The Journey Continues

Revelation Chapter 13

1) Evil will have a face in the last days.  Who will this be?

2) Unity is an ideal worth pursuing; or is it?  What will it mean to be united in the last days?

3) They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but sometimes it shows a lack of creativity.  How have you seen this played out?

Two more main characters of the last days are introduced in Chapter 13.  Both are referred to as beasts.  The “beast coming out of the sea” is Antichrist, the world ruler who comes on the scene doing the work of Satan (13:1-2).  The “beast coming out of the earth” is the first beast’s second in command.  See Daniel 9:20-27 and 2 Thessalonians 2 for more on Antichrist.

The ideas of a future with one world government, one world religion and one world economy are not just found in end times thrillers.  All of these have their basis in the Bible as we see in Revelation 13.  Verse 7 indicates that the beast (Antichrist) will have authority over all people.  Verse 15 promises death to anyone who does not worship the beast.  Finally, verses 16-17 refer to the need for a mark to buy and sell.

It’s interesting to see how uncreative Satan is in trying to establish himself over God.  All he is able to do is duplicate what God has already done including copying the resurrection (13:3) and miracles (13:13).  Satan even goes so far as to set up his own version of the Trinity with himself as God, Antichrist as Jesus, and the second beast as the Holy Spirit (the one who testifies).

Revelation Chapter 12

1) Name the central characters of some popular stories.  How important are they to what takes place?

2) Three angels in the Bible are mentioned by name; two of them in this chapter.  Do you know who they are?  Do you know what they do?

3) What does it take to overcome adversity?  How can you be assured of victory in the end?

Beginning in Chapter 12 we are introduced to some of the central characters of the Book of Revelation.  From here through Chapter 15, time does not advance in the story; the final trumpet sounded in Chapter 11, but the details are not revealed until Chapter 16.  In the meantime, John is shown a woman (representing Israel), a dragon (representing Satan), and a child (representing Jesus).  They play critical roles throughout the drama of the end times.

Beginning in verse 7, we read of a war in heaven between the forces of good and the forces of evil.  Here we are introduced to two of the three named angels in the Bible.  First we meet Michael who is in the role of head of the angelic army (12:7).  Michael is also seen in Daniel 10 where he serves as Daniel’s protector.  We are also told that the identity of the great dragon is Satan (12:9).  Satan is described as a deceiver and an accuser.  The only other angel mentioned by name is Gabriel.  We see him in Daniel 8-9 and Luke 1 where he serves as a messenger of God.

Satan is presented as the great adversary, but those following Christ are found victorious over him.  How is this possible?  Three reasons are given in 12:11.  First is the foundational truth that it is through the blood of Jesus that we are found to be champions.  Second we read of the word of their testimony.  This may refer to the manner in which their faith was lived out in real life.  Finally, we see their faith went beyond this life to the point that they were willing to die for what they believed.  These are the reasons they overcame the evil one.

 

Revelation Chapter 11

1) What must take place before Jesus returns?  What are the signs we should be looking for?

2) What would be your message if you had the opportunity to speak just before the final trumpet sounds?

3) If you were among the angels in heaven, how would you introduce the final chapter of the story of the end of the world?

John is told to measure the temple of God.  This seems to refer to an actual temple on earth (see verse 19 for a reference to God’s temple in heaven).  This is consistent with passages that refer to the Antichrist desolating the temple during the last days (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:4).  If this is the case, then it appears that the building of a temple in Jerusalem must take place before Jesus returns.  We’ll need to do some more studying on this (see Ezekiel 40-43; Daniel 7-9; and Matthew 24).

In Chapter 11 we are introduced to the two witnesses.  While we don’t know what their message is, we have a couple of clues.  They are clothed in sackcloth (11:3) which indicates grief and repentance.  They are well protected, so their message is probably not popular (11:5).  They are also given power to bring plagues indicating their judgment (11:6).  The sixth trumpet was sounded in Revelation 9:13 and was referred to as the second of three woes.  The end of the time of the two witnesses brings about the end of this second woe: “The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon (11:14).”

While the seventh trumpet sounds in Chapter 11, the details of the seven bowls that bring about God’s final judgment are not revealed until Chapter 16.  The finality of all that will take place is expressed this way in 11:15: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

Revelation Chapter 10

1) Consider the final moments before a major event (surgery, distant travel, marriage).  What would you want to see to give you peace and the assurance that everything will be okay?

2) Where are we on the end of the world timeline?  At what point will the end be here?  How does your answer impact how you will live today?

3) How do you respond to what we’re reading in the Book of the Revelation?  What emotions are you experiencing when you read about what is to come?

A picture of strength and control is found at the beginning of Chapter 10.  After the sixth trumpet and before the seventh trumpet, John sees a mighty angel with a little scroll (10:2).  The position this angel takes up is one that shows total dominion.  With one foot on the sea and the other on the land, his stance reminds us of the total sovereignty of God even in the midst of destruction and the end of the world.

The angel with the little scroll makes a bold declaration in verse 6: “There will be no more delay!”  The question is when will this declaration be made?  The New Testament is filled with this answer: no one knows (see Matthew 24:36, 50; Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:32; and Luke 12:46).  And since this is the case, we must truly live today as if it could be the last.

In verses 9-10 we are about the sweetness and bitterness of the scroll.  As we read about the end times, about God’s ultimate victory and the ultimate demise of the earth, we deal with both positive and negative emotions.  How awesome to consider all that God will do as He finalizes all of eternity.  This will be a time of sweet joy for those who have chosen to follow Him and a time of deep bitterness for those who have not.  It is sweet to know of God’s redemptive plan; bitter to know of His judgment.

 

Revelation Chapter 9

1) How far would you go to escape something horrible?  What extreme measures would you take to get away from pain?

2) Consider God’s sovereignty.  Who is He in charge of?  What does He have at His disposal to accomplish His purposes?

3) Pain, suffering, judgment.  What is the point of all of this?  What is God attempting to do during these final days?

Chapter 9 brings the sounding of the fifth and sixth trumpets.  With these trumpets, two of the final three woes are realized.  Unlike the previous trumpets, the judgments here are directed against man himself.  So intense will these judgments be that people will seek death as a means of escape, but will be unable to die (9:6).  How horrible these judgments must be.  How wonderful to know we would be safe even if we were alive during this time (9:4).

God’s sovereignty is seen throughout Chapter 9.  The falling star (possibly Satan) was given the key to the Abyss (9:1).  The locusts were given their power (9:3).  Further, the locusts were told what and whom they could and could not harm (9:4), and were prevented from killing (9:5).  In verse 14 we read of four evil angels that had been bound by God only to be released to accomplish His purposes when He said so.  Although Satan and his demonic forces will be the agents of destruction, all they do is under the authority of God.

While the Book of the Revelation chronicles God’s plans for the final destruction of mankind, the earth and Satan, another theme consistently comes through.  To the very end, God gives mankind the opportunity to turn from their evil ways and repent.  This is evident in the final verses of Chapter 9 where we read that in spite of all the destruction and in spite of all their suffering, “The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.  Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

Revelation Chapter 8

1) What are some ways that sound gets our attention?  Think volume, pitch, length, etc.

2) What would you pray for in the midst of the end of the world?

3) What signs from God would get your attention?  How could God show mankind the seriousness of their rebellion?

Deafening silence.  Sounds like an oxymoron, but there certainly are times when silence is incredibly powerful.  That must have been the situation in heaven when the seventh seal was opened.  The Bible says there was silence for half an hour (8:1).  Can you imagine what that would have been like?  Talk about waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop.

After the silence and before the sound of the first trumpet, our attention is focused on an angel who is before the altar.  Much like the priest of the Old Testament, this angel is standing with a container of incense which is being offered up with the prayers of the saints.  While we are not told what the saints are praying for, the next event we witness is this container of incense being hurled at the earth resulting in “peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.” (8:5)  Could the prayers of these saints be similar to those of we read about in Revelation 5:10: “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”

The balance of Revelation 8 is the sounding of the first four trumpets (8:7-12).  These trumpets represent judgments are against the world around us and resemble the plagues that fell upon Egypt (Exodus 7-12).  Judgment is brought against one-third of the land, the seas, drinking water and the heavens.  Surely this would get people's attention!

 

Revelation Chapter 7

1) What does it mean for God to be sovereign?  How is God’s sovereignty displayed in the Book of the Revelation?

2) What will happen to the Jews in the end?  Are they without hope because they missed Jesus as Messiah when He came 2,000 years ago?

3) Name some contrasts that you see around you.  Think “dark & light” and “hot & cold.”

Before the seventh seal is opened, judgment is paused for a season until God’s chosen were sealed (7:1-3).    The fact that judgment is suspended during this time shows the full extent of God’s sovereignty.  He does not simply put things in motion; He determines every step along the way.

Two groups are introduced in Chapter 7.  The first group is made up of Jews from every tribe of Israel who were being sealed by God (7:3-4).  The Jews were God’s chosen people since the days of Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3).  And although they failed to recognize Jesus as Messiah when He came, in the last days they will turn to God.

The second group we see in Chapter 7 are those “from every nation, tribe, people and language” who had been saved in the midst of the tribulation (7:14).  While the time of the tribulation will be one of great judgment and death, it will also be a time of great mercy and life.  To the end, God shows that “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9

 

Revelation Chapter 6

1) What source do you think God will use to begin His judgment of the world? What method will He use to get things started?

2) Consider those that have died as martyrs throughout the ages. What do you think they will say to God during the last days? What will God say to them?

3) What are some devastating natural disasters that have occurred in the last several years? What would it be like to know that God will one day use the events of nature to bring His judgment?

The opening of the first four seals release four riders on horses sometimes referred to as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. These horses represent what man will do to himself. In reading a variety of commentaries, here is what they seem to represent.

The white horse (6:1-2) represents conquest resulting in peace. Notice that the rider is said to have a bow, but no arrows. This seems to indicate that victory comes through the threat of force and not actual battle.

The red horse (6:3-4) represents war. All this rider must do is remove the peace that existed after the white horse and men would kill each other.

The black horse (6:5-6) represents famine. The discussion of the cost of food indicates that it is very scarce and therefore very expensive.

The pale horse (6:7-8) represents death itself. Verse 8 indicates that one-quarter of the population will be killed either as a result of this seal alone or as a sum total of the first four judgments.

The opening of the fifth seal (6:9-11) reveals those who died for the cause of Christ. These martyrs ask how long they must wait for God to avenge their deaths. They are comforted and cared for as seen through the giving of white robes. They are also told they must wait until all that have been called to be martyrs have joined them in death. It appears that even in the last days there will be those who die standing for Christ.

The events of the first four seals took place at the hand of men (conquest, war, famine and death). Here, the opening of the sixth seal brings events that are supernatural (6:12-14). That everyone realizes these disasters are directly from God is found in verses 16-17 where all the inhabitants of the earth are seen fleeing to the mountains in an attempt to escape God’s wrath although they realize there is no way to escape.

 

Revelation Chapter 5

1) In Chapter 5, Jesus is referred to as both Lion and Lamb.  What picture is portrayed by each of these images?

2) What set Jesus apart as the only One worthy of opening the scroll that was in God’s hand?  Why was He the only One qualified?

3) What would you have left to say after everything else was said and done?  What final word would you have after everything else had been taken care of?

In Chapter 4, Jesus brought John into the throne room of God.  At that point all our attention was focused on Him Who was seated on the throne.  Now in Chapter 5, our attention focuses on Jesus, the only One found worthy to open the scroll that God was holding (more on the scroll beginning in Chapter 6).  Here, Jesus is seen as a Lion (5:5) and as a Lamb (5:6).  The Lamb refers to Jesus’ first coming and His death and the Lion refers to His second coming and His sovereign judgment of the world.

The focus of the words (whether said or sung) in Chapter 4 was to express the worthiness of God (verses 8 & 11).  Now in Chapter 5, a new song is sung to honor Jesus as the One Who alone was qualified to open the scroll.  And the reason this was the case is clearly stated in verse 9: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

Imagine the scene in heaven.  We go from the four living creatures and the 24 elders singing a new song (5:8-10), to many angels offering their praise (5:11-12), to every creature singing (5:13).  And at the end of everything, the smallest group, the four living creatures, simply say, “Amen,” which can be translated, “so be it.”  Sometimes there is nothing left to say.  This certainly would be the case when looking upon the Father and His Son in all their glory.

 

Revelation Chapter 4

1) What do you think about most when it comes to the Book of the Revelation? What concerns, questions or comments do you have?

2) What would the ultimate seat of power look like? How would you describe the setting of the supreme ruler?

3) What does it mean to praise God? What does that look like? When does it happen?

Some have divided Revelation into three big sections. Chapter 1 relating to what has been – the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Chapters 2-3 relating to what is – the state of the churches John wrote to. Finally, Chapters 4-22 relating what is to come: “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” (Revelation 4:1) This is the part of Revelation that we are most aware of, confused about, and concerned with: prophecy of the future. This is what we will look into as we complete the final leg of our journey.

In verses 2-5, John describes the first scene he encounters as Jesus shows him what is to come. And what does he see? Majesty. Power. Control. He sees God the Father in all His glory. But note an important detail that puts the rest of the book in its proper perspective. Before the battles, before the judgment, before the terror, we see God and He is sitting. Not pacing, not fretting, not strategizing. God is sitting as the One Who is totally in control of all that is to take place.

24/7/365 praise. That’s what John sees taking place around the throne of God. Falling elders, strange beings and lots of praise. Praise that describes the character of God. Praise that refers to His eternal nature. Praise that speaks of His holiness. What would it be like for you to praise God 24/7/365? As you continue to get a fuller picture of Who He is, you’re response will be nothing less that than of heaven.

 

Revelation Chapter 3:14-22



1) What is your favorite hot meal?  Favorite cold meal?  Favorite lukewarm meal?

2) What are some unusual ways that people show love to each other? 

3) What benefits are ours because of our relationship with Jesus?  What do we gain based on what He has done?

Most meals are enjoyed cold or hot, but when is the last time you liked something that was in between?  It was the lukewarm, in between people that were part of the church in Laodicea that Jesus addresses His displeasure to in verses 15-16.  These people were not cold and disinterested, neither were they hot and passionate.  They were indifferent, complacent and unconcerned.  Perhaps they were part of the church, but their lives were not being changed.  Or they were learning about the faith, but remaining the same.  Don’t let your journey of faith be marked by indecisiveness and mediocrity.  We’ve been given a new life to live!

Flowers, chocolates, and evenings together.  These are what we normally think of as expressions of love.  We might even consider the less romantic notions of taking care of sick children and doing housework.  But I doubt any of us would put discipline on the list of ways to express love.  Yet, that’s exactly what Jesus says in verse 19.  Because He loves us, He is unwilling to let us stray from His plans for us.  He cares for us so much, that He rebukes us to keep us on track.  For more on God’s discipline, see Hebrews 12:5-11.

While there are many things we have to our credit because of what Jesus has done (salvation, peace, adoption, purpose, etc.), the end of the letter to the church in Laodicea lets us know about something rather incredible.  “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne.”  Wow!  Can you get a picture of sitting next to Jesus as He holds court as King of the Universe?  Amazing!

 

Revelation Chapter 3:7-13

1) How does the world define success?  How does God define success?

2) How will you stand up to the trials and challenges of the last days?  What has God promised to do for you during this time?

3) Have you ever been in a setting that you just didn’t want to leave?  What was it?  What made you want to stay?

When we think of success, we think of things that are big and bold.  “Go big or go home,” is a familiar saying in our overachieving American culture.  But Jesus’ words of praise to the church in Philadelphia acknowledge its weakness: “I know that you have little strength.”  But as Jesus continues, we see what it is that is pleasing to Him: “Yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”  Don’t confuse the standard of success in the world with the standard of success in the Bible.  Faithfulness wins over force any day.

Reading Jesus’ promise in verse 10 at face value indicates we will be spared from all that we will soon read about in the rest of John’s revelation.  While I indeed hope this is the case, this is not what my faith is based on.  God has already done a great work by saving me for all eternity.  Any calamity that might overtake my body will not impact that.  In fact, because of what God has already done through Jesus, we can have the same confidence that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had before King Nebuchadnezzar: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.  But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”  (Daniel 3:16-18)

To those who overcome, God will give a permanent place in His temple; a setting of peace, comfort and joy.  This is what David longed for; this is what we should long for, as well.  “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”  Psalm 27:4

 

Revelation Chapter 3:1-6

1) Looks can be deceiving.  What is something you encountered that looked good on the outside, but wasn’t that way on the inside?

2) When on a journey, what would you need to do if you realize you are going the wrong way?  How would you get back on track?

3) What does the color white signify to you?  Why is this the color brides wear at their wedding?

The letter to the church at Sardis starts out with a revealing statement: “you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”  It’s like Jesus is saying, “From the outside everyone looking at you sees life, but on the inside God sees death.”  While our faith shows itself by what we do, it is based upon who we are.  God wants to change you on the inside so you live differently on the outside.

After calling the church to wake up (3:2), Jesus tells them three steps they needed to take to get back on track.  First, they needed to remember; remember what they learned, remember what God had done, remember the place where they were going.  Second they needed to obey; put into practice all they had learned and heard.  Finally, they needed to repent; turn from the direction that they were heading to the direction that God wanted them to go.  These are the same steps we need today: remember, obey and repent.

Pure, brilliant, without blemish.  These all describe the essence of the color white.  This is the color that those who overcome will be dressed in.  And like a beautifully dressed bride, Paul describes the church in Ephesians 5:27, “as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”  Far different than the stained, soiled, worn out clothes the world offers us, Jesus will one day dress us in white.

 

Revelation Chapter 2:18-29

1) When it comes to living out your faith, how are you doing today compared to where you were a year ago?  How can you tell that you’ve changed?

2) Have you ever done something that you were surprised you did and then wondered where that came from?  What do you really know about the real you?

3) Jesus describes Himself as the Morning Star.  What does this communicate about Who He is?

Do you remember the early days of your faith journey?  What were they like?  What did you do?  Jesus’ words of commendation to the church in Thyatira show that they were doing more than they did at first (2:19).  I pray that this is what can be said of us as we continue to grow in understanding and living out our faith.  Ours is not a destination, but rather a journey.  Our goal should be to live more like Jesus today than we did yesterday.  When this is true, we can also be commended for doing more than we did at first.

Although Jesus calls out a woman named Jezebel (or at least her namesake) for specific and obvious acts of sin, He refers to Himself as “he who searches hearts and minds.”  While we all have outward areas of disobedience, God sees the motives behind our actions; He sees our heart.  Our desire must be to do more than simply go through the motions and look good when it comes to our faith.  We must desire to live with a clean conscience before God.  “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

In closing the letter to the church in Thyatira, Jesus says that He will give the morning star to those who overcome.  What does He mean?  Based on Revelation 22:16, where Jesus describes Himself as the Morning Star, this may be a reminder that He has given us the gift of Himself and His presence.

 

Revelation Chapter 2:12-17

1) How difficult is it to live for Christ in the midst of a world that stands against Him?

2) In what areas are you tempted to compromise your stand as a follower of Jesus?

3) What is your true identity as a follower of Jesus?  Who are you, based on what He has done?

In passing on Jesus’ words to the church in Pergamum, John begins with words of praise.  The culture that surrounded Christ-followers in this city was evil.  In fact, in verse 13 Pergamum is referred to as the place “where Satan has his throne.”  Yet even in this setting, the early church remained true to His name.  This was early evidence of what Jesus prayed for in John 17:13-17.  Here Jesus prayed that we would be protected from the evil one while we live in a world that is not our own.  We truly can live as if we are not of this world.

While there were those commended for living separate from the world, there were others rebuked for trying to live for Christ and for the world at the same time (2:14-16).  Completely contrary to those that were just commended for living not of this world, this group kept one foot in each place.  But Jesus’ call to us is one of total, not partial, commitment.  “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)

The end of the letter to the church at Pergamum mentions two blessings available to those that persevere and overcome.  One of those is a white stone with a new name written on it.  While I’m not sure of all the symbolism this contains, the white stone may indicate God’s favorable decision regarding us (a black stone would indicate being out of favor) and the new name could be seen as evidence of our adoption.  As followers of Jesus, we know that our identity is found in Him.