In what ways can we apply "what is now" to our current lives? Living in the “Now” of Revelation 1:19 Revelation 1:19: “Therefore write down the things you have seen, and the things that are, and the things that will happen after this.” John is told to write about three timeframes: • “the things you have seen” (past—his vision of Christ) • “the things that are” (present—conditions in the churches) • “the things that will happen after this” (future events) Let’s focus on “the things that are”—our present reality—and draw out practical ways to live faithfully today. Seeing Our Churches Through Heaven’s Lens • Christ walks “among the seven golden lampstands” (Revelation 1:12-13), symbolizing His active presence in every congregation. – Expect Him to examine motives, purity, doctrine, and love (Revelation 2–3). – Regularly invite His evaluating gaze on your local fellowship (Psalm 139:23-24). • Lampstands exist to shine. Guard against losing first love (Revelation 2:4). – Rekindle devotion by recalling the gospel daily (Romans 5:8). – Serve with joy; love-driven works outlast duty-driven routines (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Personal Holiness in a Compromising Culture • The letters to Pergamum and Thyatira warn against tolerating false teaching and immorality (Revelation 2:14-20). – Filter entertainment, relationships, and ideologies through Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). – Practice immediate repentance when sin is exposed (1 John 1:9). • Laodicea’s lukewarm state shows that indifference provokes Christ’s discipline (Revelation 3:15-19). – Cultivate zeal by fasting, prayer, and generous giving (Matthew 6:1-18). – Trade self-reliance for Christ-reliance: “buy from Me gold refined by fire” (Revelation 3:18). Faithful Endurance Under Pressure • Smyrna faced poverty and persecution yet was called rich (Revelation 2:9-10). – Measure wealth by eternal reward, not possessions (Matthew 6:19-21). – Strengthen resolve with the promise of “the crown of life” (James 1:12). • Philadelphia kept Christ’s word despite limited strength (Revelation 3:8). – Small obedience opens big doors of ministry. Seize daily opportunities (Ephesians 2:10). – Hold fast so no one takes your crown (Revelation 3:11). Hearing and Heeding the Spirit’s Voice • Each letter ends: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Listen to Scripture read aloud; faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). – Apply truth immediately; delayed obedience dulls hearing (Hebrews 3:13-15). Living with an Upward Gaze • Revelation repeatedly shows worship around God’s throne (Revelation 4–5). – Begin and end days praising His holiness; worship fuels perseverance (Colossians 3:1-2). – Anchor identity in being a kingdom of priests (Revelation 1:6). Expecting Imminent Accountability • Christ declares, “I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:12). – Use time wisely, making the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:15-16). – Evaluate goals by eternal impact; chase what matters forever (2 Corinthians 4:18). Practical Takeaways at a Glance • Invite Christ’s inspection of heart and church. • Guard doctrine and purity; repent quickly. • Cultivate fervent love and service. • Endure trials with eternity in view. • Hear the Spirit through daily Scripture. • Live worshipfully and expect Christ’s soon return. By embracing “the things that are,” we align present choices with heaven’s priorities and stand ready for the “things that will happen after this.” |
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