Reflecting Heaven's Worship

by Rev. Kirby Williams

Learning how to "do church" right by reflecting the worshipers and worship leaders of heaven.

Text: Revelations 4:6-11
Date: 01/17/2010, the Evening service.
Series: "Revelation" Part 12

John's vision of the throne room of heaven reveals a "Theo-centricity" that seems to exist everywhere in God's Creation except on earth. Churches across the country and across the world are continually struggling to "do church" right by defining and redefining how they "do worship". This message suggests that by reflecting heaven's worshipers, and worship leaders, we can dramatically improve how we worship here on earth and bring greater glory to the Lord.

1. Introduction
2. Exposition of the text, Rev. 4:6-11.
1. Context.
1. The seven churches.
2. The door in heaven.
3. The throne in the temple.
4. The twenty-four elders, Rev. 4:4.
2. The Four "Living Ones", vs. 6b-8a.
1. Defining the creatures, vs. 6. Eze. 1:5,6,10,18; Gen.3:24; Ex. 25:20.
2. The function of the creatures.
1. Guarding the holiness of God.
2. Performing the will of God for the edification of the church.
3. Leading heaven's worship.
3. The "faces" of the creatures, vs. 7-8a.
1. The creature "like a lion".
2. The creature "like an ox".
3. The creature "with the face of a man".
4. The creature "like an eagle in flight".
4. Swift and discerning, vs. 8a.
3. Heavenly Praise and Worship, vs. 8b-11.
1. The song of the "living ones", vs. 8b.
1. Praise for God's holiness.
2. Praise for God's exclusive power.
3. Praise for God's Being and eternality.
2. The song of the elders, vs. 9-11.
1. Praising the all-powerful yet merciful God.
2. Casting crowns before His throne.
3. Praising the One who is worthy.
4. Praising the Creator of all things, John 1:2-4.
3. Application: "doing church" the right way.
1. What can we learn from the vision of the heavenly throne?
1. Theo-centricity.
2. The prevalence of worship.
3. God's "praise worthiness".
2. What can we learn from the "living ones"?
1. To guard that which is holy to God.
2. Be ever-ready to do God's will for the edification of the church.
3. Try to "do church" with heavenly reflection.
3. What can we learn from the worshipers?
4. Conclusion