Rev. 1:9-20 THE BACKDROP FOR THE REVELATION
Intro: To understand any book of the Bible, but especially Revelation
with it's complexity and depth, we must understand the setting, or backdrop against which
it was written. Many books require in depth study to find out this information, but this
one gives it all to us right here in these verses. Tonight, as we study this passage, let
the Holy Spirit speak to your heart and I guarantee that you will be blessed. Let's look
together at the BACKDROP FOR THE REVELATION.
I. v.9-10a THE PLACEMENT OF THE BOOK
A. Who Wrote The Book? John (90-100 years old!) (Ill. Older folk
have a place)
1. Brother - (Ill. No distinction between ministry and
congregation!)
2. Companion - Persecution, 2 Tim, 3:12; Service; Watching
B. Where Was John? Patmos - A 10 mile by 6 mile rock in the
Mediterranean Sea. This island was used by Rome as a hard labor prison. (Ill. The
providence of God - Domitian tried to kill John, but when he couldn't do it, he had him
banished to Patmos. A place where God could get him alone an speak to him.)(Ill. He was
there physically, but He was in the Spirit also!) (Ill. All believers are in two
locations:
1. v.9b - Earthly location - Patmos
2. v.10a - Spiritual Location - In the Spirit (Ill. Need for balance)(Ill. We need
to worship in the Spirit - John 4:24) (Ill. John alone at church - Any service is what we
make it!)
C. Why Was He There?
1. His Preaching - 1 Cor. 1:18
2. His Testimony - Ill. Christianity was a criminal activity. It might be that
again.
II. v.11b & 19 THE PARTITIONS OF THE BOOK
A. v.11b The Command John Received - Write it and Send it - Ill.
Why these seven?
B. v.19 The Conditions John Received - (God's Divine Outline)
1. Past - (Ch. 1)
2. Present - (Ch. 2-3)
3. Prospective - (Ch. 4-22)
(This is the KEY verse of Revelation. You miss it and you will fall into
false interpretations.)
III. v.10b, 11a, 12-20 THE PREOCCUPATION OF THE BOOK
(Ill Jesus is the centerpiece of the Revelation, v.1a)
A. v.12 Candlesticks - (Ill. Lampstands) A picture of the church,
Mt. 5:16 (Vrs. 20)
B. v.13 Jesus is in the midst of His churches! Mt. 18:20. He meets us
here!(Ill. What is He doing when He comes to church?)
C. v.14-18 Jesus Displayed - Ill. When John Turned around he saw:
1. v.11a His Personality - Ill. The author and the finisher -
Heb. 12:2; John 8:58
2. v.13 His Position - (Ill. Son of Man - John knew Him well! John 19:26; 13:25;
21:7. (Ill. He is Signified by His clothing) (Ill. Clothes do not make the man, they mark
him) His garments mark Him as: Priest (Praying); King (Guiding); Judge (Examining)
3. v.14-16 His Person.
a. v.14 Head and hair - Purity, Age, Wisdom (1 Pet. 2:22; Dan.
7:9)
b. v.14 Eyes - Perception - Heb. 4:13
c. v.15 Feet - Persistence - (Ill. Will never quit, Ill. His Life) (Ill;. Judgment
- Will stomp all of His enemies - Heb. 10:12-13)
d. v.15 Voice - Power - (Ill Voice of authority; Niagara, ocean) (Cannot be argued
with) (Ill. He will have the final say!)
e. v.16 Stars in hand - Protection - (Ill. Safe in the hand of Jesus - Col. 3:3)
f. v.16 Mouth - Perfection - Heb. 4:12, Jesus always spoke the perfect Word.
g. v.16 Countenance - Peerlessness - (Ill He has no equals!) (Ill. The Sun!)
(Churches = Lampstands; Messengers = Stars; Jesus = The Sun - He
outshines them all!)
4. v.17 His Peace - Ill. John's reaction and Jesus' touch. He was
always dispensing peace - Ill. John 6:20; John 14:27.
5. v.18 His Power - This verse tells all we need to know to give
us peace concerning the future! Jesus is in control of all, Mt. 28:18.
a. Resurrection - His and ours.
b. His Right - He holds the keys that unlock deaths door! (He is the key man!)(Ill.
Jail.) He has authority over death and judgment - Ill. Eph. 4!
