The Final Words of John and Jesus - Part 1 | Revelation 22:6-12 | Richard Caldwell

Introduction:
We now come to the closing words of this prophecy. We have been taken from the church age to the end of the age — to eternity future. Now, in these closing words we have assurances from God, and we have commands from God.
We gain an understanding of why God gave us this book and what we are to do with its message.
What do we have in these last words?
This morning I want to see that in the first part of these final words (vs.6-12) we have 9 categories on display.
I. THESE ARE WORDS OF ASSURANCE (vs.6)
When the angel tells John that these words are “faithful and true” he affirms that they are perfectly trustworthy.
All that we have studied will come to pass just as we have read.
These words do not represent empty dreams.
These words do not reflect the imaginations of men.
These are the Words of God and God will CERTAINLY perform them.
II. THESE ARE WORDS OF AUTHORITY (vs.6a)
“The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His slaves the things which mut soon take place.”
A. THE WORDS COME FROM GOD — THE LORD — THE CREATOR, SUSTAINER, GIFTER, AND USER, OF HIS MESSENGERS
B. THE WORDS COME BY HIS PROPHETS — EVERY WORD THAT GOD HAS REVEALED THROUGHOUT THE ALL AGES ARE EXPLAINED BY GOD AND CARRY THE AUTHORITY OF GOD.
C. THE WORDS COME BY HIS ANGEL — JOHN’S DESCRIPTION INCLUDES WHAT GOD HAS THROUGH JOHN, AND WHAT GOD HAS JUST GIVEN AND IS GIVING BY HIS ANGEL.
D. THESE WORDS COME FOR HIS SLAVES — We are reminded again, even in these closing words, that the book of Revelation can serve the work of evangelism, but it is first and foremost for all those whom the Lord has saved.
All those who have the privilege to declare God’s message, are allowed to do so in service for the people of God as a whole.
III. THESE ARE WORDS OF URGENCY (vs.7a)
Jesus tells us that His coming is imminent. He repeats this in verse 12, and again in verse 20.
This is a clear emphasis in the New Testament.
NAS 1 Corinthians 1:7 so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
ESV 1 Corinthians 16:22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!
ESV Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
ESV Titus 2:13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
This truth serves to awaken us on the one hand, and to encourage us on the other.
It calls for repentance and obedience, and it calls for courage and endurance.
IV. THESE ARE WORDS OF BLESSING (vs.7b)
The promise of blessing is extended to the one who “keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
THIS BRINGS OUR HEARING DOWN TO THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL.
THIS BRINGS OUR HEARING DOWN TO THE VOLITIONAL LEVEL.
How do you keep the book of Revelation?
A. YOU KEEP ITS WORDS BY ALLOWING IT TO SHAPE YOUR PERSPECTIVE.
B. YOU KEEP ITS WORDS BY ALLOWING IT TO FUEL YOUR PURSUITS.
C. YOU KEEP ITS WORDS BY ALLOWING IT TO PURIFY YOUR LIFE
NAS 1 John 3:3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
D. YOU KEEP ITS WORDS BY ALLOWING TO SOFTEN YOUR HEART TOWARD SINNERS (by proclaiming its truths to the world).


V. THESE ARE WORDS THAT ARE AUTHENTIC (vs.8a)