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HIS
SERVANTS' MINISTRY, Inc.
www.godcannotlie.org
Welcome to our web site
The
Book of Revelation
Lesson #2
Rev. 1:12 And I turned to see
the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden
candlesticks; [KJV] When John turned to see who was speaking
to him, he saw seven golden lampstands.
When John turned to see who was speaking, he saw seven golden
candlesticks (symbol for churches). The churches receive their
light from Christ and His Word, and we should always hold it high
for others. Golden symbolizes we should be precious and pure;
not only the ministers, but the members of the churches as well.
Their lights should shine before men, so others can give glory
to God. Don’t hide your light under a bushel (Mat.5:15)
Rev. 1:13 And in the midst of the seven
candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment
down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
[KJV] And standing in the middle of the lampstands was the Son
of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across His
chest.
The seven golden lampstands are the seven churches in Asia (Rev.
1:11, 20), and Jesus stands among them. No matter what the churches
face, Jesus is there with His all-encompassing love and wondrous
power. Through His Spirit, Christ Jesus is still among the churches
today. He will be with His churches always, to the end of the
world. He fills them with light and life and love. He was clothed
with a garment like that of the high priest (Ex.28:2-4), thus
representing His righteousness and priesthood (our Mediator).
Jesus “like unto the Son of man” (this title
occurs many times in the New Testament, referring to Jesus as
the Messiah). John recognized Jesus because he lived and worked
with Him for three years.
Rev. 1:14 His head and his hairs were white
like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
[KJV] His head and His hair were white as wool, as white as snow.
And His eyes were like flames of fire.
Jesus' appearance with His white hair symbolizes His wisdom and
His divine, eternal existence (Dan. 7:9). His “eyes
as a flame of fire” symbolize His penetrating and all
knowing insight, and judgment of all evil. Our Lord knows the
secrets of all hearts (Jn.2:24). He knows our every thought (Eze.11:5-B).
He knows the end of a thing, before it begins (Is.46:10).
Rev. 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass,
as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of
many waters. [KJV] His feet were as bright as bronze refined
in a furnace, and His voice thundered like the mighty ocean.
“His feet like unto fine brass” refined
in a furnace symbolizes judgment . . . on ALL sin. “His voice as the sound of many
waters” symbolizes the power and authority of His Word.
Rev. 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven
stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his
countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. [KJV]
He held seven stars in His right hand, and from His mouth, was
a sharp two-edged sword. And His Face was as bright as the sun
on a hot, summer's day.
The seven stars are symbolic of the pastors of the seven
churches. Christ holds these in His Hands; He upholds and
directs them. He has control of the churches and more important,
He has control of the entire universe! The sword in Jesus’
mouth is NOT literal, but symbolizes the power and force of His
Message. His Words of judgment are as sharp as swords (Isa. 49:2;
Heb. 4:12). The sword symbolizes His justice and His Word. “His
countenance was as the sun” when it shines clearly
and powerfully; its brilliance and strength are too bright and
dazzling for mortal eyes to behold. This is our glorified Saviour!
Much brighter than the sun He created!
Rev. 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at
his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto
me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: [KJV] When John
saw him, he fell at Jesus' feet as thought he were dead. But Jesus
placed His right hand on John and said, "Don't be afraid!
I am the First and the Last.
While Jesus was on Earth, John knew Jesus, and was closer to
Him than anyone else. But in this vision, John did NOT go and
shake hands with Him, nor embrace, nor kiss Him. John didn’t
even speak, but fell at Jesus’ Feet, as if he were dead.
The sight of the glorified Christ simply paralyzed John. Have
you ever considered just what YOU will do when you come into the
Presence of our Lord? John 15:14 Ye
are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.[KJV]
If you SAY you are a friend of Jesus, and Jesus is a Friend of
yours, you are implying that you are obeying Him! Are you, in
deed and fact, doing what Jesus has commanded you to do? The Lord
Jesus spoke words of comfort; “Fear
not.” Words of instruction; from the
One who appeared.
Rev. 1:18 I
am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore,
Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
[KJV] I am Jesus, the One who died. But, as you see, I am alive,
and shall be forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and
the grave.
Without Jesus, our sins convict and sentence us, but Jesus holds
the keys of death and Hades. Only He can justify us (Rom.5:1)
and free us from bondage to Satan. Only He has the power and authority
to set us free from sin’s control. Believers do NOT have
to fear Hades (present day Hell; holding place of the unsaved
dead) or death, because Christ Jesus holds the keys to both. All
we must do is realize and admit we are sinners, repent and turn
to Him in faith.
If we try to control our lives and disregard God, we are on a
very broad and well used road leading directly to eternal Hell. http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_real.htm
Jesus did die! His disciples witnessed Him suffer
and die on the cross. But His resurrection brought Him back to
life. He conquered death and is alive “for
evermore”! His sovereign authority
and dominion is in and over the entire universe (Mat.28:18; Ep.1:22;
1 Pet.3:22). He is Judge of ALL and there shall be NO appeals on any sentence He hands
down. If you do not know Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, listen
to the voice of Christ, reach out and receive His love and the Gift of eternal life that He offers. Rejection of Christ and His love
leaves only eternal Hell!
Rev. 1:19 Write
the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and
the things which shall be hereafter; [KJV]
Jesus told John to write down what he had seen, both the things
that are now happening and the things that will happen later.
This verse is the Divine division of this Book.
- Past . . . “the
things which thou hast seen.” What
has John seen? The Glorified Christ! The Book of Revelation
centers on Christ. He is the Subject of this Book. Don’t
get your eyes on the horsemen, the seals, the trumpets, the
bowls or the beasts; they are all just passing through! Jesus
is the MAIN Character! Keep your eyes on Jesus!
- Present . . . “things
which are.” What are the ‘things
which are’? They are things that pertain to the church.
The church is still here after 1900 years. This includes churches
of today. It includes matters concerning the churches when John
wrote this (about 96 A.D.), but also today.
- Future . . . “the
things which shall be hereafter.”
Revelation very plainly tells us of God’s scheduled program
of things to come. This Book is prophecy! The things written
in this Book shall happen!
Rev. 1:20 The
mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand,
and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels
of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest
are the seven churches. [KJV] Jesus explains
what John saw. This is the meaning of the seven stars you saw
in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars
are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands
are the seven churches.
Keep in mind: take things literally unless otherwise stated,
as in this verse. John makes it very plain when he uses symbols.
“Mystery” in Scripture is a sacred secret that has
not been revealed before. John saw the glorified Christ. Paul
(Acts 9:3; 26:13) saw a great light from Heaven, and heard Christ
speak, but did not see Christ. The “angels”
are symbols for the elders or pastors of the local churches, who
are accountable to God for the churches they represent. Because
the seven letters in Rev. 2-3 contain reprimands, it is very doubtful
that these were literal angels from Heaven. May we always obey
Christ, and give up ourselves completely to Him.
SPECIAL
FEATURES IN THE 7 LETTERS
- Each letter had a direct message to the
local church to whom it was written.
- There is something in ALL the messages that
can be applied to all churches in all ages.
- To each of the 7 churches, Christ presents
Himself in a special way. The description of Christ is definitely
related to the condition of that particular church.
- Letters are addressed to the “angel”
(pastor) of each church; the person in charge of church affairs.
- Christ Jesus begins by stating to each:
“I know thy works.” We CANNOT hide our wrongdoings
from God.
- He first commends (praises) each church;
then condemns (states what is wrong there), with two exceptions. Smyrna and Philadelphia received NO condemnation, and
Laodicea and Sardis received NO praise.
- Each letter concludes with a warning: “He
that hath and ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith.”
We should always listen to what God has to say to us!
CHAPTER
2
TO THE CHURCH AT
EPHESUS REV. 2:1-7
Rev. 2:1 Unto
the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he
that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in
the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; [KJV] Write a letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This
is the message from the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven gold
lampstands:
Ephesus was the capital of Asia Minor, a center of land and sea
trade. The road by the harbor was white marble. A theater seated
20,000 people, and a great amphitheater seated over 100,000. The
city was formed around the temple of Diana, the largest Greek
temple ever built, and one of the most beautiful. Diana was the
goddess of fertility, and was the most sacred idol of heathenism.
Her temple was four times larger than the Parthenon at Athens.
Around the temple were performed the most gross forms of immorality.
Worship of Diana included the most degrading religious rites of
sensuality and wild drunken orgies. Ephesus was one of the three
most influential cities in the eastern part of the Roman empire.
Paul was pastor in Ephesus for three years and warned the Ephesians
that false teachers would come and try to draw people away from
the faith (Acts 20:29-31).
Jesus presents Himself as “He
that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in
the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”
indicating His power and authority over the churches and their
leaders. Ephesus had become a large, proud church, and Jesus’
message would remind them that He alone is the head of the body
of believers. Just as Jesus cared for each of these churches,
He cares for yours and wants to be the Head!
Rev. 2:2 I
know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou
canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which
say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
[2:3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake
hast laboured, and hast not fainted. [KJV]
Jesus said: I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard
work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil
people. You have checked out the claims of those who say they
are apostles but are not. You know they are liars. You have patiently
suffered for me without quitting.
Jesus has 7 words of praise for this church.
- “I
know thy works.” He is speaking to
BELIEVERS! Our faith makes us righteous (Rom.4:5; Eph.2:8-10;
Tit.3:5). Jesus is telling this church to be filled with the
Holy Spirit (Eph.5:18).He will not ask an unbeliever for good
works (Tit.1:16).
- “I
know thy labor.” Labor carries the
thought of weariness. This church was diligent in their good
works to the point of weariness. Works can NEVER save us, but after we are saved, we WANT to do good and
serve our risen Lord.
- “I
know thy patience.” Patience is a
‘fruit of the Spirit’ (Gal.5:22). We CANNOT
produce this ‘fruit’ without Him!
- “I
know you cannot tolerate evil.” They
distanced themselves from evil men (2 Cor.6:17; Isa.52:11).
- “Thou
hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and
hast found them liars.” They tested
everyone who claimed to be an apostle; and
if they were not, they asked them to leave (1 Jn.4:1-2; Acts
17:11).
- “Thou
hast borne, for my Name’s sake hast labored.”
They believed in the virgin birth of Jesus, His deity, His sacrificial
death, His resurrection, and they preached it boldly, and many
paid a price for their belief and obedience.
- “Thou
hast not fainted.” D.L. Moody once
said “I grow weary in the work, but not of the work.”
We all can get weary IN our labor and service for Christ; but
when we become tired OF the work for our Lord, it is very sad
and tragic! Christ keeps an account of the work His servants
do for Him, and their service and labor shall not be in vain.
Rev. 2:4 Nevertheless
I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first
love. [KJV] Jesus said: but I have one thing
against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!
Now, Jesus states His condemnation against this church. “Thou
hast left thy first love.” Paul had
once praised the church at Ephesus for its love for God and others
(Eph. 1:15), but many of the church founders had died, and many
of the second-generation believers had lost their zeal for God.
They were a busy church—the members did much to benefit
themselves and the community—but what they were doing was
for the wrong reason. Any and all work we do for God must be motivated
by love for God or it will not last. The sin Christ charged this
church with is having lost the fervent love it once had. Christ
is greatly displeased with His people, when He sees them grow
sluggish and cold toward Him. We must not speak of it with carelessness,
nor try to excuse indifference and laziness. Indifference is a
sin. We must repent, we must be grieved and ashamed for our sin.
If we disgrace or slight the Presence of Christ’s glorious
grace and Spirit, we must be willing to expect His displeasure.
Rev. 2:5 Remember
therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the
first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove
thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
[KJV] Look how far you have fallen from your first love, Jesus
tells them. Turn back to me again and work as you did at first.
If you don't, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place
among the churches.
When believers lose sight of the seriousness of sin, they lose
the thrill of forgiveness. When you first became a Christian,
you may have had enthusiasm without knowledge. Do you now have
knowledge without enthusiasm? Both are necessary if we are to
keep our love for God intense and unstained. Do you love God with
the same fervor as when you were a baby Christian? To “remove
your lampstand from its place” means the church would
cease to be an effective church. Churches are to give light to
the surrounding communities. Remember, the “church”
is PEOPLE (believers). We are to shine, illuminate the Light of
Jesus, no matter who you are, or where you are! Jesus warned the
church at Ephesus that their lights could go out. In fact, Jesus
Himself would extinguish any light that did not fulfill its purpose,
both then and now! The church had to repent of its sins, then,
and now!
Rev. 2:6 But
this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes,
which I also hate. [KJV] Jeus goes on: but
there is this about you that is good: You hate the deeds of the
immoral Nicolaitans, just as I do.
The Nicolaitans were believers who compromised their faith in
order to enjoy some of the sinful practices of Ephesian society.
They wanted to introduce into the church a false freedom, licentiousness,
immorality. When we want to take part in an activity, and we know
it is wrong, we make excuses to justify our behavior, saying that
it isn’t all that bad, or it won’t hurt our faith.
Christ has strong words for those who look for excuses to sin.
Rev. 2:7 He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree
of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. [KJV]
Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and
understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyone
who is victorious will eat from the tree of life in the paradise
of God.
“He that hath an ear,
let him hear” means to pay
attention! To overcome is to be victorious by
believing in Christ (1 Jn.5:4-5), persevering, remaining faithful,
and living as one who follows and obeys Christ. Such a life brings
great rewards (Rev. 21:7). Eventually, all evil will be destroyed
and believers will be brought into a restored paradise. In the
new earth, everyone will eat from the tree of life and will live
forever. The church at Ephesus represents the apostolic church.
The Book of Revelation
Lesson #1, Ch.1:1-11 . . Lesson #2, Ch.1:12-2:7 . . Lesson #3, Ch.2:8-20 . . Lesson #4, Ch.3:1-22 . . Lesson #5, Ch.4:1-5:14 . . lesson #6, Ch.6:1-17 . . Lesson #7, Ch.7:1-17 . . Lesson #8, Ch.8:1-13 . . Lesson #9, Ch.9:1-21 . . Lesson #10, Ch.10:1-11 . . Lesson #11, Ch.11:1-19 . . Lesson #12, Ch.12:1-17 . . Lesson #13, Ch.13:1-10 . . Lesson #14, Ch.13:11-18 . . Lesson#15,Ch.14:1-13 . . Lesson #16, Ch.14:14-20 . . Lesson #17, Ch.15:1-8 . . Lesson#18,Ch.16:1-14 . . Lesson #19, Ch.16:15-21 . . Lesson #20, Ch.17:1-18 . . Lesson #21, Ch.18:1;17A . . Lesson #22, Ch.18:17B-24 . . Lesson #23, Ch.19:1-10 . . Lesson #24, Ch.19:11-21 . . Lesson #25, Ch. 20:1-15 . . Lesson #26, Ch.21:1-27 . . Lesson #27, Ch.22:1-6 . . Lesson #28, Ch.22:7-21
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