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GOD'S INCREDIBLES: 
What Bible Characters Teach Us About Life, Leadership, and the Power of God
"John: The Incredible Need for Vision" 
Pastor Rob Carlson
Sunday, July 10, 2005

VISION


JOHN
• Who: Loved Jesus, son of Zebedee (Matt. 10:2); inner circle; beloved.
• What: Revelation written during time of persecution and emperor worship. 
• Where: Exiled to Island of Patmos due to missionary activity.
• Why: Written to encourage believers to remain true to Jesus.


4 ABSOLUTES FOR DEVELOPING SPIRITUAL VISION IN YOUR LIFE

1. Make His vision your vision: Life is short, time is short, but Jesus is real and His revelation of the future is true. Rev. 1

Do you know what that does for your life? 
· J—Joy—because you’ve read the last chapter.
· E—Endurance—you can keep going knowing you’re almost there 
· S—Salvation—the sin problem is covered, penalties are paid in full
· U—Unending—focusing on the eternal, prioritizes the present
· S—Service—Seeing the future from His perspective changes how we do life today 


2. Determine not to be derailed, distracted, or deceived from THE vision: There is only one truth and it is God’s truth so invest every part of you in it. Rev. 2-3.

3 kinds of people 
· Delbert the derailed
· Dorcas the distracted
· Delilah the deceived.


3. Understand God’s incredible vision for your future: Live in full knowledge of what is to come, bask in its grandeur, and reflect on it daily. Rev. 21

Key Themes:
· God has a plan and a future for the world.
· God will be ultimately victorious over evil.
· There will be a final accounting for our faith and our lives.
· There is a better world in store.

Key Verse: 
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death, sadness, crying or pain, because all the old ways are gone. Rev. 21:4


4. Realize that the key to holding fast to the vision is to live for an audience of one: Jesus is more than a religious figure, He is the King of the Universe. Rev. 22

Living out the vision:
· A godly vision reminds me that life is short, relationships are precious and what I do I must do to bless others.
· A godly vision focuses my heart on living daily to worship God in all that I do and to fulfill His purposes.
· A godly vision inspires me to live for the applause of heaven.


Phil. 2:9-11

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. How important is vision to you?

2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. 
What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 

3. How do you develop a Godly vision?

4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group.

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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