Introduction
Begin w/a few of inter notes: (1) # 7 often symbolic for completion/fullness (Gen 2:2; Lev 26:18-2--7 times not literal=fully punished). Thus (2) 7 churches in Asia lit but also rep. Church universal/all ages. (3) 7 spirits (vs 4) rep. HS in fullness/working w/each of 7 churches/Church universal. Here begin to interp. message of Revelation. If trying to encourage someone having tough time, how to do? John writing a letter to (4a) seven churches of Asia- Sends greetings using common format (Acts 23:26). Churches undergoing/soon to undergo persecution. Facing temptation to compromise (2:14ff). Wants to encourage them to turn their eyes upon God-who he is/what he has done for them.
Who God is
He is the one from whom is sent Grace and Peace Grace - saving/ enabling power, assures church of his favour/he will preserve her. Peace-benefits of salvation (justification etc.)/inner peace/stability, enabling church to be confident in troubled times. To a troubled church God gives his favour and power and preservation.
He is (lit.) he who is and who was and who is to come, (4b) Adapts Ex 3:14; who is to come focuses on his coming to end this present age/complete Red history-2nd coming of Christ. He has not abandoned his church...
He is also The seven Spirits before his throne (4c) Reminds us Spirit is w/whole church/ way he empowered Christ 7 ways for work of redemption (Isa 11:2). Before the throne reminds us work of God in church a Trinitarian work.
He is also Jesus Christ in his three-fold role (5a) faithful witness Isa 55:4-leader/commander for his people, also their prophet-revealing God/his Word to them), the first born from the dead (pledge of the resurrection for his people who die for their faith) and the ruler over the kings of the earth (remaining them that he rules over even the wicked rulers of the earth). In his 3 offices-prophet priest, king - Christ has not left the church to drift. He leads.
Message of encouragement for the church The eternal/never changing God at work in the church to preserve her/keep her stable; the God in Covenant w/his people remains in Covenant/has not left them, will come to give final deliverance. As the Spirit empowered Christ/ will empower the church as she faces trials-by giving wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, the fear of the Lord. As church follows her Commander as he leads her/speaks through the Bible; she is assured that she will share in his glory/most of all, that events surrounding her are not careening out of control - whatever may come/happen to the church will come/happen by Christ's will. In a Word-the encouragement for the church, and for every individual believer is this: your God is at work.
But this is not the only encouragement John gives the church here. He is overwhelmed at who God is and responds in words of adoration that reveal for the encouragement/blessing of all who read these words, not only who God is but also
What God has done
He has loved us (5b) Or, He loves us. More than sentiment. John's mindset Covenant love-king who expressed love for his people pledged to care for them/meet all of their needs. If past tense (loved)-John thinking of salvation/redemption/benefits of. If present tense (loves) thinking of all current needs. Why not both? God has met needs of the soul/will meet these/temporal as well. The church is in the loving arms of her Saviour.
He has freed us from our sins by his blood (5c) Not just washed-lit. Loosed us; delivered us fr. power (cf. Rom 6:1-14). Important for church tempted to compromise. Destruction/harm from sin not an inevitable event!
He has made us to be kings and priests to serve his God and Father (6) Repeats promise Ex 19:6 best translation - kings and priests. Kings-Man created w/dominion over rest of Creation, this to be restored/authority of church to proclaim repentance/faith in Christ's name. Priests-emph access to throne/boldness church has in prayer. Authority/boldness both for purpose of serving God the Father as well as God the Son/Jesus Christ. And all of this to the end that he might be glorified. The Church has power to serve God to his glory.
Message of encouragement for the church 1st , that God loves her as much as he ever has. He has saved her through Christ/will continue to save her through Christ. Thus trials endured not born of his hatred but have a good end in view. 2nd, the church does not have to give in to sin in her midst. It is possible for the church to grow in holiness corporately/individually - provided she wants to! Finally, the church bears Kingdom authority to call the world to repentance/power w/God in prayer to make progress in the expansion of the Kingdom through witness bearing. In a word-the encouragement for the church/for every individual believer is this: God has equipped you to work.
Conclusion
Beloved, all this means we should be optimistic about the church. Sin/flaws will/do appear. Trials/hard times inevitable. Destruction by sin is not. Message of this text: God is in control/at work, has equipped church to work. Never give up on the church but use your God given power in prayer to seek his face for the church. Be encouraged. God has no given up on her, and neither should you.
Rev. Arthur J. Fox, Pastor
10 Spruce Street
Middletown, PA 17057
(717) 944-5835