Revelation 4:11
Verse
Context
Worship of the Creator
10the twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, and they worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and came to be.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive - Thus all creation acknowledges the supremacy of God; and we learn from this song that he made all things for his pleasure; and through the same motive he preserves. Hence it is most evident, that he hateth nothing that he has made, and could have made no intelligent creature with the design to make it eternally miserable. It is strange that a contrary supposition has ever entered into the heart of man; and it is high time that the benevolent nature of the Supreme God should be fully vindicated from aspersions of this kind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
O Lord--The two oldest manuscripts, A, B, Vulgate, and Syriac add, "and our God." "Our" by virtue of creation, and especially redemption. One oldest manuscript, B, and Syriac insert "the Holy One." But another, A, Vulgate, and Coptic omit this, as English Version does. glory, &c.--"the glory . . . the honour . . . the power." thou--emphatic in the Greek: "It is THOU who didst create." all things--Greek, "the all things": the universe. for, &c.--Greek, "on account of"; "for the sake of Thy pleasure," or "will." English Version is good Greek. Though the context better suits, it was because of Thy will, that "they were" (so one oldest manuscript, A, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic read, instead of English Version "are": another oldest manuscript, B, reads, "They were not, and were created," were created out of nothing), that is, were existing, as contrasted with their previous non-existence. With God to will is to effect: to determine is to perform. So in Gen 1:3, "Let there be light, and there was light": in Hebrew an expressive tautology, the same word and tense and letters being used for "let there be," and "there was," marking the simultaneity and identity of the will and the effect. D. LONGINUS [On the Sublime, 9], a heathen, praises this description of God's power by "the lawgiver of the Jews, no ordinary man," as one worthy of the theme. were created--by Thy definite act of creation at a definite time. Next: Revelation Chapter 5
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory honour, and power,.... The Alexandrian copy, and some others, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin version, and all the Oriental ones, read, "thou art worthy, O Lord, and our God, to receive"; that is, to receive the acknowledgment and ascription of glory, honour, and power; for otherwise God cannot be said to receive these from his creatures, than by their confessing and declaring that they belong unto him: and that for the reasons following, for thou hast created all things; the whole universe, the heavens, the earth, and sea, and all that in them are: and for thy pleasure they are and were created; God is the first cause, and the last end of all things; by his power they are made, and according to his will, and for his own glory, and therefore is worthy of such a doxology; see Pro 16:4. What is here said is contrary to a notion imbibed by the Jews (z), that the world was not created but for the sake of the Israelites: and elsewhere (a) they say, "the world was not created but for David; and one says for Moses; and Rabbi Jochanan says for the Messiah;'' which last is truest. (z) Zohar in Exod. fol. 6. 3. & Tzeror Hammor, fol. 109. 1. & 161. 3. (a) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 98. 2. Next: Revelation Chapter 5
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:11 You are worthy: This phrase is never used of God in the Old Testament but was frequently used in Rome during emperor worship. As emphasized here, only God deserves worship. • you created all things: Many in the ancient world believed that the gods were too busy to be concerned with humans. But God is Almighty in more than a philosophical sense; he is involved as Creator and Lord. In Revelation, creation affirms that God is in sovereign control of the world (see 3:14; 10:6; 14:7; 21:1). • they exist because you created what you pleased: God had a purpose for everything that he created.
Revelation 4:11
Worship of the Creator
10the twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, and they worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and came to be.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(People God Uses) 02 the Need for Faith
By Chuck Smith25K41:03People God UsesMAT 17:14MRK 3:1MRK 9:17JHN 14:13ACT 3:1ROM 12:3REV 4:11In 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 a possessed boy, and Jesus' subsequent success in doing so. The preacher emphasizes that when we view our challenges and obstacles in light of our own power, we may feel overwhelmed. However, when we shift our perspective to the power of Jesus Christ, we realize that nothing is too difficult for Him. The preacher also highlights the story of Elisha's servant, who initially saw the Syrian army surrounding the city and felt hopeless, but then had his eyes opened to see the angels of the Lord surrounding the enemy. This story serves as a reminder that God's power is greater than any human difficulty we may face. The sermon concludes with the encouragement to look to God, believe in His promises, and live our lives to please Him.
Evan Roberts Preaching in 1905
By Evan Roberts4.7K00:11Our Response to GodGod's Glory1CH 16:8PSA 96:3PSA 145:3ISA 43:7MAT 5:16ROM 12:1COL 3:23HEB 13:151PE 2:9REV 4:11Evan Roberts reflects on the glorious deeds of God, emphasizing that no amount of time could fully express His greatness. He challenges the congregation to consider what they offer to God in return for His blessings and grace. The sermon serves as a reminder of God's eternal presence and the importance of our response to His love and mercy.
The Greatness of God
By A.W. Tozer4.7K39:14God's Character1CH 29:11JOB 26:14ISA 6:31TI 6:15REV 4:11REV 19:6In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a mother who takes her young child to the beach to escape the monotony of housework. As the mother reads, she occasionally looks up to check on her child who is happily playing with sand. However, when the mother gets engrossed in her reading, she looks up to find that her child has disappeared. The speaker uses this story to emphasize the importance of paying attention to God and not getting distracted by worldly things. He encourages the audience to focus on God's glory and the coming of Jesus Christ.
Moody 100th Anniversary 1986 the Wonder of Worship
By Warren Wiersbe4.4K57:02MAT 7:26MAT 18:3REV 4:11REV 5:12REV 11:15REV 19:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wonder and celebration in worship. He highlights how we have lost our sense of wonder and take things for granted, including God's creation and the church. The preacher encourages us to become like little children, who are fascinated by the smallest things and ask questions. He also mentions the Apostle Paul's recognition of the wonder of God's sovereignty and the beauty of creation. Overall, the sermon calls for a renewed sense of wonder and celebration in our worship.
Pleasing to God
By Chuck Smith3.1K28:50REV 4:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of living to please God, highlighting that our existence is meant to bring pleasure to Him. It contrasts living for self-pleasure, as seen in King Solomon's pursuits, with the fulfillment found in pleasing God. The key to pleasing God is aligning our will with His, as demonstrated by Jesus' obedience and selflessness. The sermon encourages choosing to please God in all aspects of life, leading to peace, contentment, and fulfillment.
Inside the Rainbow
By A.W. Tozer3.1K33:55CovenantREV 2:2REV 2:9REV 3:20REV 4:1REV 4:4REV 4:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the vision of John in the book of Revelation. John sees four beasts with six wings and many eyes, constantly praising God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of worship and the eternal nature of God. John also receives letters from Jesus, addressing the works, labors, and trials of the churches. The sermon highlights the challenges of describing God's appearance and the difficulty of conveying the depth of spiritual experiences through testimony. The preacher also mentions the events described in Revelation, such as the opening of seals, the coming of the great red dragon, and the last judgment. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the glory of the eternal Son and the ability to see beyond the physical realm.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt (Full Sermon)
By Paris Reidhead2.3K50:58MAT 16:24ROM 11:361CO 6:191CO 10:312CO 5:15GAL 2:20PHP 1:20COL 3:171PE 4:11REV 4:11This sermon emphasizes the contrast between serving God for personal gain, like a Levite serving for 10 shekels and a shirt, and serving God for His glory. It challenges listeners to repent and surrender to God not for personal benefits but because He is worthy of love, obedience, and service. The story of the two young Moravians who sold themselves into slavery to reach slaves with the Gospel illustrates the selfless dedication to bring glory to God.
Life & Times of Jesus #06
By Jack Hibbs1.9K57:24ROM 1:18COL 2:9REV 4:11In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of manipulation of information and the importance of not being afraid of technology. They argue that as technological advances occur, more scientific evidence aligns with the teachings of the Bible. The speaker emphasizes the evidence of the natural world as proof of God's existence and intelligence in creation. They also mention Romans 1:20, which states that God's invisible attributes are clearly seen through the things He has made, and that even those who have not heard the gospel will still have a chance to know God through His creation.
Schools Teaching Kids to Reject Bible
By Kent Hovind1.9K2:30:04ClassroomGEN 1:1PSA 139:16PRO 19:27ISA 66:1ROM 3:23ROM 6:232PE 3:3REV 4:11The video is a sermon transcript discussing the importance of teaching the creation story and the flaws in the theory of evolution. The speaker shares a personal experience of speaking in Russia and encountering a professor who had never heard the creation story before. He also mentions a missionary friend in Africa who is begging for people to come and share the creation story with the children in public schools. The speaker argues that the eye is a complex organ that could not have been formed through natural selection, as Charles Darwin himself admitted. He criticizes the way evolution is taught in textbooks, claiming that they present false information and manipulate the definition of evolution to deceive students.
(Genesis #1) in the Beginning God
By J. Glyn Owen1.8K42:56GodGEN 1:1PSA 19:1ISA 40:28MAT 6:33ROM 1:20COL 1:16REV 4:11The sermon transcript focuses on the opening statement of Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The speaker emphasizes the profound significance of this verse and its practical relevance to our lives. The first aspect discussed is the Bible's introduction to God, highlighting that God is interested in all of creation. The speaker also addresses the issue of global hunger and emphasizes that God cares about all creatures and their well-being. The transcript concludes by emphasizing the direct information about God in this verse and the logical inferences that can be made about His character.
Final Judgment
By Paul Washer1.8K1:06:22JudgmentMAT 6:33MAT 7:13REV 1:1REV 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not avoiding the harsh realities of life and the dangers that exist. He argues that it is not loving to entertain people with pleasing words, but rather to confront them with the truth. The preacher then focuses on the concept of a utopia and explains that it is impossible to achieve as long as evil and sin exist. He highlights the need to eliminate evil, represented by Satan, in order to create a new creation of righteousness. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the judgment of Satan and the promise of extraordinary things after death.
(Through the Bible) Genesis 4-5
By Chuck Smith1.6K38:20ExpositionalGEN 4:4MAT 3:17JHN 8:29HEB 11:6REV 4:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tendency of people to justify their actions and avoid taking responsibility for their mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of admitting when we are wrong and accepting blame instead of finding excuses. The preacher uses the story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden as an example of how humans often try to shift the blame onto others. He also briefly mentions the descendants of Cain and their contributions to early civilization, such as the development of instruments.
Low Self-Esteem Is Not Humility
By Jim Wilson1.5K54:51Self-EsteemJDG 21:25JHN 14:6EPH 4:11COL 3:12REV 4:11REV 5:6REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God. He shares a story about a woman who sought guidance from various pastors and read numerous books but still struggled with humility. The speaker suggests that instead of focusing on how to humble oneself, one should focus on the holiness and glory of God. He references the book of Revelation and highlights the significance of recognizing God's creation and redemption in order to truly humble oneself.
Church History - Session 4 (Fullfillment (Cont'd))
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.4K34:22PSA 96:1JHN 1:29JHN 20:22REV 2:1REV 4:11REV 5:6REV 5:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the vision of John in the book of Revelation. He describes how John saw heavenly figures and the glory of God on the throne. However, there was something missing that could satisfy John's heart and open up the future of the church. Then, John sees a lamb as it had been slain in the midst of the throne, symbolizing Jesus. The preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus in the New Testament and how he is closer to believers than breathing or hands and feet. The sermon also highlights the importance of praising Jesus and having a new song in our hearts. The preacher further explains how the Old Testament and New Testament are connected, with Jesus being the central focus.
All to Jesus - Part 3
By Compilations1.4K05:45PSA 145:18ISA 55:6ROM 6:23PHP 2:10REV 4:11This sermon discusses different groups of people who have encountered Christ in various ways, from those who see Him as a utilitarian solution to their problems, to those who seek status or emotional satisfaction. However, the focus is on the importance of encountering the holy God and the sovereign Christ, leading to a deep revelation of God's majesty, sovereignty, and holiness, resulting in true repentance, forgiveness, and a life lived for His glory.
The Local Church 3 - Part 3
By William MacDonald1.4K08:39PSA 95:6JHN 4:23REV 4:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of worshiping the Lord Jesus with love and devotion, highlighting the central role of worship in heaven and the significance of preparing our hearts for worship. It also touches on the essence of ministry being focused on exalting the Lord Jesus and the importance of collective worship in unity.
The Faith That Lets
By Major Ian Thomas9521:00:54FaithMAT 13:53JHN 5:30JHN 8:28JHN 11:41HEB 11:5REV 4:11In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Matthew 13:53 and the reaction of the people to Jesus' wisdom and mighty works. He explains that the people in Jesus' own village couldn't understand his extraordinary abilities because they didn't realize his relationship as a man to his Father as God. The speaker emphasizes that God adds the extra to the ordinary, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, making life miraculous. He emphasizes that the Christian life can only be explained in terms of Jesus Christ, not by one's own abilities or efforts. The speaker concludes by highlighting the importance of faith in accessing the limitless resources of God and fulfilling the role for which God created humanity.
Gravity and Gladness on Sunday Morning - Lesson 2
By John Piper82746:48PSA 117:1MAT 6:33JHN 4:23ROM 11:36COL 3:161PE 2:9REV 4:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of pursuing joy in God as our highest duty. He believes that the problem lies in people filling themselves with trivial and worldly things, such as television and advertisements, which diminishes their hunger for God. The speaker encourages the audience to feed their souls with meaningful and enriching content, like reading the Bible or watching great movies, in order to cultivate a hunger for God's word. He also mentions the need for practical preparations, both on Saturday night and Sunday morning, to create an environment conducive to hearing the Word of God.
The Root of Sin Is Self Centredness
By Zac Poonen81834:49MAT 6:9MAT 16:24LUK 10:20LUK 15:20ROM 12:3GAL 2:20PHP 2:3JAS 4:10REV 4:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the root of sin, which is self-centeredness. It compares the need to address the root of sin to treating a disease at its source rather than just its symptoms. The message highlights the significance of shifting from a self-centered life to one centered on Christ to experience true holiness and freedom from sin. It also delves into the dangers of a 'give me' attitude, whether openly expressed or hidden, and the need to rejoice in what God has done for us rather than focusing on our own actions.
Sing Unto the Lord
By Basilea Schlink50904:35Radio ShowPSA 86:9ISA 43:7MAT 5:16JHN 13:35ROM 12:11CO 10:31REV 4:11The video is a sermon on the topic of glorifying God and bringing honor to Him. The speaker emphasizes that God deserves our honor and praise because He is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving, holy, and eternal. The world today mocks and blasphemes God, so it is the duty of Christians to radiate His love and glory in order to reveal who He truly is. The ultimate commission for Christians is to bring people to recognize and worship God, giving Him their answer of love.
Revelation 4 & 5
By John McGregor44741:02RevelationREV 2:10REV 4:1REV 4:3REV 4:5REV 4:11REV 5:8REV 5:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation, specifically chapters 4 and 5. He emphasizes the idea of access into heaven, highlighting the significance of the open door mentioned in Revelation 4:1. The preacher also mentions the activities and adoration happening in heaven, emphasizing the worship and praise poured out to God. He encourages the listeners to focus on God and look up amidst the difficulties of life, just like John did when he saw the open door in heaven.
The Moral Option
By Major Ian Thomas1057:46Dependence On GodMoral ResponsibilityPRO 3:5JHN 5:19JHN 8:28JHN 12:44ROM 14:23GAL 3:14EPH 2:10COL 1:15HEB 11:6REV 4:11Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the moral option inherent in humanity, distinguishing between the instinctive behavior of animals and the moral capacity of humans to choose dependence on God. He explains that true functionality and satisfaction come from allowing the Holy Spirit to govern our minds, emotions, and wills, enabling us to reflect God's character in our actions. Thomas stresses that faith, which encompasses dependence and obedience to God, is essential for pleasing Him and fulfilling our purpose as created beings. He illustrates that Jesus exemplified this perfect relationship with the Father, and as His followers, we are called to live in the same way, allowing Christ to express Himself through us. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a genuine relationship with God that transforms our lives and actions into a true reflection of His nature.
Worship Series #2 "God Great Purpose in Redemption-Worship"
By A.W. Tozer0WorshipRedemptionPSA 29:2PSA 95:6ISA 6:3EZK 1:1LUK 19:40JHN 4:24ROM 12:1HEB 13:151PE 2:9REV 4:11A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of God's redemption is to transform enemies into worshipers, highlighting the mutual desire between God and His people. He argues that worship is the natural state of moral beings and is essential for fulfilling our purpose as created beings. Tozer warns that the church has lost the jewel of worship, becoming more focused on rituals than on genuine adoration of God. He calls for a return to heartfelt worship, which is characterized by admiration, fascination, and a deep personal connection with God. Ultimately, Tozer urges believers to recognize worship as a moral imperative and the true essence of their relationship with the Creator.
On Offering Praise to God
By Charles Finney0PraiseSpiritual TransformationPSA 34:1PSA 50:23PSA 67:5PSA 100:4PSA 150:6EPH 5:19COL 3:161TH 5:16HEB 13:15REV 4:11Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of offering praise to God, explaining that true praise stems from a heart filled with confidence, affection, and a sense of dependence on Him. He argues that acceptable praise is not merely verbal acknowledgment but requires a sincere appreciation of God's goodness and a union of our will with His. Finney highlights that praising God is a universal duty that not only honors Him but also transforms us spiritually and influences others positively. He warns against the dangers of withholding praise, which can lead to spiritual stagnation and misrepresent God's character to the world. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of the spirit of praise within the church to enhance both personal spirituality and collective witness.
Spontaneous Worship
By David Wilkerson0Spontaneous WorshipRevelation of God's GloryEXO 34:8PSA 95:6PSA 100:2PSA 150:6ISA 6:3JHN 4:24ROM 12:1GAL 2:21HEB 12:28REV 4:11David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of spontaneous worship, as demonstrated by Moses in Exodus 34:8, where he worships after experiencing a profound revelation of God's mercy and love. This moment marks the first instance of Moses worshiping, highlighting that true worship arises from an overwhelming recognition of God's glory rather than mere prayer or intercession. Wilkerson points out that worship is a heartfelt response to God's grace, acknowledging that we deserve destruction due to our sins, yet God still loves us. He encourages believers to embrace God's glory and let it inspire their worship, reminding them that true worshipers claim the blessings of God's promises. Ultimately, the revelation of God's nature should be the foundation of all worship.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive - Thus all creation acknowledges the supremacy of God; and we learn from this song that he made all things for his pleasure; and through the same motive he preserves. Hence it is most evident, that he hateth nothing that he has made, and could have made no intelligent creature with the design to make it eternally miserable. It is strange that a contrary supposition has ever entered into the heart of man; and it is high time that the benevolent nature of the Supreme God should be fully vindicated from aspersions of this kind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
O Lord--The two oldest manuscripts, A, B, Vulgate, and Syriac add, "and our God." "Our" by virtue of creation, and especially redemption. One oldest manuscript, B, and Syriac insert "the Holy One." But another, A, Vulgate, and Coptic omit this, as English Version does. glory, &c.--"the glory . . . the honour . . . the power." thou--emphatic in the Greek: "It is THOU who didst create." all things--Greek, "the all things": the universe. for, &c.--Greek, "on account of"; "for the sake of Thy pleasure," or "will." English Version is good Greek. Though the context better suits, it was because of Thy will, that "they were" (so one oldest manuscript, A, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic read, instead of English Version "are": another oldest manuscript, B, reads, "They were not, and were created," were created out of nothing), that is, were existing, as contrasted with their previous non-existence. With God to will is to effect: to determine is to perform. So in Gen 1:3, "Let there be light, and there was light": in Hebrew an expressive tautology, the same word and tense and letters being used for "let there be," and "there was," marking the simultaneity and identity of the will and the effect. D. LONGINUS [On the Sublime, 9], a heathen, praises this description of God's power by "the lawgiver of the Jews, no ordinary man," as one worthy of the theme. were created--by Thy definite act of creation at a definite time. Next: Revelation Chapter 5
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory honour, and power,.... The Alexandrian copy, and some others, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin version, and all the Oriental ones, read, "thou art worthy, O Lord, and our God, to receive"; that is, to receive the acknowledgment and ascription of glory, honour, and power; for otherwise God cannot be said to receive these from his creatures, than by their confessing and declaring that they belong unto him: and that for the reasons following, for thou hast created all things; the whole universe, the heavens, the earth, and sea, and all that in them are: and for thy pleasure they are and were created; God is the first cause, and the last end of all things; by his power they are made, and according to his will, and for his own glory, and therefore is worthy of such a doxology; see Pro 16:4. What is here said is contrary to a notion imbibed by the Jews (z), that the world was not created but for the sake of the Israelites: and elsewhere (a) they say, "the world was not created but for David; and one says for Moses; and Rabbi Jochanan says for the Messiah;'' which last is truest. (z) Zohar in Exod. fol. 6. 3. & Tzeror Hammor, fol. 109. 1. & 161. 3. (a) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 98. 2. Next: Revelation Chapter 5
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:11 You are worthy: This phrase is never used of God in the Old Testament but was frequently used in Rome during emperor worship. As emphasized here, only God deserves worship. • you created all things: Many in the ancient world believed that the gods were too busy to be concerned with humans. But God is Almighty in more than a philosophical sense; he is involved as Creator and Lord. In Revelation, creation affirms that God is in sovereign control of the world (see 3:14; 10:6; 14:7; 21:1). • they exist because you created what you pleased: God had a purpose for everything that he created.