IBS Revelation 1:9 (2/6/14)

Inductive Bible Study Method for Revelation 1:9 (2-6-2014)

“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

John is writing to the seven churches in Asia. He begins the book by stating that the letter was written for the servants of Jesus. God the Father gave the Revelation to Jesus Christ, who in turn gave the Revelation to John. John bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus, to all the things he saw.

John starts by explaining to them that he is their brother and companion in the tribulation, kingdom and patience of Christ. He tells them that he was on the island of Patmos for the word of God and testimony of Christ. He then goes on to say that he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day when he had the vision of Christ.

John empathizes with these churches by calling himself their brother and companion. He is telling them that he is their brother in Christ and companion through rejoicing and suffering. He is also letting them know that he understands what they’re going through. 

John tells the churches that he is their companion in the tribulation, kingdom, patience. He had been through a lot of suffering and trials, and wanted them to know that he understood what they were going through. He was awaiting Christ’s kingdom as they were. He was learning patience through all these things as if he were alongside them. 

I love how, as believers, we are able to be companions to one another in tribulation, awaiting the kingdom of God, and being patient. James 1:2-3 says “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” This really relates to today’s verse - in tribulation we are to be joyful, in awaiting the kingdom of God we are to be glorifying God, and in having our faith tested we are producing patience. 

My application is to continue in the witnessing the testimony of Christ by reading the Word of God with the help of the Holy Spirit. I also want to memorize James 1:2-3 to remember to be joyful during trials and faithful while learning patience.