His Kingdom Come – Revelation Part 2 – Week 1
Revelation 1:1-3 (NLT)
1 This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, 2 who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
3 God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.
Revelation 4:1-11 (NLT)
4 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
God’s throne reveals His supreme governing authority over all His creation.
WHO IS THE ONE WHO SITS ON THE THRONE?
1. Holy
2. Sovereign
3. Creator
Matthew 16:18-19 (ESV)
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Hebrews 4:13-16 (NLT)
13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
The only appropriate response to His holiness and authority is worship.
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: God’s throne reveals His supreme governing authority over all His creation.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
Read Revelation 4:1-11.
▶ What “throne” are we more tempted to trust instead of God’s rule and authority to bring freedom, peace, or clarity right now? What are some ways we can align and be more captivated by the throne of Heaven than by any seat of power on earth?
▶ God’s holiness means He is completely set apart – unmatched in beauty, power, and purity. How does seeing God as holy shape the way we approach Him?
▶ How does knowing you were created by God and for Him shape your sense of purpose, and what does that tell you about the value of everyday faithfulness in your work, relationships, and obedience?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
How is Jesus being revealed to you in this week’s passage? As you step into this new year, what is one thing pressing on your heart to receive, anchor yourself in, or release, to align more fully with His Kingdom?
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Thank God for His throne that is steady even when the world feels unstable. Ask Him to deepen our understanding of what it means to live under His authority in our daily lives and that as we align ourselves with His Kingdom, our lives would draw others closer to Him, reflecting His peace, holiness, and love to the world around us.