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.