Memory Scripture
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
(Revelation 1:3)
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 24: The Vision Of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan .4:9-18)
Tue. 25: The Writing On The Wall (Dan. 5:1-9)
Wed. 26: The Four Beasts In Daniels’s Vision (Dan. 7:1-13)
Thu. 27: The Vision Of Ram And Goat (Dan. 8:1-10)
Fri. 28: The Messianic Prophecy Of Jeremiah (Jer. 23:5)
Sat 29: The Prophecies Of Enoch (Jude 14)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Revelation reminds us that God’s plan is bigger than our present struggles— His victory is certain.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCES: REVELATION 1:1-3, 8-17; 21:1-5; 22:12-13
We thank the Lord for the progressive and valuable gleanings from God’s Word. Last week, we explored the General Epistles written by apostles James, Peter, John and an anonymous writer. Lesson 31, THE BOOK OF REVELATION marks the end of UNIT 4.
While the Book of Genesis gives an account of the beginning of all things, the Book of Revelation on the other hand, explains how all things would end; plants, animals and man inclusive. we also need to see how this Book contributed to the development of the NT Scripture. May the Lord further impact our hearts as we learn at His feet. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST
- THE REVELATION OF END-TIMEEVENTS
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST (1:1,8-17)
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants — things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John.
(1:1)
a) v. 1: ‘Revelation’ is from Grk., Apokalupsis meaning “unveiling” or “revealing.” It is not a series of multiple revelations (plural) but the Revelation (singular), showing the completeness of the vision given to John. This helps to frame Revelation as the final and complete message of the NT.
b) The Revelation of Jesus Christ… The book is not about the writer, John, but the appearance of Christ Who reveals end time events. Shifting the focus entirely to Christ affirms His central role in the NT canon.
c) Which God gave Him to show His servants (v.la): This Revelation was given to John through Jesus (cf. Matt. 11:27). Jesus remains the Mediator between God and man, and the key to understanding God’s plan. This forms the foundation
of NT writings and teaching.
d) Hearing God through fathers, prophets and all other means are good, but in these last days, hearing Him through His Son, Jesus, is God’s supreme mode of revelation to His people (cf. Jn. 1:1-2; Heb. 1:1-2). Revelation stresses Christ’s ultimate authority, making it a key foundation of the NT.
e) Things which must shortly take place… Revelation is the book of end times, revealing end time happenings. It offers the final vision of the end times, completing the New Testament story.
f) vv. 8-17: The Resurrected Lord never showed these things until He had shown John His true picture. No one can see for God until he has seen Jesus (Isa. 6:1-8).
THE REVELATION OF END-TIME EVENTS (21:1-5; 22:12-13)
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea.
(21:1)
a) 21:1: The Book of Revelation links the NT to OT promises of God’s eternal kingdom (Is. 65:17; 2 Pet. 3:13). John’s vision of a new heaven and earth shows God’s plan to renew all things, strengthening Christian hope and faith.
b) Isaiah had seen a glimpse of the new heaven and earth, but John was privileged to see a fuller version; vivid descriptions providing clarity and continuity with God’s plan from the OT to the NT.
c) In the days of Noah, God destroyed the earth with deluge but the present heaven and earth would be destroyed with fire (cf. Is. 34:4; 2 Pet. 3:6-7). This strengthens the connection between the Old and New Testaments.
d) vv. 3-4: God would permanently tabernacle with us, wiping away every tear from their eyes as a result of death, sorrow, crying and pain.
e) 22:12-13: Certainty can be mishandled (cf. 2 Pet. 3:8-13). Yet, no matter how delayed His Second Coming may seem,
the truth still remains; these words are true and faithful (Hab. 2:2; Rev. 22:5).
f) The focus on righteous living and requirements for entering the new heaven reinforces the NT’s call to holiness and
ethical living.
LESSONS DERIVED
- God’s final plan is to restore everything to perfection, and His promises will never fail.
- Christ’s victory over evil gives us hope, reminding us that our struggles are temporary and God’s final victory is
certain.
QUESTIONS
- Discuss the superiority of Jesus as the ultimate means of communication between God and His people.
- Examine the focus of the Book of Revelation.
