Revelation 5 sermon: In “Who Has Control of the Scroll of Destiny?” Victory Baptist studies the sealed scroll in Revelation 5 and why Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and Lion of Judah, is worthy to open it. This sermon explains the scroll as the title deed to the earth, the dominion lost by the first Adam, and the redemption regained by the Last Adam through His victorious sacrifice.
Sermon Audio
Sermon Video
Sermon Notes
Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll
written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
Revelation 5:2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy
to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”
Revelation 5:3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able
to open the scroll, or to look at it.
Revelation 5:4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and
read the scroll, or to look at it.
Revelation 5:5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion
of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to
loose its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the
four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though
it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits
of God sent out into all the earth.
Revelation 5:7 Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who
sat on the throne.
Revelation 5:8 Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and
the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden
bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll,
and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood
out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
Revelation 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on
the earth.”
1. The Scroll in the Hands of the One on the Throne
Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll
written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
Here are seven views regarding the contents of the scroll
1. The book of the new covenant, which has yet to be instituted with Israel in
the millennial kingdom
2. A book of redemption (the Lamb’s book of life)
3. The title deed to the earth!
4. The events of the Tribulation (a doomsday book)
5. A bill of divorce—the Lamb divorcing unfaithful Israel
6. A record of the sins of mankind
7. A testament or will
2. The Scroll in the Hands of the First Adam
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;
let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over
the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Genesis 1:28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply;
fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds
of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 2:8 The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the
man whom He had formed.
Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant
to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden,
and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
3. The Scroll Stolen by the Hands of Satan
1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway
of the wicked one.
John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be
cast out.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT) Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds
of those who don’t believe.
Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and
showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Matthew 4:9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down
and worship me.”
4. The Scroll Regained into the Hands of the Last Adam
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
Romans 5:19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also
by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.
1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”
The person doing the saving can’t have the same problem as the one who needs
to be saved.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for
the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God,
might taste death for everyone.
The book of Revelation completes the circle of Bible truths.
The first Adam sinned and lost dominion
The last Adam (Jesus) obeyed and regained the dominion the first Adam had lost
The first Adam was defeated and brought death to humanity
The last Adam (Jesus) was victorious and brought life to all who will trust in Him
The first Adam was the king of the old creation
The last Adam (Jesus) is the king of the new creation
Lyrics Woodstock
I came upon a child of god
He was walking along the road
And I asked him, where are you going
And this he told me
I’m going on down to Yasgurs farm
I’m going to join in a rock n roll band
I’m going to camp out on the land
I’m going to try an get my soul free
We are stardust, We are golden
And we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in
heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord
and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
Revelation 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on
the earth.”
Romans 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ
Jesus were baptized into His death?
Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that
just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life.
Step through the open door into heaven’s throne room in Part 3 of our Revelation series! In “A Visit to God’s Heavenly Throne,” we witness the breathtaking vision of Revelation 4 — the radiant One seated on the throne, surrounded by 24 elders, four living creatures, a sea of glass, and the ceaseless worship of heaven. Discover the seven awe-inspiring elements around God’s throne and explore four life-changing aspects of true praise: its permanence, the glorious Person we worship, the humble posture of worship, and its power to lift our perspective from earth to heaven. Be renewed in worship as Jesus is revealed behind the veil!
Audio Only:
Video:
Sermon Notes
Revelation 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in
heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me,
saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”
Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven,
and One sat on the throne.
Revelation 4:3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in
appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like
an emerald.
Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones
I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of
gold on their heads.
Revelation 4:5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices.
Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Revelation 4:6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the
midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes
in front and in back.
Revelation 4:7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like
a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature
was like a flying eagle.
Revelation 4:8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes
around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
Revelation 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to
Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne
and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne,
saying:
Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”
There are Seven Things Around the Throne of God
1. SEATED UPON THE THRONE IS THE TRIUNE GOD.
2. SURROUNDING THE THRONE IS A RAINBOW.
3. SITTING AROUND THE THRONE ARE THE 24 ELDERS.
4. SOUNDING FORTH FROM THE THRONE ARE LIGHTNINGS,
THUNDERS AND VOICES.
5. SPREAD BEFORE THE THRONE IS A SEA OF GLASS.
6. SITUATED IN THE MIDST OF THE THRONE ARE THE FOUR
LIVING CREATURES.
7. SHARING PRAISE TOWARD THE ONE ON THE THRONE ARE
THE CREATURES AND THE ELDERS.
Revelation 4:8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes
around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
1. THE PERMANENCE OF PRAISE.
Revelation 4:8 “… And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord
God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
Isaiah 6:3 And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
Psalm 136:1 …. For His mercy endures forever.
Psalm 136:2 …. For His mercy endures forever.
Quote
When we are really in love, we don’t count the number of times we say “I love you!”,
especially if the one we love really loves to hear it.
The same way, God really loves to hear our words of love towards Him, even when
we only say “I love You” over and over again.
2. THE PERSON OF PRAISE.
Revelation 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to
Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
Lyrics “I Write The Songs”
I’ve been alive forever
And I wrote the very first song
I put the words and the melodies together
I am music, and I write the songs
Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the
Spirit;
Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Revelation 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to
Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever,
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory
3. THE POSTURE OF PRAISE.
Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the
throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before
the throne, saying:
The word “worship” means to prostrate one’s self,
Revelation 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders
and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
Revelation 11:16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats,
fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
Revelation 19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and
worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
Matthew 4:9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down
and worship me.”
Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written,
‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’
Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord
our Maker.
Quote
There are times I get down on my face to pray and it’s like I just can’t even get my face
deep enough in the carpet. It just seems like I can’t humble myself enough before God
Revelation 4:10 “… and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their
crowns before the throne …”
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of
God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore
God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
4. THE PURPOSE OF PRAISE.
Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.
Praise is not praise unless it’s expressed.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things
have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Worship lifts our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly.
Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which
are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
This Part 2 sermon from Victory Baptist Church in Carthage explores Revelation 4:1–7 verse-by-verse, where Apostle John enters through an open door to witness God’s majestic throne room. We unpack six key elements revealing God’s glory, sovereignty, and the worship surrounding His throne.
Listen to the full Revelation 4 sermon:
Sermon Outline: Six Elements of God’s Heavenly Throne
1. An Open Door in Heaven (Revelation 4:1)
John hears a trumpet-like voice inviting him to see future events.
Revelation 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”
2. The Throne and God Seated On It (Revelation 4:2–3)
God’s appearance like jasper and sardius stones, encircled by an emerald rainbow symbolizing mercy.
Revelation 4:2–3 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.
3. Twenty-Four Elders (Revelation 4:4)
Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.
Revelation 4:5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
5. Sea of Glass (Revelation 4:6a)
Revelation 4:6a Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal.
6. Four Living Creatures (Revelation 4:6b–7)
Like lion, calf, man, eagle — identified as cherubim (Ezekiel 1, 10).
Revelation 4:6b–7 And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.
Key Cross-References
Psalm 99:1 — The Lord reigns; He dwells between the cherubim.
Psalm 80:1 — You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!
1 Samuel 4:4 — The ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim.
Colossians 1:16 — By Him all things were created… thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.
Discussion Questions
What does the rainbow around the throne reveal about God’s character?
How do the 24 elders represent believers before God?
What do the four living creatures teach us about creation worshiping God?
What happens when the door to heaven stands open? In this installment of our Revelation series, we step through the “open door” with the Apostle John to witness the ultimate reality: the Throne of God.
While the world looks to the stars and the moon for answers, the Bible invites us to look beyond the physical universe to the heavenly sanctuary. In this message, we explore the majesty of the Triune God seated upon His throne and the powerful parallels between the earthly tabernacle and the heavenly original. Discover why the throne of God isn’t just a place of sovereign rule, but a “throne of grace” where we can find mercy and help in our time of need.
Key Highlights in this Sermon:
The Three Doors of Revelation: Evangelism, Invitation, and Revelation.
The Heavenly Sanctuary: How the earthly temple serves as a “copy and shadow” of the true temple in heaven.
The Sovereignty of God: Understanding the throne as the center of the universe.
Bold Access: How Jesus, our Great High Priest, has consecrated a way for us to enter the Holiest place.
“Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.” — Revelation 4:2
Audio
Video
Revelation 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in
heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me,
saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”
Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven,
and One sat on the throne.
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin quote
Lyrics “Armstrong”
But the world all stopped to watch it
On that July afternoon
To watch a man named Armstrong
Walk upon the moon
And I wonder if a long time ago
Somewhere in the universe
They watched a man named Adam
Walk upon the earth
2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in
the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—
such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
1 Kings 8:27 “… Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You…”
But even though heaven, as it were, cannot contain Him, it is His home.
Psalm 103:19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom
rules over all.
Psalm 47:8, “God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.”
Psalm 93:2 Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have
entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who
love Him.”
Revelation 4:1 After these things I looked … and I will show you things which must
take place after this.”
Revelation 1:19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and
the things which will take place after this.
There are three times doors are mentioned directly in Revelation.
1. There is the open door for evangelism and missions,
Revelation 3:8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no
one can shut it; …”
2. There is the open door of invitation to receive Christ
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice
and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
3. There is a door open into heaven
Revelation 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in
heaven …”
John 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, …
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through Me.
Revelation 4:1 “… And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with
me, saying, “Come up here, …”
In Revelation chapter four “throne” is mentioned 11 times and thrones twice
Revelation 4:2 “… One sat on the throne.
Revelation 4:3 “… around the throne.
Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones,and on the thrones
Revelation 4:5 And from the throne … before the throne,
Revelation 4:6 Before the throne … And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne
Revelation 4:9 “… Him who sits on the throne, and cast their crowns before the throne
Revelation 4:10 “… Him who sits on the throne
There are Seven Things Around the Throne of God:
1. SEATED UPON THE THRONE IS THE TRIUNE GOD.
Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven,
and One sat on the throne.
Revelation 4:5 Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the
seven Spirits of God.
Revelation 5:6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the
four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had
been slain, …”
Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 3:15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
Revelation 7:9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one
could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne
and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
Hebrews 8:1 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such
a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the
heavens,
Hebrews 8:2 A Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord
erected, and not man.
Hebrews 8:5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses
was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said,
See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.
Revelation 7:15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day
and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
Revelation 11:19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of
His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings,
an earthquake, and great hail.
Revelation 16:17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a
loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!”
The parallels between the Earthly temple and the Heavenly sanctuary
The Earthly temple had the Holy of Holies
The Heavenly sanctuary has The throne of God
The Earthly temple had a Seven-branched candlestick
The Heavenly sanctuary has the Seven lamps of fire before the throne
The Earthly temple had a Bronze laver
The Heavenly sanctuary has a Sea of glass
The Earthly temple had Cherubim over the mercy seat
The Heavenly sanctuary has Four living creatures around the throne
The Earthly temple had Priests
The Heavenly sanctuary has Elders (kings and priests)
The Earthly temple had a Brazen altar
The Heavenly sanctuary has an Altar
The Earthly temple had an Incense altar
The Heavenly sanctuary has an Incense altar
The Earthly temple had an Ark of the covenant
The Heavenly santuary has an Ark of the covenant
Revelation 21:22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb
are its temple.
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through
the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain
mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the
blood of Jesus,
Hebrews 10:20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the
veil, that is, His flesh,
Hebrews 10:21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,
Next to John 3:16, Revelation 3:20 is perhaps the most famous evangelistic passage in the New Testament. It has been described as the simplest explanation of the plan of salvation in the Word of God. In this sermon, we explore the profound invitation of Jesus Christ to every individual.
Revelation 1:4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace
from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who
are before His throne,
Revelation 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead
and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from
our sins in His own blood,
Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day …
Revelation 1:18 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.
Revelation 2:8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says
the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice
and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Revelation 3:22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Next to John 3:16, — Revelation 3:20 is perhaps the most famous evangelistic
passage of Scripture in the New Testament
This verse of Scripture has been described as “the simplest explanation of the plan
of salvation contained within the Word of God.”
1. WHOSE STANDING AT THE DOOR?
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door …
Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
2. WHAT DOES THE DOOR REPRESENT?
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock ….
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (CJB) Above everything else, guard your heart; for it is the source of
life’s consequences.
Proverbs 4:23 (GNT) Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.
There is an old hymn that includes these lines:
Somebody’s knocking at your door
Sounds like Jesus
Oh sinner why don’t you answer
Somebody’s knocking at your door.”
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become
children of God, to those who believe in His name:
3. WHO CAN LET HIM COME IN?
Revelation 3:20 “… If anyone … ”
Unbelief is never neutral
Matthew 12:30 “He who is not with Me is against Me …”
Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Mark 6:5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a
few sick people and healed them.
Mark 6:6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages
in a circuit, teaching.
Mark 8:18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do
you not remember?
Someone said, “We repeated the words without thinking about what they meant.”
4. HOW DOES HE SEEK ENTRANCE INTO OUR DOOR?
Revelation 2:20 “… If anyone hears My voice and opens the door…”
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rita Coolidge said, “Too often the opportunity knocks, but by the time you disengage
the chain, push back the bolt, unhooked the two locks and shut off the burglar
alarms, it is too late.”
5. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I OPEN THE DOOR?
Revelation 3:20 “… I will come in to him,…”
The Christian life is defined as, “I in Christ and Christ in me.”
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live
by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Revelation 2:20 “… I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
With the Lord’s supper we dine with Him in remembrance of His sacrifice for us.
6. WILL WE HAVE TO OVERCOME OPPOSITION?
Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
7. WHY DON’T YOU LET HIM COME IN?
Revelation 3:22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches.'”
The “Hymn” “The Savior is Waiting” includes these lines:
The Savior is waiting to enter your heart
Why don’t you let Him come in
There’s nothing in this world to keep you apart
What is your answer to Him
Time after time He has waited before
And now He is waiting again
To see if you’re willing to open the door
Oh how He wants to come in
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, …
In Part 2 of “Laodicea, The Church Lukewarm Over Being Lukewarm,” we continue our journey through the “Revelation: Jesus Revealed” series by examining Christ’s striking message to the Laodicean church in Revelation 3:14-22. This sermon explores the grave danger of spiritual complacency—the curse, condition, and root causes of being “lukewarm.” Through an honest look at our own spiritual poverty, blindness, and wretchedness apart from God, we discover Christ’s ultimate counsel: an invitation to repent and receive His true riches, His perfect righteousness, and complete restoration.
Audio Only:
Sermon Notes:
Sermon Series: Revelation: Jesus Revealed: The View Behind The Veil
Laodicea, The Church Lukewarm Over Being Lukewarm” (Part 2)
Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These
things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation
of God:
Revelation 3:15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could
wish you were cold or hot.
Revelation 3:16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,
I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need
of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and
naked—
Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may
be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your
nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and
repent.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice
and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Revelation 3:22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will
spue thee out of my mouth.
I. THE CHRIST WHOSE AGAINST LUKEWARMNESS.
Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These
things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation
of God:
II. THE CURSE OF LUKEWARMNESS.
Revelation 3:15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish
you were cold or hot.
III. THE CONDTION OF LUKEWARMNESS.
Revelation 3:16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,
I will vomit you out of My mouth.
IV. THE CAUSE OF LUKEWARMNESS.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, —and do not know
1 Thessalonians 4:13 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren …
John 15:5 “… for without Me you can do nothing.”
1. YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE WRETCHED.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, — and do not know that you are wretched … ”
Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?
Romans 7:25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Noel Jesse Heikkinen, Wretched Saints (quote)
“The truth of the gospel of Jesus is this: I am nothing more than a wretch … and yet
so much more than a saint. I am a wretched saint, and that’s exactly what I am
supposed to be. No more; no less. That is my identity; it is who I am.”
Voddie Baucham (quote)
“May I never get over the fact that God saved a wretched sinner like me.”
Blaise Pascal (quote)
“The greatness of man is great in that he knows himself to be wretched.”
2. YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE MISERABLE.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, — and do not know that you are miserable …”
1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
miserable.
3. YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE POOR.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, — and do not know that you are poor …
Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE BLIND.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, — and do not know that you are blind ….”
5. YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT YOU ARE NAKED.
Revelation 3:17 Because you say, — and do not know that you are naked …”
V. THE COUNSEL FOR LUKEWARMNESS.
Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may
be rich;
1. WE NEED CHRIST’S RICHES.
1 Corinthians 4:7 (EASY) “… You received from God everything that you have.
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He
was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might
become rich.
2. WE NEED CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Revelation 3:18 “… and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of
your nakedness may not be revealed;
Isaiah 64:6 “But we ‘are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousness are like
filthy rags;
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God;
for he hath clothed me with the the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with
the robe of righteousness …
3. WE NEED CHRIST’S RESTORATION.
Revelation 3:18 “… and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and
repent.
The wretch needs to retch.
Thomas Watson said, “Real repentance is the vomiting of the soul.”
