Bible Study - Victory (1) - JESUS, Our Victor - Revelation 1:12-20 - March 5, 2017

Bible Study – Victory (1) – JESUS, Our Victor – March 5, 2017

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “Victory.”

Our focus scripture is Revelation 1:12-20.

JESUS CHRIST is the victorious LORD of all.

For the next six-weeks we will explore various scripture in the Bible to better understand what “Victory” means for Christians.

In the Advanced Bible Study, spring 2017 edition, written by Dr. Pouncey, the pastor of the First Baptist Tilliman’s Corner in Mobile, Alabama, LifeWay, Nashville, TN, page 7, he began with a statement I think worth repeating:

“Are you fighting for victory or from victory? The first approach is based on the faulty notion that victory is something that we must achieve independently of anyone except ourselves. No matter how hard we fight for victory, we will never completely achieve it by trusting only in ourselves. The second viewpoint recognizes that someone else must win that victory for us, and that someone is JESUS CHRIST. Though we may seem to win some battles and lose others, only JESUS CHRIST is the victorious LORD of all. Our only hope of constant victory is to put our faith and trust in the One Who never loses. Even the one moment in HIS life that appeared to be a loss, HIS death, ended up being evidence of HIS victory over death, hell and the grave.” (My caps)

Scripture for our first lesson in Revelation 1:12-20. In studying this scripture years ago our pastor made it a point that we notice that it is “Revelation” and not “Revelations.” The Apostle John wrote this while he was exiled to Patmos, which is an island about 10 miles long and 6 miles wide. The Romans sent prisoners to Patmos for safe keeping. I understand that its landscape is made up of rock and volcanic hills.

Even though the Apostle John was exiled, he was worshiping the LORD on “the LORD’S day” and he heard a loud voice behind him. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Revelation 1:10-11:

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet

11 saying, "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

The Apostle John received specific instructions from the voice. Being on an island either alone or with few people it would be natural for a person to turn to see who was speaking to you. This is exactly what John did as we read on ---

Let’s read Revelation 1:12-16:

12 I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me. When I turned I saw seven gold lampstands,

The voice got John’s attention. He turned to see who was speaking to him.

The first thing that caught John’s attention was “seven gold lampstands.” 

Lampstands were likely the seven-pronged lampstand (menorah) that were used to provide light in the tabernacle or other places after sunset. Seven is the number for completion by bringing all things together. The lampstand represented GOD’S presence after the period of exile.

Notice, John’s description of these lampstands:

These lampstands were gold. Gold is a precious metal that has to be refined by fire to make it pure. The purity of the Gospel is foundational and vital to every Christian. The promise of the coming Messiah is found in Genesis and in other scripture hundreds of years before JESUS, GOD’S Only SON, was born in the flesh.

The lampstands had places to hold clay containers where oil was placed. Each lamp would have a wick. The oil would be wicked and ignited to provide the flame to produce the light. Oil generally represents the Holy Spirit. Who is the wick? It is all Christians.

The igniting flame is truth as confirmed by the resurrection of JESUS from the physically dead to the eternally alive. The light from the flame is the true Gospel that the shed blood of JESUS paid the price for sin, in full, and all who place their faith in JESUS will receive eternal life.

JESUS is the promised Messiah and the light of the world. Christians are also the light of the world. Light dispels darkness and, as Christians, we are to let the light of truth shine through us and not hide it under a bushel.

Oil is placed in clay containers which are anchored and contained by the lampstand. Every Christian is to share the light he or she has received with those to whom the Holy Spirit has led him or her.

Romans 9:21:

21 Or has the potter no right over His clay, to make from the same lump one piece of pottery for honor and another for dishonor?

2 Corinthians 4:7:

7 Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.

Let’s read on in Revelation 1:13-16:

13 and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, and with a gold sash wrapped around His chest.

John describes the person among the lampstands and the source of the voice. 

JESUS is among the lampstands revealing that HE is active in the affairs upon earth, especially the churches. John describes the clothing of the person he saw:

-         A long robe down to HIS feet.

-         A gold sash wrapped around HIS chest.

Such clothing somewhat reflects the dress of the high priest who interceded on behalf of the Jews.

Daniel had an interesting experience as recorded in Daniel 10:5-7:

5 I looked up, and there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist.

6 His body was like topaz, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude.

7 Only I, Daniel, saw the vision. The men who were with me did not see it, but a great terror fell on them, and they ran and hid.

Since the passion of JESUS, there is no longer a need for an earthly priest as recorded in Hebrews 4:14-16:

Our Great High Priest

14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens-Jesus the Son of God-let us hold fast to the confession.

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.

16 Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.

In keeping with the number for completion, John wrote seven things which describe the “One like the Son of Man.” Some Bible scholars contend there are eight if you include the clothing.

First, the reference to JESUS as the “Son of Man” was a term that JESUS used to refer to Himself. The term referred to HIS full humanity and HIS mission as the promised Messiah e.g. the Glorified CHRIST – the divine Deliverer.

14 His head and hair were white like wool-white as snow, His eyes like a fiery flame,

15 His feet like fine bronze fired in a furnace, and His voice like the sound of cascading waters.

16 In His right hand He had seven stars; from His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was shining like the sun at midday.

Now, let’s consider the seven things which John used to describe the “One like the Son of Man:”

-         1. HIS head and HIS hairs were white like wool. White is a reference to purity, holiness, wisdom and respect.

-         2. HIS eyes were as a flame of fire. Fire penetrates, cleanses and reveals as it penetrates.

-         3. HIS feet like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace. In that day bronze was made by smelting together copper and tin ores with charcoal. The resulting product was stronger than pure copper and retained its golden glaze – symbol of CHRIST’S purity, strength and glory. Bronze is stronger than iron.

-         4. HIS voice sounded like cascading waters which represented power and authority. Link to GOD.

-         5. HE had seven stars in HIS right hand. Seven stars represented the seven churches which referred to the angels of the seven churches. JESUS is the authority over these seven angels as referenced by HIM holding them in HIS right hand. The right hand represents authority, power and strength. Some speculate that the angels refer to the pastors of those churches. Some say they are angels/messengers. Either way JESUS holds them in HIS right hand. HIS hand of strength, power and authority.

-         6. Out of HIS mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. Coming from HIS mouth likely referred to the spoken word. The Bible refers to GOD’S Word in Hebrews 4:12 – “12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart.” The sword coming from the mouth of CHRIST is a reference to HIS authority to judge.  

-         7. His face was shining like the sun at midday. Shining like the sun refers to glory. Do you recall in JESUS’ prayer as recorded in John 17:5 – “5 Now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with that glory I had with You before the world existed.” After CHRIST completed and fulfilled HIS mission, HIS Glory was restored which proclaims HIS victory and authority over sin and eternal death.

Let’s read Revelation 1:17-18:

17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. He laid His right hand on me, and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last,

This comes across to me as a tender, compassionate, loving moment.

18 and the Living One. I was dead, but look-I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.

The Apostle John had seen JESUS after HIS resurrection. JESUS was upon earth for 40 days after HIS resurrection and then HE ascended into Heaven and took HIS seat at the right hand of HIS Father. It seems reasonable that John had not seen JESUS as our High Priest in Heaven as described in Hebrews. The former Glory of JESUS had been restored as we read in John 17:5. When John saw JESUS in HIS Glory he was overwhelmed and fell at HIS feet in an act of worship.

JESUS responded to John’s homage with tenderness. JESUS reached down to John and touched him with HIS right hand, which is HIS hand of strength. JESUS said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look-I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

JESUS was making John aware that HE was the JESUS that was in the flesh upon earth, Who died, was buried, resurrected, ascended into Heaven, is alive for eternity and holds the keys of death and Hades.

What do keys do? They unlock doors that are locked. When we place our faith in JESUS and HIS passion, it unlocks the doors that all humans are kept behind e.g. eternal death and Hades. Nothing we, as humans, can do to unlock these doors; not good works, good deeds, giving our money or resources, sacrifices, nothing from a human point-of-view. JESUS said it best as recorded in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him (The Apostle Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

When we place our faith in JESUS, HE unlocks the doors that bar us from GOD. These doors are locked by sin and JESUS paid the price for our sin when HE willingly shed HIS blood to redeem all who will place their faith in HIM.

Satan thought if he could get JESUS killed then he would win but GOD had hidden this mystery from the rulers of the world as recorded in 1 Corinthians 2:7-10: (Note verse 8.)

7 On the contrary, we speak God's hidden wisdom in a mystery, which God predestined before the ages for our glory.

8 None of the rulers of this age knew it, for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, and what has never come into a man's heart, is what God has prepared for those who love Him.

10 Now God has revealed them to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the deep things of God.

JESUS’ reference to the “dead and Hades” is a reference to the state of being dead and the place where the dead will be kept, Hades. The Good News is that JESUS has the keys because to the victor go the spoils.

Do you want to escape from eternal death and Hades? Then ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your heart. Being a Christian means CHRIST is in you and you have been born into the family of GOD as HIS Son or Daughter. That is the miracle of rebirth in your spirit. Do not delay; ask HIM into your heart now.

Note that JESUS gave the Apostle John specific instructions as we read on --

Let’s read Revelation 1:19-20:

19 Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this.

JESUS instructed John to write everything down as revealed to him. This is the second time JESUS instructed John to write. Recording these events would be for the benefit for him, John, and all others through the ages to read and study. Through the ages, the Holy Spirit will provide the application of these events regardless of the specific time period upon earth. Christians are encouraged by these written words. Christians are to focus on the facts recorded in 1 Corinthians 9:9-16:

9 But as it is written: What no eye has seen and no ear has heard, and what has never come into a man's heart, is what God has prepared for those who love Him.

We have not seen it, heard it or even imagined what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM! The Best is yet to come!

10 Now God has revealed them to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the deep things of God.

11 For who among men knows the concerns of a man except the spirit of the man that is in him? In the same way, no one knows the concerns of God except the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, in order to know what has been freely given to us by God.

13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.

14 But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God's Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated spiritually.

15 The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone.

16 For: who has known the Lord's mind, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Now for the last verse in our focus scripture Revelation 1:20:

20 The secret of the seven stars you saw in My right hand, and of the seven gold lampstands, is this: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

We began with a mystery regarding what John saw. Mystery solved by JESUS as we read verse 20:

“the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”

JESUS revealed the characteristics Christian churches would manifest over the world then and throughout the ages. Where does the body of believers, in the church you attend, fit into one of these seven characteristic models?

We will end with the question with which we began, “Are you fighting for victory or from victory?” Victory is in JESUS! Blessings!!!