What does a one world government look Like?

 Read Revelation 13.

The Apostle John was shown more of what will take place in the last 42 months (3 1/2 years) of the Great Tribulation.  Satan is a counterfeiter.  He endeavors to copy God in order to distract and to deceive people away from the truth.  Here we are told of his attempt at an unholy trinity.  The devil ("dragon" 12:9, 13:4) raises up and empowers two world leaders whose character and behaviors are more like wild animals.

1. The Beast from the Sea. (vv.1-10)
The term antichrist does not appear in Revelation.  John wrote and identified him as such in 1 John and 2 John 2:7.  It is this beast that killed the Two Witnesses in chapter 11.  This passage parallels Daniel's prophecy in Daniel 7.  Daniel called him "the prince that shall come" (Daniel 9:26).  Isaiah referred to him as "the wicked" (Isaiah 11:4).  Paul labeled him as "the man of sin, the son of perdition" (2 Thessalonians 2:3).  Daniel saw the world's dominant empires in advance.  This will be a Gentile leader who will rule the sea of humanity.  Compare Daniel 7:7-8.  

This beast of a man will be mortally wounded.  But in Satan's continuing efforts to provide cheap counterfeits, this antichrist will come back to life as a substitute resurrected messiah.  Those without faith in Jesus will be duped into thinking that there is no one "who can fight against it".  The devil will give him absolute authority and control over the world.  He will speak with great pride and blaspheme the God of heaven.  Like Nebuchadnezzar's foolish decision, he will launch a war to eradicate anyone who does not worship him. 

2. The Beast from the Earth. (vv.11-18)
This same person is mentioned in 19:20 and 20:10. This is the third party in the unholy trinity.  Satan will raise up and empower a false prophet.  He will be the worship leader of the world's false religion.  Again, in copycat fashion, this religious leader will perform signs and wonders.  Satan tried this before in Exodus when Egypt's sorcerers attempted to reproduce the plagues.  People will be so enamored by these spectacles that they will not care about the source of them.  They will be deceived and drawn into blatant demonic worship.

Given this environment of total control of world government and spiritual worship, the next step will be to control all commerce.  No one will be legally allowed to buy or sell anything without a government approved identification.

The obvious target will be those who believe and stand for their faith in Jesus.  Their names are forever written in the Lamb's book of life.  While believers are saved for eternity, those who are alive during this time will need much endurance to remain steadfast (v.10).

We need not fear that day.  Our true home, and certainly our true hope, was never in this world.  We look forward to being with the Lord, one way or another.  Believers in Jesus have already been set apart and sealed by the Holy Spirit for eternity.  In the meantime, we are to live godly lives that please Him.  "But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are his', and , 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.'" (2 Timothy 2:19)

 

The war of good versus evil Explained

Read Revelation 12.

Behind the physical catastrophes described in Revelation is the culmination of the spiritual war that has been raging ever since Lucifer was ousted from heaven the first time.  This is the basis of all human conceptions of good versus evil, light versus darkness, which exist.

Though picturesque language is used, the Bible is always the best commentator on itself.  Most of what is needed to understand is explained in this chapter.  We are told of five identities. 
1. The Pregnant Woman. 
This is a literal description clothed in symbolism.  Exactly as when Joseph told of his dream in Genesis 37:9-11, his family immediately understood its literal meaning.  And, indeed, it literally came true later in Genesis.  Here, the one giving birth to the male child, who will be key to this spiritual war, is the nation of Israel.  The Messiah came into this world as a descendant of Abraham of the tribe of Judah.

2. The Dragon.
No passage of Scripture provides a better description of Satan than this chapter.  He is the source of all evil.  He is the ancient serpent of the Garden of Eden.  He is the devil.  He is the deceiver of the whole world, duping people to think that they can live their own lives apart from God.  He is the accuser of our brothers, who hurls accusations against believers "day and night before our God”.  He used this same tactic against Job in Job 1:6-11.  His goal has always been to do everything within his power to stop God's plans for redemption and restoration.  With urgency he will endeavor to do his worst at this point in the future because he knows "that his time is short".  His control of world leaders presented here is the exact same imagery as prophesied in Daniel 7:24.  This explains the insanity throughout history to this current day of those who attempt to annihilate the Jews.

3. The Son.
In His first coming, Satan tried to kill Jesus through the slaughter of babies by Herod.  Satan thought the crucifixion would be the end.  But the resurrection and ascension of Jesus back to heaven confirmed God's defeat of all Satan's schemes.  The mission of the second coming of Christ will be far different than His first.  Ruling over the nations with a rod of iron is the same language used by God, the Father, in Psalm 2.  It is the same type of description found in Revelation 19 of Jesus' return to earth.

4. The Archangel Michael.
Satan will know that he only has 1260 days to wreak havoc before God takes the next step against him.  The second half of the 7-year Great Tribulation will be a full scale war, not only on earth but will involve heaven as well.

5. The Persecuted Offspring.
This further confirms that the woman who gave birth is Israel.  The Jews living during the Tribulation will suffer great persecution.  They will flee their land to a place where God will protect and nourish them.

The ultimate outcome for the Jews will be the recognition and acceptance of Jesus as the promised Messiah.  "And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, 'The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob'; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.'" (Romans 1126-27).

How much better for Jew and Gentile alike to respond to God's loving offer of forgiveness right now!

 

Preparing for Christ’s Return

Read Revelation 11.

The first half of this chapter completes the judgments of the 6th trumpet, the 2nd of the 3 Woes that began in chapter 9.  Many exact details are revealed here that cannot be spiritualized or dismissed.  They are very specific.  Note the exactness of the numbers that are prophesied.  You can count on God's Word to be true!

The Temple-(vv.1-3)
The Apostle John was told to measure a Temple in Jerusalem.  This writing took place in the A.D. 90's after the Temple of the New Testament was destroyed and John was exiled on Patmos.  So, this Temple refers to one to be rebuilt in the city "where their Lord was crucified" (v.8).  That site is currently occupied by the Dome of the Rock.  John was also tasked with counting those who worship there.  For this to be a reality, the Jews must reinstitute the Old Testament priesthood and sacrificial system. 

The Time-(v.2)
But the time of this seeming peace in Israel, when such re-establishments will take place, won't last.  The nations of the world will "trample" Jerusalem for 42 months, 1260 days, or 3 1/2 years.  The book of Daniel explains that there will be a 7-year agreement of peace made with Israel.  But halfway through it the satanically energized earthly ruler at the time will change his mind.  Israel will again become the target of world derision.

The Two Witnesses-(4-14)
In response, God will send two powerful evangelists to Jerusalem.  These two will not only preach but they will stand against those who oppose the Lord.  When their mission is complete, Satan will be allowed to kill them.  The unbelieving world will celebrate for 3 1/2 days until God resurrects them and calls them to "Come up here!".  This is akin to what believers in Jesus will experience in the catching away described in 1 Thessalonians 4 and what John heard in Revelation 4:1.

With the world watching this resurrection and ascension to heaven, people will no longer be able to deny God's place and power.  After 7,000 die in the earthquake, "the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven."

7th Trumpet-(vv.15-19)
These verses only introduce this judgment.  We are not given the details until chapter 16.  Verse 15 indicates that this 7th judgment will lead right to the time of Christ's triumphant return and His earthly reign.  Praise and worship will break out!  "Joy to the world.  The Lord has come.  Let earth receive her king."  Though sung at Christmas time, that is truly the message of the 2nd coming of Christ.

In 1741, George Frideric Handel wrote the music to the lyrics by Charles Jennens entitled, “The Messiah”.  The famed Hallelujah Chorus is based upon Revelation 11:5.  "And he shall reign forever and ever."

 

That is not merely a future prediction but is a present reality in the lives of all those who personally know Jesus now.

Consuming and communicating God's Word

 Read Revelation 10.

The Bible refers to this period of earthly judgments as the Great Tribulation.  It starts in chapter 6, when Jesus will begin unsealing God's judicial document.  At no time has the world seen such devastation as described here.  The events remain in the future.

Seven trumpets will each take turns announcing the next judgment.  The first part of chapter 10 continues the 6th trumpet's call for earthly punishment upon those who have rejected Jesus.

Another Mighty Angel-(vv.1-7)
The Apostle John sees a powerful angel standing on earth with one foot on land and the other in the sea.  He has "a little scroll" (not to be confused with the large scroll in the hand of Jesus).  This is more of a booklet and it is already opened.  The angel made a sound like the roar of a lion and 7 thunderous voices responded.  Each of these voices had a message to deliver but John is prohibited from writing down what they said.  This is the opposite of John's assigned task to record what he saw (1:19).

The angel raised his right hand, as if to take a solemn oath.  The oath is based upon the fact that God is eternal and the Creator (not merely the initiator) of all things.  He swears that the waiting time is over and there will be no more delay.  Like solving any good mystery, one must put together the clues to the puzzle provided over time.  The Old Testament Prophets wrote of things they did not fully understand concerning the Messiah and future events.  But when Jesus appeared, the mystery began to make sense more than ever.

"....to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3)  In other words, the more we know Jesus and the Scriptures the more we will understand what God has done, is doing, and will do.  Ignoring God and His word leaves people to make up their own "plausible arguments" (Colossians 2:4).

Eating the Little Scroll-(vv.8-11)
John is told to consume the written message of this judgment to come. Then, he is to communicate it to people throughout the world.  Such a figure of speech is used several times in the Bible.  See Psalm 19:9-10, Jeremiah 15:16, Ezekiel 3:1-3.  The truth of the Scriptures is sweet to believers, but to unbelievers it may be bitter and rejected.  The task of writing this prophecy for the entire world to read fulfills verse 11 for John.

It the responsibility of Bible preachers, teachers, and all believers to communicate the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) and not just our favorite hot topics.  Sadly, most churches never address prophetic subjects, coming judgments, or present this last book of God's word.  Little wonder there is such a lack of the fear of God in our culture.  Yet, it is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).

 

What will it take to bring people to Repentance?

 Read Revelation 9.

In chapter 8, a series of seven trumpets began to sound sequential alarms of judgment.  The first four were aimed at the natural world and affected humans indirectly.  The last three will target people and are referred to as three "woes" (8:13).

Trumpet #5, the first Woe-(vv.1-12)
This bottomless pit is either Hades or certainly related to it.  Once this shaft is opened, smoke will pollute the air and darken what light is left emanating from the sun.  These demonic, flying, stinging pests will create great misery upon all those who have not turned to Jesus to be saved.  Would not any sane person realize God's power and repent by now?  But Satan is a deceiver.  He makes even his most hideous and repulsive works seem somehow attractive to an unbeliever.

Trumpet #6, the second Woe-(vv.13-19)
The voice is probably Jesus Himself.  These special angels are being kept at this very moment in that location, waiting for "the hour, the day, the month, and the year" when they will be released to kill 1/3 of mankind (v.15).  An army, 200 million strong, will be mobilized to conduct this slaughter.

Now, will the remaining 2/3 of mankind repent?

The last two verses foretell the sad response of the hardness of the human heart.  After all God has provided in the way of escape, after all God has unleashed to demonstrate His absolute power, they "did not repent".  In their rebellion, they will refuse to turn to the only hope they have.

They refused to repent of their false worship, choosing instead to have faith in demonic spirits and things they made up in their own minds and with their own hands.  They refused to repent of their personal sins, including murders, so-called magical practices, sexual immorality, and taking things that do not belong to them.

But we see this same insanity present now in this day of grace.  Jesus offers forgiveness of sin and a sure escape from the coming wrath of God.  "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36).  Choose life!

 

The God of justice and Mercy

 Read Revelation 8.

These middle chapters describe the long prophesied Great Tribulation.  Not since the worldwide flood in Noah's day has God administered such judgment upon the earth.  This time it will be by fire (2 Peter 3:7).  Jesus will take the seven-part document and unseal its judgments one by one.  Chapter 7 provides a parenthesis in the narrative with a glimpse of other things God will be doing at the same time.  Here in chapter 8, the last of the seven seals is opened.

First, there is dead silence.  The myriad of people in heaven who have been praising God will stop.  It is the lull before the storm.  Then, we are told that "the prayers of all the saints" will be offered before the throne of God.  These prayers calling for justice are made hot with fire from the altar before being inflicted upon the earth.

The last seal also has seven parts, each with its own blast of declaration, called "trumpets".  In John's day when a trumpet blew it was an announcement (fanfare) or a signal (military charge), or an alarm.  When this seventh seal is opened, seven alarms will be going off, one by one.  The devastation presented here is unimaginable.

Trumpet #1 (v.7)
Hail, fire, and blood will be thrown on the earth.  The result: 1/3 of the earth, 1/3 of the trees, and 1/3 of the grass (vegetation) will be burned up.  God has done such things before.  He rained fire and brimstone upon Sodom and Gomorrah.  This is reminiscent somewhat of Egypt's experience in the book of Exodus.  The difference here is that it will be worldwide.

Trumpet #2 (vv.8-9)
Could this be a meteorite or asteroid?  The result: 1/3 of the sea creatures will die and 1/3 of the ships destroyed.

Trumpet #3 (vv.10-11)
A great star will fall and hit the earth.  The result: 1/3 of the fresh water will be turned bitter causing death.

Trumpet #4 (v.12)
The sun will lose 1/3 of its illumination.  The moon and stars merely reflect the sun's light.  The result: The earth will experience cold and darkness.

But there are three more trumpet alarms to sound.  Why will God stall in order to send this messenger to announce more judgment is coming?  He is a merciful God.  These disasters upon humans are designed to give every opportunity for people to acknowledge His power and repent of their sin.  If they do not, they will be without excuse.

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

 

Will anyone be saved during the Great Tribulation?

 Read Revelation 7.

This chapter answers the question, "Will anyone be saved during the Great Tribulation?"  Two groups are mentioned.  Some bizarre teachings have come from those who try to spiritualize chapter seven or to take it out of its sequential context.  There is absolutely no justification for treating this passage in any way other than a literal one.  The language is very specific.

1. Group One
God will sovereignly set apart 144,000 Jews; 12,000 from each tribe.  We are not told how or why these 144,000 were selected.  One thing is for sure, the 12 tribes of Israel are not lost.  God knows who and where they are.  

2. Group Two
Meanwhile, back in heaven, another song breaks out.  This will be an innumerable multitude from every people group on earth, Gentiles and Jews not in the 144,000.  The timing is significant in that "these are the ones coming out of the great tribulation" (v.14).  Even as God's judgment is being unleashed on the world, He will make known the message of escape through faith in Jesus.  With loud voices they will declare, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"  And, because they were martyred for their faith, this also would indicate that the hatred of Christians will be like the world has never seen.

In this revelation of things to come, the Apostle John had a brief conversation with one of the 24 elders.  In the closing verses, this unnamed elder delivered a gracious and tender message about this vast number of people and about Jesus.  Jesus will be their--
Provider
Protector
Shepherd
Leader
Comforter

Whether during the days of the Old Testament, during this present time, and in the midst of the Great Tribulation, the good news remains the same.  Forgiveness of sin and eternal life in heaven comes by one means.  "They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."  Only by personal faith in that singular price that was paid on the cross may we join this family of God.

 

When there is no place to Hide

 Read Revelation 6.

"He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him." (John 1:11)  There is coming a day when all will know Him and every knee will bow in submission to Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11).  In preparation of the appearance of the Creator and Owner of this world, there will be some painful days for those who rebel against Him. 

The Lamb of God alone is worthy to take the scroll and unleash judgments upon the world.    The scroll has seven sections and each one is separately sealed.  With the breaking of the first seal, the time referred to as The Great Tribulation will begin.  While all nations shall experience His wrath, a primary target of this seven-year period is to bring Israel to accept Jesus as their Messiah.  "Alas!  That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it." (Jeremiah 30:7)

The first four seals release what is often called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  The rider on a white horse appears to be a good and powerful ruler.  But instead of bringing peace, this one will only be out to conquer.  The second rider will throw the world into unimaginable war and death.  The rider of the black horse follows the war with world-wide famine.  The fourth will bring death by "pestilence and wild beasts" to kill 25% of the world's population.

Meanwhile, what good thing will God be doing?  Though the word "church" does not appear after chapter three, in some manner people will be receiving the good news of Jesus.  Many will die as martyrs for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.  Once killed, their spirits will ascend to the throne of God to cry out for justice.  But verse 11 indicates that there will be even more martyrs to come.

The sixth seal needs little explanation.  The prophets (Joel 2:30-31, Isaiah 13:9-11) predicted these events centuries before Christ was born.  Those unbelievers remaining on earth would rather die than face anymore of the wrath of God.  The question at the end of the chapter says it all.  "Who can stand" against almighty God and His judgments?  The answer is "No one." 

That is why faith in Jesus is called good news.  Those who personally receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord need never fear the wrath of God.  He saves us from our sin and the judgment to come.  He is our hiding place of safety against that day.  "Enter into the rock and hide in the dust from before the terror of the LORD, and from the splendor of his majesty.  The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." (Isaiah 2:10-11)

 

O Come Let Us Adore Him

 Read Revelation 5.

The stage is set.  God, the Father is on the throne in heaven.  Jesus, the one and only Son of God is at His right hand.  In addition, John saw a scroll.  The document had been written on both sides and rolled up in seven sections.  Each was sealed for the one with proper authority to open the sealed document.

An angel cried out, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?"  The search throughout heaven and earth proved to be in vain.  No one was found.  Since the Apostle John was being given information to write down "the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this" (1:19), the news broke his heart.  But then, one of the 24 elders spoke up and pointed to Jesus.

The book of Revelation reveals who Jesus is and what He has planned for the future.  The unnamed elder, provided several descriptions of the identity of the One seated at the right hand.
1. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. (Genesis 49:9-10)  Jacob promised that such a powerful ruler would come from Judah's family tribe.
2. He is the Root of David.  (Matthew 1:1)  Jesus was born into the family of Joseph who "was of the house and lineage of David" (Luke 2:4).  
These are the human credentials for Jesus' right to the throne of Israel and to one day rule as the King of Kings over all the earth (Revelation 19).
3. He is the Conqueror.  What did He conquer at this point in history?   First came the eternal spiritual victory "by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.  This he set aside, nailing it to his cross.  He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." (Colossians 2:14-15)

At the mention of those declarations of identity, something else was revealed about Jesus.
4. He is the Lamb of God.  That was how Isaiah described the Messiah in Isaiah 53:7.  John, the Baptist, identified Jesus as God's Lamb in John 1:29.  This Lamb was slain on the cross and "the precious blood of Christ" paid our sin debt (1 Peter 18-19).  But there is more.  This is not the meek and mild Jesus, as some would have Him to be.  In preparation for His second coming, Jesus is pictured here as the most unusually powerful ram that anyone has ever seen.  With seven horns, the Lamb of God has perfect strength to put down any and every foe.

5. He is the Judge of the Universe.  Only Jesus is worthy to open the multi-part document containing the predetermined judgments to come.  ''The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father." (John 5:22-23).

The response to these declarations overwhelmed everyone.  With an attitude of prayer and the representation of the prayers of believers in Jesus (v.8), spontaneous and humble worship broke out.  It is good for us to read verses 9-14 aloud, while picturing this scene.  In doing so, we may join them in this worship experience.  To Jesus be the glory!  "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."

 

What does heaven look like?

 Read Revelation 4.

The Apostle John was caught up into the very throne room of heaven.  Isaiah and Ezekiel were given similar experiences.  What John saw and heard sets the stage for chapter five and, indeed, sets the tone for the rest of this book. 

1. The calling. (v.1)
It was a personal, commanding voice from heaven that sounded like a trumpet blast.  According to 1 Thessalonians 4, one day all who have placed personal faith in Christ will hear the real one and be caught up "to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."

2. The Throne. (vv.2-3)
The appearance of the King of Kings was visually breathtaking.  The vivid colors alone would cause one to stand in absolute awe. 

3. The 24 Elders. (v.4)
We are not told in this passage who these 24 are.  The strongest answer seems to be found in Revelation 21:10-14.  The New Jerusalem will have 12 gates for the 12 tribes of Israel and 12 foundation stones for the 12 Apostles.  These then would represent the leadership of both the Old and New Testaments.

4. The Spirit. (v.5) The person of the Holy Spirit is often described in terms of His various empowerments.  He is one person of the Godhead, yet He manifests Himself in different ways.  Isaiah 11:2 foretells of His multiple ministry to Jesus.  This also is consistent with Revelation 1:4 and 5:6.

5. The Living Creatures. (vv.6-8a)
These unusual heavenly beings resemble what was seen before in the visions of Isaiah 6:1-3 and Ezekiel 1:1-14.  "Day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'"

6. The Response. (vv.9-11)
With such a glorious presentation of sight and sound, there could only be one acceptable response.  The 24 elders fell down in humility to worship the One on the throne.  He alone is worthy.  We are given two eternally valid reasons for such worship and worthiness of Jesus.  The first is here and the second is in chapter five.

He is worthy of universal worship because He created all things.  Those who relegate creation to an argument of process in Genesis 1, fail to deal with the truth.  It is not a process but a person.  Jesus is the Creator (Colossians 1:15-17).  And, in Revelation 21, He will reveal a new heaven and a new earth.  In this glimpse of heaven, acknowledging His power, glory and honor in creation is the first act of worshipping Jesus.

More from Jesus about Church

 Read Revelation 3.

Jesus continued His evaluation of these seven actual congregations in Asia Minor.  It reveals to us that the very omniscient and omnipresent Son of God is also omnipotent.  He is in full and firm control of the future.

To Sardis. (3:1-6)
This church was alive and active with lots going on.  It was the place to be.  But in their busyness they were dead spiritually.  Using the symbol of the church being a lamp stand (1:20), shining forth the light of the gospel, Jesus said, "Your light went out."  His admonition was to "Wake up!" and get back to completing their reason for being as a church.

To Philadelphia. (3:7-13)
As the One who ultimately controls opportunities, Jesus gave this church the mission of reaching their city with the gospel.  In doing so, they faced satanic opposition and persecution.  There are no words here of correction to them.  Instead, Jesus made two promises.  First, they would one day see their antagonists humble themselves to the truth of the message preached by this congregation (Philippians 2:10-11).  Second, Jesus promised that they would be spared from the world-wide tribulation to come.  In the meantime, they are told to "hold fast" to their faith.

To Laodicea. (3:14-22)
Like a cup of hot coffee left to sit, these believers had become spiritually lukewarm.  They were planted there with the mission of setting the city on fire with their faith in Jesus.  Instead, they sat and adapted to their environment.  What made the situation even worse was the sense they were prospering, while spiritually they were bankrupt (v.17).  Strong words from Jesus followed this assessment.  It is interesting to note that He was harsh with them because He loved them.  This was the disciplinary correction of a committed parent.  If they would listen and respond to Him their fellowship with God could be restored. 

So, how am I, and how is my local church, doing in comparison to these seven messages from Jesus?

- Am I, and are we, actively implementing our gospel mission or are we just busy?
-While living in an opposing culture, am I, and are we, encouraged by our faith and the guaranteed promises of Jesus?
-Am I, and are we, fired up about our personal relationship with Jesus and the ministry reason we are here?

 

Jesus goes to Church

 Read Revelation 2.

As this book reveals Jesus Christ (1:1), chapters two and three reveal the very presence of Jesus in local congregations.  The best interpreter of the Bible is the Scripture itself.  Revelation 1:20 clears up the imagery concerning these seven actual churches that existed in Asia Minor.

The format of these seven messages follows a simple pattern.  Dr. Henry Morris in his classic book on Revelation outlines them in the following manner.
1. The Salutation.  The specific address from Jesus to them.
2. The Identification.  The specific description of Jesus from chapter one.
3. The Assertion.  The specific knowledge of Jesus about that local church.
4. The Exhortation.  The specific words of comment to that church.
5. The Expectation.  The specific words of warning or promise to that church.
6. The Admonition.  The specific action Jesus wanted them to take.
7. The Culmination.  The specific reward for faithfulness from Jesus.

To Ephesus (2:1-7)
While they were commended for a list of good things--good works, hard work, endurance, and doctrinal purity--something was missing.  They no longer practiced a personal, love relationship with Jesus.  In simple terms, they were told to remember, repent, and return to their "first love".

To Smyrna ((2:8-11)
These folks stood strong against the persecution of their faith.  But even more severe suffering was to come.  Jesus urged them not to fear and to brace themselves.  All suffering, even martyrdom, is temporary.  Real life and the Crown of Life await.

To Pergamum (2:12-17)
The culture in which they lived was Satanic.  Evil influenced everything and everyone around them.  False teaching and immorality had even crept into the congregation.  The single word from Jesus was to repent.

To Thyatira (2:18-29)
Their faith, their service, their patient endurance were all acknowledged.  But, at the same time, the church people tolerated a sinful influencer among them who reminded Jesus of Jezebel.  This was an ungodly woman, who had been allowed to teach, spouting false doctrine and leading people into sexual immorality.  Note that Jesus gave her plenty of time to repent and she refused.  Judgment would come on her and her followers.

In reading about these historic churches, we must use these messages to examine our own lives and congregations.  Is our affection for Jesus better than ever?  Is our perspective on this life overcome by our perspective of eternity?  Are we seeking to influence our culture or is our culture influencing us?  Does our local congregation tolerate teaching contrary to the Bible and immoral behavior among its members?

6 keys to understanding Revelation

 Read Revelation 1.

1. Many have shied away from this book thinking that it was full of hidden truth and too hard to understand.  The opposite is true.  Revelation means to reveal, to expose, or to unveil.  The title is "The Revelation", singular.  When someone adds an "s" on the end of the title, it is because they view the book as being about events.   

2.  The focus is of the book is found in the opening five words: "The revelation of Jesus Christ".  This book reveals who Jesus is.  While reading and studying The Revelation, we should never lose sight of Jesus; what is He doing, and what He will be doing in the future.

3. John wrote down what "God gave him", "by sending his angel" "to bear witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ."  These chapters and their descriptions are not the Apostle's opinions but the very word of God.  People who ignore this book do so at their own peril.

4. It is the only one of the sixty-six books of the Bible with a promised blessing for "the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy" to others in preaching or teaching.  In addition, it also promises a blessing to those who listen and take heed to what is written.

How many Christians and churches have missed out on this blessing for failing to read, study, and communicate this book!

5. While seeking to understand these 22 chapters, one must maintain consistency in Biblical interpretation.
-Every passage has a historical context.  John received this content about 95 A.D.  The initial readers were seven actual churches of Asia Minor listed in chapters 2 and 3.
-The people, places, and future events are to be taken literally.  Jesus is real.  The seven churches were real congregations.  The things that John was allowed to see in the future will literally take place.  The promised return of Jesus Christ is guaranteed.
-Grammar is crucial to understanding Revelation.  Words have meaning.  God does not waste words.  John's descriptions of what he saw was written in the best way he could, given his first century context.  In chapter one, he used comparative words to describe the appearance of Jesus.  That does not diminish the literal facts at all.  And, how would a person in John's day communicate seeing a jet plane, missiles, or drones in a world war?
- Error and much false teaching has resulted from lifting verses out of context and trying to spiritualize or even dismiss what the word of God states.  

6. The point of the book is this: God has a plan for this world and He will fulfill His plan.  Revelation is not a separate book but a culmination of the Bible.  Jesus will return to put down all His enemies and establish His earthly kingdom.  There will be rewards for those who faithfully follow Jesus.  There will be accountability and eternal judgment for those who reject Jesus.  One day, "every knee should bow and, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)

A Biblical response to a revisionist Culture

 Read Jude.

Jude wanted to write a letter of encouragement concerning "our common salvation".  Instead, the Holy Spirit guided him to a message of exhortation.  Why?  Because it was "necessary".

Faith in God's word and the belief in the Biblical Jesus were being challenged by pretenders.  They "crept in" among Christians and began compromising, distorting, and even denying the Scriptures.  Many true followers of Christ tended to go along with these apostates in order to keep peace.  Doubters were influenced to embrace compromise for a false sense of unity.

What was true in Jude's day is true today.  We see and hear of those who discount the Bible's relevance, even wanting to revise it.  Marchers and protesters have come against those who seek to maintain their faith in Jesus.  Denominations have caved-in to accommodate them rather than condemn them.
What characterized these false believers?
-"sensuality"  They used the fact that God accepts sinners as an excuse to justify their flagrant and shameless sin.
-"denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."  They refused to submit themselves to Jesus in either word or deed.  In their rebellion, they only obey their own selfish, sinful desires.
Jude goes on to describe them in numerous and graphic terms so no one would be in doubt.
Instead of a sense of shame, "These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage" (v.16) 

What consequences do these false believers face?
Refusing to accept God authority over their sinful lifestyles and selfish beliefs will only result in His judgment.  Jude provides historic example after example in these short verses to show God's judgment upon such people.  The price is heavy, not only in this life, but in the eternal "fire" (v.23) to come.  There will be no boasting then.

What are true followers of Jesus to be doing?
1. "Contend for the faith." (v.3)  Contend means "to struggle" as one who enters a ring to fight and engage in conflict; not for a draw but for a victory!  Failure to stand for God's word or to avoid dealing with such spiritual cancer is disobedience and sin in itself. 

2. "...building yourselves up in your most holy faith..." (v.20a)  The number one reason good people are caught up in compromise and error is that they do not know their Bible and its clear teachings.  The greatest defense against false teaching is to read and know the truth of God's word.

3. "...and praying in the Holy Spirit..." (v.20b)  In our personal conversations with the Lord we are to submit our wills to His.  It is to be a time of worship and adoration for who God is and what He has done, not just for what we want from Him.  When we surrender to Him in prayer, the Holy Spirit can then guide us into living out His will for our lives.  That is the essence of a daily faith.

4. "...keep yourselves in the love of God." (v.21a)  We are to contend for the faith, but we are not allowed to be contentious.  Loving God and loving people is our command.  Being filled with the Holy Spirit will empower us to do this.

5. "...waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus..." (v.21b)  In the battle, we must keep our heads up and look forward to our Lord's deliverance from this temporal world.  We are to live with eager anticipation of that day.

6. Extend God's mercy to others where they are spiritually. (v.22-23)
Some among us have legitimate doubts so we are to help them.  Some are enslaved by their sin.  We must go and rescue them.  As we do, we need to be careful of ourselves so we do not become defiled or influenced by their sin.

 

Love and truth but watch Out

 Read 2 John.

In this second letter from the Apostle John, he underscores again two of his notable themes: love and truth.  Those are not choices of either/or but are both/and.  Trying to love without truth is permissiveness and will lead to the acceptance of sin.  Holding to truth without love will ruin relationships and stifle opportunities for ministry.  But, a life that practices those two things at the same time is beautiful and attractive, even to those who may disagree.

It is this mutual commitment to love and truth that draws followers of Jesus together in a local Bible believing church, as expressed in the opening two verses.  We share a common faith and a partnership in the Gospel that John refers to as fellowship.  Having established that fact, John issued two warnings for the church.

1. Watch yourselves. (vv.8-9)
We must be alert all the time that we do not make a sinful choice and lose out on all God has stored up for those who faithfully serve Him.  The evidence of a genuine faith is when a believer quickly confesses and repents when they do sin (1 John 1:9).  An unbeliever is not bothered by continuing in their sin.

2. Watch out for deceivers. (vv.7, 10-11)
The evaluators of genuine Christianity are found in the answers to two questions:
A. What is the Bible?
B. Who is Jesus?

The correct answer to the first question is, "The Bible is the written word of God".
God's truth is written down for us.  "All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

The correct answer to the second question is, "Jesus is the living word of God."
God's Son was sent down for us.  "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

If there is a true commitment to those two things, we may have Biblical fellowship with anyone.  If not, we are forbidden to join in ministry partnership with them and support them.  To fail to be discriminating of those with whom we partner in ministry will bring the guilt of false teaching on ourselves.

 

Well, what do you Know?

 Read 1 John 5.

The Apostle John wrote this book to followers of Jesus to reassure them.  He addressed several issues that are prone to cause one to question their faith.  These include personal sin, false teachers, and the lack of demonstrated love for other believers.

Multiple times in each chapter the word "know" is used to remind and reinforce what the original readers had already been taught and what they already possessed in Christ.  Here, in this last chapter, no less than seven times does John undergird our faith with what we may know for certain.  One does not have to guess about their relationship with God.  There is no valid reason for one to live in doubt.  We may live with absolute confidence.

The one overriding qualification is personal faith in Jesus.  If that is true, then...
1. We know we are born of God.
"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son does not have life." (v.12)  The mistake of Nicodemus in John 3 is the error of many today.  Physical birth does not equate to being a child of God.  One must experience a new birth by faith in Jesus in order to have eternal life.  "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." (v.13)

2. We know our prayers are heard.
God takes pleasure or delights in our sincere prayers.  "...the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him." (Proverbs 15:8)  Sin and selfishness will cause us to doubt not only the power of prayer but whether God is even listening.  But when "we love God and obey" Him (v.2), we have confidence in our relationship with Him.  "And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." (v.15)

3. We know we do not have to keep on sinning.
"We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." (v.19)  Those apart from Jesus live only under the influence of the devil and their own personal desires.  Those who have given themselves to Christ have the power and protection of God available to live in ways that please Him. (vv.18-19)

4. We know the truth and understand spiritual things.
Without Jesus, one's hope is only in this life, this world, and natural thinking.  But the believer has the indwelling Holy Spirit who reassures us of our faith, comforts us in our difficulties, and illuminates our understanding.  He turns the light on in our minds so that when we read the Bible, or hear God's word taught, we not only get it but we begin to see applications of the truth in daily life.

"Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God." (1 Corinthians 2:12)

 

In loving others, we are Blessed

 Read 1 John 3.

The Holy Spirit guided John to write an overarching principle by which followers of Jesus are to live.  Mark it in your Bible.  Memorize it.  Practice it.

"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (v.18)

Demonstrating genuine love for other believers is a proof of a genuine faith.  We use our time and resources, being attentive to the needs of others and seeking to meet those needs.  We use our words to encourage and tell others of our appreciation of them.  In addition to helping someone else, there are tremendous personal benefits for putting that verse into practice.

1. We have assurance of the Truth. (v.19a)
The Scriptures teach us the absolute truth, right from wrong, and the difference between the philosophies of this world versus faith in Christ.  We can know for sure of God's forgiveness, life after death, escape from hell, and our home in heaven.

2. We have assurance of a clear Conscience. (vv.19b-21)
Freedom from guilt comes as a result of faith in the blood of Jesus Christ to forgive and cleanse us (1:9).

3. We have assurance of answered Prayer. (v.22)
This verse stipulates a qualification: "because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him."  Obedience produces confidence in our conversations with God.

4. We have assurance of fellowship with God. (vv.23-24)
When we seek to obey the Lord all the time, we find ourselves "abiding", or living, moment by moment with a sense of God's presence.  As we enjoy this personal relationship, the Holy Spirit keeps on encouraging us.

Loving other believers requires us to be in a committed group of other believers in Jesus.  As we gather each week to worship the Lord, our attention is likewise to be on each other.  "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

 

3 tests of the spirit of Antichrist

 Read 1 John 4.

Throughout the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostles, there was great concern about false teachers, phony apostles, and heresies.  In every chapter of this book John drew lines between those who are true believers and mere pretenders.

-"If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar and the truth is not in us." (1:10)
-"Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come." (2:18)
-"Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning." (3:8)
-"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God., for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (4:1)
-"Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (5:5)

So, how can we "test the spirits" to know if someone is of God or not?  Three tests are mentioned in this chapter.
1. Do they confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh? (vv.2-3)
This is the true Christmas story.  Everything else is commercialism.  "'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)."  Without the Son of God taking on human flesh in order to die on the cross for our sins, there is no Christ-mas!  "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.  Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God." (vv.14-15)

2. How do they respond to God's word? (vv.5-6)
When they hear that Jesus is the only way to heaven, what is their response?  Do they believe and live by the philosophies and theories of this world?  Or, do they discipline their thinking and their lives by the Scriptures?  Learning from the Bible and submitting oneself to the Scriptures is a key indicator of abiding in Christ.

3. Do they demonstrate genuine affection for the followers of Jesus? (vv.7-12)
In 3:18, the admonition to believers is to love "in deed and in truth".  How a person connects with, involves themselves with, and seeks to meet the needs of other Christians is a test of a true faith.  Avoidance of meeting with other believers and isolating oneself from the needs of people are opposites of true Christianity.  "And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother." (v.21)

 

Three distractions of Sin

 Read 1 John 2.

John is often referred to as "the Apostle of love".  He frequently wrote about love of God and for each other in his Gospel, his three letters, and there are at least four references in Revelation.  In this chapter, John warned not to love "the world or the things in the world".

The reason for this admonition is that this world is temporal, while lovingly obeying God lasts forever.  The choice is simple.  Should a person spend their lives on things that they will surely lose or invest their lives in things that can never be taken away?

Satan has no new schemes.  "...so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs." (2 Corinthians 2:11)  His goal is to distract people to make wrong choices and, thereby, sin against God.

1. The desire to Have.  The lust of the flesh is the urging for wrong indulgences.  It is an "uncontrolled appetite".  That lack of discipline could be anything from gluttony of food to wanting more material gain.  It is the wrong desire for possessions.

2. The desire to See.  This is the lust of curiosity that leads one to undisciplined behaviors in what entertains and fascinates them.  This is at the root of pornography and immorality in media.  It is the wrong desire for pleasure.

3. The desire to Be.  This is the boastful pride of life; the exaltation of self.  It is self-promotion and self-advertisement.  It is the wrong desire for personal power.

None of these is new.  Satan used the same three temptations with Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6): the tree was "good for food"; "it was a delight to the eyes"; "to be desired to make one wise".  Eve sinned.

Then, Satan tried the same three temptations with Jesus (Matthew 4:3-8): "command these stones to become loaves of bread"; "throw yourself down"; "all the kingdoms of the world and their glory...these will I give you."  Jesus prevailed.  He met each temptation with a specific Scripture that rebutted Satan with the truth of God's word.

Memorizing verses that can help and encourage us to do what is right is a key spiritual growth.

 

4 questions for those with Doubts

 Read 1 John 1.

This book settles the question once and for all that we have a "know-so" salvation.  We are not guessing about eternal life.  We do not live with a "hope-so" faith, waiting to see how this will all turn out after we die.

Depending upon the translation, the word "know" appears between 26-31 times in these five chapters.  In addition, the words "knows" and "knowledge" are used.  For anyone who may have doubts about their faith in Jesus, a great exercise is to read this book and circle each time the word "know" appears".  Nothing will build one's spiritual confidence like a good dose of reassuring Scripture.

A series of questions about our faith and the Bible are answered in this first chapter.
1. How did the Apostles know for certain that Jesus was who He said He was?
Over a period of some three years, John and the others lived and traveled with Jesus.  During that extended time they "heard" all He said, they had "seen" all that He did, they "observed" carefully the evidences before them, and they "touched with our hands".  Beyond this list, John saw the eternal Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8), stood by the cross at the death of Jesus, and was the first man to enter the tomb after the resurrection (John 20:4).  Such an eyewitness account would hold up in any court of law.

2. How did John describe Jesus? 
-"That which was from the beginning..." (v.1a)  As the eternal God in the flesh, Jesus was there in Genesis 1:1.  He is the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:16).
-"The word of life..." (v.1b)  Belief in Jesus changes one from spiritual death to spiritual life. 
-"The life..." (v.2) and "the eternal life..."  Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)  Definite articles all.  Without Jesus one misses all three.
-"...manifest.."  Jesus was publicly and externally apparent.  There was no mistaking His true identity.
-"...the Father and his Son Jesus Christ." (v.3) The conclusion from all the evidence could not be clearer than John 1:1-"And the Word was God."  

3. Why did Jesus come? (vv.3-4)
-that we might have "fellowship" (partnership) with God, Himself, as by faith we become part of the family of God.
-that we might have fellowship (partnership) with the earthly family of believers. 
-that we may experience the joy of sins forgiven and the full assurance of our salvation.

4. What robs us of our joy and assurance? (vv.5-10)
Sin in the believer's life will result in a loss of joy in Jesus.  Sin violates our conscience and brings guilt.  Unresolved sin causes doubts to creep in about what God has said in His word.  An unwillingness to admit sin may be evidence of unbelief in Jesus.  Agreeing with God about personal sin is the way to forgiveness and cleansing "of all unrighteousness".

What are you waiting For?

 Read 2 Peter 3.

If believers are to grow in their faith, they need more than dependence on God's grace.  They also need knowledge of the truth (3:18).  In chapter two, Peter helped his readers to identify false teachers, who were disguising themselves as followers of Christ.  Here, in chapter three, the attention turns outside the church to the scoffers of our faith.

A scoffer is one who mocks, jeers or derides the Scriptures.  They do this, not because they have done a reasonable investigation and come to a sound conclusion.  No, they talk like that in order to protect and defend "their own sinful desires" (v.3).  What believers should remember (v.1) is that there will always be scoffers.  One of their chief errors in thinking is that history has always been linear and uninterrupted by God (v.4).  Therefore, if there is a God, then He does not care and will not intervene.  But Peter reminds his readers that this is willful ignorance.  "They deliberately overlook" (v.5) the fact of the world-wide flood in the days of Noah.  According to Genesis 6-9, the earth and its atmosphere experienced catastrophic changes.  But more than that, the flood was a world-wide judgment on sin.  God did intervene and He will again!

The admonition for believers is that we "should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles" (v.2).  Ignoring the prophecies concerning the second coming of Christ will stunt spiritual growth in us personally and in our congregations.  Yet, the imminent anticipation of our Lord's return has unparalleled impact on our daily lives. 

1. It reminds us of the patience of God. (v.9)
The scoffer asks, "If God is going to judge the world, why has He not done so?"  The answer is that in His mercy the Lord is giving every opportunity for "all" to repent of their sin and turn to Him for salvation.  This is why in the eternal judgment no one will have an excuse for not giving their lives to Jesus.

2. It reminds us that this world is not our home. (v.10)
One day, every one of us will leave all our stuff behind.  And, in that day of God's judgment, everything on earth "will be burned up and dissolved".  Sin will be eternally gone as believers will live in a "new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (v.13 and Revelation 22).

3. It reminds us of how we are to live now. (vv.11-12a)
God's expectation of us in the meantime is that we conduct ourselves in ways that are marked by "holiness and godliness".  "And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure." (1John 3:3)  The one who says they believe in Jesus must examine themselves by that standard and then take the necessary corrective measures.  Because we do not know when our Lord will return, we are to live each moment "waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God".

So, today, what are you waiting for?

 

7 ways to spot a false Teacher

 Read 2 Peter 2.

Christianity has always been infiltrated by charlatans.  It remains one of the schemes of the devil to oppose the advancement of the kingdom of God.  They do not wear signs hanging around their necks stating, "I am a false teacher.  Do not listen to me."  Just the opposite is true.  They appear to be followers of Jesus and sound as if they are.  But, in truth, they are unbelievers, cloaked in religious garb and jargon, deceiving the unsuspecting.

The purpose of the writing of 2 Peter is to encourage believers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  The prophet Hosea recorded the LORD's contention with His people: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6).  In other words, they did not know the truth of what God had said.  Even church attenders are taken in by false teaching because they are not growing in their knowledge of God's word.  As a result they are immature in their faith and are not able to discern the difference between truth and error. (Ephesians 4:14)

This chapter is filled with exact descriptors of false teachers.  It is important to note that no pastor or Bible teacher is without sin.  Occasionally, we may learn of a godly person who fell, overcome by some sin, and it became known.  Such a person is not who Peter has in mind here.  False teachers are those "who will secretly bring destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them" (v.1).  They are not followers of Christ but posers.  Jesus died for them, as He did for all (John 3:16), but they act as ministers for their own benefit. 
1. They are SUBTLE. (v.1)
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  So, it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness." (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
2. They are SENSUAL. (v.2)
Their teachings concerning immorality and marriage contradict what God's word clearly states.  They will dismiss the Bible's teaching concerning sexuality as either culturally irrelevant or as merely the human author's opinion.  This is done under the themes of acceptance and unity.  At the root is their own lust.
3. They are SALESMEN. (v.3)
The Greek word has to do with "an emporium".  They make merchandise of people for their own gain.  They equate godliness with prosperity and greed.
4. They are SELF-WILLED. (vv.10-13a)
Their words are presumptuous, arrogant, daring, and bold, even to the point of rebellion against authorities.  They reject any personal accountability for their theology, their finances, their behavior, their lifestyle, or their empty promises.
5. They are STAINS on the Body of Christ. (vv.13b-16)
Their misrepresentation of God's word and their sinful behaviors leave ugly marks on the ministry without shame.
6. They are SPEAKERS of empty promises. (vv.17-18)
They look good. They sound good.  They tell great stories.  They make people laugh.  They move them emotionally.  But what is the spiritual outcome?  Consistently, these liars give false, earthly hope to discouraged hearers based upon their own clever words.  Meanwhile, they omit the eternal hope that comes through faith alone in Christ.  Positive thinking and temporal prosperity will never relieve anyone of the awful burden of guilt for their sin.   
7. They are SLAVES to sin. (v.19)
These phonies preach freedom of one kind or another, when they are actually in bondage to their own passions.

Our defense against being deceived by any false teaching is to personally read, study, and be taught the truth of the Scriptures.  There is no substitute.  It is the foundation to growing in grace.

 

How to grow as a follower of Jesus

 Read 2 Peter 1.

The purpose of writing 1 Peter was to encourage those being persecuted because of their faith.  2 Peter was written to the same readers (3:1) to encourage them to keep growing in their faith.  "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (3:18)

In the opening verses the Apostle, "being carried along by the Holy Spirit" (1:21), taught some basics about growing in that grace and knowledge.

1. The Promises of Grace. (vv.3-4)
It is usually a surprise for a new believer to discover that God has already supplied "all" or "everything" we will ever receive or need to live a godly life.  That includes the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  "For He gives us the Spirit without measure." (John 3:34).  The clear teaching of the Bible is that we do not need more of God; He wants more of us!

We stand on these "great and precious promises" that the Lord has made to us.

2. The Practice of Grace. (vv.5-7)
Since everything we need to spiritually grow has been supplied, our responsibility is to put these things into practice.  "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith..."  Here is a list of seven habits of eternally effective people. 
-Step one is moral purity.  Without a personal commitment to rid one's life of all immoral behaviors the rest of this list will not result in life-change. 
-Knowledge referred to here is the information of God's word.  Without reading, studying, and being taught the Scriptures we would never know how to live as a Christian.
-Self-control means to master "desires, passions, especially sensual appetites".  Without it knowledge can lead to tyranny.
-Steadfastness is not a type of perseverance often described as gritting the teeth and toughing it out.  The Greek word is literally "a calm delight, a cheerful hopeful endurance".  Only one who possesses hope in Christ beyond this life can exhibit such a behavior. 
-Godliness, being pious, or living a life of piety is a good thing, according to the Bible.  Webster defines it as having respect and reverence for God.  This new life in Christ is to exhibit a consciousness of God's presence 24/7.
-Brotherly affection requires that believers treat each other as family.  We are to consistently demonstrate mutual concern and care for one another.
-Love that we learn from God is selfless, sacrificial, and acts in benevolent ways for other people.  This is particularly true when we loving act toward those who do not want it, perhaps do not deserve it, and could not return the favor.    Why?  Because that is how God treats us.  "But God showed his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

3. The Product of Grace. (vv.8-11)
The results are stated negatively in the text.  If we will practice these things and keeping growing in the use of them, we will become useful and fruitful for God!  What is more astounding is the statement in v.10: "...if you practice these qualities you will never fall."

 

4 promises for suffering Saints

 Read 1 Peter 5.

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to encourage believers who were suffering for their faith.  They endured great losses, and though they lived in exile, they continued to be persecuted.

"But what about me?" is a common and expected question for one to ask in such circumstances.  Rightfully so, hurting people want relief.  Healing, resolve, and answers to prayer do not always come immediately.  Most often, these things take time, if ever, in this life (Hebrews 11:39).  For the follower of Christ, it is the patient endurance through these tests that prove the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:7).

What we are to do.
So, what are we to do in the meantime?  There is a list of five action items provided in verses 6-9.  The marvelous truth contained in verse 7 is "...casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."  It is the unyielding trust in our unchanging Lord that sustains us through every trial.

What God will do.
In verse 10 is the ultimate encouragement for suffering saints.
We recognize that the impacts of all losses are temporal and at worst for "a little while".  Our hope is fixed in "the God of all grace" who loves us and is working out His eternal plan in and through us.  Among His many promises to followers of Jesus include these four actions from the Lord.  Notice how personal these actions are.

1. He will restore you.
When one is suffering a loss, they want back what was taken or replaced with something even better.  This is not necessarily a material restoration, though God restored to Job a double amount after his suffering (Job 42:10).  Most often, in this life, what is of even more value is the emotional healing that is needed to make us feel whole again.  He is "the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  In addition, the rewards that await us will make all these earthly losses quickly fade from memory.  Those gains will never be taken away.

2. He will confirm you.
When one is suffering a loss, they will normally experience some doubts about their faith and their future.  Not only confidence of faith but self-confidence can easily waver.  In 2 Peter 1, our standing with God is confirmed as we practice the godly qualities found in verses 5-10.  Endurance means we keep going even when we do not feel like it.  As we maintain our spiritual disciplines, God confirms His word and His love to us.

3. He will strengthen you.
When one is suffering a loss, they will often have feelings of weakness and helplessness.  Memorize some of God's promises.  "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  (Isaiah 41:10)

4. He will establish you.
When one is suffering a loss, they will feel unsettled.  The foundations of their life have been shaken.  It is in these times that our faithfulness in every direction is being tested.  "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor in not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

 

Serving while Suffering

 Read 1 Peter 4.

As Peter sought to encourage those who were being persecuted for their faith in Christ, he wrote: "For to this you have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." (2:21)  "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12)

This is not something that comes as a result of our wrong behavior but solely because of our faith and stand for Jesus.  In 3:15-16, believers were instructed how to share their faith in the midst of rejection and not back down when challenged.  Here in chapter four the instruction concerns how to keep serving Christ in such an environment.

1. Arm yourselves with the same way of thinking. (vv.1-6)
Literally, "arm" means "to equip with weapons".  2 Corinthians 10:4-5 states, "The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.  We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." 

2. Be self-controlled. (v.7a)
Even the apostles had to discipline themselves in order to maintain integrity while serving Jesus.  "But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:27)

3. Be sober-minded. (v.7b)
In 5:8, Peter wrote, "Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."  Satan wants you!  If he cannot keep a believer out of heaven, his desire is to discourage us to slow or stop our service for Christ.

4. Keep loving one another earnestly. (v.8)
"No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." (1John 4:12)  An obedient follower of Jesus incarnates the love of God.  When we love each other as we should, the people around us see God in us.

5. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. (v.9)
Hospitality is a requirement of church leaders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1).  In addition, all believers are told to practice hospitality.  "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:13)  The word refers to entertaining strangers, or being fond of guests.  In other words, a true follower of Jesus likes to have people in their home.

6. Use your gift to serve one another. (vv.10-11)
At salvation, the Holy Spirit endows each believer with a special spiritual ability to serve Christ effectively.  Every genuine Christian has a spiritual gift and these are not for personal use.  "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."  (1 Corinthians 12:7)  We do not have to seek it.  He "apportions to each one individually as he wills." (1 Corinthians 12:11)  Our responsibility is to get busy and use what God gave us.

7. Rejoice as you share Christ's sufferings. (vv.12-18)
The Apostle Paul endured countless hardships and sufferings for Jesus.  Yet, his desire was "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death..." (Philippians 3:10)  Suffering for Christ is not an end in itself.  There are rewards waiting for those who are faithful.  God is preparing the day when He will exalt us with Christ.  "...provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." (Romans 8:17)

8. Entrust your soul to a faithful Creator while doing good. (v.19)
In Daniel 3:16-28, three young men stood firm in their faith against an ungodly government persecution.  The men trusted God no matter what and the result was a death sentence.  Countless believers have paid for such a commitment with their lives.  But in this case, the LORD performed a miracle.  They had boldly honored God and He honored them with a personal appearance.  The king saw Jesus!

Serving Christ is never about us.  It is always for the benefit of others so they may see Jesus.

 

4 commitments for telling our Story

Read 1 Peter 3.

One of causes of personal suffering may come when a Christian shares their faith with an unbeliever.  Sometimes the result is experiencing the pain of rejection and/or the loss of a relationship.  Again, Peter wrote to those who were being persecuted and suffering because of they were genuine followers of Jesus.  It was not their fault.  It was not their message.  They simply placed their eternal faith in Christ and sought to live accordingly.

If one attempts to speak the good news of Jesus in an unkind or untactful manner, the rejection will probably be due to their behavior, not the gospel.  Dr. Bill Bright used to say that people are not gospel hardened as they are gospel ignorant. 

So, how can we tell others of what we have discovered in Jesus in the best possible way?  Here are four phrases that set the standard.
1. "Honor Christ in your hearts as holy." (v.15a)
Do not fear "them".  Fear God.  He is bigger than they are.  Peter is actually paraphrasing Isaiah 8:13.  Honor the Lord as the One who is sovereignly in control, even when (especially when), it does not appear to you that He is in control.  God is holy.  His truth is pure.  He makes no mistakes.  We are to be His obedient servants.

2. "Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." (v.15b)
Why do you believe in Jesus?  Why do you choose to believe the Bible is true?  Can you take your Bible and show someone?  Are you ready?  That does not mean every Christian must be a Biblical scholar.  It does mean that a follower of Jesus should be prepared to tell their story.  A believer's personal experience of life-change is undeniable by anyone!  You are the expert on "the reason for the hope that is in you."

3. "...yet do it with gentleness and respect..." (v.15c)
That is still is not a guarantee of another person receiving Christ or that they will not reject you.  Building relationships, being prepared, and honoring God in our behavior will put us in the strongest position for the Lord to use us.

4. "...having a good conscience..."
In this context that means, even years later, we may look back upon the conversation and have no regrets about the way we presented the gospel.  We cared about the other person and their eternity.  We were gentle and respectful.  We said and did the right thing.  This was the Apostle Paul's commitment also.  "So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man." (Acts 24:16)