Memory verse: 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 (Rev 1:3) NKJV
In addition to the seven churches mentioned in the first three chapters of the book of Revelation, Christ’s message is equally applicable to all God’s children everywhere and in all generations. The message is for all those who have ears. It is for all those who have the opportunity to listen to the word of God, attend services and make amendments where necessary. It is for everyone who is still alive. It is expected that everyone should hear the messages and take appropriate corrective actions on them before the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Since no one knows the exact date or time, every believer is advised to be consistently obedient.
Point of Emphasis: The Holy Spirit is still speaking, listen and obey.
Prayer Point: Lord, help me not to turn deaf ears to Your instructions.
BACKGROUND
As its name and opening verses denote, the Book of Revelation unveils the mission
of our Lord Jesus Christ for the end time. It does not only give us revelations from Christ, it gives us revelations concerning Christ and His programme for the church.
The word “Revelation” means uncovering, unveiling, revealing or discovery. Pondering over its title and meaning, we shall explore the great treasure and knowledge waiting to be uncovered in the book of Revelation beginning with this lesson.
NOTES ON THE LESSON
(1) THE SOURCE OF THE MESSAGES (REV. 1:1-2, 19; 22:16)
God is Omniscient, (Psalm 139:1-6). He knows all things. The secrets belong to Him and only He can reveal what is unknown. This revelation came directly from the Father to Jesus Christ and from Jesus it was sent to John. John, being a faithful servant, conveyed God’s message to the churches. There are two ways to understand the revelation of Jesus Christ. One way is that the revelation is about Jesus. The other way is that the revelation is from Jesus.
God gave this revelation to Jesus who now passed it to His servants. The end of the book of Revelation confirms it again that this revelation being discussed is directly from Jesus. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the Churches (Rev. 22:16). The messages are not the thoughts or philosophy of men. They are direct instructions from the Almighty God which every believer must embrace with all seriousness.
(2) THE NATURE OF THE MESSAGES (REV. 2:2, 5; 1 TIM. 5:24)
The first thing to note here is that God ‘knows our works’. He sees what we do. He takes records of our deeds and actions. He knows our thoughts before we think them and He knows our words before we say them. He is aware of what we are concealing. We may fool our wives, husbands, our family, the pastor, the whole church, but remember: the wheels of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine. Time will uncover that which we do.
Our pretence is open to Him. Our secret sins are not hidden. He sees all the works of the flesh that are covered up with clean suits. He is equally aware of the labor of love in His house. He is noting the good works you are doing. He has records for all actions and activities of men on earth. He also has plans to reward the good and bad works of men in due season. It is advisable that you check your ways today and correct the wrongs before it will be too late.
It is also worthy of note that Christ’s message is not limited to the seven churches. The message is applicable to all God’s servants and ministers everywhere and in all generations. Jesus Christ expects that we repent where we are wrong and hold on to the good virtues till the day of reward.
(3) THE URGENCY OF THE MESSAGES AND REWARD OF OBEDIENT CHRISTIANS (REV. 1:3, LK. 11:28: 1 THESS. 5:1 -2)
There is great reward for those who not only read but obey the word of God in the book of Revelation and other sixty five books of the Bible. Blessings come upon the people who keep what is written therein. The word “keep”, used in the Bible has three meanings: first, to guard, protect, and not allow something to slip away. “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust….” (1 Tim. 6:20). Second, it is to obey; that is, to do or practise. The third is to treasure or hold as precious what has been put in our care, (Prov. 4:20-21). According to the scriptures read, to be blessed requires appropriate actions from us. Complete blessings gravitate to people who hear, read and obey the word of God, Rev. 14:13.
Believers should be aware that the time is at hand. The prophecies will be fulfilled shortly. A day with the Lord is like a thousand years. This is the reason believers must take heed so that they will not be caught unaware.
CONCLUSION
Christ’s message to the church gives hope to Christians. It is not a thought or philosophy of men. It emanated from Christ Himself. It therefore needs to be studied with all seriousness with a view to grasp what is beneficial to our christian faith. The onus rest on us to get the accurate understanding of the message. This must be taught and lived in our contemporary world.
QUESTIONS
En plus des sept églises mentionnées dans les trois premiers chapitres du livre d’apocalypse, le message du Christ est également applicable à tous les enfants de Dieu partout et dans toutes les générations. Ce message est pour tous ceux qui ont des oreilles. C’est pour tous ceux qui ont l’occasion d‘écouter la parole de Dieu, de prendre part aux cultes et de se racheter lorsque c’est nécessaire. C’est pour tout un chacun étant encore vivant. Il est attendu que chacun écoute les messages et prenne les dispositions correctives appropriées qui s’y attachent avant l’avènement du Seigneur Jésus-Christ. Etant donné que nul ne sait la date ou le temps, il est conseillé à chaque croyant d’être invariablement obéissant.
Point essentiel : Le Saint-Esprit parle encore ; écoute et obéis.
Axe de prière : Seigneur, aide-moi à ne pas faire la sourde oreille à tes instructions.
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