ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 20 IN BRIEF NOVEMBER 13 2022 TOPIC: THE GLORIFIED CHRIST

TEXT: REVELATION 1:1-20

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 20 IN BRIEF NOVEMBER 13 2022

MEMORY VERSE: I (Jesus) am he that liveth, and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death – Rev1:18.

CENTRAL TRUTH: The Glorified Jesus Christ has all authority.

The book of Revelation presents graphic pictures or dreadful scenarios of some of the events that would take place in the world as the end is drawing close. Though this fearful events seems tragic and insurmountable, the main focus of the revelation is given to show us the final Glory of the risen Christ. The mystery behind this Glory was revealed to John at the Island of Patmos and though overwhelmed with fear and trembling he acknowledged Jesus’ Almightiness and bowed in total worship of our all conquering God. For believers to be moved by the same sense of awe and worship that John clearly held instead of dieing in despair(of this future events), we must understand the message of the revelation, the glory of who was revealed, and the authority of the one revealed in the vision. To this end, the Lesson is divided into the following outlines for details;

1. John’s Vision

2. The Glory of Jesus Christ

3. The Authority of the Risen Christ

JOHN’S VISION – REV1:1-11

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 20 IN BRIEF NOVEMBER 13 2022

Of all the things which was to be revealed to John, he was first shown the Message(which was Jesus Christ), and the Messenger(John) was sent to deliver the Words of the Message to us.

Lessons Learnt: John the messenger was a messenger indeed. He described himself as the servant of Jesus Christ – who had suffered many things as a result of his faithfulness to declare God’s Word and testify to the Lordship of Jesus. Banished to a lonely rocky island of Patmos John still stayed connected to hear from God. What a lesson for us believers or servants of God today! What shall seperate us from the love of Christ; Paul asked? (Rom8:35). Revelation chapter 1 first presents Jesus as the Messiah or the Saviour from the coming onslaught of the devil. This is a strong assurance that if we rely on him as the Alpha and the Omega we are sure of our escape both from the present and coming holocaust. John received a divine commission to share the message he saw with the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia and to us by extension today so we might take cover under the blood of Jesus for our safety(redemption).

THE GLORY OF JESUS CHRIST – REV1:12-16

John saw the Glory of Jesus in that vision as Jesus appeared in a priestly splendour which is reminiscent (ie, revealing) of God’s true splendour as was experienced during the old Temple worship with the High Priests.

Lessons Learnt: Eph1:20 tells of how God set him(Jesus) at His own right hand in the heavenly places(throne). The sight of Jesus in that heavenly adored or glorified state made John in that vision fell at His feet as dead. John witnessed God’s true splendour in Jesus just like the prophets of old who witnessed glimpses of God’s true splendour. John was overcomed with total fear as he fell in submissive worship of Him. This Jesus’ appearance at the very beginning shows that Jesus is at the centre of every other thing that will be revealed in the book of Revelation, so there should be no cause for alarm, instead we should keep magnifying, reverencing, & worshipping our Redeemer with wholehearted fear and trembling. Our Lord rules over all powers. He is the glorious Christ.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 20 IN BRIEF NOVEMBER 13 2022

John witnessed the authority of the risen Christ as he confirms that He holds the keys of hell and death and that He is with His people – the church. John was overcomed with fear at the sight of this heavenly vision, but Christ gave a reassurance both to him and the church thus;

Lessons Learnt:

*He touched him and instructed him not to be afraid that He(Jesus) is the first and the last. First because before the beginning of any circumstance we may face He is there to see us through to the end.

* He encouraged him not to be afraid that He holds the keys of death and hades(hell). With this Jesus underscores his Power and Dominion(Authority) that even death should not be feared for He has triumphed over it.

*He instructed John to write the mystery of the seven stars and seven candlesticks – where Jesus is at the centre of the church having the angels(whether human vessels or heavenly beings) of the churches at his right hand. Christ is indeed in charge of the things which we have experienced, and the things which we are passing through, and the things which is to come.

Therefore, the opening chapter of the book of Revelation brings to light the Powerful Words of encouragement from the Glorified Christ to the Church. The Church of Jesus Christ must not give in to fear whatsoever.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 20 IN BRIEF NOVEMBER 13 2022

Studies in the book of Revelation has just begun, don’t be left out, study with us.