God Provides for His Saints

1. Read: Revelation 7:15-17

2. About the Text:

1) What are these verses discussing?

2) Is this a description of heaven?

3) Is this a description of God’s gifts to his people now?

4) Let’s study the chapter and learn.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. There is a great threat against humanity.

1) This threat is represented by the four winds of the earth.

2) This threat would bring great harm.

3) This threat is the wrath of God.

4) Why? – Romans 1:18-21

2. God seals His saints, so they won’t experience His wrath.

1) A seal is a sign of closure, protection, and authority.

2) The 144,000 have been sealed – the time of the Old Covenant is over.

3) Hebrews 8:13 – It is obsolete.

3. These sealed saints are the faithful of Israel.

1) The tribes of Dan and Ephraim are not included because of apostasy.

a. Isaiah 9:21 – Manasseh will devour Ephraim.

b. Hosea 7:8 – Ephraim is a half-baked cake.

c. Dan was where idols were set up in the North.

2) The rest of the tribes represent the faithful of Israel.

3) Why 12000, and 144,000?

a. The number 12 is symbolic of covenant faithfulness.

b. The number 1000 is symbolic of human completeness.

1. The present is ongoing and hence, unlimited, innumerable.

1) This is the period of the New Covenant.

2) The saved are not limited to Israel.

3) Isaiah 2:2-3; Jeremiah 3:17

2. They are clothed in white and holding palm branches.

1) White represents purity and salvation – See Rev.7:14.

2) Palm branches represent celebration, joy, and worship; used in Pentecost – Lev.23:39.

3) These are those under the New Covenant who are saved and worship God with joy.

3. They praise God for His salvation.

1) Salvation belongs to God and the Lamb.

2) Acts 4:12

3) All of the angels and those around the throne joined in this praise.

4) Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, strength.

5) God here is the One on the throne and the Lamb.

1. Who are they?

1) Came out of tribulation of sin – Acts 14:22

2) Washed – Baptized – Acts 22:16

2. They serve before the throne of God day and night.

1) This is spiritual service – living sacrifices – Romans 12:1-3

2) They are in His temple – 1 Cor.6:19; Eph.2:21-22.

3) God shelters them – Phil.4:6-7

3. They are not deprived.

1) This is a quotation from Isaiah 49:10 regarding God’s care of the church.

2) Phil.4:19 – God supplies all needs.

4. They are guided.

1) The Lamb is the Shepherd – Psalm 23; John 10:11.

2) Jesus is the living water – Psalm 36:9; Jeremiah 2:13; John 7:38.

5. They experience great joy.

1) God wipes away the tears – This isn’t heaven; it’s right now!

2) Philippians 4:4

3) Revelation 21:4 – This is when God wipes away tears for there to be no more crying!

1. God provides for his saints by . . .

1) Sealing the saints of the past.

2) Saving the saints of the present.

3) Sheltering the saints from the future.

2. Invitation