Sermons and Outlines

Rev. 4:2-11 THE THRONE CHAPTER

Intro: Things look different from a Heavenly perspective. Ill. That is true in every

area of life. Everyone wants to go to heaven, and tonight we shall. Here we see a

scene that will take us into Heaven itself and will allow us to look into the things that

are going on there. John was caught up into Heaven in verse 1, let’s join him there

and learn of our future home. Here we see a scene that defies description. The

symbolism here is beyond us common mortals. When Jesus describes a vine, we can

relate to that. When He talks of Bread, we can grasp that. Water, wind and other

things He talked of are easily understood. But, here we are confronted with an

emerald rainbow that makes a complete circle. With strange people and animals. We

have entered the realm of the unfamiliar. To understand it, we will have to rely on the

leadership of the Holy Spirit. Let’s look tonight at the Throne Chapter.

I. v.2-3 THE SOVERIEGN ON THE THRONE

A. Ill. The glory of seeing God on His throne.

B. There are three facts revealed about God:

1. v.2 The Stability Of God - His government - Ill. throne set. Nothing or no

one can overturn God - Psa. 47:8; Psa. 45:6

2. v.2 The Symbolism Of God - His glory - John tries to do the impossible!

a. Jasper - Hard, inflexible, clear, unchangeable, firm. Describes the Lord’s

government. (Ill. The Lord’s fixed physical laws - Gravity,

thermodynamics, etc.) His moral laws are just as stable. (Ill. He will rule

with a rod of iron - Psa. 2:9)

b. Sardine - Blood red, flashing and fiery - Speaks of the holiness of God. Ill.

the fires on Israels altar was never to go out! This perpetual fire was to

remind Israel of the wickedness of their sins. God is HOLY and as

long as there is sin in the universe, His anger will burn against it! Ill. He is

not some doting old man or some cosmic Santa Clause. He is holy, He is God!

c. Ill. The human side - This seems pretty tough! But, it is a picture of one

who will judge the world. . Ill. the Priests breastplate - Ex. 28:17, 20. The

first and last stones mentioned were these two. It reminds us that yes,

there will be judgment, but it will be administered by one who has walked

among us, there is human side to the judgment! (He judges, but with

compassion - Ill. Near the heart!)

3. v.3 The Serenity Of God - His grace - Ill. OT rainbow. Right now, we only

see half the bow, then we shall see it all - 1 Cor. 13:12. We will see it right

then. Ill. Trials of faith and struggles.

II. v.4 THE SAINTS AROUND THE THRONE

Ill. 24 elders. they are symbolic of all the redeemed of the ages. (Ill. 12ot 12nt)

A. A Promise Fulfilled - 2 Tim. 2:12 (Ill. Happy Baptists)

B. A Position Finalized - (Ill. Spiritually seated - Eph. 2:10) (Ill. we will literally

be here someday!; THIS IS US!)

1. White Raiment - Purity and righteousness. Only when we are clothed in His

righteousness do we merit Heaven.

2. Crowns Of Gold - Judgment seat is past! Crowns represents reward for

service.

III. v.5-11 THE SONGS BEFORE THE THRONE

A. v.5a A picture of approaching judgment. (Ill. Thunder, lightning, tornado)

B. v.5b Seven Lamps - Holy Spirit in all of His Completeness. No longer the

Comforter, but an instrument of judgment!

C. v.6a Sea of Glass - Finality, God’s judgment is final. No more appeals it is

over. (Ill. Natural sea - changes and fluctuates - this sea cannot change.) (Ill.

Laver The time for repentance and cleansing is past, God’s judgment is fixed

and unchangeable.

D. v.6-8 The Four Beasts - (4 = world - seasons, compass) These beasts represent

all created life. Lion = wild; Calf = domesticated; man = intelligent; Eagle =

birds. (Ill. each represents a different side of the Lord - 4 gospels - Lion =

Matthew; Calf = Mark; Man = Luke; Eagle = John.) Ill. To be near Him is to

be like Him! (Ill. Wings speak of swiftness in service!) Ill. All creation is quick

to praise Him and glorify the Lord! A Picture of unceasing praise to the

Lord!

E. v.9-11 Celebration - When the beasts glorify the Lord, the church begins to

worship. Heaven will throb with the praise of Jesus. (Note: Every time the

24 elders appear in the Revelation, they are falling on their faces and praising Do!) Let’s

do two things:

1. Begin to praise Him now so we will be ready.

2. Earn many crowns to be able to cast them at His feet.

Worship is worthship. He alone is worthy to receive our praise!