Revelation 4

Chapter Summary

In Revelation 4:1, John is taken up to heaven and sees a door open in heaven, and he is invited to come up. In Revelation 4:2-3, he sees a throne in heaven, with God sitting on it, and a rainbow around the throne. The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders are introduced in Revelation 4:4-11, and they worship God, saying 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.' The chapter ends with the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worshiping God and casting their crowns before the throne, acknowledging God's worthiness to receive glory and honor.

Context for the Chapter

Revelation chapter 4 is part of the introduction to the book of Revelation, which is a prophetic book that reveals the plan of God for the end times. The chapter follows the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 and precedes the opening of the seven seals in Revelation 5-7. The vision of the throne room in Revelation 4 sets the stage for the rest of the book, emphasizing God's sovereignty and power.

Heart Application

The vision of the throne room in Revelation 4 calls us to worship and reverence God, acknowledging His power and majesty. We are reminded of God's eternal nature and His plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ. As we read this chapter, we are encouraged to worship God with our whole heart, saying 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Revelation chapter 4 is about a vision of the throne room in heaven, where God sits on His throne, surrounded by heavenly beings. The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worship God, saying 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.' This chapter reminds us of God's power and majesty, and it calls us to worship Him with our whole heart. In Revelation 4:8, the four living creatures worship God day and night, and in Revelation 4:11, the twenty-four elders say 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power.'

Voices from the Church

“The throne of God is the seat of His power and wisdom, from which He governs the world and directs all things to His glory.”

— John Calvin

“The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders are examples of heavenly worship, and they call us to worship God with our whole heart and mind.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Throne Room (Revelation 4:1-3) — John is taken up to heaven and sees a door open in heaven, and he is invited to come up. He sees a throne in heaven, with God sitting on it, and a rainbow around the throne.
2. The Four Living Creatures (Revelation 4:6-8) — The four living creatures are introduced, and they worship God, saying 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'
3. The Twenty-four Elders (Revelation 4:4-11) — The twenty-four elders are introduced, and they worship God, casting their crowns before the throne. They say 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power.'
4. The Worship of God (Revelation 4:8-11) — The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worship God, saying 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.' They acknowledge God's worthiness to receive glory and honor and power.
5. Conclusion (Revelation 4:11) — The chapter ends with the twenty-four elders saying 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.'

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

Revelation 4 emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as He sits on His throne, surrounded by heavenly beings. The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worship God, acknowledging His majesty and power.

The Worship of God

The chapter highlights the importance of worship, as the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worship God, saying 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'

The Trinity

Although the Trinity is not explicitly mentioned in Revelation 4, the chapter implies the existence of the Trinity, as God is referred to as the 'Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'

The Redemption of Humanity

The chapter reminds us of God's plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ, as the twenty-four elders represent the redeemed church, and they worship God, casting their crowns before the throne.

Lessons from Revelation 4

1. The Importance of Worship — The chapter highlights the importance of worship, as the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worship God, saying 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'
2. The Sovereignty of God — Revelation 4 emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, as He sits on His throne, surrounded by heavenly beings. The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worship God, acknowledging His majesty and power.
3. The Redemption of Humanity — The chapter reminds us of God's plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ, as the twenty-four elders represent the redeemed church, and they worship God, casting their crowns before the throne.
4. The Trinity — Although the Trinity is not explicitly mentioned in Revelation 4, the chapter implies the existence of the Trinity, as God is referred to as the 'Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'
5. The Vision of the Throne Room — The vision of the throne room in Revelation 4 is a call to worship and reverence God, and it sets the stage for the rest of the book of Revelation.

Themes from Revelation 4

1. The Throne Room — The throne room is a symbol of God's sovereignty and power, and it is the central focus of the vision in Revelation 4.
2. Worship — Worship is a central theme in Revelation 4, as the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worship God, saying 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'
3. The Four Living Creatures — The four living creatures are unique beings that worship God and symbolize the power and majesty of God.
4. The Twenty-four Elders — The twenty-four elders represent the redeemed church, and they worship God, casting their crowns before the throne.
5. The Redemption of Humanity — The chapter reminds us of God's plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ, as the twenty-four elders represent the redeemed church, and they worship God, casting their crowns before the throne.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the significance of the throne room in Revelation 4, and how does it relate to God's sovereignty and power?
2. How do the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders worship God, and what can we learn from their example?
3. What is the meaning of the phrase 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come,' and how does it relate to God's character and nature?
4. How does the vision of the throne room in Revelation 4 call us to worship and reverence God, and what are the implications for our daily lives?
5. What is the relationship between the throne room in Revelation 4 and the rest of the book of Revelation, and how does it set the stage for the events that follow?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Revelation 4

	Sermon	Description
	(People God Uses) 02 the Need for Faith by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of having the right perspective in our faith. He uses the example of the disciples' inability to cast out an evil spirit from
	Lukewarm and Loving It! by Francis Chan	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of overcoming worldly desires and focusing on the treasure of God's kingdom. He refers to the book of Revelation, where those
	Anahiem Talk on Revival by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a three-fold vision. He shares a story about a Welshman named Stephen Jeffries who was able to elicit a response fro
	Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the description of the throne of God in Revelation 4:5. They emphasize that their aim is to provide practical teachings that lead to real-lif
	Worship (Part 3 of 3) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the eternal consequences of our actions and the need to love and worship God wholeheartedly. He shares a perso
	Holy Man of God by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the secret of someone's strength and influence over others. He emphasizes the importance of love and its impact on our lives. The speaker sh
	(Revelation - Part 1): John Saw Further in All Directions by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and the visions that John saw. He describes how John saw various apocalyptic events, such as the sun turning black, th
	Full Time Ministry by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word to comfort and encourage His people, even in times of fear and insecurity. The sermon is based on Isaiah 28, where t
	(Deeper Waters) Session 3 - the Habitation of God by David Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing his arrival at a new home and how he can immediately discern certain characteristics about the people living there. He then moves o
	(The Chief End of Man - Part 10): Application - Saved Unto the Worship of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worship and how we are created and redeemed to worship God. He applies these truths to the Church, describing it as a comp

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 4

In Revelation 4, we see a vision of the throne room in heaven, where God sits on His throne, surrounded by four living creatures and twenty-four elders. The four living creatures worship God, saying 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.' The twenty-four elders also worship God, casting their crowns before the throne, and saying 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.' This vision is a call to worship and reverence God, and it reminds us of God's sovereignty and power. As Matthew Henry says, 'The throne of God is the seat of His power and wisdom, from which He governs the world and directs all things to His glory.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?