Thanks for joining us as we continue our STUDY of Revelation 1 this week. Today, we’ll be exploring another simple but helpful tool you can use when you read any book of the Bible, but especially Revelation.


I don’t know about you, but there are times in my life when I’ll notice myself randomly singing. Sometimes it’s just because a recent song got stuck in my brainwaves, but other times it’s because something has struck a chord in my heart and singing simply helps me express it. Have you ever noticed how this happens in God’s word too? There are moments when suddenly, out of the blue, the author bursts into poetic meter. When an informative teaching breaks its form and moves into expressive language. This shift in genre is important to pay attention to when studying God’s word.

Immediately following a jam-packed statement passionately calling the recipients of these letters to recognize Jesus ruling on his throne, notice how John turns his gaze upward.

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

 To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:4-6

This brings us to TOOL #2 GENRE. Why do you think John bursts into praise? In your own words, explain why John believes Jesus is worthy of this outburst of praise. Feel free to voice it aloud, jot it down on paper, or text it into the notes app on your phone.

When John looks at who Jesus is, he sings about what Jesus has done. At the beginning of Revelation, John overflows with praise for how Jesus advocates for him – in love, in freedom, and in creativity. As Pastor Ryan put it on Sunday, “There is no greater gift you can give yourself than to move into the reality that you are loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the one who stands and rules and reigns above it all.” Today, we can praise Jesus for advocating for us too. Take some time to express praise for what Jesus has done for you.


If you missed the weekend message, I’d encourage you to watch it online before continuing the Revelation study with us.

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