Revelation - Lesson 1

 

God reveals Himself in many ways, but mainly He chose to reveal himself through his Word.  The Bible has many prophecies which reveal God’s plan for creation.  The book of Revelation is a book of prophecy and foretells God’s glorious plan.

The Significance of Prophecy

2 Peter 1:19-21 tell us about prophecy.  Prophecy is important because we need to be aware and prepared so we can stand firm and not be afraid of what is coming.  In John 13:19 and John 14:29 John said God reveals future events to us before it happens, so when it does happen we will believe.

Biblical prophecy connects us to the character of God Himself because it shows us He loves and cares for us.  He wants us to be with Him in heaven forever.  It reveals God’s sovereignty.  It brings us comfort and hope and it takes away our fears and builds our faith.

Prophecy Declares God’s Plan

The future alarms many people because they are not sure of God and just who He is or even if He is real.  Some are completely ignorant about the future or don’t even want to know about it.  Others are simply intrigued while some are obsessed with it.  They go to fortune tellers, crystals, read palms, read books, and even use astrology.  The only future we need to know is what the Bible tells us.  The Bible gives us many prophesies. We’re told in Revelation 1:3 that there is a special blessing to the person who reads, hears, and takes to heart what is written. 

There are many Scriptures that talk about prophecy ----

Isaiah 45:21 – “Declare what is to be, present it – let them take counsel together.  Who foretold this long ago…”

Amos 3:7 –“Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets”.

2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

Hebrews 11:32-40 – “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

2 Peter 1:10-12 – “So I will always remind you of these things…”

These Scriptures give us confidence because God wants us to know His plans.  He wants us to be  prepared for the future.  He wants us to live happily and confident.  It strengthens our faith and proves the integrity of Scripture.  It protects us and prepares us for the last days.

These Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in the New Testament ----

Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Luke 1:26-27 – They told us of the virgin who would give birth to a Son and He would be called Immanuel.

Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6 – They told us He would be born in Bethlehem.

Isaiah 53:3-6; Matthew 27:22-26 – They told us that Jesus would be despised and rejected by men and would die on the cross for our sins and transgressions, which would bring us peace.

In Matthew 7:15-20 we learn to watch out for false prophets and teachings because they come in sheep’s clothing.  We can tell them by their fruit; in other words their actions speak much louder than their words.

It is very important to know the Bible records fulfilled prophecy.  Fulfilled prophecies show the reliability of the Bible.  The Bible is the most unique book ever written and is accurately foretells specific events.  It strengthens our belief that God’s Word is accurate and should be trusted. It’s evidence of God’s existence.  It points God’s people to Jesus, the Messiah.

Deuteronomy 18:15-19; 34:10; John 5:46; and Acts 3:18-23 tell us that the prophet Moses pointed toward Jesus who is the greater Prophet.  He told the people that God would raise up a prophet like him.  He also pointed to Jesus by holding up a bronze serpent on a pole and anyone who looked at the serpent would be healed.  This is a foreshadowing of Jesus who was lifted up on the cross so that anyone who looks to Him in faith may be saved.

These passages give us confidence in the promises ----

Matthew 16:27 – Jesus is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels and then will reward each believer according to what he has done.

Luke 24:44-47 – Everything written about Jesus must be fulfilled.

John 14:3 – Jesus is preparing a place for all believers and will come back to take them where He is.

Principle:  Fulfilled prophecies show the reliability of the Bible.

Now that we have been introduced to the importance of prophecy, next time we will begin with the study of Revelation 1.  Have a blessed day -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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