Majesty of Jesus: Preparing the End-Time Church
I. REVIEW: OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION (4 MAIN PARTS)
Part 1 John’s commission (Rev. 1): to make known Jesus’ majesty in His End-Time plan
Part 2 Letters to the 7 Churches (Rev. 2-3): Exhortations to be overcomers
Part 3 Heavenly Court (Rev. 4-5): Jesus receives the 7 sealed Scroll (title deed of earth)
Part 4 Storyline on earth (Rev. 6-22): the majority of Revelation focuses on the Tribulation (3½ years) as comprised by God’s
wrath on the Antichrist’s world empire (Rev. 6-19).
II. JOHN’S COMMISSION (REV. 1): MAKE KNOWN JESUS’ MAJESTY (END-TIME PLAN)
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him (Jesus) to show His servants--things which must shortly take place.
He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John… 19 Write the things which you have seen…and the things which
will take place after this. (Rev. 1:1, 19)
A. The Book of Revelation is called the “revelation of Jesus” because it reveals His heart, power and leadership in
preparing the nations for God’s glory. The Father’s purpose in giving us this book is to reveal the beauty of Jesus. It is
secondarily a book about “events” in the End-Times.
B. If we read Revelation right, it causes us to adore Jesus and to trust His leadership as we see His dramatic plans in
the End-Times. His wise loving plans include combining God's sovereignty (in manifesting His love and righteousness),
human free will and satanic rage to result in the Great Ingathering of souls and a victorious Church without violating
justice or man’s free will.
C. This book is very dear to Jesus and is a great gift from Him to us. We see Jesus’ majesty as a King and Priest
(Rev. 1). We hear His counsel to prepare us as His beloved Bride (Rev. 2-3) as we partner with His action plan to clean
the earth and replace governments to rule it (Rev. 20).
III. JESUS’ MESSAGES TO THE 7 CHURCHES OF ASIA IN REV 2-3
A. In approximately 90 AD, Jesus appeared to John who was in prison on the Island of Patmos to reveal Himself in a
way what would equip the Church to walk in full obedience as overcomers (Rev. 2-3). His prophetic messages instruct us
on how to best prepare for His coming. No one knows more about how to prepare Jesus’ Bride than Jesus.
B. These letters give us insight into God’s heart that was not fully developed by the apostles. These are the things
that Jesus would say to His Bride in addition to His teachings in the Gospels.
C. We prepare by growing in love by encountering the majesty and love of Jesus. We grow in love by obeying His
commands, heeding His warnings and believing His promises. Jesus promised us 22 eternal rewards in Rev. 2-3
(2:7, 10, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). These letters equip us to persevere by being anchored in eternity with confidence that our
choices will be rewarded in eternity. If suffering is seen in God’s light, it loses its power to intimidate.
IV. THE FOUR WAYS TO APPLY THE SEVEN LETTERS.
A. Historically: the letters were first written to seven historical churches in John’s generation to address the actual
conditions of seven real churches. There were churches with more influence but Jesus strategically selected these seven
that would best prepare the End-Time Church.
B. Universally: all churches in the first century and throughout 2,000 years of Church history just as the letter to the
Romans was for the church at Rome as all churches past, present, and future
C. Prophetically: seven stages of church history. Many scholars have promoted the idea that they also prophetically
describe seven stages in the 2,000 years of church history. This is possible.
D. Eschatologically: to prepare the End-Time Church for the events seen in Rev. 6-19. This is when there will be
more believers than any time in history living in the most difficult time in history.
V. STUDYING THE 7 LETTERS: THE COMMON ELEMENTS IN THE LETTERS
A. Historical context: it is important to gain information about the situation that each church was challenged with
politically, economically and spiritually.
B. Revelation of Jesus: Jesus emphasized a specific aspect of Himself that was most needed in the situation of each
Church. Each message begins by Jesus calling attention to some aspect of His majesty as seen in Rev. 1. Each aspect of
Jesus heart has potential promise or punishment.
C. Affirmation for faithfulness: Jesus gave affirmation before correction (Ephesus, Pergamum, and Thyatira). Two
churches received no affirmation (Sardis and Laodicea).
D. Rebuke for compromise: five churches received a rebuke and two did not (Smyrna and Philadelphia). Jesus’
correction is not rejection. Jesus spoke of having something against three specifics churches: Ephesus (Rev 2:4),
Pergamos (Rev. 2:14) and Thyatira (Rev. 2:20).
E. Exhortation to respond: Jesus gave actions that He required often with an element of warning. We can change
our future with repentance. Jesus warned them most about compromise (immorality and idolatry which is sorcery,
1 Cor. 10:20-22), heresy, passivity (distraction with their increased blessing) and fear (persecution). He warned of losing
our first love (Ephesus), fear of suffering (Smyrna), doctrinal compromise (Pergamum), moral compromise (Thyatira),
spiritual deadness (Sardis), need to hold on (Philadelphia), and lukewarmness (Laodicea).
F. Promise for overcomers: as incentive for diligent faithfulness to Jesus. Most of these promises are for the
Millennial Kingdom. Insight into rewards is essential to equip us to stand in pressure.
G. Prophetic period in history: many believe the conditions in these seven churches of Asia in the first century parallel
the spiritual conditions of a long season in church history.
VI. HE WHO HAS AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR: 5 IMPLICATIONS
A. First, it is an extremely important exhortation. It was the principle that Jesus repeated the most in His earthly
ministry. He spoke this phrase on 16 occasions, 8 times in the Gospels and 8 times in Revelation (Mt. 11:15; 13:9, 43;
Mk. 4:9, 23; 7:16; Lk. 8:8; 14:35; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9). Jesus was the only one in Scripture to give this
exhortation. He echoed Moses who also called Israel to “hear” which meant to “have ears to hear”.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all
your soul, and with all your strength. (Deut. 6:4-5)
B. Second, it calls us to pay careful attention. Jesus is saying that there is more than what is immediately obvious.
We must not be content with understanding only what is on the surface. Jesus calls us to diligently focus on pursuing the
deeper truth being set before us.
C. Third, it takes the supernatural help of the Holy Spirit to grasp it. The unaided mind of even a devoted believer
will not be able to automatically comprehend the truth being set forth. Jesus is making it clear it is beyond our natural
ability. Jesus wants us to ask the Spirit for help.
D. Fourth, it takes a focused determination to lay hold of the truths being referred to. We do not automatically respond
in a deep and sustained way to them. It will take a tenacious commitment to maintain these truths in our lives long term
because of our propensity to lose touch with them.
E. Fifth, they often refer to eternal rewards. Jesus spoke this exhortation most often in context to living for eternity.
Every time Jesus spoke of one of the 22 eternal rewards in Rev. 2-3, He warned us to have ears to hear. It will take
supernatural insight to grasp the 22 rewards. I recommend that pausing before each eternal reward to pray, “Lord, show
me more”.
F. Jesus started by speaking to individuals (“he” who has an ear) then change to addressing a group (the “churches”)
. In other words, there is both an individual and corporate response required. He called some entire churches to repent
of specific things
VII. THE ANGEL TO THE CHURCH: APOSTOLIC LEADERSHIP
A. The angel to the church refers to the apostolic leader over each congregation. The word “angel” is ‘angelos’ in
the Greek. In the NT, the word refers to an angelic or human messenger (Lk. 7:24, 27; 9:52). It was translated ‘messenger’
when referring to John the Baptist (Mt. 11:10. Mk. 1:2).
B. The messenger was responsible to guard the message and not let it be distorted through compromise or fear or to
be neglected. The principle is that the people follow the quality of the Word that is being publicly and consistently
proclaimed with boldness. They were responsible to establish an action plan to implement the truths.
C. The leaders were not to draw back when others became angry at the message.
VIII. SIXTEEN DESCRIPTIONS OF JESUS: PREPARING FOR THE END-TIMES (REV. 2-3)
A. In Rev. 2-3, we are given 16 different facets of Jesus’ heart which reveal His personality and ministry to the Church
(holding the seven stars is mentioned twice).
1 To…Ephesus write, “These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the
seven golden lampstands…” 8 To…Smyrna write, “These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came
to life…” 12 To…Pergamos write, “These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword”…18 To… Thyatira write,
“These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass”…3:1 To…Sardis write,
“These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars”… 7 To…Philadelphia write, “These things
says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David"…14 To…the Laodiceans write, “These things says
the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God”… (Rev. 2:1-3:14)
B. Rev. 1-3 is significant in giving us unique insight into Jesus’ heart to see what is needed to prepare us for the
glory and crisis in the End-Times. We prayerfully study these truths as we confess them to God in faith to resist Satan’s
attack. Jesus holds the seven stars (messengers) or apostolic leaders in His right hand. This is a promise to anoint,
direct, protect and deliver them. He walks in the midst of the candlesticks (church; Rev. 1:20) in His deep involvement
with us.
C. As the “First”, He is the uncreated God who before all things and the source of all goodness. He can give to us all
that we lose in persecution. He is the “Last” or is the purpose for all and last word on everything. He was “dead and came
to life” after He experienced the suffering of a cruel death. He understands our humanity and suffering and possesses
power over death knowing the way to victory. He has zeal to fight for us against all that opposes us with the sword of His
mouth. He is fully God with eyes like fire to impart holy love and removed all that hinders love.
D. He is the Morning Star that fills our lives with brightness. His feet are like fine brass that judges all His enemies.
He has the seven Spirits or the authority to release the diverse ministries of the Spirit to equip and revive us. He is holy,
reliable and powerful (Rev. 3:7-13) and has the key of David to open and shut all necessary doors. He is reliable and
powerful as the Amen whose promises are sure (Rev. 3:14-22). He is the Faithful and True Witness telling us the truth.
IX. PROMISES TO OVERCOMERS: ETERNAL REWARDS
A. Jesus gave His most in-depth teaching on rewards (mentioning 22 rewards). He knew what we would need to be
properly motivated and stabilized during the release of the glory and crisis in the End-Time move of God as seen in the
Book of Revelation. Jesus reveals the heavenly or supernatural aspect of our rewards that we receive at the time of His
Coming (Rev. 11:15-18).
B. Jesus was speaking to believers who had already received the free gift of salvation. He was calling believers to live
in a way to receive heavenly rewards. Salvation or justification is a free gift given to us. It is based on Jesus’ worthiness
(Eph. 2:8-9). Heavenly rewards are given to us according to our works, or our response of gratitude to Jesus for giving
us so great a salvation.
C. There will be a vast difference in the measure of glory of each one’s reward. Some in the Kingdom will be called
the least and some the greatest (Jer. 31:34; Heb. 8:11; Rev. 11:18; 19:5). These rewards are not secondary or irrelevant
but rather they are a very important part of our destiny. Therefore, all believers should be very familiar with these
rewards. The heir of a great financial fortune or one investing in venture knows the main details of what they hope to
gain.
D. Most of these 22 rewards will be received by all believers in at least an introductory way. The issue in Rev. 2-3
pertains to what measure of the reward a believer receives. Since only overcomers receive the fullest measure of these
rewards, it is important that we rightly interpret what Jesus intends when calling us to be overcomers in Rev. 2-3.
E. Our obedience is deeply connected to our rewards. Some falsely teach that these rewards are given to all
believers in fullness regardless of how they live. This view takes these rewards out of their context which requires
repentance from certain things and to be faithful to the end. In Rev. 2-3, Jesus was not exhorting them to be born again.
He was offering born again believers rewards as incentives to greater diligence in the face of temptation and pressure.
F. Jesus promised 22 rewards: To eat from the tree of life in the midst of Paradise (2:7); to receive the crown of life (2:10);
to not be hurt by the second death (2:11); to eat hidden manna (2:17); to receive a white stone (2:17); to receive a new
name written on the stone (2:17); to have power over the nations (2:26); to receive the morning star (2:28); to receive
white garments (Rev 3:5); to receive a name that is not blotted from the Book of Life (3:5); for Jesus to confess one’s
name before the Father and angels. (3:5); for one’s persecutors to worship before their feet (3:9); for one’s persecutors
to know that Jesus loves them (3:9); to be made a pillar in God’s temple (3:12); to have God’s name, the New Jerusalem
and Jesus’ new name written on them (3:12); to receive gold to make one rich (3:18); to receive white garments (3:18);
to have anointed eyes to see more (3:18); to eat with Jesus (3:20) and sit on His Throne. (3:21).
G. There are various levels of fulfillment of these rewards in this age as well as in eternity. For example, Rev. 2:7
(22:2, 14); Rev. 2:10 (22:2, 14); Rev. 2:11 (20:14; 21:8); Rev. 2:17 (19:9); Rev. 2:26-28 (19:14-15); Rev. 3:4 (19:8, 14);
Rev. 3:5 (20:12,15; 21:27); Rev. 3:8 (22:16); Rev. 3:9 (21:23-26); Rev. 3:10 (4-19); Rev. 3:11 (21:2, 10); Rev. 3:20
(19:9); Rev. 3:21 (20:4).
H. An overcomer in this context is one who matures in the specific areas of faithfulness that Jesus emphasized in
their life. Overcoming does not mean attaining perfection in one’s character to but rather constantly reach for victory
with all our strength. The Lord evaluates us with great tenderness. He is very kind in His evaluation of our lives. Our
greatest faithfulness is flawed yet it is consistent in desire to press in and break through. Two examples of those who
were counted faithful in their weakness are David and Abraham. Paul wrote that David fulfilled all of God’s will
(Acts 13:22) and Abraham’s faith did not waver (Rom. 4:20)
X. UNDERSTANDING THE CALL TO OVERCOME
A. Scripture gives us two different contexts for overcomers.
1. First, overcoming worldly unbelief: all believers overcome in this general way by believing in Jesus and refusing
heresies outlined in John’s epistles (1 Jn. 4:1-5; 5:4-5).
2. Second, overcoming unfaithfulness in a believer’s life as specifically defined in Rev. 2-3. To overcome means to
walk in spiritual maturity or to be consistent in obedience.
3. Summary: as unbelievers we overcome unbelief on the day we become born again. As believers, we overcome
unfaithfulness only after we endure in obedience until the end.
B. To the church of Ephesus overcoming meant to return to their first love for Jesus until the end of their life. To the
church in Smyrna it meant being faithful in persecution even to death. To the church in Pergamos and Thyatira
overcoming meant to resist immorality and idolatry for the remainder of their life. To the church in Sardis it was be
watchful or to develop a prayer life and to hold fast the things that God entrusted to them from their earlier years. To
the church in Philadelphia overcoming meant to persevere in mature obedience for the remaining years of their life.
To the church of the Laodiceans overcoming meant to resist lukewarmness.
C. The eternal reward view: rightly teaches that the rewards in Rev. 2-3 are given in different degrees according to
one’s faithfulness in loving and obeying Jesus. Rewards are given in addition to the free gift of eternal life. Jesus is
speaking to churches. The issue of salvation is settled, the issue in focus is the particular areas of unfaithfulness that
Jesus emphasized in their lives. Not all Christians overcome the specific unfaithfulness Jesus highlights. These rewards
refer to varying measures of the basic blessing of eternal life that all receive (1 Cor. 15:41).
D. The loss of salvation view: wrongly teaches that believers in Rev. 2-3 are being exhorted to faithfulness to avoid
losing their salvation. In this view, failing to overcome is synonymous with losing one’s salvation. This view implies that
we must overcome all spiritual immaturity to avoid losing our salvation. This implies that only mature believers are saved.
For example, the diligent workers in Ephesus who lacked fresh love for Jesus would have lost their salvation if dying
before renewing their first love (Rev. 2:2-7).
E. The all believers view: teaches that all believers are overcomers because of the very act of believing in Jesus is
all that is needed to be an overcomer (1 Jn. 5:4-5). Faith in Jesus rather than faithfulness to Him is emphasized in this
position. In other words, both the spiritually mature and immature believers are equally overcomers. Thus, all the rewards
in Rev. 2-3 are automatically and fully given to all believers as being synonymous with the gift of eternal life. The thief
on the Cross will receive the same reward as Paul and John the Baptist.