Sermon 194

📖 SERMON 194 — Revelation 1:9–20

Date: January 8, 1950
Text: Revelation 1:9–20
Preacher: Rev. G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

John, in beautiful humility, identifies himself as your brother and fellow believer. He writes while exiled on the island of Patmos.

I. HERE HE REVEALS HIS GLORY

A. John identifies himself

1. He is a brother of those who are in Christ Jesus.
2. He is a partaker with others in tribulation, the kingdom, and patience.

B. While John is an exile on the island of Patmos

1. A rocky, treeless island off the coast of Asia.
2. No doubt exiled because of his faithful preaching of the Word of God.
3. Persecuted on account of his testimony to Jesus Christ.

C. While John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day

1. It was Sunday.
2. John experienced a special spiritual preparation.
3. No doubt he was worshipping his Lord.

D. With a mighty voice

1. Great, as of a trumpet—penetrating, clear, with no uncertain sound.
2. It instructed him to write what he should see.
3. It told him to address the letter to the seven churches in Asia Minor, representing the entire Church of all ages.

II. HIS APPEARANCE

A. John turned to see the speaker

1. The charge implied an invitation to look.
2. Perhaps the voice sounded familiar, reminding him of his Lord.
3. The vision was so glorious he later praised God for bringing him to Patmos.

B. Like unto the Son of Man

1. This describes Jesus, who called Himself the Son of Man.
2. John sees the One with whom he once walked, upon whose bosom he leaned, who was crucified, risen, and ascended.

C. He appears in the midst of the golden candlesticks

1. Seven individual candlesticks.
2. Jesus explains they represent the seven churches.
3. The churches are light bearers: “Ye are the light of the world.”
4. Showing Jesus keeps His promise: “Lo, I am with you always.”

D. His garments

1. Long.
2. Reaching to His feet.
3. Represent His majesty as the exalted Christ.

E. His head

1. Hair perfectly white, the whiteness of holiness.
2. Eyes as a flame of fire—penetrating, nothing hidden.
3. The head of the King of kings and Lord of lords—majestic.

F. His feet

1. Like burnished brass—mighty, unbreakable, stable.
2. Ready to trample His enemies underfoot; He comes with judgment.

G. His voice

1. Compared to a trumpet—heard wherever His Word is preached.
2. Also as the sound of many waters—tremendous power; every ear shall hear.

H. His right hand

1. The hand of power and honor.
2. Holding seven stars, the angels or messengers of the churches.

I. His mouth

1. From it came a sharp two-edged sword—symbol of His judgment and power.

J. His face

1. His whole countenance.
2. Shining like the sun in its brilliance.

III. HIS ACTIVITIES

A. He is in the midst of His churches

1. John sees Him standing there.
2. Later He is described as walking among them.
3. Showing the glorified Christ, though in heaven, is with His Church on earth.

B. He holds the seven stars in His hand

1. The seven angels or messengers of the churches.
2. He holds them permanently; they are never out of His hand.
3. They receive power and authority from Him and are under His protecting care.
4. They are responsible to Him.

C. He comforts and instructs John

1. John fell at His feet as dead.
2. Jesus stilled his fear and reminded him of His identity:
   a. The First and the Last.
   b. The Living One who died and is alive forevermore.
   c. He has the keys of death and Hades.
3. John must write what he sees, the things which must shortly come to pass.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this revelation is to comfort His people and to warn His enemies.