BOOK OF REVELATIONS.Commentary by Mr K Gerner BA
Audio Visual Ministries, 152 High St. HOLYWOOD.Co Down. BT18 9HT. N IRELAND.
Lesson 1. GENERAL THEMES FOR ALL CHURCHES. Chap 1
In our last study we saw the need for CORRECT INTERPRETATION and accepted the FUTURIST INTERPRETATION covering (1) Things seen of THE PAST (Rev.1:9-20) (2) Things seen in present Churches in Asia (Rev 2 & 3) (3) Visions of 21/2 yrs in remaining chapters around Christ's return.
In Chap.1.we have some vital lessons on SUPERNATURAL VISIONS TODAY:-
(a) SOURCE OF REVELATION was JESUS CHRIST
John had pure heart (AMO 3:7 NIV Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.) and v.1."signified" = to show by SIGNS OR SYMBOLS.(cf JOH 12:33 ) which demands (i) Depth of contact with the Lord (1CO 2:8 NIV None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.9 However, as t is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for hose who love him" - but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.(ii) Knowledge of Scriptural use of symbols(1Tim.3:16)
Angels that bring visions sometimes have conflict in the Heavenlies
DAN 10:12 NIV Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.cf Ephesians 6:12, REV 12;7-9.
WE MUST NOT WORSHIP those who bring these revelations, but only the Lord
REV 22:8 NIV I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me.9 But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"
In fact, those with visions ministry may have to suffer for their testimony.
It is not always easy to witness this way. REV 1:9 NIV I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
REV 6:9 NIV When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.
ACT 9:15 NIV But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." 2CO 11:23 NIV Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a one night and a day in the open sea,etc.
1TH 1:6 NIV You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
(B)THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN ASIA
John was writing from Patmos, an island 10 miles long by 6 miles broad, 50 miles in the sea, SW of Ephesus.The Romans used this island for civil and political prisoners, and John was banished there during the reign of Domitian, who demanded worship as a god and died in AD.96. Despite his old age and surroundings, John shows that CIRCUMSTANCES CAN NEVER SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, or His power TO GIVE SUPERNATURAL VISIONS, whatever our natural confines.
The Roman Province of ASIA was on the West coast of Asia Minor andincluded Patara, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Troas. It was bordered by the Provinces of Cilicia, Galatia and Bithynia (v.4.)
John is named "a faithful witness" (as was Christ Himself) who was also first-born from the dead (Coloss 1:15,18) and PRINCE OF THE KINGS OF THE EARTH EPH 1:20 NIV which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.WE TOO ARE MADE KINGS AND PRIESTS, through His washing us in the Blood (v 6) and He is coming back to make this apparent.(Matt 24:29,
MAT 24:31 NIV And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Christ visits John here to show:
(a) HE CARES about His beloved disciple who is feeling the hardness of the way; and assures him of fruit in his old age
(b) HIS PRESENT (UNSEEN) GREATNESS & MAJESTY even overwhelmed the Apostle who had known Him so intimately here on earth, although HIS CHARACTER REMAINED THE SAME. cf Contrast OT and NT here :
HEB 12:21 NIV The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear."
HEB 12:22 NIV But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, IN ORDER TO SEE THIS VISION, WE NEED TO BE "IN THE SPIRIT" ON THE LORD'S DAY (v 10) THIS SHOWS THE PLACE OF PENTECOSTAL WORSHIP ON SUNDAYS,the FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK ACT 20:7 NIV On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. (c) HE WANTS US TO REMEMBER PROPHECIES BY WRITING THEM DOWN v.11.
A modern way to do this is by tape, which can be sent to those not present at the meetings.
WE SHOULD ALSO GIVE OUT PROPHECIES LOUDLY "like a trumpet", so that everyone can hear. Ladies especially NEED TO SPEAK UP ! (v 10)
(d) OFTEN WE ARE LOOKING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.
John had to TURN to hear this voice (v 12) as he was listening to other things than the voice of the Lord.MAKE TIME AND PLACE TO LISTEN TO GOD !
(e) LAMPSTANDS ARE A BETTER RENDERING THAN "CANDLESTICKS" The difference is that a CANDLESTICK CAN BURN of itself but a LAMPSTAND NEEDS A SUPPLY OF OIL (HOLY GHOST) (Zech 4:1/14)
MAT 5:14 NIV "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
(f) CHRIST SEES EVERYTHING IN HIS CHURCHES with eyes like flame of fire (v 14) His ears hear every thought & word and the sword of His mouth encourages and rebukes. Christ comes NOT as idle bystander, BUT TO RULE AND WE NEED TO OBEY WHAT HE HAS TO SAY THROUGH THE SPIRIT BY THE GIFTS AND IN SCRIPTURE.cf Isaiah 66:1 to 2
PSA 2:11 NIV Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
Although Her is very tender in love, HIS JUDGEMENTS CAN BE SEVERE ON BLATANT SIN (cf Ananias & Sapphira.Acts 5:1/11)
REV 2:5 NIV Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
THIS VISION WAS INTENDED TO BRING THE & CHURCHES TO A FITTING STATE OF MIND TO HEAR THE WORDS OF THE LORD. THE FAITHFUL ALSO WILL BE ENCOURAGED BY SEEING THAT CHRIST DIED FOR THEM & IS CONTINUING HIS INTERCESSION MINISTRY IN HEAVEN. Hi care & love are wonderful o behold in this way.(Eph 5:25/27)
THIS VISION ALSO CAUSES WICKED PEOPLE TO HATE AND FIGHT THE SPIRIT
REV 19:19 NIV Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army.
(g) EACH CHURCH HAS AN "ANGEL"
These may have been postal messengers of each Church (1 Corinth 11:10)
or the leading OVERSEERS OR ELDERS which looked after the Church.
ACT 14:23 NIV Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
1PE 5:2 NIV Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseersnot because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;
They may however, be SIMPLY ANGELIC PRESENCE IN THE CHURCH WHICH CAN BE CALLED UPON, just de DEMONS control places given to Satan
(h) EACH LETTER DESCRIBES AN ATTRIBUTE OF GOD WHICH PARTICULARLY APPLIES TO EACH CHURCH AND MEETS ITS NEED. This fresh vision of Christ sustains us daily (John 6:54/56) like the manna of old, and we can trace how each aspect of Christ just meets needs.(Philip 4:19)
REV 2:1 NIV "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:
REV 2:8 NIV "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.*
REV 2:12 NIV "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
REV 2:18 NIV "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
REV 3:1 NIV "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.
REV 3:7 NIV "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
REV 3:14 NIV "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.
(i) THERE IS AN HONEST DESCRIPTION OF EVERY CHURCH. The Lord first commends what He can and then goes on to rebuke what is wrong, except in Smyrna and Philadelphia, which appear good . He closes each letter with an exhortation to repent and warns of discipline or judgement if they do not.
THERE ARE SPECIAL WARNINGS OF THE WORKING OF SATAN ALSO IN PROMOTING:
(1) False religion
False worship (more than atheism) deceives and Satan can even use "the synagogue"(2:9) old form of religion ! This is THE OUTWARD FORM OF TRUTH WHERE CHRIST IS REALLY BEING REJECTED IN FAVOUR OF traditions(of MEN (Temple AT BETHELEHEM IS NOW A DEN OF THIEVES !) There is also REAL OCCULT WORSHIP OF SATAN who seeks world veneration (Rev.chap 13)
REV 2:20 NIV Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
THERE IS ALSO FALSE DOCTRINE (as Satan fathers lies (John 8:44) like the teaching we "cannot help sinning, because we are human and God will forgive you" which leads to loose living, taught by the Nicolaitans, Baalamites and Jezebel followers.GOD DEMANDS HOLINESS !
HEB 12:14 NIV without holiness no one will see the Lord.
1PE 1:15 NIV But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; cf Rev 3:7, 4:8,15:4,6:10
REV 22:11 NIV Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy."
REV 22:12 NIV "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.
(2) MARTYRDOM
Satan tries to physically destroy those he cannot subvert
(3) WORLDLY INTERESTS He tried to tempt Christ this way, and we need to keep ourselves free from them
1TI 6:17 NIV Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1JO 2:15 NIV Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For everything in the world the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does,comes not from the Father but from the world.17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
(4) ATTACK ON PERSONAL COMMUNION WITH GOD AND LOVE FOR HIM
It is not enough to live on past reputation, like the Ephesians Church
(5) SATAN'S ANGELIC AND POLITICAL POWER IS RANGED AGAINST THE CHURCH
Daniel experienced this in prayer and Caesar worship was practised at Pergamos
DAN 10:13 NIV But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
(j) ALL ARE EXHORTED TO LISTEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
HEB 12:25 NIV See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?
(1)WE NEED TO OBEY WHAT GOD SAYS THROUGH HIS WRITTEN WORD & GIFTS cf Ezra 10:3,Isa.66:2,Phil.2:12 It is not enough to HEAR the Word: WE MUST OBEY IT! Noah (heb 11:7) Abraham (Heb 11:17) and PAUL DID THIS
ACT 26:19 NIV "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
(2) THERE IS SOLEMN WARNING TO ANY MOVEMENT WHICH STARTS WITH THE POWER OF GOD AND LOSES IT, quoting the OT stories of Baalam and Balak (Num 22:1 to 12) with King Saul (1Sam 18:12to29) and even ASA (2 Chron.16 7 to 10) to back this up.
(3) GOD'S PEOPLE MUST ACCEPT THE LEADERS APPOINTED BY THE SPIRIT, instead of rebelling as they did against MOSES (Acts 725,35to 39)and SAMUEL (1 Sam 8: 1 to 8) Even those who once loved Paul, turned away from him to false;se prophets
2TI 1:15 NIV You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me,
(4) FALSE PROPHETS MAY CLAIM TO SPEAK FOR GOD, BUT THEY ARE USUALLY MOTIVATE BY POPULARITY, FINANCIAL BETTERMENT, POSITION, PRESTIGE OR MAKING DISCIPLES
LUK 6:24 NIV "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
THEY ALSO CONDONE SIN THAT OTHERS WANT (2 Pet.2:1 to 22)
FALSE PROPHECY COMES OUT OF A BAD HEART & THE TRUE PEOPLE OF GOD WILL RECOGNISE IT AS THEY WALK IN HOLINESS
(6)_THE GODLY MAN WILL HAVE A RICH ANOINTING and a GODLY LIFE (Matt 7:15 to 23) His words will also have confirmation from other prophets
1CO 14:29 NIV Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.
His predictions will also be all fulfilled (Deut 18:20 to 27) and there will be patience as he suffers (Jam.5:10) and above all NO CONTRADICTION OF THE WRITTEN SCRIPTURE in what he says
ISA 8:19 NIV When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
PSA 119:89 NIV Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
THESE ARE VITAL GUIDELINE TO JUDGE TRUE PROPHECY AND AVOID THE PITFALLS OF TRADITION (SUCH AS THE CATHOLIC OR PROTESTANT EXPLANATION OF REVELATION)