The Glorified Christ
Revelation 1:9-20
By Billy J. Owensby

1) The Victim John Became (v. 9).

i) John identifies himself as a brother and fellow sharer in tribulation.

ii) John was persecuted because of:

(1) The Word of God.

(2) The Testimony of Jesus.

iii) He was exiled to rocky Patmos.

iv) To be a Christian then meant death for many.

v) Christianity was considered criminal activity.

vi) An economic threat to many merchants.

vii) Felt to be disloyal because they would not acknowledge Caesar as supreme authority.

viii) Christians were denounced as atheists.

2) The Voice John Heard (vv. 10-11).

i) “The Lord’s Day” most likely Sunday.

ii) John was in attitude of worship: “I was in the Spirit…”

iii) He heard a voice of authority (cf. 1 Thess. 4:16).

iv) He was to write and send the message given him (v. 11). The Vision John Saw (vv. 12-16, 20).

v) He saw seven golden lampstands.

vi) Gold is precious - the church is precious to Jesus.

vii) Seven = completeness.

viii) Christ is in the midst of His churches (indwelling them).

ix) The description of the One John saw:

x) Clothed in a robe and girded by a golden sash (v. 13).

(1) The dress of a king.

(2) The dress of a priest (cf. Heb. 4:14-16).

xi) Hair white like wool and snow (v. 14).

(1) The Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:9).

(2) Purity (cf. 1 Pet. 2:22).

xii) Eyes like flame of fire (v. 14)

(1) Omniscient (cf. Heb. 4:13).

(2) Judgment begins at the house of God (1 Pet. 4:17).

xiii) Feet like burnished bronze.

(1) This speaks of judgment (cf. Rev. 19:15).

(2) None can stand in the way of victorious Christ.

xiv) Sound of many waters (v. 15).

(1) Voice of power & authority.

(2) Final say will be His alone.

(3) Someone said: to argue w/ Christ like arguing w/Niagara Falls.

xv)  Seven stars (v. 16).

(1) Stars = angels or messengers (v. 20).

(2) To be in Christ’s hand means He is in control.

xvi) Two-edged sword.

(1) His word is all-powerful (cf Heb. 4:12; Rev. 19:15).

xvii) His face like the sun (v. 16).

(1) Radiance, glory, majesty, splendor.

(2) Compare His transfiguration (Mark 9:1-9).

(3) Paul saw Christ glorified on Damascus Road (Acts. 9).

3) The Veneration John Gave (vv. 17-18).

i) Encountering Christ resulted in worship for John; and should for us.

ii) The Lord gave John reassurance and comfort.

(1) The First and Last (v. 17).

(2) The Living One - Alive forever more (v. 18).

(3) The keys of death and hades (cf. Heb. 2:14-15).

4) The Verification John Received (v. 19). He was to write:

i) The things he had seen (past).

ii) The things which are (present).

iii) The things which will take place (future).

Conclusion: “What the church needs today is a new awareness of Christ and His glory. We need to see Him ‘high and lifted up’ (Isa. 6:1). There is a dangerous absence of awe and worship in our assemblies today. We are busy boasting about standing on our own feet, instead of breaking and falling at His feet.” —Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary.