End Game: God’s Still In Control

Understanding Revelation’s True Purpose

Key Truth

The Book of Revelation wasn’t written to make us obsess over future events, but to give God’s people confidence in His sovereignty.

Historical Context

Two parallel situations:

• Daniel wrote to Jews in Babylon who thought their story was over
• Revelation wrote to Christians in Rome facing similar circumstances
  • Last surviving disciple (John) writing to persecuted believers
  • Christians facing severe persecution

The Real Message of Revelation

[Revelation 1:17-19] “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen.'”

Key Themes:

1. Comfort in Crisis
   • Written to encourage persecuted believers
   • Message of hope amid suffering
   • Reminder of God’s ultimate victory
2. Focus on Worship
   • Heavenly scenes center on worship
   • All creation acknowledges God’s authority
   • Our response to God’s sovereignty should be praise

[Revelation 4:11] “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

3. Trust in God’s Plan
   • Jesus holds authority over history
   • God’s purposes will prevail
   • Evil will not have the final word

Three Responses to God’s Sovereignty

1. Worship God Even When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
   • Focus on His character, not circumstances
   • Join the heavenly worship described in Revelation
   • Remember He is worthy regardless of our situation
2. Trust God’s Greater Purpose
   • He sees the complete picture
   • Our current trials are not the end of the story
   • His plans are unstoppable
3. Live with Purpose [Revelation 1:6] “He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father…”
   • We are His representatives
   • Every believer has a role in His plan
   • Our faithfulness matters eternally

Practical Application

1. When Life Feels Overwhelming:
   • Set aside time for focused worship
   • Remember God’s faithfulness in the past
   • Trust His control over the future
2. In Times of Uncertainty:
   • Focus on what we know about God’s character
   • Rest in His sovereignty
   • Continue in faithful service
3. Moving Forward:
   • Yield fully to God’s direction
   • Live as His ambassador
   • Trust His perfect timing

Remember: The end of the book is not the end of the story. God is sovereign, Christ is victorious, and His purposes will prevail.

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