Message Notes

SSS 4
Book of Revelation 20 October 2024

16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.

18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.

20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Revelation 1:16-20

1. A Description of the Lord Jesus

a) His right hand

“He had at His right hand Seven Stars”

Revelation 1:16a

i) The Lord is in control

ii) He has full authority over all churches

b) His mouth

“Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword”

Revelation 1:16b

i) This is a reference to the Word of God

ii) His words are spirit and life

c) His countenance

“And His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength”

Revelation 1:16c

i) His face

ii) It is brilliant in its brightness

2. John’s response

“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.”

Revelation 1:17a

a) This was fear and beyond

b) John was thoroughly overwhelmed

3. Encouragement from the Lord Jesus

But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.

Revelation 1:17b

a) No need to fear

b) The Lord is “The First and the Last”

c) This was a title of the LORD too

“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel,
And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
‘I am the First and I am the Last;
Besides Me there is no God.’

Isaiah 44:6

4. Explanation

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Revelation 1:18

a) The Lord Jesus came and died for our sins

b) He was raised from the dead

c) He is alive forever

d) He has the keys of Hades and of Death

i) He has conquered death

ii) He is Lord over all things

5. The Task assigned to John

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.

Revelation 1:19

a) Things seen (past)

b) Things which are (present)

c) Things which will take place after this (future)

6. Explanation of the Stars and Lampstands

a) The seven stars are “angels”

i) The word “angel” means “messenger”

ii) We call these messengers “pastors”

iii) They are responsible for the churches

b) The seven lampstands

i) They are churches

ii) Every church is a lampstand that brings light