A Month of Victory

 Introduction 

For the month of February we’re going to spend some time with the book of Revelation. This book is often overlooked and underappreciated. It is unique in its writing style. Certainly, all the symbols and imagery can be a bit confusing. But the over-all message is clear. It is one that applies to all people of every time. Revelation describes the conflict between good and evil, right and wrong, Satan and God. The message of Revelation is one of victory. God will win over evil, and His people will live victoriously. 

The words of Jesus to these churches are just as relevant and applicable to churches today. The words of warning, the call for patient endurance in the face of adversity, the comforting words of hope, the assurance of victory – the words given then are words we need to hear today. Like John we need to see God on His throne. The answer for troubling times rests in the hands of the King. Our God promises victory. Claim it! Live it!  

We encourage you to join us as we read, reflect and pray through Revelation this month. May these words from the past help strengthen and encourage our faithful commitment to God. 

Before we start with our reading tomorrow, I thought I’d share some helpful keys to understanding the book of Revelation. 

Keys to Revelation: 

1. Realize the Specific Audience. The book of Revelation was written to a specific group of people. The book was written to 7 churches of Asia (1:4, 11; 22:16). Any interpretation that proves meaningless to the original audience must be questioned. 
2. Realize the Specific Setting. There were unique circumstances which prompted God to write the book of Revelation. The Christians were being persecuted by Rome. Passages such as Rev. 2:10, 13; 6:9; 13:7 identify this trouble. Statements like “war” and “tribulation” (7:14) refer to the great trials that the Christians were going through. 
3. Realize the Specific Time Table. The book of Revelation is a prophecy about future events (1:19). The question is how far in the future? Passages such as 1:1, 3; 22:10 state that the time was short rather than long. The majority of this book has already taken place.
4. Realize the Specific Style of Writing. The book was written in symbols or figures (1:1 “signified). It is a divine picture book. It should not be read as we read Acts or Proverbs. Things are representative of other things. Numbers and colors are used to stand for other things. Therefore, a 1,000 year reign means something other than a literal 1,000 years.
5. Realize the Specific Purpose of the Book. The book is written to encourage the faithful of God. The book shows the victory of Christ and His people, and the defeat of Satan. The expression, “overcome” is used 11 times. The book is about faith and victory. It is a book of hope and strength. 17:14 is a good summary/theme for the book.