Revelation 21:1-8 Sermon Information
Title: “All Things New: Our Glorious Future”
Contextual note: Each verse in 21:1-8 reflects the fulfillment of a promise made in the Old Testament, proving God’s faithfulness to do exactly as he has promised, thus making him the One worthy of our trust and worship.
1. The New Heaven and New Earth (21:1-4; Isaiah 65:17-18)
a. The New Jerusalem appears like a beautiful bride (21:2; Isaiah 52:1; 61:10)
b. God fulfills his covenant promise to dwell with humanity (21:3; Leviticus 26:11-12; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 37:26-27; Zechariah 2:10-11; 8:8)
c. God heals every wound caused by sin (21:4; Isaiah 25:8; 51:11)
d. POINT: The old (all that belonged to a world broken by sin) has passed away and is no more.
2. All things are made new (21:5-8)
a. God declares that he is making all things new (21:5a)
b. John is commanded to write down God’s word (21:5b; see 1:11)
i. Divine authority
ii. Unchanging purpose
iii. Trustworthy promise
c. God’s redemptive and restorative work is done (21:6a; John 19:30)
i. God backs his promise with his very being
ii. He is the Alpha and Omega (see 1:8; 22:13)
iii. Our hope in God’s faithfulness rest solely on who he is (Lamentations 3:22-22; Timothy 2:13)
d. The thirsty are invited to drink freely (21:6b; Isaiah 55)
i. Represents ultimate satisfaction in God
ii. The only thing that qualifies those who receive is thirst (need)
iii. Q: What do you thirst for? Pay attention to your longings.
3. One of two endings for humanity (21:7-8; Matthew 25:1-46)
a. Those who conquer (endure to the end) inherit all that belongs to the Father and Son (21:7)
b. Those who do not are thrown into the lake of fire (21:8)
Main Idea:
God will do everything he has promised. Nothing matters except that you are in Christ. The reward for perseverance is beyond anything the human heart can imagine or long for and the consequence for rejecting Christ is beyond anything the human heart can dread.
Application:
Worship God now with joyful anticipation for what he will do when heaven and earth are made new.
Discussion Q’s:
1. How often do you think about this day when all is made new? How much substance does your hope have? (Is it vague and ambiguous, or does it have specificity?)
2. What new things do you get excited about? How long does their newness typically satisfy? Are you misplacing your hope in the incessant new and yet ever-tarnishing things of the world or are you preparing for the day when all will be made new with joy? Which does your life attest to?
3. How are your longings? What do you long for? Do you have anticipation for Christ’s return? What captivates you?
4. Read slowly through Revelation 21:4 again. Consider each point carefully and recall what things cause you sorrow in these areas. Again, work to be specific. Take hold of the promise that every one of these sorrows, committed by or against us, will one day pass away and God himself will comfort you with his eternal comfort, peace, and joy. Even in sorrow or remorse, rejoice now that he will make all things new!
5. What does it mean to conquer (verse 7)? How do we conquer? Are you abiding in Christ through faith, or are you tempted to abandon Christ?
6. What can you think of that you could possibly gain that compares to what is promised in these verses? Does anything hold too much of your attention or affection? Is it worth laying down in light of these promises?
August 28, 2022
All Things New: Our Glorious Future
August 28, 2022 • Pastor Josh Kee
October 9, 2022
October 9, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 22:18–21
Passage: Revelation 22:18–21 Theme: Conclusion to Revelation Revelation’s conclusion leaves us with three final challenges: 1. Be Warned (18–19) a. To hearers who add to the Word, God will pour out His plagues. b. To hearers who subtract from the Word, God will remove them from life in His city. Application: • Teach the Word and only the Word. • Live according to the Word. 2. Trust His Promise (20) a. Jesus is coming soon! b. His followers long for His return. 3. Receive Grace (21) a. From beginning to end, its only by grace. b. Jesus offers grace to all of us. Main Idea: HEED JESUS FINAL WORDS! Application Questions: • What does it mean to add to God’s prophetic word? How are you tempted to add to God’s word? • What does it mean to subtract from God’s word? How are you tempted to subtract from God’s word? • Do these warning apply to believers? How do vv. 18–19 impact our understanding of eternal security? • What can you do to keep your focus on Christ and His coming? • What application can we make from the final statement that Jesus extends His grace to all of us?
October 2, 2022
October 2, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 22:16–17
Passage: Revelation 22:16-17 Theme: A Call to “Come” 1. Jesus’ Testimony (16a) a. “I, Jesus” i. Authorization ii. Autograph iii. Attestation b. “give you this testimony for the churches” i. Warning ii. Encouragement iii. Exhortation 2. Jesus’ Credentials (16b) a. He is God (“I am”) b. He is Messiah 3. Invitations to “Come” (17) a. The Spirit and Bride say “Come” b. Let the hearer say “Come” c. Let the one in need come d. Let the desirer take freely of the life-giving water Main Idea: Jesus’ Revelation invokes invitation. Will you come?
September 25, 2022
September 25, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 22:12–15
Passage: Revelation 22:12–15 Theme: Payday is Coming Notice three truths about payment at the Second Coming: 1. Jesus brings life’s paycheck (12–13). a. He renders payment because He is God (13). b. He pays each of us for what we have done (12b). 2. He blesses those who repent to receive His cleansing (14). a. Penitents have the right to partake in eternal life. b. They can freely come into God’s eternal presence. 3. He excludes those who remain unrepentant (15). Main Challenge: Wear clothes washed in Christ’s blood. Application Questions: • From what you heard today, do you think that there will be degrees of reward in heaven for believers? Why or why not (consider the rewards mentioned in this text)? • How do you define repentance? Is this something you did at some point or something that is an on-going process? • In what ways is this passage encouraging news to people who sin? How is it frightening news as well? • How can you wear clothes today washed in Christ’s blood? What attitudes and actions is this passage calling you to embrace?