Honolulu Bible Church
Morning Worship Service
March 16, 1997

THE BOOK OF REVELATION

THE CHURCH'S TRIUMPH THROUGH CHRIST -

Sermon #4 - Lessons for Twentieth Century Christians from a First Century Christian

Revelation 1:9

INTRODUCTION - The book of Revelation offers great blessing to all who read it. This is not a closed book, but has application and meaning for Christians throughout time. In the first chapter we have been shown an incredible image of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, the King of kings, and Almighty God. The final part of the chapter displays for us the ascended Christ, the One we worship and glorify today. Before we end this chapter, we shall take a look at one more subject described for us - the Apostle John. In Revelation 1:9 we are given the picture of a first century Christian. Yet we shall find that his worldview is often at odds with the way that Christians understand and live their lives in the twentieth century. Christianity today can often be characterized by new experiences, new innovations, and new techniques. We are constantly looking for programs, seminars, speakers, and experiences to fill our spiritual existence. Our church relationships are often shallow, much like the "throw away society" we see in our world. It is the Apostle John who leads us back to what it means to be a real Christian. He doesn't give us a course in self-help or self-improvement. He doesn't send us to a Christian psychologist, or give us three easy steps to becoming godly. Instead, he speaks to us about the true Christian worldview - the way a Christian should view his life and the life taking place around him. Through this, the first century Christian teaches twentieth century Christian how to live! Look at the way John describes himself in this verse and then you will know what it is to be a Christian in any century.

1) JOHN IS A BROTHER IN CHRIST - No where in this letter does John refer to himself as an apostle. Instead, he chooses to identify himself as a "brother" to those Christians who will receive this letter. He could have used his apostolic authority, but instead, he wants us to see himself as he truly relates to us. Though the church is filled with people from different backgrounds and cultures, there is a single thread which binds us all together - the person of Christ. He has made us one, and as He calls us His brethren (Hebrews 2:11-14) Thus, we are to follow John's example by calling each other "brother" in Christ. Is this how we see one another? Is this how we understand our relationships in the church? With so much division, lack of commitment, and splits within the church today, one wonders if such an understanding exists. Let us imitate John, and realize the great fellowship we share with one another eternally through Jesus Christ!

2) JOHN IS A COMPANION WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS - The word "companion" would be better translated "co-participant", in other words, John did not live his apostolic existence in some ivory tower away from the rest of the church. He was not a man who lived beyond the hurts, pressures, doubts and trials of the people of God. Instead, he sees himself as being in fellowship with other Christians, and thus sharing in their burdens and persecutions. He speaks from the island of Patmos, a desolate, forsaken place, where he is enduring hardship for the name of Christ. Thus, he shows us that as Christians that we do not suffer alone. The people of God suffer together and are companions through this life of trial. It is because he is a companion in what we go through that he is able to give us counsel and guidance. The next three words in Revelation 1:9 describe the type of companionship John was speaking of. It is these three words which define the essence of Christian living and the worldview which every believer should have.

3) JOHN IS A COMPANION IN TRIBULATION - How strange it is today to hear some Christians speak as if the church will not go through tribulation. How strange it is to hear them always moaning and groaning about their difficulties as if these things shouldn't be. Certainly the church does not always go through tribulation (our generation in North America is evidence of that) yet there are periods of terrible persecution and affliction which the church has experienced. On a personal level, we should expect the Christian life to be filled with struggle. Yet this is so foreign to our twentieth century, live-as-you-like existence. Tribulation should not surprise us, in fact, we should be preparing ourselves continually for such an onslaught, for it has been typical of the church and it is something to be expected (John 16:33; Romans 5:3; Acts 14:22; II Timothy 3:12).

4) JOHN IS A COMPANION IN THE KINGDOM - Though we are involved in tribulation as Christians, at the same time, we must keep all our troubles under the perspective of Christ's kingdom. Again, there is a great pessimism and discouragement found in today's Christianity. We look at the world and wonder what is happening. Iniquity seems to be triumphing! Sin is having a free reign everywhere! What's a Christian to do? Often the response has been, "Just hold on till the second coming!" Yet this is a completely unbiblical approach to our world and the iniquity we see. Are things really out of control? Is unsaved man actually winning the day? The whole point of Revelation is to show us a Christ who is not defeated, not hiding somewhere in heaven, but who has come into this world, died upon a cross, rose again, ascended, and is now seated on His throne in heaven. The kingdom has been established and Christ sits on His throne - this is the way the Christian should view the world (Ephesians 1:21,22; Acts 2:36). We are called to rule and reign now in His kingdom (Revelation 1:6). Thus, the Christian goes forth in this world, not like a scared, worried individual, looking for Christ to take him away. The Christian goes with the gospel of the kingdom, proclaiming and conquering the world in the name of the Savior. The picture of the ascended Christ of Revelation should forever be in our minds as we go forth in the name of the King of kings and Lord of lords!

5) JOHN IS A COMPANION IN PATIENCE - Finally, we see the overriding attitude which John has as he goes through this life - it is an attitude of patience, or better translated - perseverance. This is certainly a quality which is lacking in our present day. Today's Christian will try church for a while, try a new program for a while, try being a good husband, father, employee, worshipper, and then he will move on. Perseverance is wanting! This lack of perseverance is also seen in the type of Christian gospel which is preached today. Easy-believism tells us to just have a one time experience with Christ and then you're safe. It doesn't matter if you follow Him, or if you become His disciple, or if you persevere with Christ (II Corinthians 13:5). Yet true Christianity is going to be a persevering Christianity (Philippians 1:6). It will continue to follow Christ and will evidence itself in a patient, submissive faith which looks to Christ as it moves through this world.

John's Christianity might sound foreign to us, or perhaps it sounds old fashioned and outdated, yet it is the Christianity of the Bible, and it is the one which we must adopt, in the midst of a century which has traded truth for a whirlwind of experiences.

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