Lessons to Be Learned from Laodicea

1. Revelation Lessons to Be Learned from Laodicea • The Lord does not want us “coasting” (Luke 8:13-14; Hebrews 6:11-12) • We must open our eyes to see ourselves as the Lord does – sinners with real spiritual needs (John 9:41; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17; Matthew 6:19-21) • Love motivates rebuke. (Prov. 27:6) • The Remedy: Be zealous and repent (Hebrews 12:5-17) • The Lord wants fellowship with any who will open their hearts to Him(3:20)

2. Revelation Reward for Overcoming • To sit on the throne with Jesus (3:21) • We will reign with Him (Revelation 20:6; 2 Timothy 2:12) Domitian coin: the inscription declares him “son of the divine”

3. Revelation Revelation 4:1-11The Throne Scene • The vivid visions of John’s Revelation begin in earnest in this chapter. • The throne scene depicts the sovereignty and majesty of God! He reigns! • John saw “a door standing open in heaven” and heard a voice “like a trumpet… saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.’” (4:1)

4. Revelation The Throne Scene

5. Revelation Revelation 4:1-11The Description of God’s Throne • He who sat on the throne was like a jasper and sardius stone. (21:11; Psalm 89:14) • A rainbow around the throne like an emerald. • 24 thrones with 24 elders in white robes with gold crowns on their heads. • Lightning, thundering and voices. (Ex. 19:16) • Seven lamps of fire (John 16:13; Psalm 19:8) • A sea of glass like crystal before the throne (21:1; 15:2). • Four beasts around the throne with eyes and wings. Emerald, Jasper & Sardius

6. The creatures in Ezekiel each have four faces like a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle, and each have 4 wings. In Revelation, the creatures have but one visage each – the first like a lion, the second like a calf, the third like a man and the fourth like and eagle. Four Living CreaturesEzekiel 1; Revelation 4

7. Four Living Creatures

8. The Significance of the Four Living Creatures • Similar to the Cherubimin Ezekiel 1 & 10:20 • In Scripture, Cherubim are consistently the guardians to the presence of God. • In Eden (Genesis 3:24) • Over the mercy seat (Ex. 25:18-20; 37:6-9; 1 Kings 8:7) • Similar to the Seraphim in Isaiah 6:2-3 who declare the holiness and glory of God. • Their wings and eyes relate to God’s omniscience and omnipresence (2 Chron. 16:9; 2 Sam. 22:11) • In Revelation 4, they continuously proclaim God’s holiness, sovereignty and everlasting being.

9. Revelation The Throne Scene

10. Revelation The Throne Scene

11. Revelation The Throne Scene

12. The Significance of the Twenty-Four Elders • The number 12 represents God’s people (12 tribes, 12 apostles) • Elders are respected leaders – representative of the those who rule over God’s people. • Casting their crowns before God’s throne symbolizes that they are completely subject to the rule of God – their crowns are under His crown.

13. Revelation Twenty Four Elders Cast Their Crowns Before the Throne of God The elders cast their crowns before the throne of God, worship Him, and acknowledge His worthiness to receive “glory and honor and power” (4:10)