8/2/26                                                                                 Rentz

 

 

Who's Really in Charge?

Revelation 1:9-20

 

 

Introduction—I remember a strange occurrence from many years ago.  At the beginning of a Church service, a stranger walked in and loudly asked "Who's in charge around here?".  Unfortunately, he was clearly under the influence of something that hindered him from clear thinking, but his question is more valid than we might assume.  We get in trouble when we assume that we are running the show when it's not ours to run.

 

I. Who's in Charge when We Face Tribulation? (9-10)

               A. Tribulation is common as we follow Jesus

                   (I Pet.4:12-14)

               B. We do have mighty foes—the world, the flesh, and

                   the Devil

               C. We also do have a Savior that is mightier than all

                   we may face (Col.1:17-18)

 

II. Who's in Charge of Church Ministry? (11-13, 20)

               A. Jesus is the Head of the true Church—Illustration:

                   telemarketers

                              1. All religions are not the same!

                              2. Jesus is either the absolute Head, or it is a

                                  cult

               B. Our future as a ministry is dependent upon our

                   faithfulness to Jesus (Rev.2:5)

               C. Pastors have a holy responsibility under Christ

                   (20; I Pet.5:1-4)

 

III. Who's in Charge of Righteous Judgment? (13-16)

               A. Jesus is the righteous Judge (Jn.5:22-23)

               B. Jesus embodies absolute holiness—we can only

                   conceive holiness as we gaze upon Jesus

               C. Jesus is the authority of His Word

                   (Rev.2:12, 16; 19:15)

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IV. Who's in Charge of Providing Our Hope? (17-19)

               A. We have no ability to stand in the presence of His

                   holiness

               B. The touch of Jesus brings life—any other

                   substitute leads to destruction

               C. Jesus is the Master of all time (Is.46:9-10)

                              1. Past, present, and future are under His

                                  control

                              2. Eternity future is totally secure within His

                                  Divine purpose—"the things which shall

                                  be"

 

Conclusion—Who's really in charge?  If we are honest, it must be Jesus.  If we try to usurp His authority, we will make a mess of things.  Let's honor the Lord as our Savior, Lord, and sustainer.  Make certain that you truly have a relationship with Jesus.  In eternity, He has a plan that He offers to us.  Don't fail to follow Him.