The Book of Revelation Study Sermon 3 Revelation The Outline

The Book of Revelation Study- Sermon 3 Revelation, An Outline of The Book INTRODUCTION: We've covered: The Title of The Book- 1:1a The Author of The Book- 1:1b,4,9,22:8 The Readers of The Book- 1:3-4 The Dedication of The Book- 1:4-6 The Theme of The Book- 1:7-8 The Occasion(reason;cause)- 1:9-18 NOW....... THE OUTLINE OF THE BOOK- Rev. 1:19 "The things which thou hast seen" refers to the vision in Rev. 1 "The things which are" refers to Rev. 2-3 The special message to the 7 churches. "The things which shall be hereafter" is covering the events of Rev. 4-22- What John heard in Rev. 4:1 proves this interpretation. As we review Revelation we can summarize the basic characteristics of the book as follows: * It is a Christ-centered book- For sure- the whole Bible speaks of the Savior but the Book of Revelation especially magnifies the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ. After all, it is the revelation of Jesus Christ and not just the revelation of future events. * It is an Open Book- John was told NOT to seal the book (Rev. 22:10)because God's people need the message it contains. Revelation can be understood, despite the fact that it contains mysteries that may never be comprehended until we reach heaven. John sent the book to the 7 churches of Asia Minor with the expectation that when it was read aloud by the messengers, those listening would understand enough of it's truths to be greatly encouraged in their own difficult situations. * It is a book of many symbols- Biblical symbols are timeless in their message and limitless in their content. For example, the symbol of Babylon begins in Genesis 10-11and its meaning grows as you follow it through Scripture, ending in Revelation 17-18. Also, we can see the symbols of "The Lamb" and "the bride." There is an excitement in digging deeper into the rich meanings that are conveyed by all these symbols. * It is a book of prophecy- Most definitely stated in Rev. 1:3, 22:7, 10, 18-19. The letters to the seven churches dealt with immediate needs in those local churches and some of those needs are still in churches today. However, the rest of the book is devoted almost entirely to prophetic revelations. By seeing the victorious Christ presented the persecuted Christians found encouragement in their times of tribulation. When you have assurance for the future, you have stability in the present. John himself was suffering by the hand of Rome, so Revelation was born out of affliction. * It is a book with a blessing- We have already looked at the promise in Rev. 1:3, as well as the six other beatitudes that are scattered throughout the book. It isn't enough to hear or read the book; we must take the message personally and say a believing AMEN! To what it is saying. * Note the many AMENS in the book: Rev. 1:6-7,18, 3:14, 5:14, 7:12, 19:4, 22:20-21. * It is a relevant book- What John wrote about would "shortly come to pass" (Rev. 1:1) because the time is at hand" (Rev. 1:3). The word "shortly" does not mean soon but "quickly, swiftly." God does not measure time as we do. No one knows the time but we can know the season and Church we are in that season! When He begins to open the seals of the scroll (Rev. 6:1) events will happen with speed and without interruption. * It is a majestic book- Revelation is the book of the throne as the word throne is found 46 times throughout. It is a book that magnifies God's sovereignty and where Christ is seen in all His glory and dominion! * It is a universal book- John saw nations and peoples (Rev. 10:11, 11:9, 17:15) as part of God's program. John also saw the throne room of heaven and heard voices from the ends of the universe! * It is a climactic book- Revelation is the climax of the Bible! Everything that began in Genesis will be completed and fulfilled in God's sovereign will. * He is Alpha & Omega, the beginning & the ending. Rev. 1:8- What God starts, He finishes! * Church we must stop to listen to the man in the midst of the lampstands as He reveals the personal needs in our church and in our hearts. * "He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches!"