Themes in Revelation: Patient Endurance

Week 13, Monday: Looking to Jesus
Jesus said, “I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16.33). He was about to face the greatest trial anyone could ever endure, and yet, as He said, He had already overcome it. In Christ we are overcomers as well (the word is the same as “conqueror”).

Three themes dominate the book of Revelation, as John suggests in Revelation 1.9: The Kingdom of God, tribulation in the world, and endurance we can know in Jesus, our Overcomer. We conclude our study of Revelation by considering the challenge and privilege of overcoming with Jesus.

Read Revelation 1

Meditate on the following passages from Revelation
1.      Meditate on the vision of Christ in Revelation 1.10-20. How many different ways does this vision symbolize the power Jesus possesses to overcome? How far does that power reach? What does it affect?

2.      In Revelation 1.17, compare John’s reaction to Jesus’ words. How should the overcoming power of Jesus affect us? How can we know Jesus’ overcoming power more consistently in our daily walk with the Lord?

3.      Meditate on Psalms 47 and 93. What do these add to your vision of Christ exalted and having overcome the world?

4.      Meditate on Psalms 93 and 110. How do these add to your vision of Christ exalted and having overcome the world?

5.      Read Hebrews 1. Here the focus is on the absolute superiority of the exalted Christ. How does this add to your vision of Jesus exalted and overcoming the world?

My Reflection
How important is it that believers have in mind a vision of Christ exalted and overcoming the world? If you had such a clear and constant vision of Christ, how do you think this might affect your walk with Him?

The Glory of God
Christ in His glory commands fear from us. Why? But Christ in His glory counsels us not to be afraid. How can we hold these two affections in tension? Why is it important that we do so?

Glory to Glory
From the book of Revelation it’s clear that some vision of Christ exalted and having overcome the world is an important part of our faith in Him. Should some such vision be included in our presentation of the Gospel? Keeping at mind that when we’re sharing the Gospel we’re talking with people who do not yet know the Lord, nevertheless, how should we incorporate the “news” that Jesus is Lord?

Memorize
Our memory verse for this week is John 16.33. Write this verse on an index card, using your preferred translation of the Bible. Carry this with you throughout the week, and spend some time each day working to memorize this passage.

Closing Prayer

The LORD said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!
Your people shall be volunteers
In the day of Your power;
In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning,
You have the dew of Your youth.

Psalm 110.1-3

T. M. Moore

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The book of Revelation is the culminating episode in the story of God’s covenant. To learn more about that covenant, and to discover the way it integrates all of Scripture into the Gospel of Jesus Christ, order a copy of T. M.’s book, I Will Be Your God, by clicking here.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.