Trustworthy and True--What do you trust in?
Revelation 22:6-21 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 2 viewsThe last passage in the book of Revelation!
Notes
Transcript
checklist: anointing oil, newsletters be passed out
Yarik? check graphics
In 1984, Richard Saul Wurman observed that there was a powerful connection between 3 fields: technology, entertainment, and design. The first conference that explored this is in 1984, included a demo of the compact disc, the e-book, and cutting edge 3D graphics from Lucasfilm....but despite its stellar lineup it lost money.
and it wasn’t until 1990 that this conference was tried again—attracting and growing a big audience from many disciplines united by their curiosity and wonder.
this became an annual thing…and this convergence of technology, entertainment, and design—became known as TED talks. and it broadened to tackle more challenges.
today TED talks are known sparking curiosity and wonder, thinking outside the box, and tackling big problems of humanity.
and I recently saw one of their headlines—that TED talks are talks to help you understand what’s REALLY going on in the world. they say “the headlines on the front page always change, but these talks will give you fresh insight on the seismic phenomenon underlying them.”
that desire to know what is really going on in the world…drives a lot of us.
We watch the news, scan headlines, look on social media—b/c we want to know what is REALLY going on.
We are often very skeptical of the news and what is reported…
and if we are not careful—we can go down rabbit holes of conspiracy theories and extremist views and social media can take us down the wrong path...
I believe we all have this desire for something trustworthy and true in our lives to rely on and filter all information through...
this is the case with decisions we make about major purchases, major decisions...
but also it’s true overall to...TO MAKE SENSE OF THE WORLD
Well today’s text, the last in Revelation—articulates what is really trustworthy and true in our lives.
and it’s something we CONSTANTLY need to be reminded of...
or if this is your first experience with God’s Word—be shown for the 1st time...
notice the language of trustworthy and true and witness or testify throughout… (this is our last passage in Revelation!!)
6 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”
7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
8 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, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”
10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near.
11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.
19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
Trustworthy and true...
when you read a book like Revelation—with all of its crazy visions and apocalyptic images—how do we know this is true and that John wasn’t crazy making this stuff up?
Nancy Guthrie in her book “Blessed.” says, “…that it can seem a little crazy in our modern world to really believe that one day the Jesus who lived on this earth for thirty-three years over two thousand years ago is going to come back to this earth, execute judgment on those who have rejected him, and establish a new city-temple-garden with all who have received him? Most people in the world today would think that is an absurd, archaic, and unsophisticated way to look at the world and the future.
(Guthrie, N. (2022). Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation (p. 241). Crossway.)
Furthermore—Jesus says 3x in this passage—that he is coming soon.
vs. 7 - “Look I am coming soon.”
vs. 12 “Look I am coming soon.”
vs. 20 - Yes, I am coming soon.”
That was almost 2000 years ago—(we will talk more on that next time)
but how do we know these words are trustworthy and true?
and what difference does it make. because if they are—they make all the difference...
Let me give you 2 reasons why these words are trustworthy and true:
Reason #1 - The Apostle John Reason (vs. 6, 8) (or the witness reason)
6 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”
there is a process of revelation - where God who inspired the OT prophets sent an angel to John his servant to describe, and he wrote it down—John is talking about the process of revelation he got from God...
and then look at verses 8-9 Revelation 22:8-9
Revelation 22:8–9 (NIV)
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, (he says it again)…I am a witness…but look at what he does... I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me.
9 But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”
look at how John describes himself. this is a little embarrassing in my opinion—he is overwhelmed, gets caught up in the moment, and begins worshiping this angel.
and the angel has to rebuke him—don’t do that—worship God!
I love how honest John is—how he messed up. this is the 2x in Revelation he is recorded as worshipping an angel—(see 19:10)
when you tell a story of yourself of something that happened—often we leave out some of the most embarrassing parts—or if we have conflict with someone else and we are telling our friend about it—we often present how it is the other person’s fault—not us b/c we don’t want to admit or show our flaws and weaknesses.
but because John is willing to write about how he messed up 2x! I have reason to believe it’s true.
and so many characters in the Bible are presented in this way flaws, warts and all and much worse.
this is one of the big reasons why I believe the Bible can be trusted and is true—b/c even the heroes in the Bible are presented in embarrassing ways.
Just think of Jesus’ followers—Peter—who said “I will never deny you.” He did 3x. and yet Jesus says I will build my church. this is embarrassing—why would it be in Scriptures—unless it actually happened! another time the Apostle Paul has to confront Peter because Peter was acting in a racist manner in Galatians 2.
or think of Thomas—he was a doubter--
Jonah—the prophet in the OT—ran away, and then threw a big pity party at the end...
Moses messed up.
King David—who committed adultery and murder and lies.
Paul was a terrorist and persecutor.
one of the reasons I think God’s Word is trustworthy and true and we can trust it to understand what is REALLY going is—b/c even the best heroes in the Bible messed up big time, and yet the grace of God—God’s unmerited favor had so intervened in their life (they were covered) that they could write about their flaws...
and John is one of those witnesses—testifying that this is trustworthy and true. you can base all your life and reality on this.
he is also we saw earlier in chapter 1 suffering
9 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.
I believe John and what he wrote down here in Revelation is trustworthy and true b/c he is suffering for this message—just like so many of the early witnesses. he was banished to this island either alone or possibly in a labor camp b/c of his commitment and passion for Jesus.
Blaise Pascal famously said, “I believe those witnesses who will get their throats cut.”
the 2nd reason why I believe Revelation and the entire Bible is true and trustworthy...
Reason #2 - The Jesus Reason
Jesus is referred to as a lot of names in this passage:
vs. 13 Revelation 22:13
Revelation 22:13 (NIV)
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega (that’s the first letter of Greek alphabet and the last), the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (those are titles showing that Jesus is over everything in history—he is sovereign or lord and in control of everything in history over the entire universe; (alpha and omega—1st and last letters of Greek alphabet)
Revelation 22:16 (NIV)
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
as the root of David—he is the promised king in David’s line who brings in God’s eternal kingdom.
he is the bright morning star - promised from the OT — these are titles of power and victory
these are only a few of his titles…that show us his trustworthiness and truth...
as I step back and think about Revelation one of the most prominent ways Jesus is displayed is as the Lamb who was slain.
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
I know that for someone of us the picture of Jesus ruling and reigning might be troubling…b/c if He is ruling, what about our free will? Or if he is ruling and reigning, why is life so difficult and frustrating? why does he allow this to happen to me—this medical diagnosis, this loss of life, suffering in the world.
we don’t know all the answers to those questions…but we do know that we have a Savior—who as the Lamb of God, was slain—He gave his life on the cross, bleeding and suffering on our behalf.
He knows what suffering is like—he identified with us so much as a human—that God would move to earth—and experience life like us—and ultimately die on the cross as the perfect sacrificial Lamb. I can trust a king like that who would give His life for me.
and I read about Jesus’ life—he just pulls you in.
If you are struggling with doubts and questions—I would encourage you to read a book called the Case for Christ—there is even a movie made about it—it’s a journalist’ investigation or read the book of Mark. when you encounter Jesus—it changes everything.
sometimes you will ask me questions about “how do I convince someone to turn to Christ in repentance and faith.” or “how do I help someone who is far from God and convince them Jesus loves them and Christianity is true?”
my advice would be “don’t confront their sin.” “Don’t even argue.”
Just show them Jesus—read about Jesus with them. Help them encounter Jesus, and He will deal with all those issues—b/c He is so good and God.
CS Lewis quote??? p. 31 from Mere Christianity
“Besides being complicated, reality in my experience, is usually odd. It is not neat, not obvious, not what you would expect. For example, when you have grasped that the earth and the other planets all go round the sun, you would naturally expect that all the planets were made to match—all at equal distances from each other, say, or distances that regularly increased, or all the same size, or else getting bigger or smaller as you go farther from the sun. In fact, you find no rhyme or reason (that we can see) about either the sizes or the distances; and some of them have one moon, one has four, one has two, some have none, and one has a ring. Reality, in fact, is usually something you could not have guessed. That is one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed. If it offered just the kind of universe we had always expected, I should feel we were making it up. But, in fact, it is not the sort of thing anyone would have made up. It has just that queer twist about it that real things have.”
because of Jesus—I believe this word in Revelation and the entire Bible is trustworthy and true!
so because of John and the witnesses
and b/c of Jesus--
I believe these are strong reasons we can TRUST the book of Revelation—what’s REALLY going on.
that when the curtain is pulled back—there is a God who is reigning and ruling despite the chaos of the world...
that when the curtain is pulled back—we should not give into the world (Babylon) or the beast (the gov’t persecution), or false teaching…keep trusting and persevering in Jesus.
that when the curtain is pulled back—Jesus will return to judge the wicked, reward his people, and set up his kingdom forever.
What Difference Does it Make: (If Revelation is trustworthy and true…)
3 questions I want to ask that will lead us into communion today...
Ask: am I personally ready to meet Jesus face to face?
Jesus said 3x he is coming soon! (vs. 7, 12, and 20)
vs. 10—says the time is near...
Revelation is all about pulling back the curtain to show us what is really going on—don’t be duped by this world or Satan or false teaching—it is worth it to follow Jesus.
in light of all of that…we must ask—are we ready to stand before God? to face him?
Jesus could come back soon—he says...
and even if he doesn’t as soon as we think....our lives can change in an instant.
I always know when somebody actually calls me (not texts), I often know that something is wrong—and I kind of hold my breath.
Since being in this church—I regularly get calls from people who unexpectedly lost a loved one, or their loved one was in accident and may die soon (needs a miracle), or they received a life-changing medical diagnosis. we are not guaranteed tomorrow or even next year--
and this entire book of Revelation asks—are you ready--
this life is short—and but a vapor...
as I interact with those who are on hospice and facing their death bed—there is often a common theme—of things they wished they did differently in life—regrets—are you living your life for Jesus in a way so that when you face that day—you are ready?
If not—what would you change?
vs. 17—has a wonderful invitation:
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
if you don’t know Jesus—he says “come...” drink from me—living water.
today is the day you can receive his free gift of coming under the lordship of Jesus—letting him call the shots. allowing him to pay for your sins on the cross—and receiving the gift of eternal life in Jesus
and if you already know him—how is that making a difference…
this takes me to question #2...
Ask: does my life reflect Jesus now?
Revelation 22:11 (NIV)
11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” (some don’t like this verse because it sounds like it’s encouraging people to keep sinning—I think that misinterprets the passage. it is saying there are 2 camps—there will be those who continue in their sin and rebellion and those who will persevere with Jesus in their life-which are you)
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
following Jesus is not just saying a prayer to receive Christ and then moving on with your life—it is totally re-orienting your life around Jesus.
it is a life of surrender allowing the HS to make you more like Jesus.
it does not mean we will be perfect—but there will be fruit in our lives produced by Jesus.
If we all could watch your life on video—would we see a life that is about Jesus and changed by Jesus?
if you look at this verse alone (vs. 15)—it gets personal:
magic arts—that may seem strange—but magic is all about controlling the elements—having power to our advantage—using spirituality for our advantage. do we approach God that way? (I think there is a lot more of this going on than we realize)
sexuality immoral—how is my sex life—am I saving myself sexually for marriage? what am I looking at and viewing online? Do I let Jesus lead me in all purity—knowing that this is not repressive—but Jesus knows best what will help me thrive and glorify him? (porn, marriage, pre-marriage)
murderers—Jesus said if we are angry with our brothers and sisters we are guilty of murder—how is my thought life towards others—even in my heart?
idolatry and falsehood…what or whom am I really worshipping?
one writer says this: What dramatically different futures await those who respond to the offer of the grace of Jesus in humble repentance and those who reject the offer of grace in prideful resistance. One will experience the unmerited, all-encompassing blessing of an all-satisfying life in the presence of the Savior who has loved them and cleansed them. The other will experience the fully merited, all-encompassing curse of never-ending misery away from the presence of the Savior whom they rejected and dishonored.
Guthrie, N. (2022). Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation (p. 246). Crossway.
3. Ask: What or whom am I relying on? Where am I seeking trustworthy and true information?
verses 18-19 have a warning
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.
19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
what are some ways we add or take away from Revelation and really the entire Bible?
we get caught up in our news channels—Fox News, CNN, wherever we get it—that becomes our truth and filter more than the Bible
another is politics—we get caught up and anxious and go down rabbit trails—rather than focusing on the real King of Kings and Lord of Lords
another is just failing to be in God’s Word. There is a discipline to reading or listening to god’s Word—that makes a huge difference.
are you leaning on God’s Word—His Revelation, trusting in that or something else?
communion:
Revelation 22:21 ends by saying this:
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
we want to celebrate God’s grace with a time of communion:
communion — open to all who have received Jesus as Savior and Lord
don’t have to be a member or regular attender
if you need those elements—raise your hand?
verses in Revelation -
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
the bread - Jesus’ body
the cup - Jesus’ blood
and this idea of eating and drinking shows up more than 700x in the Bible!
sometimes it is just a reference to physical eating—we need our daily bread to survive. God gave manna in the wilderness for the Israelite to eat and survive.
but often there are spiritual references to eating
the first sin involved eating from the tree that Adam and Eve were told not to.
the Israelites in the OT were not allowed to eat certain foods.
Jesus when he comes in the NT—is in the wilderness, fasting (not eating for 40 days) resisting the devil—and where Adam and Eve failed when tempted by Satan—Jesus succeeded—showing that man does not live on bread alone but every word that comes from the mouth of God.
and I think it is no accident that Jesus gave us communion—to eat and drink—to be reminded that we constantly have to eat from Jesus—to constantly spiritually ingest what Jesus has done for us.He is the bread of life. and the fountain of living water.
That his grace is underserved by us—he takes our sin seriously that he had to die—but was so glad to die—and as we ingest this Gospel—it changes everything—so that we are ready to meet Jesus, prepared—and all about Jesus Christ. This Gospel is what produces fruit in our lives supernaturally.
and one day we will eat with Jesus at the wedding supper of the Lamb.
i want to put those questions on the screen we asked earlier:
Am I ready to meet Jesus?
Does my life reflect Jesus?
What or whom am I relying on?
Think about these as you think about what Jesus did.
The good news if you have strayed, the grace of our Lord brings you back.
and the good news if you have never received this, today is the day you can.
praying at the end—anointing with oil...
let us keep the words of this prophecy… (7)
let us worship God (9)
let us persevere (11-12)
let us keep our eyes on Jesus (vs. 13) who is in control over everything (vs. 16—and who is fully human and fully divine)
let us confess our sin and change (vs. 15)
let us avoid false teaching (vs. 19) (from others or ourselves)
let us hold tightly to the grace of God (vs. 25)