:22)
v. giving- contributing to the needs of others generously
vi. leading- governing diligently (1 Ti. 5:17)
vii. showing mercy- cheerfully (Rom. 9:16)
Thought: Why do you think more people don't take the time to discover and use their spiritual gifts?
III. One of the marks of a follower of Christ is genuine love towards others. (John 13:35; 1 Cor. 12, 13, 14) This sincere love is engendered by hating evil and fighting for the "good thing" (Rom. 6:11-13).
a. We are to be affectionate and respectful of fellow believers, faithfully following the Spirit's lead, seeking opportunities to meet the physical and emotional needs within the body of Christ. (vs. 9-13)
b. Humbly seek to be a blessing to those you encounter, including your enemies. (vs. 14-16; Col. 4:5)
c. We are to live in a hostile world by recognizing that God will make things right and that we can overcome evil by doing the right thing. (vs. 17-21; Prov. 25:21-22)
Personal Thought: Is there someone in your life that is difficult to love or even be around? How can you meet that person's immediate need?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Romans 11:12-36
GOD'S PLAN FOR THE NATION OF ISRAEL, PART III: THERE IS A BRIGHT FUTURE RECOVERY COMING
Romans 11:12-36
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The stumbling of the nation of Israel in unbelief opens a way of greater spiritual blessings to the rest of the world (vs. 11,12).
A. Israel has stumbled but they will recover (vs 11,12; Ezek. 37:1-28).
1. Through Israel's sin of unbelief, God has now chosen to work his kingdom program through gospel churches throughout the world (Eph. 2:14-22).
2. As the gospel is received, it produces spiritual life in the individual believer's life. As many believers are discipled in churches to produce fruit, they bless the church, the community and the world (Rom. 7:4, 12:1, 14-21).
B.The believing Gentiles throughout the world should provoke Israel to jealousy. They should see that the very same God of Israel is now alive and active in the predominately Gentile church (vs 11.12).
Thought: How does God's Kingdom program through the church bring blessings to the world?
II. Gentile believers should not become prideful or arrogant about the nation of Israel's time of mostly unbelief (vs 13-27).
A. As the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul has a two-pronged strategy (vs 13, 14; Acts 15).
B. Paul hints that Israel will one day receive Christ as a nation and bring about life from the dead (vs 15).
1. The firstfruits of verse 16a were the first offering of grain to the Lord of the newly ripened harvest (remnant Israel). These were then baked into a cake of dough (the whole batch, the converted nation) and offered before the Lord (Numbers 15:18-21).
2. The root of verse 16b consists of the conventional promises (i.e. Abrahamic: Gen. 12, 15; Davidic: 2 Samuel 7; New: Jer. 31) and everything else included in Romans 9:4,5. The branches are potential believers sprouting out from the roots of Israel's faith (Jer. 11:16).
3. The reference, "life from the dead," could be a reference to the resurrection of our new spiritual bodies and the beginning of Christ's millennial reign on earth (I Thes. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:20-25; Rev. 1:5-8; 20:1-6).
C. God's kingdom program starts and ends with the nation of Israel and the faith as delivered through it. Gentiles need to be careful not to become arrogant concerning the nation of Israel because belief will bring them back (vs 17-27).
1. The believing Gentiles might forget God's promises to the nation of Israel (vs 17-24).
2. The Savior will fulfill all His promises to the nation of Israel (vs 25-27).
Thought: What are some ways in which Gentile unbelievers and believers have been prideful and arrogant toward Israelites?
III. The plan of God is awesome, mysterious and unsearchable (vs 28-36).
A. The gospel of salvation (faith in God's ability to save through Christ) is God's plan for sinners in the Old and New Testament (vs 28, 30-32). It is 100% reliable and certain.
B. God's election (choice) of the nation of Israel to be his instrument to reveal and be a remnant of His plan is certain. They are certain to be a light in the Millennium, the New Heaven, and the New Earth and throughout eternity (vs 28b-29, 33-36).
Romans 11:12-36
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The stumbling of the nation of Israel in unbelief opens a way of greater spiritual blessings to the rest of the world (vs. 11,12).
A. Israel has stumbled but they will recover (vs 11,12; Ezek. 37:1-28).
1. Through Israel's sin of unbelief, God has now chosen to work his kingdom program through gospel churches throughout the world (Eph. 2:14-22).
2. As the gospel is received, it produces spiritual life in the individual believer's life. As many believers are discipled in churches to produce fruit, they bless the church, the community and the world (Rom. 7:4, 12:1, 14-21).
B.The believing Gentiles throughout the world should provoke Israel to jealousy. They should see that the very same God of Israel is now alive and active in the predominately Gentile church (vs 11.12).
Thought: How does God's Kingdom program through the church bring blessings to the world?
II. Gentile believers should not become prideful or arrogant about the nation of Israel's time of mostly unbelief (vs 13-27).
A. As the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul has a two-pronged strategy (vs 13, 14; Acts 15).
B. Paul hints that Israel will one day receive Christ as a nation and bring about life from the dead (vs 15).
1. The firstfruits of verse 16a were the first offering of grain to the Lord of the newly ripened harvest (remnant Israel). These were then baked into a cake of dough (the whole batch, the converted nation) and offered before the Lord (Numbers 15:18-21).
2. The root of verse 16b consists of the conventional promises (i.e. Abrahamic: Gen. 12, 15; Davidic: 2 Samuel 7; New: Jer. 31) and everything else included in Romans 9:4,5. The branches are potential believers sprouting out from the roots of Israel's faith (Jer. 11:16).
3. The reference, "life from the dead," could be a reference to the resurrection of our new spiritual bodies and the beginning of Christ's millennial reign on earth (I Thes. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:20-25; Rev. 1:5-8; 20:1-6).
C. God's kingdom program starts and ends with the nation of Israel and the faith as delivered through it. Gentiles need to be careful not to become arrogant concerning the nation of Israel because belief will bring them back (vs 17-27).
1. The believing Gentiles might forget God's promises to the nation of Israel (vs 17-24).
2. The Savior will fulfill all His promises to the nation of Israel (vs 25-27).
Thought: What are some ways in which Gentile unbelievers and believers have been prideful and arrogant toward Israelites?
III. The plan of God is awesome, mysterious and unsearchable (vs 28-36).
A. The gospel of salvation (faith in God's ability to save through Christ) is God's plan for sinners in the Old and New Testament (vs 28, 30-32). It is 100% reliable and certain.
B. God's election (choice) of the nation of Israel to be his instrument to reveal and be a remnant of His plan is certain. They are certain to be a light in the Millennium, the New Heaven, and the New Earth and throughout eternity (vs 28b-29, 33-36).
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