Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow

A Glimpse of Heaven

 

Revelation 4:1-11
 

 Background: John is able to see a glimpse of Heaven and God’s glory. Heaven is mentioned more than 500 times throughout scripture, but chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation are by far the most descriptive of God’s Word concerning Heaven. One thing we learn from this text today, if you do not enjoy praising God, you will not enjoy Heaven! One of the most loving statements I can make, if you do not enjoy praising God, you do not truly know Him!

 
Praise God Because He Reigns (4:1-5)
 
“…we may well continue to praise God, for our God continues to give us causes for praise” – C.H. Spurgeon.
 
  1. Praise God for His plan (4:1) God’s plan is for everyone to praise Him! John is called upon to record three aspects of the book of Revelation “What you have seen” Chapter 1. “What is or those that are” Chapters 2-3, and “What will take place after this” Chapters 4-22. We see one clear theme throughout Revelation. The glory of God. We were created to praise God! Listen to what Paul tells the Philippians. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11
  2. Praise God for His position (4:2-3)
 
There may be some symbolism in the Jasper and Carnelian. They would have been the first and last stones of the breastplate of the high priest. Both stones would represent a position of one who was to be praised. A stone representing majesty and one representing judgment. Remember this would have been received by a Jewish community who understood these stones. There brilliance and that of the emerald, reflecting a rainbow, radiates God’s glory!
 
  1. Praise God because of His power (4:5)

Scripture never talks about angels ruling. The use of elders gives insight to former and future God appointed rulers who are human. The number 24 could mean they represent the twenty-four officers of the sanctuary among Levitical priest (1 Chron. 24:4-5). Others believe they represent the New Covenant and are somewhat composed of the apostles.  

What are the seven Spirits of God? John MacArthur suggest they represent the seven attributes of the Holy Spirit that Isaiah speaks about. 1. Wisdom, 2. Understanding, 3. Counsel, 4. Strength, 5. Knowledge, 6. Reverence, and 7. Deity.   
 

 Praise God Because He is Righteous (4:6-8)

 
  1. His creation displays His righteousness (4:6-7)
The creatures here in this text are angelic beings. They are very similar in description to Isaiah’s seraphim and Ezekiel’s cherubim. Being full of eyes could represent God’s omniscience.
 
  1. His creation declares His righteousness (4:8)
Adrian Rogers called the four living creatures “God’s cheerleaders!” They always declare His righteousness and glory!
 
Praise God Because of Our Reliance upon Him (4:9-11)
 
We would not be here if God did not create us! Feel the gravity of that statement! He knew that you would bring Him praise, before the beginning of time, either by regard or regret; therefore He formed you! He formed us for the purpose of His glory!
 
  1. Praise is meant to be shown to God (4:9-10) “the twenty-four elders fall down before him” We do local and global missions because it’s a form of worship! We believe in His glory, His reliance in such a way that thrust us around the world! Why? Because there are people in this world that do not worship and praise Christ the King! We show it! We believe in it! We get out of our comfort zones, because Jesus is worth it!
  2. Praise is meant to be spoken to God (4:11)
 
Matthew 10:32 “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,”
 
“Worship is the missing jewel in modern evangelicalism” – A.W Tozer