The Revelation

The Throne of Jesus
Lesson 11 Bobby Stafford

The Throne of Jesus

Introduction (Revelation 4:1–11):
John is shown a door opened in heaven and a throne set there, revealing God’s sovereign power, the worship of heaven, and the hope that sustains suffering saints (Revelation 4:1–11).

The Open Door and the Trumpet Voice
After the seven letters, John sees a door standing open in heaven and hears a voice like a trumpet: “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this” (Revelation 4:1–2). The summons reassures believers that God is not distant. He discloses His purposes and prepares His people to endure. “Immediately I was in the Spirit,” John says, and the vision begins with God’s nearness and initiative.

The Throne and the One Seated
“At once… a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne” (Revelation 4:2). Jasper and sardius flash like precious light; an emerald-like rainbow circles the throne (Revelation 4:3). The imagery proclaims holiness, beauty, and covenant mercy. The throne is elevated, as in Isaiah’s vision where the Lord is “high and lifted up,” and the seraphim cry, “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:1–3). God reigns. He is present, powerful, and worthy.

The Twenty-Four Elders in White
Around the throne are twenty-four thrones; on them sit twenty-four elders in white robes with crowns of gold (Revelation 4:4). White garments signal purity given by God; crowns suggest honor and stewardship under His rule. They represent the redeemed who have been cleansed and granted access to the Holy One (Matthew 5:8). Such purity comes through the Lamb’s sacrifice, by which robes are washed and made white (Revelation 7:14).

Lightning, Thunder, and the Seven Lamps
“From the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices” (Revelation 4:5). The Sinai echoes are unmistakable; the Almighty’s presence stirs awe (Exodus 19:16). Before the throne burn “seven lamps of fire… the seven Spirits of God” (Revelation 4:5), a depiction of the Spirit’s perfect fullness. As the psalmist says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). God illumines His people and makes known His will.

The Sea of Glass and the Four Living Creatures
Before the throne lies a sea of glass like crystal (Revelation 4:6). The image marks the Creator’s holiness and the separation sin brings (Isaiah 59:2), while also suggesting a calm order upheld by His hand. Around the throne stand four living creatures, full of eyes, bearing the features of lion, ox, man, and eagle (Revelation 4:6–7; cf. Ezekiel 1). Strength, service, wisdom, and swiftness stand alert in God’s presence. Their many eyes show that nothing escapes His sight; He knows the condition of every saint and the schemes of every enemy.

Ceaseless Worship and Cast Crowns
The living creatures rest not day or night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come” (Revelation 4:8). Whenever they give glory, the elders fall down, worship, and cast their crowns before the throne (Revelation 4:9–10). Heaven’s answer to God’s majesty is humble adoration. All honor returns to the One who reigns forever.

Creator’s Sovereignty and the Saints’ Confidence
“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11). Creation’s origin and continuation stand in His will alone (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). This anchors the persecuted church: the Emperor does not sustain the world; the Almighty does. He sees, He governs, and He will repay with righteous judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9). Faith believes that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

Salvation Offered and Robes Made White
Entrance to God’s presence requires cleansing. Robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb; sins are forgiven as penitent believers confess His name and are baptized into Christ (Revelation 7:14; Acts 2:38). The throne scene calls all people to reverent trust and obedient faith so that worship on earth anticipates worship in heaven.

The Throne of Jesus Sermon Outline:

• Text & Aim
  • Primary Text: Revelation 4:1–11
  • Sermon Aim: Exalt God’s sovereign rule, shape the church’s worship, and anchor perseverance in the One who reigns.

   

• I. The Open Door and the Trumpet Call
  • Revelation 4:1–2 — A door stands open in heaven; a voice “like a trumpet” summons John.
  • Purpose of the Vision: God discloses what must take place to prepare saints to endure (Revelation 1:1; 4:1).
  • Pastoral Application: God initiates revelation; the church listens and obeys (John 10:27; Revelation 2:7).

   

• II. The Throne at the Center
  • Revelation 4:2–3 — A throne set in heaven, One seated upon it.
  • Jasper and Sardius: Radiance and holiness (Exodus 28:17–20; Psalm 29:2).
  • Emerald Rainbow: Covenant mercy encircling majesty (Genesis 9:13–16; Lamentations 3:22–23).
  • Cross-References: Isaiah 6:1–3; Psalm 97:1–6.
  • Application: Order life and church around God’s throne presence in worship and decision-making (Psalm 95:1–7).

   

• III. The Twenty-Four Elders: Purity, Honor, Nearness
  • Revelation 4:4 — Twenty-four thrones; elders robed in white, crowned with gold.
  • Identity Function: Representative of the redeemed who share in priestly-royal service (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 5:9–10).
  • White Robes: Purity granted by God (Revelation 7:14; Isaiah 61:10).
  • Crowns: Stewarded honor returned to the Giver (James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4).
  • Application: Pursue holiness and faithful stewardship that befits God’s presence (Matthew 5:8; Hebrews 12:14).

   

• IV. Sinai Echoes: Lightning, Thunder, Voices
  • Revelation 4:5 — Manifestations of divine majesty.
  • Sinai Parallel: Exodus 19:16–19; Deuteronomy 4:11–12.
  • Theological Note: God reveals Himself as the God of awe who speaks with authority (Psalm 29; Hebrews 12:28–29).
  • Application: Cultivate reverence in prayer, song, and preaching.

   

• V. Seven Lamps of Fire: The Spirit’s Fullness
  • Revelation 4:5 — “Seven Spirits of God” before the throne (symbol of fullness; cf. Revelation 1:4; 5:6).
  • Illumination Ministry: God enlightens His people by the Spirit through the Word (Psalm 119:105; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12–13).
  • Application: Seek light for obedience; open the Scriptures expecting clarity and conviction.

   

• VI. The Sea of Glass: Holy Distance and Granted Access
  • Revelation 4:6 — A sea like crystal before the throne.
  • Meaning: God’s transcendence and the moral distance sin creates (Isaiah 59:2).
  • Access Secured: Cleansed robes grant approach (Hebrews 10:19–22; Revelation 7:14).
  • Application: Approach God with clean hearts through continual confession and faithful living (1 John 1:7–9).

   

• VII. Four Living Creatures: Creation’s Strength at Attention
  • Revelation 4:6–8 — Lion, ox, man, eagle; full of eyes; six wings.
  • Attributes: Strength, service, wisdom, swiftness held in perpetual readiness for God (Ezekiel 1:4–14).
  • All-Seeing Motif: Nothing is hidden from the Lord (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13).
  • Application: Offer every faculty—body, mind, vocation—to the service of the King (Romans 12:1–2).

   

• VIII. Heaven’s Liturgy: The Thrice-Holy Acclamation
  • Revelation 4:8 — “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.”
  • Eternal Theophany: Timeless praise to the Eternal One (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 1:8).
  • Worship Shape: Content-rich, God-centered, unceasing adoration (Psalm 96:7–9; John 4:24).
  • Application: Fill congregational worship with Scripture-saturated adoration that magnifies God’s holiness.

   

• IX. Cast Crowns: The Elders’ Act of Surrender
  • Revelation 4:9–10 — They fall down and cast crowns before the throne.
  • Meaning: All honor returns to God; stewardship yields to sovereignty (1 Chronicles 29:11–14).
  • Application: Lay achievements, titles, and resources at the Lord’s feet in grateful submission (Romans 11:36).

   

• X. The Worthiness Hymn: Creator and Sustainer
  • Revelation 4:11 — “You are worthy… for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”
  • Creation and Providence: Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16–17.
  • Pastoral Assurance: God sustains His church amid trial and will judge righteously (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9; Psalm 9:7–10).
  • Application: Anchor courage in God’s will and care; pray big prayers to the Maker and Upholder of all.

   

• XI. Gospel Invitation: Washed for Worship
  • Cleansing and Nearness: Revelation 7:14; Isaiah 1:18.
  • Response Steps: Believe, repent, confess Christ, be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 11:6; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9–10).
  • Discipleship Practice: Walk in holiness and steadfast worship until the crown of life (Revelation 2:10; 1 John 1:7).

   

• Suggested Transitions & Illustrations
  • Transition to Awe (IV): From what John saw to how the church should feel when God speaks (Psalm 29).
  • Illustration for Casting Crowns (IX): Presenting a trophy to its true Owner—every victory returns to the King (1 Corinthians 4:7).
  • Illustration for Sea of Glass (VI): A clear, still barrier reminding the heart that purity grants approach (Hebrews 10:22).

   

Call to Action
Fix your heart on the throne of God. Worship Him with reverent awe, casting every crown at His feet. Seek the cleansing He provides through the Lamb. Renew your confidence that He created and sustains all things, knows your trials, and will judge righteously. Come to Him in obedient faith, and walk in purity before His presence.

Key Takeaways

• God reigns from His throne with holiness and mercy (Revelation 4:2–3).
• Heaven’s worship centers on God’s eternal worthiness (Revelation 4:8–11).
• The redeemed stand in white because the Lamb cleanses them (Revelation 7:14).
• The Spirit illumines God’s will for His people (Revelation 4:5; Psalm 119:105).
• The Creator sustains all things by His will (Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16).
• God will repay with righteous judgment; faith endures (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9; Hebrews 11:6).
• Salvation is received in repentant, obedient faith (Acts 2:38).

Scripture Reference List

• Revelation 4:1–11 — The throne in heaven; worship of the Almighty.
• Isaiah 6:1–3 — The Lord high and lifted up; “Holy, holy, holy.”
• Ezekiel 1 — Vision of the throne and living creatures.
• Exodus 19:16 — Thunder and lightning at Sinai.
• Psalm 119:105 — God’s word as lamp and light.
• Isaiah 59:2 — Iniquities separate from God.
• Genesis 1:1; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16 — God creates and the Son upholds all.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:7–9 — Vengeance upon those who do not obey the gospel.
• Hebrews 11:6 — Faith believes God is and that He rewards seekers.
• Revelation 7:14 — Robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb.
• Acts 2:38 — Repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
• Matthew 5:8 — The pure in heart shall see God.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

John's Vision of Jesus Christ 
(Revelation 1:10-20) (Lesson 6)

This lesson explores John's awe-inspiring vision of Jesus Christ in Revelation 1:10–20. Rich in symbolism, it offers comfort to believers while concealing its meaning from enemies of the cross. Understanding this vision prepares readers for the deeper revelations that follow and strengthens their faith in the living Christ.

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