Introduction

Revelation 11:1-2 ESV  Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there,  (2)  but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.

Well, just two verses today. A drastic change from the last two weeks were we went over 2 and a half chapters of Revelation.

Today we focus on just these two verses… the measuring of the temple.

Before we get into that, remember where we are at in Revelation.

The earth has been plagued with 7 seals and 6 trumpets.

Much of the world has been tormented by some horrible things.

More than a third of the world has been killed off.

But people are still sinning, no one has repented.

Finally this mighty figure, probably Jesus Himself, stands on the see and land, promises that the end is finally here, and that there will be no more delay.

After John sees all of this, he is given a rod or a read and instructed to measure God’s temple.

I want to read for you what the “Preacher Commentary”, one of the many commentaries I am studying for Revelation, has to say about this passage:

“The imagery that explains this measurement commission contains some of the most obscure and difficult imagery to be found in the Revelation. Because of that very hiddenness, we must exercise caution in attempting to interpret the imagery.”
-Preacher Commentary on Revelation 11:1-2

• “Some of the most obscure and difficult imagery to be found in Revelation.”
  • Cool cool cool cool cool…
    • So yeah, we are just going to go over two verses today.
• And you know I read 5 different commentaries that all say 5 different things… and I am praying and asking the Lord to give me wisdom because I don’t want to preach heresy… and I have to be honest, I was very tempted to just skip right over these verses and move on to the two witnesses…
  • But God told me very clearly “This is not a race, take your time”… so today we go over these two verses… In fact, we are going to take TWO WEEKS to go over these two verses…

Revelation 11:1-2 ESV  Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there,  (2)  but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.

• So, there is a temple in Jerusalem, we know it is in Jerusalem because it is called “The holy city” there in verse 2… and, well, because that is where the temple of God has always been.
  • John is given a measuring rod like a staff and told to only measure the inner courts  the holy place and the holy of holy’s.
  • But he is told NOT to measure the outer courts.
    • The reason he is told not to measure the outer courts is because they are “Given over to the nations” and they will be “trampled” by the nations.
• Now after these two verses we go into the Two Witnesses, which prophecy and preach in front of the temple and have some crazy awesome powers given by God.
  • And that part of Revelation is one of my favorites, and I can’t wait to preach on that part…
  • But for now, as the Lord told me, it’s not a race, let’s talk about this act of measuring John is told to do.
• WHY IS THIS VERSE SO DIFFICULT?
  • Well there are a few reason, one is because people struggle to decide if they are to interpret Revelation literally or figuratively.
    • And I am going to go ahead and knock out a lot of the problematic interpretation of these verses by saying “I firmly believe these verses are about a literal temple in literal Jerusalem.”
• The first rule of Biblical interpretation is: Whenever possible take scripture literally.
  • God wrote scripture with the intent to reveal himself and his plan and his workings to saved and redeemed men.
  • The whole point of Scripture is to reveal. In fact, the part of scripture that we are going through is called REVELATION.
  • It would go against God’s purpose to speak in mysteries.
    • Now there certainly are mysteries in scripture, but for the most part those mysteries are intended to be mysteries to the unbeliever but not to the believer…
  • So if God’s purpose of the Bible is to reveal Himself, He is not going to play games and give riddles in His holy book.
  • So if we can take a passage literally we ought to take it literally.
    • Creation really happened in 6 literal days, and God really rested on the seventh literal day.
    • The garden of Eden was a real literal physical place.
    • Adam and Eve were literal people.
    • Sodom and Gomorrah was literally destroyed by falling fire and brimstone.
    • David killed a literal giant named Goliath.
    • Jonah was really swallowed by a literal fish.
    • Jesus was literally born of a virgin.
    • Jesus died on a literal cross and was buried in a literal grave.
    • Jesus literally, physically, rose again and appeared to thousands of people after his death.
  • If the Bible says it happened, it happened, we don’t need to play games with it.
    • And this goes for prophecy too. Now some prophecy can’t be taken literally…
      • For example, Joseph dreamed that stars and wheat would bow down to Him.
        • Well, stars can’t bow, that must be figurative… which of course it was… it represented his parents and brothers bowing down to him.
      • Pharoh dreamed that seven skinny stalks of wheat would devour seven fat stalks of wheat… Well wheat doesn’t have mouths… so it can’t be literally.
        • And of course it represented the 7 years of plenty and 7 years of famine…
  • So there are times where you can’t take scripture literally, but this is not one of those times.
    • Nothing about John measuring the temple is unusual… A physical temple needs physical measurements… in fact measuring is something very precise and finite… it leads to a literal interpretation.
• So the first rule of Biblical interpretation is “Whenever possible take scripture literally.”
• The second rule of Biblical interpretation is: Let Scripture interpret Scripture.
  • So if this is a challenging scripture, which we know it is because of scholars disagreements, then we should look to other scripture.
  • And we do have scriptures we can look too… for example, Second Thesalonians when talking about the return of Christ and the end of the world as we know it has something very interesting to say:

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 ESV  (3)  Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,  (4)  who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.

• Scripture is VERY clear that the beginning of the revelation, that first horseman, the Anti-Christ must rise to power, and not only claim to be God, he must actually sit in the temple of God.
  • So here in 2 Thessalonians we have a physical man taking a physical seat in a physical temple of God.
    • THIS MEANS THAT THE TEMPLE MUST BE REBUILT AND MUST EXIST FOR THE END TO COME.
    • Therefore, saints, there will FOR SURE be a physical temple for John to physically measure.
• Daniel 9:26-27 and Matthew 24:15 both make it clear that the Anit Christ must take up residence in the physical temple located in physical Jerusalem before the end happens.
• But if that is not clear enough, let this final passage put an end to the conversation:

Daniel 12:7-12 ESV  And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream; he raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven and swore by him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished.  (8)  I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?”  (9)  He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.  (10)  Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.  (11)  And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days.  (12)  Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days.

• Now if you were here last week these verses should sound familiar… a man standing above the waters, raising his hands to heaven and swearing by Him who lives for ever and ever…
  • That is almost verbatim the image that John gave of Christ in the last chapter.
  • And that makes sense because Daniel and John are seeing the same thing.
  • Daniel is prophesying of the end, and Jesus is showing John a vision of the end.
  • But look at verse 11:

Daniel 12:11 ESV  And from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days.

• Offerings can NOT be taken up if there is no temple, that is clear and established Jewish law. There have been NO burnt offerings since the second temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70AD.
  • Therefore, Scripture makes it clear THERE MUST BE A THIRD TEMPLE. THE TEMPLE MUST BE REBUILT.
• So   The two laws of Scriptural interpretation are:
  • Whenever possible take scripture literally.
  • Let Scripture interpret scripture.
  • Therefore we can safely conclude that here in Revelation, John is measuring a physical temple in the physical city of Jerusalem.
    • We can then disregard all fringe interpretations that this temple represents the modern church, and that the lukewarm believers are on the outside and the true believers are on the inside.
    • Or that this temple represents the people of the earth and they are separated into two camps, the saved and the unsaved and John is measuring the saved.
    • Or that this temple represents some period of time in Israel’s history.
    • NONE OF THESE HOLD UP TO THE TWO PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUAL INTERPRETATION.
• Therefore we must assume a literal temple filled with literal people is being talked about in revelation 11.

Revelation 11:1-2 ESV  Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there,  (2)  but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.

• Now the question is “WHY”.
  • Why is John measuring the inner courts?
  • Why is John not measuring the outer courts?
• There are two prevailing theories, and I am going to preach on them both.
  • The first theory is that John is measuring the inner courts to protect the people on the inside, because the people on the inside must be, according to this theory, the true children of God… possibly part of the 144,000.
  • This theory says that those in the inner courts will be physically protected by God’s wrath, and that John is getting the measurements to make sure they are completely surrounded by God’s wrath.
• Now the second theory is the opposite: This theory says that the people on the inside and the outside are all wicked, but that the people on the inside who are profaning God’s Holy temple… these people will face a special kind of wrath from God.
• So one theory says the people on the inside are holy and being protected, and the other theory says the people on the inside are wicked and have profaned the temple and will be judged for it.
  • I am going to preach on both theories, because I think we can grow in holiness from either understanding.

In The Temple: Protected or Profaned – Part 1: Stay Holy and Stay Protected

Today we are talking about the first theory, that the people on the inside of the temple are holy and will be protected.

And I will tell you right of the batt I think this is the weaker of the two theories, I definitely think the second theory is far more likely to be true.

BUT I ALSO KNOW that people who are holy are indeed protected by God, so that is what we are going to talk about today.

Point One this Morning is this: You are God’s Temple, stay Holy and Stay Protected

Point One – You are God’s Temple, stay Holy and Stay Protected

Revelation 11:1-2 ESV  Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there,  (2)  but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.

• William McDonald, one of my favorite comentators, takes the stand that these verses mean that God is going to protect the inner courts and those within… this is what McDonald has to say in reasoning that, and though I disagree with his conclusion, I absolutely love the point he makes and I think it speaks so much truth into our lives… McDonald writes:

The temple mentioned here is presumably the temple which will be standing in Jerusalem during the tribulation period. The act of measuring the temple perhaps signifies that God will maintain a remnant for Himself, and the means by which they can approach Him during the great tribulation. One usually measures what belongs to himself. God will preserve what belongs to Himself while the rest will be trodden underfoot by gentiles.
-William McDonald, Revelation EVS Study Course

• “One usually measures what belongs to himself”… let me ask you a question, do you consider yourself as owned by God?
  • Do you belong to God or are you living your life your own way in your own ability in regards to your own dreams and passions?
• We talked about this a few weeks back, as Christians we were literally purchased, redeemed, ransomed by God:

1 Peter 1:18-19 ESV  knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,  (19)  but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 ESV  For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,  (6)  who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Revelation 5:9 ESV  And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

• Jesus ransomed us, that means He paid a price for us. We belong  to Him.
  • But maybe you hear these verses and think “Now wait a minute, Jesus paid my ransom so I would be free, not so I would be owned by Him.”.
  • To which I would respond, you are half right, you are free, for freedom sake you have been set free.
    • You are free, indeed, but you are free IN Christ, not free to be out of Christ.

1 Peter 2:16 ESV  Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

Galatians 2:20 ESV  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

• But if you are still not convinced that God owns you, then let 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV  Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,  (20)  for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

• God owns you, dear saint, and God protects what He owns.
  • You are God’s temple, and God measures and protects His temple.
  • He knows the number of hairs on your head.
    • When one falls out, He knows it.
    • When one turns grey, He knows it.
  • He knows everything about you.
    • He knows you better than you do.
    • Your are His temple, and He protects you…
• HE PROTECTS YOU! SO LONG AS YOU STAY HOLY.
• And we will talk about this next week, but if you truly are God’s dwelling place, then you must stay HOLY! Because God must live in a Holy Place.

1 Peter 1:14-16 ESV  As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,  (15)  but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  (16)  since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

• I love the way the King James puts this last verse, verse 15:

1 Peter 1:16 KJV  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

• “Be Ye Holy; For I am Holy”. That is what God tells us to do.
  • To be Holy is to be set apart from sin. Not to just “not sin” but to be set apart, not only do you not sin, but you live a life that is completely apart from sin. No part of your being is defined by sin. Sin is no longer something you do or who you are. You are set apart from sin, you are Holy. That is how we should live.
• Again, Hebrews 12 and 14 tells us to strive for Holiness.

Hebrews 12:14 ESV  Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

• Do you see the last part of that verse, without which, no one will see the Lord.
  • We will likely talk more about this verse next week, when I give you the other side of this, what happens when you are not Holy. But for today, let’s focus on the positive, after all the theory that God measures His temple in revelation to preserve it is a positive theory.
  • Here is the positive side of Hebrews 12:14… With Holiness, you WILL see God.
  • God will want to be around you when you are Holy, He will want to take up dwelling inside of you.
  • You will be not just the temple, but the inner courts, the Holy Place, the Holy of Holies!
  • If you need more of God, then have less of sin!
  • If you need more of God’s peace, then be Ye Holy.
  • If you need redemption, healing, grace, it is all free to the born again, so long as you be Holy as God is Holy.
    • And here is the beautiful part church… you don’t have to do it on your own! GOD WILL HELP YOU BE HOLY!
    • God will help you repent.
    • God will help you steer clear of sin. This is why we pray “Lead me not into temptation” because God wants to help us stay holy.
    • But even more than that, being sin free, being holy, can seem as too much of a burden to bear.
      • Have you ever felt that way, just be honest, I have… have you ever felt “I can never be THAT holy, I could never be as Holy as her or him. Or… only Pastors can ever be that Holy.”
      • This isn’t a trick question, have you ever felt that Holiness is too big of a burden to bear, that perfect holiness is almost unattainable? Show of hands? I have DEFINITLY felt that way!
      • And I am here to tell you, IT IS A BURDEN. It is hard work to be holy… maybe even TOO hard of a burden… but praise God for the Cross, amen?
      • Praise God for Christ Jesus who tells us in Matthew 11 and 28:

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Psalms 55:22 ESV  Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

• The imagery of these two passage remind me of asking my kids for help unloading the groceries.
  • One day when Ezra was even younger than He was now, he came out to help… he REALLY wanted to help bring the groceries in from the van.
    • When he got to the van there was only two things left to bring in. A plastic bag with like one package of sliced cheese in it, and a 12 pack of soda.
    • Just to see what would happen, I asked Ezra to bring in the Soda.
      • IT TOOK ALL OF HIS STRENGTH to get that soda out of the van, he made it to the steps of the front porch and tried to take one step up but couldn’t do it… he was spent and struggling and looked even to be in pain… but he wanted so bad to help.
      • I said “Do you want to switch son, you take this and I take that?”
      • He enthusiastically said YES and we switched.
      • He was so relieved to find out just how light my bag was, and to not have to carry that soda pop any more.
      • I, as His loving father, took his burden that seemed so heaven to him… and he took mine which was light.
    • And here is the best part… THE POP STILL MADE IT INSIDE THE HOUSE.
• Holiness can seem like such a big burden church, but if you lay that burden down at the feet of Jesus, He will take it the rest of the way.
  • You will call and He will answer.
  • If you struggle with holiness, give that struggle to God.
    • That doesn’t mean “Go and sin” to the contrary it means “Don’t sin, but fight sin, not alone, but with the help of God.”

Conclusion

Revelation 11:1-2 ESV  Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there,  (2)  but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.

• Again there are two main theories about what this means, if you take it to be a literal temple in literal Jerusalem, as I do…
  • Today we talked about the first one, that God is measuring the inner courts for their protection.
  • Next week we will talk about the theory I find more likely to be true, that God is measuring these inner courts for judgment or destruction.
• But either way we know this to be true…
  • If you are saved, you are owned by God, you are His! And you are His TEMPLE!
  • And as such, God protects what He owns, so long as you stay Holy.
• But before you can stay Holy, you must be made Holy, and that is what the Gospel is for…
• Matthew 11:28-30 ESV  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  (29)  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  (30)  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”