The Seven Spirits Which Are Before His Throne

Temple Baptist Church - 9-29-2019

Revelation 1:4

Introduction:

A.  I want to continue to look at verses 4-8 for a few more weeks as they are both prophetically and doctrinally important in the Revelation or Unveiling of Jesus Christ.

B.  Verse 4 speaks of the seven spirits which are before the throne of God.  The phrase “seven spirits” is used 4 times in the Book of the Revelation: chapters 1, 3, 4, and 5. 

C.  These seven spirits are mentioned once in the Old Testament in Isaiah 11:1-2, which prophesies the Second Coming of Christ to set up His Millennial Reign.

D.  The number 7 is referred to as fullness, completeness, and perfection.  In the Book of the Revelation, we find:

7 Churches – chapters 1, 2, 3.

7 Spirits – Chapter 1, Isaiah 11.

7 Stars – Chapter 1:16

7 Candlesticks – Chapter 1:12, 20.

7 Seals – Chapter 5:1.

7 Angels – Chapter 8:2.

7 Trumpets – Chapter 8:6

7 Vials – Chapter 16:1.

7 Dooms – Chapters 17, 18, 19, 20.

7 Personages

7 Expressions (“this book”” - Chapter 22.

7 Beatitudes or Blessings – Chapters 1, 14, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22.

7 New Things – Chapters 21, 22.

E.  In verse 4, we find that “grace and peace” come through Christ Jesus—" from him which is, and which was, and which is to come”—and from the “seven Spirits” which are before the throne of Christ.

F.  In Christ Jesus, we see the “fulness of the Godhead bodily.”  Colossians 2:9  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

1.  In Christ Jesus, we see the Father.

John 14:9  Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

2.  In Christ Jesus, we see the Holy Spirit.

John 3:34  For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.  (Not a “measure” of certain amount of the Spirit but the Spirit without measure or the Fullness of the Spirit.)

G.  The words “seven Spirits” does not mean that there are seven “Spirits” as the capitalization of “Spirit” is a reference to the Holy Ghost singular.  These are seven attributes that make up the fullness of the Spirit. 

H.  In Isaiah, we find the explanation of these “seven Spirits.”  The “spirit of the LORD” is called the “Spirit of Christ” in the New Testament and references the Holy Ghost that indwells the believer.  The “spirit of the LORD” is followed with 3 couplets:  (1)  the spirit of wisdom and understanding; (2)  the spirit of counsel and might; and (3)  the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

1. The “spirit of the LORD.”  It is not a false spirit or a deceiving spirit or even the spirit of a man. The Spirit of the LORD God of Israel rests upon the Messiah.

Mark 1:9-10  And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.  (10)  And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

Romans 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

2.  The “spirit of wisdom and understanding.”

a.  The “spirit of Wisdom.”  Jesus is perfectly wise in all things. Christ Jesus not only has wisdom but He is Wisdom!  He showed it among us during his earthly ministry, and He shows it now in His ministry towards us in heaven.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:  (31)  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

b.  The “spirit of Understanding.”  Wisdom is knowing that something works but understanding is knowing how and why something works.  The Hebrews used this description of understanding: “a sharp sense of smell.”  A pastor develops the wisdom to know that wolves come among the sheep but also understands how and why they work: i.e. he can “smell them out!”

Hebrews 4:15-16  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  (16)  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

3.  The “spirit of counsel and might.”

a.  God’s “spirit of counsel” is perfect and works perfectly well.  “Safety is of the LORD!”

Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  (Christ not only gives counsel, He is Counsellor!)

b.  God’s “spirit of might.”  Christ Jesus can both tell us how to do and give us the power to do it.

Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

4.  The “spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.”

a.  The “spirit of knowledge.”  “Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever occurred to God?”

Isaiah 46:10  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

b.  The spirit “of the fear of the LORD.”  The phrase “fear of the LORD” is for the most part, an Old Testament one.  You will find its mention only once in the New Testament.  As Christ willingly kept Himself in a place of submission, respect, and honor to God the Father, so are to do the same.

Acts 9:31  Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

The Providence of God in Redemption - Love's Redemption

Temple Baptist Church - 9-29-2019

Ruth 4:1-11

Introduction:

A.  We have looked at:

1.  Love’s Resolve – both Naomi and Ruth made choices that involved great resolve.  Ruth was “steadfastly minded.”

2.  Love’s Restoration – Both Naomi and Ruth came to Bethlehem, “The House of Bread,” in the beginning of Barley Harvest.

3.  Love’s Redeemer – the right place “hap” and the right time, when Boaz came to the field.  Today is the day of salvation, today is the accepted time.

4.  Love’s Rest – placing our needs and fears into the hand of another and resting there.

B.  I think it of great importance for God’s children to often think upon the price of our redemption.  The saved know that they are saved but often get caught up in living or some dire circumstance that has befallen them.

C.  Chapter 4 of the Book of Ruth is a very important one.

1.  The Great Need of Redemption.  Verses 1-3.  THE NEED WAS GREAT!

a.  Redemption was needed because of what Naomi had lost. 

1)  Elimelech’s poor decision cost his entire family both their lives and possessions.  The price of Naomi’s redemption had to be paid. 

2)  Adam’s poor decision cost the entire human race as Adamic sin was born in every human except Christ.  The Promised Seed, the Lord Jesus Christ, was promised for the redemption of mankind.

Romans 5:12a  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin …

b.  Redemption was needed because of what Ruth never had! 

1)  A Moabite girl raised in a heathen, godless land.  Helpless and hopeless in her sinful condition.  The time was right because she was brought in the 10th generation.

Romans 5:12b  … and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

2)  Through the providence of God, she married into the right family and followed Naomi to Bethlehem.  Naomi’s God became her God and Boaz, when he paid for the redemption of Naomi.  Ruth’s choice brought her in under the same redemption.

2.  The Great Need of a Kinsman Redeemer.  THE REDEEMER WAS WILLING!

a.  The Kinsman Redeemer had to be right. 

1)  He had to be a near kinsman.  Boaz was such a man.  He was of the family of Elimelech.

2)  Our Redeemer had to be a near kinsman.  The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  The Lamb of God, our Perfect Sacrifice.  The Lord Jesus Christ was the only One who could redeem us from the curse of sin.

John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.  (The Creator, the great I AM, Jehovah God, The Only Begotten of the Father.)

b.  The Kinsman Redeemer had to be willing.  The closest kinsman redeemer was willing to redeem Naomi’s possessions but was not willing to redeem Ruth, the Moabite widow.

1 Timothy 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

3.  The Great Need of Redemption.  Verse 5.  THE REDEEMER WAS ABLE!

a.  It took a mighty man of wealth with the power to redeem what Naomi had lost. 

b.  Only the precious blood of Christ could pay the cost of our redemption.

1 Peter 1:18-20  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  (19)  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  (20)  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

4.  The Great Need of Assurance.  Verses 9-11.  THE REDEMPTION WAS SECURED!

a.  All that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, Mahlon, and Naomi was purchased and possessed by Boaz.  Boaz left nothing unpaid, he left nothing undone. 

John 19:30  When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

b.  Ruth, the Moabite or Gentile Bride, was securely purchased and possessed by Boaz.  He is mine and I am His!

Song of Solomon 6:3a  I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine …

“OH, WHAT A SAVIOUR!  OH, WHAT A SALVATION!’

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

Chorus:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

The Second Coming of Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 9-22-2019

Revelation 1:4-8

Introduction:

A.  The Revelation or Apocalypse means an unveiling.  The unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 3:2-3  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  (3)  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

B.  The Second Advent has been referred to as the “Other Advent” by a preacher that I know, and I fully agree with his reasoning.  Everyone talks much about the First Advent or Coming of our Lord, but little is said or thought about an equally important one, the Second Advent or Coming.

1.  Most people love the First Advent because Christ came as a babe and left as a Lamb.  Everyone loves the babe in a manger.

2. He came to become a Sacrifice for sin and that is certainly wonderful and exciting to this preacher.  People in general love the babe in the manger because a babe is not seemingly a threat to anyone.

3.  Christ’s death on the cross is a wonderful thing as He became sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

4.  When Christ comes the Second Time, He will come in power and glory.  He will come as king of kings and Lord of lords.  He will come as both Potentate and Judge.

5.  There will be Accountability when He comes so the Second Advent becomes the less popular and less spoken of “Other Advent.”  Most people do not like the thought of being accountable for what they have or have not done.

C.  When Christ comes again, we will see Him as he is, not as we think of Him.  Now, back to 1 John 3:3—which says— “we shall see Him as He is.”  Then those who look for His coming will purify themselves, even as He is pure.

D.  Do you see what I mean by the unpopularity of His Second Coming?

Hebrews 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

E.  As the world slept in darkness when the Lord came the first time, so they sleep in the darkness of sin as He prepares to come the Second time. 

F.  Very few people ever look up to the heavens each day and say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

1.  He is coming “with clouds.”  He is coming as the Judge of the World instead of the Lamb of God.

Psalms 97:2-3  Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.  (3)  A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.

2.  He is coming with visibility.  “Every eye shall see him.”

Jude 14  And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

3.  He is coming for Israel.  “they also which pierced him.”

Zechariah 12:10  And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

4.  He is coming in great power.  “all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him”

Matthew 24:30  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

G.  Three things concerning His Second Advent.

1.  The Promise of His Coming.

John 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 14:27-28  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  (28)  Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

2.  The Prophecy of His Coming.

Acts 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Colossians 3:4  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

2 Thessalonians 2:1  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

Hebrews 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

1 John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

3.  The Performance of His Coming.  Revelation deals with both the Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming in Power and Glory because, at the time of John’s writing, both were future events.  Revelation, chapter 4, tells of the Rapture of the Church while chapter 19, describes His Second Coming in Power and Glory.  I will not deal with these in depth because we will look at them in context at a later time.

a.  The Rapture of the Church - Revelation 4:1-2  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.  (2)  And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

b.  The Second Coming in Power and Glory - Revelation 19:11-16  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  (12)  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  (13)  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.  (14)  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  (15)  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  (16)  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

The Providence of God in Redemption - Love's Rest

Temple Baptist Church - 9-22-2019

Ruth 3:1-18

Introduction:

A.  What a blessing this morning to be saved and resting in the work that our Lord Jesus Christ finished.  Here in the Book of Ruth, we are looking at the Providence of God in Redemption.

“Redeem how I love to proclaim it; redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!  Redeemed by His infinite mercy; His child and forever I am!”

1.  We live in a world of unrest!  People trying to find happiness in all the wrong places.  The more that they have, the more unsatisfied they become.  The reason: they will never find rest in things.  The more that you get, the more that you want.

2.  Many of God’s children live in restlessness.  The things of the world, that we are not to love, have a strong attraction upon our flesh.

3.  Restlessness is found when our trust is in things that are perishable.  Money comes and money goes.  Beauty soon fades away.  Homes and automobiles began to need repaired, remodeled, or replaced.

B.  I believe that Ruth’s salvation began in chapter 1 when she said, “Thy God, my God.” 

1.  What a beautiful Old Testament example of saving faith!  Ruth turned her back on the things of this world when she turned for the idolatry of Moab and followed the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

2.  We that are saved today have turned our backs to the world and placed our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ’s FINISHED work: the gospel: death, burial, and bodily resurrection.

C.  One of the most important aspects of salvation is salvation’s rest.

Isaiah 32:17-18  And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.  (18)  And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

D.  Salvation’s Rest is found in two different areas of salvation.

1.  Resting from our work in salvation.  Hebrews 6:1  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

2.  Resting in our work after salvation.  Matthew 11:28-30  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

E.  In chapter 3, Ruth finds Rest in her Redemption.

1.  Love’s Rest is a Virtuous Place.  Verses 2-3.  “Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee”  Ruth bathed and put on a perfume that would be pleasing to Boaz.

2.  Love’s Rest is a Particular Place.  Verse 4.  “mark the place where he shall lie”   We rest in the place of His choosing.

3.  Love’s Rest is a Near Place.  Verse 4a.  “and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down”   Uncover His feet and lie there.  A place of humility and closeness.  Humbly at His feet we bow.

4.  Love’s Rest is an Obedient Place.  Verse 4b.  “and he will tell thee what thou shalt do”   A place of His will, not ours.

5.  Love’s Rest is a Protected Place.  Verses 6-9.  “spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman”   The safest place in the world is under His wings!

6.  Love’s Rest is a Blessed Place.  Verse 10.  “Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter”  Physical, monetary, and spiritual blessings abound in Christ.

7.  Love’s Rest is a Trusting Place.  Verse 11-14.  “And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest”  Call unto me and I will answer thee.  God give us the desires of our hearts.

8.  Love’s Rest is a Satisfying Place.  Verses 14-17.  “Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her”  But MY God shall provide all your need!  And he “laid it on her!”

9.  Love’s Rest is an Assuring Place.  Verse 18.  “Sit still, my daughter”  Resting in Christ is patiently waiting upon His way, His place, and His time!

10.  Love’s Rest is a Rewarding Place.  Verse 18.  “for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day”  Isaiah 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.