• The solution for us is not to have more information. We were not created to know everything, and it’s a mercy that God withholds some things from us.

• Throughout history and in the future, the kingdoms of this world oppose the people of God.

• While many believers are oppressed for their faith, the primary struggle in our cultural context is being seduced by the world.

• The Good News of the gospel becomes judgment to those who reject it.

• We can expect to be treated like Jesus was, but we can also expect the same victory he experienced.

• The suffering of believers will produce a great harvest that brings more salvation into the world than any could imagine.

John 5:39

Ezekiel 3

Deuteronomy 19:15

John 5

Zechariah 4

Revelation 1:12

John 3

Hebrews 10:28–29

Luke 6:26

1 Kings 18

Romans 11

• There is only one who is worthy to break the seals of God’s judgment and bring all sin, injustice, and corruption to an end: Jesus, the Lamb who was slain.

• We often think of ascending to Heaven at the end of our earthly lives, but one message of Revelation is that a better world is coming to us—Heaven will invade Earth when Jesus returns.

• God’s wrath flows out of his holiness; it is not out of character for him to bring wrath on unrighteousness. He did this on the cross, where Jesus absorbed the punishment for our sins.

• We are either on Earth protected by God from his judgment, or we are with him before the throne and safe forever.

• C.S. Lewis said, “All get what they want; they do not always like it.” People are either captivated or repulsed by the gospel—a message of kindness and of judgment. In Revelation we see the outcome of both responses.

Matthew 23:36–38

Exodus 8:21–23; 9:2–6, 23–26; 10:22–23; 12:26–27

Matthew 12:38–39

• The scene of God on his throne in chapter four paints a picture of his glory, power, and sovereignty. All in his presence respond in worship.

• Many of us want God as our Savior but not as our King. However, we cannot separate his salvation from his kingship.

• God’s plan for the world includes judgment. And while we may think of judgment as bad, for those who are in Christ, it’s a good thing.

• Jesus is worthy of our worship because he was slain for us. He still bears the marks of his sacrifice, which shows his connection to our redemption.

Exodus 25

John 14:9

Ephesians 1:9–11

Romans 12:19

Romans 12:1–2

Matthew 13:44–46

• Jesus identifies himself as the Amen, the Witness, and the Sovereign Source. These names place him in a unique category.

• The Laodiceans redefine the win according to Roman standards. Because they aren’t suffering, they think their souls are in order.

• It’s difficult to know the truth about yourself when you seem to be winning. We must learn to view ourselves as God sees us.

• Our sinful condition is not our biggest problem. Our unwillingness to see ourselves truly and come to Jesus is the primary issue.

• It is true that Jesus’ blood covers our sins; it is also true that we will give an account of our lives to him.

Isaiah 65:16

Psalm 139

Hebrews 4:12–13 (ESV)

Matthew 5:20

Matthew 19:16–30

Isaiah 55:1–2

Romans 8:17–18

1 Corinthians 3:15

• The church at Sardis appears alive, but they are hollow inside. Jesus calls them to obedience—to submit to his kingship in every area of their lives.

• Our spiritual lives are dynamic, and we are prone to wander. This is why it’s important to be in active and honest community under the spiritual authority of the local church.

• It can be difficult to explain pain in this world, but we serve a hidden kingdom which will one day be revealed.

• Those who suffer for Christ and own his cause faithfully will be rewarded. They will receive a crown, be pillars in the Temple, have citizenship in God’s city, and bear Jesus’ name.

Matthew 23:27

James 1:14

Matthew 10:32–33

1 Corinthians 15:19

John 17:15

Jeremiah 17:9

• God sees what we’re really doing. This is both a challenge and a comfort to us.

• Satan’s goal is to incite infidelity by the threat of suffering and the thrill of seduction.

• The believers at Thyatira were living private lives of obedience but not taking a stand against someone leading God’s people astray.

• Sin may not seem destructive in the short term, and God is patient, but there will be a final reckoning. God will true things up.

• We cannot say we follow Jesus and also live in the world on our own terms.

• Our job is not to conquer all evil in the world. Our job is to hold fast and be faithful to the end.

Daniel 7:13–14

Revelation 1:13

Galatians 6

2 Peter 3:9

• For the believer, death is not the worst thing. The reality that Jesus has conquered death frees us to be faithful in all circumstances.

• Fear doesn’t get to make our decisions. Our biggest problem is sin, and that’s been solved by Jesus.

• Even when it looks like we are losing, if we remain faithful to God, we will be victorious.

• The church is called to reflect God, live richly for him, and work diligently to move sin out from among us.

• Those who remain faithful and committed to the end receive the reward of being with Jesus for all eternity.

John 19:11

John 18:10–11

Matthew 18

1 Corinthians 5

John 6

• John paints a picture of Jesus’ supreme power as well as his proximity to his people. Because he is both powerful and attuned, we need not fear.

• Jesus knows everything we think and do. This should bring us both comfort and conviction.

• The believers at Ephesus are encouraged for their hard work, discernment, and perseverance. Yet they are rebuked for losing their first love.

• If we resist the Spirit or become distracted, we can become spiritually deaf.

• God will reward our hard work and suffering. His plan is to draw us to himself and give us life.

Revelation 1:20

Genesis 3:8

1 Timothy 4:16

Matthew 4:4

• Scripture can be twisted by those seeking clarity on their own terms or through ignorance. We need humility and discipline to read God’s Word well.

• Revelation is primarily about the person of Jesus Christ and what God is doing in the world. We also get glimpses of things to come.

• Jesus is the Ruler of Kings. While it may look like earthly powers are in charge, we serve a King who is fully sovereign.

• We can trust Jesus through suffering because he suffered for us.

• Real power is subversive. Jesus expressed his power by being killed in a position of weakness. He defeated death with death.

• While Jesus holds all power in the universe and beyond, he looks on our weakness with compassion, moves towards us with comfort, and gives us purpose.

2 Peter 3:16

Exodus 3

1 Peter 2:17

Revelation 19