“And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.””

Verse 9

Glory

Think back to the scene at the end of  Top Gun where Maverick has shot the bad guys to smithereens, buzzed the tower, landed, and receives accolades from the flight deck; this is receiving glory. Also known as flexing as in your muscles to a certain generation.

God is jealous of His glory:

Old Testament	New Testament
“Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. -Psalm 24:7-10	“…which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. – 1 Cor 2:8   “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.” -James 2:1
“I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. -Isa 42:8	“And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” -John 17:5

So we are not to receive glory. . . (Looking for response.)  What is Peter’s opinion on that aspect of glory? We just spoke about it last week.

So then, there IS glory to be had, in imitating / obeying Jesus. Which aspect of Jesus are we imitating? Hint: What does Jesus’ name mean?

Honor

One way to think about a subject is to contrast it with its opposite. The popular phrase is dis, or disrespect. Disrespect can take many different forms, often subtly, like being late for work or an appointment. What have you seen done to or by you on the subject, or to others? Jesus ran into some serious dis when the Pharisees compared Him to a demon, a dark dank slap in the face in Mark 3:22. What does the term Beelzebub mean? 

In another dishonor, Jesus is slapped in the face; “hot-handed.”  Luke 26:67-68, still again in Mat 27:29-31

But the root of this God described to the prophet: Isa 29:13. If Israel can be condemned for dishonoring, how can we avoid this? (Hint: there is something God points to in the next two verses that parallels what the Pharisees were doing in the quote we just read in in Mark. A way to avoid dishonoring God.

Now follow this train of thought to Isa 29:16:

What is the linkage to all this? How does a potter and clay have anything to do with dishonor? Follow the train of thought.

So if this is dishonoring, what is honoring Christ? Some hints John 15:12-14

Or this admonition Psalm 2:12

Thanks

We give thanks. Why? Do you give thanks to someone who owes you money, or an employer? How about the one who does a good deed?

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible describes gratitude, the root of thanksgiving thus:

“Natural expression of thanks in response to blessings, protection, or love. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, gratitude is not a tool used to manipulate the will of God. It is never coerced or fabricated in one’s mind; rather, gratitude is a joyful commitment of one’s personality to God.”

Think of thanks as a created being’s response to the character and characteristics of God. There are innumerable Bible references on the subject. Let’s go around and give reasons why we are thankful to God, bonus points for Scripture references.

Sits on the Throne

Given the state of our nation, and world, it is difficult to agree (other than intellectually, perhaps) that indeed, God is on the throne. We can take comfort. The “How long O Lord” quote is so mixed with emotion. The anxious longing of the chastised person or nation: Psalm 6:3, 79:5, 80:4, 90:13,  Zech 1:12.

And the burning anger of justice (seemingly) delayed: Psalm 94:3, Hab 1:2, Rev 6:10

Until now, both questions unanswered, but never far from God’s heart. Yes, He is on the throne?

Perhaps we can use this snippet as a spiritual barometer. What is your reaction to the idea that God is on the throne? Is that a comfort? Is it an impatient plea? (Remember all the passages of the psalmists, they are no “better” or “worse” than you or I. Is it a comforting notion?

Forever and Ever

Can you explain forever? Try. We know we are eternal beings: Ecc 3:11. A perusal of the NLT version of this passage draws us into a thought: that our understanding of eternity is only partially true.

One of the foundational issues of a godless creation is just that: how do you get something from nothing? Speculation abounds, laboring under the heading of “science”, or “Big Bang,” and others. One idea posits that there was nothing, and a build up of negative and positive forces (equaling zero, of course, just to keep it “scientific,”) built up causing the explosion known as the Big Bang. The subject of origins we will deal with separately, but the idea that God has always existed is not comprehensible to a finite being.

The Greeks and Hindus think of time as revolving in a big circle, and so try to get past the idea of forever, but this merely repositions the problem, not solving it.

Humans think in terms, and observe actions and reactions, and cause & effect. But God is uncaused. Solomon says so in Ecc 8:17, and Paul, in Romans 11:33. The Hebrews use Olam for eternity, but the thinking comes down to stringing together long periods of time.

Perhaps we should see God as outside of time, something we think of abstractly in a way, but the fact is, God is uncaused, and exists eternally, something no other being can do. If that is not in itself a valid reason to worship Him, set us straight.

Verse 10

Falling Down

 Falling Down is the natural reaction of a created being (more on that a bit later) encountering the holy God. Consider Abraham’s response to his three visitors in Gen 18:1-4. It’s the first time the word, shacah, is used. It is a full prostration. The use of the word in this story ties closely with it the idea of hospitality; they seem to be interchangeable.

Worthship – Worship, God was and is worthy to be worshipped, and to Abraham, who had enough spiritual sensitivity to recognize his visitors at some level are not your average Middle Eastern travelers.

Where are other places where we see people falling down before God? Again, more points for Scripture references. Here’s mine: Acts 9:4

Casting Crowns

We talked about these earlier. But look at what this implies: Our reward in Heaven ultimately becomes our enhanced ability to worship our creator. Said another way, our riches are used to magnify God! All this rises in a thunderous crescendo:

Holy, holy, holy, all the saints adore Thee

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea

Cherubim and seraphim, falling down before Thee

Which, wert and art and ever more shall be.

Oh glorious day!

Verse 11

Worthy

Some things are worth more than others. And although we are created equal, society offers varying worth according to status, power, skill, and so on. How so much more God values us. Mat 6:25-26. How else does God value us? Hint: Substitute love for value.

You may not stop to pick up a penny as I did (and do), but it has some worth, even as Jesus says we do:

Rationale: You created all things, by His will, they did not show up due to some independent quality of baser materials self-forming and gradually resulting in mankind. No.

Worshipping God because He is our maker is the Chief reason we are here; to “know God and enjoy Him forever” per the first question posited in the  Westminster Shorter Catechism.  Again, the Great Doxology of Romans 11:36

That we are created drives a great and liberating principal, Natural Law. Its author, John Locke established the thought that the freedoms enjoyed and codified in the United States Constitution flow from the consent of the governed, not from another opposing idea, the Divine Right of Kings by Sir Robert Filmer.

It was Locke’s belief that people were created by God for a purpose (op cit), and since by relationship, since we have   a Maker, we are subject to Him. Further, Locke believed that we have an intellectual capacity to perceive  and fulfill these things, that is, God’s purpose for us.

Given all this, Locke concludes that as opposed Filmer’s (and others) belief in the natural right of kings, Locke believed in the Natural Law of THE King. A postscript, Locke had to flee England

Our Lord and Our God

Finally, tucked away in a quiet corner, is this gem. This most beloved and cherished by the redeemed. The fact that we can call God our God, our Lord, moving Him from the aloof tower of God, to My God. The idea is intimacy, expressed over 200 times in the Bible, first as a separation from Egypt: Exo 3:18, to the great Hallelujah of Rev 19:16

Our God is not for the unsaved. It is for the called, the elect, the chosen, and yet electing Him, loving Him as Lord, knowing Him and enjoying Him forever .

Revelation 4:6-8

Verse 6

Sea of Glass

• Something like is in italics in the better, more literal translations, missing in the original. John appears to use this recurring idiom as a way of saying it wasn’t actually a sea of glass, rather, he didn’t really know and is translating it for us. This gives us one way to discern when we can separate the literal from a figure of speech. Later, in Rev 15:2 this sea changes. How so? Other uses of sea in Revelation generally describe either literal oceanic seas (Rev  5:13, 7:1,2,3, 8:8-9 et al). That there is a distinction between the two seas is made for us in Rev 10:5-6. Clearly (ha ha) there is a difference we are to recognize. There is another colloquial use of sea, and that is the sea of ____ in Rev 13:1
• Like crystal Here the heavenly sea is again differentiated from earth seas, or seas of humanity.

Verse 7 & 8 The Four Living Creatures.

• In the center and all around, compare with Jesus in the midst of the seven lampstands of Rev 1:12-13. Also Ezekiel cited previously. The word used is zao, to live. And the closer they are to the One on the throne, the more alive they are. It’s the same with us. The closer we are to the throne, the more zao, the more alive we are. As we and angels are created creatures, our life comes from the Creator.
• Full of eyes in front and behind.
• Like a Lion,  Calf,  A Face Like a Man & Like a Flying Eagle

• We can see this a couple of ways or  perhaps another no one has thought of yet. Remember, we’re trying to understand the Throne Room of Heaven

•  Is this literal, figurative, both (because of apocalyptic literature and perhaps an ultimate reality where the figurative is literal an vice versa?)
• Ultimately, our redeemed bodies and minds and thinking will be able to resolve these issues once we arrive.
• Some see this as representations of untamed (Lion), tamed, (Calf or Ox), Human, and angelic (eagle). The Jews (Mac Arthur quoting the Talmud says “There are four primary forms of life in God’s creation: man, calf, lion, and eagle.” And they felt that creation was represented in those four. In the camp of Israel, three tribes gathered under each of these four banners. Several tribes gathered with Reuben, symbolized by a man. Several tribes gathered with Dan, symbolized by an eagle. Several tribes gathered with Ephraim, symbolized by the ox or the calf. And several tribes gathered with Judah, symbolized by the lion.”
• Others picture this as the four offices of Christ as King, Man, Servant, God, echoing Gospel main themes of the Savior. In any case, (or something else as we said) these are magnificent, un-earthly beings.
• Full of Eyes,  the same as Ezekiel 1:but different. How? Both are described as full of eyes.
• Six Wings, op cit. Mac Arthur says that in Isaiah’s vision in Isa 6:2, 4 of the six wings are used in worship, two covering the face, two covering the feet while standing on holy ground, and two for movement. Which brings us to:

The Worship of the Created

• Continual Worship of God & His Attributes
  • His Holiness – As we spoke of quoting Isa 6:2-3. The triplet of magnification, (excluding fake repetition used out of lack of intimacy (Mat 6:7)  Jer 7:4 among others (Jer 22:28-29 is another superlative uttered to Jeremiah by God when cursing Jeconiah. 
  • His Name – His Name is the Great I Am
  • The Almighty –
  • Transcends Time –  Yet He gives us a glimmer and ability to share His eternity in Ecc 3:11

Last Week

We divided the chapter and the next based on perspectives of the throne: On the throne, around the throne, coming from the throne, before the throne, and toward the throne. What is the significance of the throne?

Around the Throne Verse 4

Elders, Sitting on Thrones

Who are the Elders. Elders are usually thought of as representatives. In the Old Testament, there are 24 priestly lines represented by a priest each.

More thrones? What are these? The Greek, thronos, is the same used throughout the chapter.  Thrones mean someone has been elevated to the position, a shared reigning if you will. Could it be angels? After all, in Col 1:16 Paul speaks of thrones & principalities when referring to angels:

Col 1:16

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.

Oh wait. What does this mean, in context? The Him should be obvious. He’s talking about created things. Read it though verse 18 if you need more context.

Ok, OK, I got it. This means… Old Testament priests, right? There were 24 of them in 1 Chronicles 24:7-18, so this is a candidate. Any issues with this understanding? (What are they wearing? Do OT priests wear stephanos crowns? We’ll discuss the crowns later. Who does?)

How about 24 elders sitting on 24 throne angels? No? Hmm. What are we left with? The word elders here is the Greek presbyteros, which is used in Titus 1 to describe overseers and also 1 Tim 3 overseers and deacons. Maybe NT church elders?

We are seeing a recurring pattern here in Revelation. Not everything is neatly wrapped in a bow for us to clearly understand. We must rely on other Scripture to aid in our understanding. After all, the Bible is its own best commentary. Also, remember, note John frequently adds the modifiers “as if” or “like a” in his observations (Rev 4:1,3,6,7)  trying to describe things he (and we)  had never seen. First century Greek was the language he had to work with.

Clothed in White Garments

Have we forgotten Revelation 3:5:

‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Also the Bride of Christ is similarly clothed in Revelation 19:7-8

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Jesus spoke of these robes in his parable of the Marriage Feast in Matthew 22:11-13.

Golden Crowns

The crowns described here are stephanos crowns, described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:24. They are victors wreaths, rather than the kingly diadem Jesus wears Rev 9:12

Jesus wants to strives for the future rewards – 2 John 8, Rev 22:12. Paul then speaks of these as incorruptible, but as a reward for service, our works!  Is this how we earn our salvation? Where can you reference your assertion?

Crown	Significance	Reference	My Plan for This Crown
Imperishable	Endurance & discipline	1 Cor 9:24-25
Righteousness	To those who love the Lord’s appearing	2 Tim 4:8
Glory	Given to elders for faithful shepherding	1 Peter 5:1-4
Life	Faithfulness unto  testing, tribulation & death	James 1:12, Rev 2:10-11
Rejoicing	To those who have lead others to Christ	1 Thess 2:18-19

Here is the reversal of our sinfulness of giving our Savior a crown of thorns –  Mat27:29, Mark 15:17, John 19:2 for His gracious rewards to us. The thorns, are a reminder of sin in the Fall of  Genesis – 3:17-18.

Our good works will be tested, so build well – 1 Cor 3:11-15 What is the fire in this passage? What is it doing?

Out from the Throne Verse 5

“Proceeding from the throne” may be best understood as a royal proclamation from God Himself.

Lightening & Thunder

 Is this a Heavenly deluge, cloudy with a chance of meatballs? Again, flipping back through the Book gives us insight as to what these might mean. Remember the trumpet blast of Exo 19:16? How about Eze K’s freaky wheels and such  from Ezekiel 1?

The intensity builds up later in Revelation 16:18-21

GOD IS FURIOUS!

Recall we spoke of the 5 hour earthquake of Richter scale beyond 10 intensity at the start of Noah’s Flood. Thunder & lightening here is just as intense.

Seven Lamps of Fire

These are not the same as the lampstands used in Revelation 1 describing the church, or by way-back reference to the lampstands of the Old testament. These are more like burning torches, like Gideon’s in Judges or Nahum’s description of doom to Nineveh in Nahum 2:4

Henry Morris comments:

“Under the preaching of Jonah, Nineveh had experienced a great revival, sparing the city its judgment for over a century. However, it soon became incurably apostate, worse than before, and its most vicious crimes were committed in this later period. Finally, God called Nahum the prophet to announce its coming doom. It was still another century before Nahum’s prophecies were fulfilled, but they were eventually accomplished at the hands of the Chaldeans and the Medes.”

We spoke of the seven spirits of God in Revelation 1:4:

•  The second person that grace and peace is from is: “the seven spirits that are before his throne.”
• This is a debated over who exactly the “seven spirits” are.
  • Some believe they are archangels, others just more regular angels, and the majority of scholars believe that this is reference to the Holy Spirit.
  •  When the phrase is used elsewhere in the book it speaks of divine omnipresence—Rev. 5:6
  • Also in view of passages like Isa 11:2 and Zec 4:1-6&10 where a similar phrases is used in more of a Spirit of God manor.
  •  “The Holy Spirit of God, John tells us, is in front of God’s throne. The Spirit who energizes and equips the churches for service is the Spirit who proceeds from the very throne of God. We are indeed made sufficient for every assignment, every challenge, for the God who lives in us (1 Cor. 6:19) is the God who is before the throne! The One who is in heaven is the One who also is in us!”—Akin
  •  Lastly, 7 as we looked at above can mean perfection so the fact that the Holy Spirit is called, “the seven spirits that are before his throne,” could be pointing to His perfect work. PJ Ventresca Revelation 1_4_5a

Remember, as we move forward, as we did last week, that even in His justified wrath, God is still merciful:

Habakkuk 3:2

LORD, I have heard the report about You and I fear. O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.

The Bible is interconnected. In order to understand Revelation deeply, you must read all of the Bible.

Here, in Revelation, appreciate that the Bible moves across time. Its allusions, comparisons, themes, and central character are fixed throughout the Book, voiced by over 40 heralds, but only one Author.

 They begin in Genesis, develop through the Book, and here they find summation in victory over sin, and redemption of sinners. We have many, many quotes and references from the Old & New Testament, as has been previously mentioned.

What is This Caught Up?

Although strictly speaking, the “Rapture” here is John going to Heaven to have events revealed to him, those holding to a pre-tribulation,  see this is as a representation of the Rapture. It may very well be. What we do know is that John was caught up, either physically or spiritually through the open door. What other door have we recently discussed? Is there a comparison?

In the Spirit sets one to a spiritual, non-natural/physical state, sensitive to spirituals. Paul was caught up to heaven 2 Cor 12:2-4. In another reference, the Two Witnesses are physically caught up to Heaven.  Rev 11:9-12 shows their bodies were caught up. So it is possible that John was also, but we should be careful to keep the min thing the main thing.

This door is the one behind which Christ ascended to Heaven and is preparing a place for us, John 14:2-3

The first after these things (ATT) is by John’s experience. The 2nd (ATT) is God’s message to John. He will learn what will take place.

Revelation 4 is the second great vision of John. What was the first vision? One word used over and over and is central to our understanding, is throne.

There are many wonderful things in Heaven, but none more so than the throne and the Lamb of God. The central theme is the throne and Who is on it, used 13 times in 11 verses, used 40 times after this.

Isa 66:1

It is in a Temple, not a palace, but a Temple, a place of worship. Rev 11:19, 14:15 judgment coming from the throne, Rev 15:6 again, surrounded  (search temple, where the throne sits for more examples.)

The throne is set (find example. It is immovable, as is the throne, the seat of the Almighty, unlike a palace of a thug dictatorship, ringed only with men bedecked with ammunition belts. You knock out the throne, you take over the country. Not so here.

Most of the rest of Rev the vision is from Heaven.

About the Trumpet Voice

Rev 1:10 the voice is commanding, loud, like a trumpet. When God says come up here, you go up.

The Outline

On the throne, around the throne, coming from the throne, before the throne, and toward the throne.

On the Throne:

Sitting on the throne, reigning, not resting. For something is about to happen. No one is named, perhaps out of reverence (YHWH etc.)  Isa 6:1

Maciah sees the same vision while relaying the doom of Ahab. 1 Kings 22:19, 

God sits on His Throne Psalm 47:8, Ezekiel 1:22-2:1

V3 reads back to Ezekiel, fire coming out of the throne Eze 1:4.

Rev 21:11 says it is crystal clear. Best understood as diamond, the most magnificent stone of all.

Diamonds are unique. They can only be made from carbon. Carbon is the basis for all life. Without it, none exists. Chemically, it is unique, a hexagon in structure, 6 sided, opaque, black, dirty as graphite, the “lead” in pencils. It burns, and is consumed.

But under rare conditions, it is compressed and heated in conditions that appear beneath the Earth’s crust, it cannot remain under those conditions:

Diamonds are found at a depth of approx. 150-200km below the surface of the Earth. Here, temperatures average 900 to 1,300 degrees Celsius and at a pressure of 45 to 60 kilobars (which is around 50,000 times that of atmospheric pressure at the Earth’s surface). Under these conditions, molten lamproite and kimberlite (commonly known as magma) are also formed within the Earth’s upper mantle and expand at a rapid rate. This expansion causes the magma to erupt, forcing it to the Earth’s surface and taking along with it diamond bearing rocks. Moving at an incredible speed, the magma takes the path with least resistance, forming a ‘pipe’ to the surface.

As it cools the magma hardens to form Kimberlite and settles in vertical structures known as kimberlite pipes. These kimberlite pipes are the most significant source of diamonds, yet it is estimated that only 1 in every 200 kimberlite pipes contain gem-quality diamonds. —Capetown Museum  Also Kurt Wise video at 30:50

Dr. Kurt Wise elaborates. He says shortly after the Flood these kimberlite pipes exploded violently literally showering the ground with diamonds, as carbon transformed into diamonds can only remain under high pressure & heat for a short time.

How Did The Carbon Get There & Why Are There Kimberlite Pipes?

At the beginning of the Flood, all the continental shelf (remember, there was one super continent, Pangea) was shaken by a massive 4-5 hours long earthquake, beyond level 10. This caused the shelf to break off the continental margins to the abyss below, several kilometers. This in turn began the process of the heavy (relative to the land) sea floor crust, which is known to be heavier than the hot mantle below it, to literally slide under the continents.

This sliding pushed down a lot stuff near the continental margins, including living things made of. . . In turn, as they are pushed down, subducted, the rock heats up, and is pressurized after which you get diamonds in kimberlite pipes.

What does any of this have to do with the throne room scene here? Connect the dots. Or diamonds. 

(Let them connect the dots)

Back to the Throne Room

Sardius is blazing red representing the fiery wrath of God. It is frightening. Op cit Ezekiel, Isaiah, & John response. It is a picture of splendor & wrath

His throne is ablaze as He judges Dan 7:9

He is a jealous God of all consuming fire Deu 4:24

To the mockers who shake their fist Psalm 2:3-5

These stones are also first & last Reuben- Behold, a son) (Jasper) Benjamin (Son of my right hand) (sardius) Exo 28

Around the Throne:

The rainbow that looks like a rainbow? A special kind of rainbow. Ezekiel saw and said in Eze 1:28 red flames then, here the cool of green. Gen 9:13 says a rainbow says we will not be destroyed by water, a sign of faithfulness.

Holy wrath of red wrath. Judgment never overrules grace.  Rom 8:1 Mal 3:16-18 are promises of faithfulness to His word.

Summary

• God is the unchanging God Heb 13:8
• He sits on a throne unmoved, unshaken.
• His Word hints, glimmers, and shouts of His glorious Son in so many ways.
• The vision of God is splendor and wrath yet enshrouded in mercy. We must communicate this.

The Big Point: Our lives are not in balance because we don’t recognize Jesus is all we need.

The Seven I Am’s

1. The Bread of Life – Question Your Motives

Run up: John 6:22-34 Jesus had just fed the 5K. They followed Him around on boats from one side of the Genareset to the other. Pick through the passage for possible motives for doing this. (Trust me, it involved a LOT of paddling, there’s powerful motivation going on). The correction comes where? What is the “right” motive? What was the quick fix the crowd was looking for?

Pivot: When Jesus reveals the true source of the Manna in Exodus 16:4

Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. ⏤ John 6:35

The Point: The fuel we really need is not physical, but spiritual food. So when we are hungry, turn to the Bread of Life

2. The Light of the World – Question Your Righteousness

Run up: John 7:3-8, What did Jesus’ brothers so to deflect their unrighteousness (sinfulness)? What does it mean the world hates Jesus because its deeds are evil?

John 7:27-28,41,52, People supposed Jesus came from Nazareth. Is this true, Is what they say here true? Why or why not? Can you quote a Scripture for your answer?

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. ⏤ John 8:12

The Point: What Jesus’ words and deeds point to must not be trivialized or deflected. We need to evaluate ourselves in the light of Scripture rather than excuse our faults and deflect by pointing out others’).

3. The Door – Question Your Truth (Who are you listening to?)

Run up: John 10:1-8 Why does Jesus say truly truly? What does that mean? What do the metaphors mean. Door, shepherd, sheep, strangers? Sheepfolds in that day were walled pens, open to the sky, but tall enough to keep things that eat sheep from getting inside. A shepherd was stationed at the door to filter the sheep from the sheep eaters. What are the modern day sheep eaters? Are motives involved?

How would you recognize one? (Hint: the same way you recognize a phony $100 bill.) How do you know you’re a sheep? Hmm?

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ⏤ John 10:9

The Point: Despite what we would like to think, there’s no shortcut to the truth that we are saved only by the Door. We cannot water this truth down in hearing and talking about salvation.

4. The Good Shepherd – Question Your Rest

Run up: Psalm 23:1-3 What are your needs? What are your wants? Do you/we self-shepherd? What unintended consequences came from that? How far out is my vision? Whose vision is it (through whose eyes)?

John 10:12-14 – Do we flee when the bad times come? Stick our head in the sand? Do you know Him?

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. ⏤ John 10:11

The Point: It is decidedly uneasy to rest in Christ without knowing who He is and surrendering vision.

5. The Resurrection and the Life – Question Your Future

Run up: 1 Cor15:12-17 – This is the very core of the Christian faith, the Gospel, and that Christ has been raised from the dead. It absolutely blows the fuse of the human invention of works righteousness, and removes any and all hop apart from Christ. It is the central testing place and chief point of all our faith and hope and trust. Nothing is more important. If we do not have this firmly in place, why bother?

1 Cor 15:3:8, Luke 24:34, Mark 16:14, Acts 9:3-8 –

Is there any hope without the Resurrection? Yes, no, and why?

Is there any way to prove this really took place?

• Mat 12:38-40, 26:21 17:9, 17:22-23, 20:18-19, 26:32, 27:63.
• Mark 8:31, 9:1, 10, 31, 10:32-34, 14:28, 58
• Luke 9:22-27
• John 2:18-22, 12:34, Ch 14-16

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. ⏤ John 11:25-26

The Point: Nothing is more important in all personal & world history than the authenticity that the resurrection.

6. The Way, the Truth, and the Life – Question Your Roadmap

Run up: John 13:33-38 – Was life going to be easier or rougher for Jesus & the disciples in the near future?

What was the bad news they heard from Jesus?

Whose roadmap was Peter following?

OK, whose do you & I use?

Did that roadmap include the place they couldn’t go? (Hint: if your roadmap/life plan goes to places you can’t go, does that raise any flags?

John 14:1-5 – The heart looks for the way, the truth is there is one roadmap, and the life is the one our earthly roadmap can’t take us to.

Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⏤ John 14:6

The Point: Early Christians often referred to themselves as followers of The Way. (Acts 19:9,23 24:14) So should we.

7. The Vine – Question Your Cleanliness

Run up: John 15:1-4 – What does abide mean? Can you abide something?

Can you not abide another?

What about this business pruning, what is that?

Wanna stick around (abide) when times go pear shaped?

Why?

Gal 5:22-23 – What does it mean to bear fruit?

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⏤ John 15:5

The Point: Be the dude who abides.

Enough Chris Tomlin & Louie Giglio

 

VERSE 1:
You are my supply
My breath of life
You are my reward
Worth living for
Still more awesome than I know

CHORUS:
All of You is more than enough for
All of me for every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

VERSE 2:
You’re my sacrifice
Of greatest price
Still more awesome than I know
You’re my coming King
You are everything
Still more awesome than I know

BRIDGE:
More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can see
You are more than enough