Sermon Notes - Revelation 22:6-21 - The End - Littleby Baptist Church - March 6, 2021

1.     Today we finish a journey we started on April 25^th of last year.

a.      Let’s look at how things are wrapped up.

2.     Revelation 22:6

a.      Common perception is that the Revelation of Jesus Christ is confusing, convoluted, and hard to understand.

b.     It can be hard to understand what the future hold.

c.      It was probably hard for John to understand some of the things he wrote.

d.     But the Word of God is not written to confuse us.

e.      It is written to show us what must soon take place.

f.      I tend to interpret things literally and believe that when we do some of the uncertainty is removed.

g.     There are parts that were written symbolically and parts we were told we were not meant to hear.

h.     We may not fumble through bits and pieces of Revelation.

i.       But it is the Word of God; it is given to us who are following Jesus.

j.       It is words that the Holy Spirit will use to guide and teach us.

k.     Remember it is not a detailed roadmap, but more of a general guide.

3.     Revelation 22:7

a.      Coming soon or coming suddenly or quickly.

b.     When Jesus returns, when the church is taken up, it will happen quickly with no warning for those who are not paying attention.

c.      In Revelation 1:3 we are told…

d.     We are blessed as we read these words.

e.      We are blessed as we keep these words.

                                                    i.     Meaning we need to let them impact who we are.

                                                  ii.     In the context of prophesy, we need to understand what to watch for and to understand the urgency that time is short.

                                                iii.     The choices people make, the choices we make, have eternal consequences.    

4.     Revelation 22:8-9

a.      John, likely being overwhelmed by all he has seen, fell down to worship and angel once again.

b.     Reminded to not worship the creation, but to Worship God, worship the creator.

5.     Revelation 22:10

a.      In Daniel 12:9 he was told to seal up what had been written until the time of the end. The message given to Daniel was not for him or those who lived during those days.

b.     These words in Revelation were given for those in the church age, those who came after Jesus paid the price for us.

c.      They are words for us right now.

6.     Revelation 22:11

a.      Why would scripture tell us to let the unrighteous and filthy continue?

b.     It is not to condone evil, but to say that if people have heard these words and choose to not listen to what the prophetic word of God has to say, they will continue in their wicked lifestyle.

c.      Likewise, those who are following God, will likely continue to follow God.

d.     Their will come a point when people will either solidify their faith in Jesus or harden their hearts against Him.

                                                    i.     People will reach a point where they will not change.

e.      I see this as a reminder that our Job is to share the Love of Christ and His life saving words.

f.      But we cannot change hearts, that is up to our God.

7.     Revelation 22:12

a.      When our Lord returns it will be sudden, it will be quick.

b.     When our Lord returns those that follow Him, whose names who are written in the Lamb’s book of life, will receive the reward.

8.     Revelation 22:13

a.      Our Lord existed before creation and will be there after the current heavens and earth are wiped away.

b.     He is eternal.

9.     Revelation 22:14-15

a.      Those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb will have access to the tree of life and the magnificent New Jerusalem.

b.     Those that who have rejected Christ will be judged.  

10.  Revelation 22:16

a.      The Book of Revelation was given to us, emphasis on us.

b.     People of the church age, who are getting close to the end of days.

c.      Jesus delivered this message to John for us through his angel.

d.     We need to hold on to these words and watch for things to unfold.

e.      The root and the offspring of David – Historically Jesus comes from the line of Judah; the tribe David belong to.

f.      Morning Star – Jesus is coming like the morning star, through prophecy we see that He brings a new day, a new creation.

g.     The words in the Revelation of Jesus Christ point us to our Savior and the future He will bring.

11.  Revelation 22:17

a.      The Bride, the Church, us… combined with the Holy Spirit invite people to come to Jesus.

b.     To hear the words that can change their lives.

c.      They are invited to open the door when Jesus knocks.

d.     The message is for every person who has, is, or will walk this earth.

e.      If they respond, they may drink of the water.

f.      They will receive God’s most Awesome and free gift of salvation.

12.  Revelation 22:18-19

a.      This is not a warning about making a mistake when looking at the prophetic Scripture found in Revelation.

b.     It is a warning against any and all who willing and purposefully distort the prophecy found in Revelation.

c.      Similar message given by Moses in Deuteronomy 4:2 about not taking anything away from the Word of God.

d.     A message that Paul gave the Galatians, 1:7-8, stating that any who pervert the gospel will be condemned.

e.      This book is the Word of God and is to be treated accordingly.

f.      Those that preach a false gospel will receive their reward, and it wont be pretty.

13.  Revelation 22:20

a.      Yes, I am coming soon – Christ will be returning so be prepared.

b.     John adds ‘Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!’ – John was looking forward to Jesus’ return.

                                                    i.     Looking forward to an end to the pain in this world.

                                                  ii.     Looking forward to the New Jerusalem and all that goes with it.

c.      As much as we have things in this life we enjoy, we should be looking forward to the glorious future we are promised.

                                                    i.     Come Lord Jesus Come!

14.  Revelation 22:21

a.      A common blessing given in that day.

b.     A great ending to one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible.

c.      May the Grace of the Lord Jesus be with you!

15.  Two points as we warp up.

a.      There are things in this book that are hard to picture, simply because they have not happened yet.

b.     Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD.

c.      For almost 1900 years there was no sign of a nation of Israel or Jerusalem.

d.     Might have been hard for some to understand or believe some of the prophetic scripture knowing that Israel did not exist.

                                                    i.     Might lead many to think Revelation was all symbolism or come up with creative ways to interpret things.

e.      Just because we cannot see it today, does not mean it won’t happen.

16.  Revelation 1:3

a.      We are blessed for reading and hearing these prophetic words.

b.     Now we need to keep them.

c.      The letters to the churches are for us to understand and learn from.

                                                    i.     Things we are to avoid and things we need to embrace.

d.     The rest of the Book let’s us know what to watch for.

17.  Yes, this book can be challenging at times.

18.  But I believe, as we draw closer and closer to the return of our King, we will see Scripture unfold before us.

19.  We need to be prepared.