Another Look at Revelation — Lesson 5
July 3, 2009
“Another Look at Revelation”
Lesson 5: Chapter 4 — The Throne of God
Adult Wednesday and Sunday Bible Study Series
West Broad Church of Christ
July 5 and 8, 2009
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
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Chapter Review and Current Objective:
We have discussed John’s letters to the seven churches. Moving from earth to heaven, what does he have to say about the throne of God? What is John’s message in this chapter? What did his original audience understand? What will we understand?
I. An Examination of John’s Vision
Chapter Four begins with another vision. What does John see?
· The sovereignty of God (4:1);
· The image of the figure on the throne (4:2-3). The throne of Caesar had a certain meaning. But is there another source of power? How can John’s readers know?
n Jasper and sardius (4:3) – visiting the Old Testament connection;
n The meaning of the rainbow (Gen. 9:13-17)
· The image of 24 elders (4:4) – visiting the Old Testament connection;
· The image of the throne (4:5-6a) – visiting the Old Testament connection. Examination of the “sea of glass”
n The nature of glass in ancient times;
n The Romans and crystal;
n A reference from the Koran
· The image of the four living creatures (4:6b-8);
· The image of the worship of God (4:9-11). Question: What does heaven understand that we do not?
Facts in heaven are mirrored on earth. Because God rules, the Christians to whom John writes were assured that their faith in him is not misplaced.
Summation:
What is true in heaven is certainly true on earth. John’s readers can take comfort in knowing that the God who rules in heaven also rules on earth, and their faith in him is not in vain. Question: How does this reality impact you as a 21st century Christian?
