Letter of John Concerning the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Revelation One….(verses 1-20)
Many people feel that the book of Revelation is too difficult to be bothered with, but it is the only book in the Bible where we are told there is a blessing to those who read it (verse 3). It is a series of pictures of one and the same Person and Events but all taken from different angles. Imagine the head of a person (or any other creature)….the front is different to the profile, and the back view is different again, but it is all the same head. So the book of Revelation is a series of pictures of the same Person and same events concerning His dealings with mankind…..let’s get into it and find out the wonderful truths that are in it!
1. Verses 1-4
a. Who is this revelation of? Who is writing it down? (verse 1)
This book is the REVELATION (singular, not plural) of Jesus Christ and portrays Him in His dealings with the earth, mankind, creation etc. These things were written by John as one of the angels spoke to him.
b. Who has given this revelation? To Whom? Why? (verse 1; Matthew 11:27)
God the Father has given this revelation to His Son Jesus Christ to reveal to His people the things concerning Himself, and the things that are going to wrap up the end of this age that we are living in now.
c. What has John already written down? (verse 2; John 21:24-25)
The things concerning Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the things He spoke while here on earth and the things John saw Him do.
d. So what could we say that this book is all about? (Hebrews 1:3,8,10)
A continuation of what God has done, is doing and will do in the earth by His Son..
e. What does verse 3 tell us?
That those who read this book and take notice of what it says, will receive a blessing.
f. Who is John specifically writing to? (verse 4a)
John is writing to the seven churches in Asia who are represented as seven candlesticks (or lampstands) and as seven stars.
g. What other “seven” things do we find in this book? (Verses 4, 16, 20; 5:1; 8:2; 10:4; 15:1, 7; 17:3, 9,10; 21:9)
Seven Spirits; seven stars; seven seals; seven angels with seven trumpets. There were seven thunders which said things that were sealed up. Seven angels with seven last plagues in seven golden bowls. A woman was sitting on a seven headed beast which represent seven mountains and seven kings. So there are seven…..churches, lamp stands, stars, seals, angels, trumpets, thunders, plagues, bowls, mountains and kings.
2. Verses 5-6
a. We come now to one of the statements that people like to point to saying that the Bible contradicts itself…..what are we actually told about it in these verses? (verse 4c; Acts17:10-11; 2 Peter 3:15b-16)
People point to the statement about there being seven Spirits of God, but they don’t realise it means there are seven facets to the ONE Spirit. People were twisting what Paul wrote and taught, but they were men of uncertain knowledge who didn’t really know the Scriptures. We must be wise enough to compare Scripture with ALL Scripture.
b. What do Ephesians 4:4-6 and 1 John 5:7 teach us?
That there is but ONE Spirit of God.
c. How then can we explain the seven Spirits in verse 4b? (verse 8; Ephesians 5:27)
There are seven different aspects of the ONE Spirit….He is a sevenfold Spirit, in the same way that a man can be a son, a school teacher, a husband, a father, a coach of a sports team, an uncle, a grandfather, but he is still just one man!
d. What do we see in Isaiah 11:1-2 about God’s Spirit?
He is the Spirit of the Lord and is the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and imparts the fear (awe and reverence) of the Lord.
e. What did our Lord have to say about His Spirit who would be given to those who believe on Him? (John 14:17, 26)
That He would live within them; He is the Spirit of Truth and would remind them of everything concerning Himself (Jesus Christ)
f. How do we see the Spirit described in the following verses? How many descriptions are there?
There are seven given!
John 14:17 The Spirit of truth Romans 8:9 Spirit of Christ
Romans 8:15 Spirit of Adoption Ephesians 1:13 Spirit of promise
Ephesians 1: 17 Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation Hebrews 10:29 Spirit of Grace
1 Peter 4:14 Spirit of Glory.
g. Who are the three who are incorporated in the throne of God? (verses 4b, 5a, 6)
The Father, Sevenfold Spirit and Jesus Christ.
h. How is Jesus Christ described in verse 5a ?
He is the faithful witness and first to rise from the dead and the Prince above all others.
i. What has He done for believers? Why? (verses 5b-6; 1 Peter 2:9)
He has washed us from our sins in His own blood because He loves us so much, and made us a kingdom of priests (a royal priesthood), a holy nation and a special people. Incredible!
3. Verse 7
a. How does verse 7a tie in with these other verses? (Daniel 7:13; Acts 1:9-11)
Verse 7 says that He (Jesus Christ) will come with clouds and every single person who has ever lived will see Him….Daniel says that the Son of Man comes with the clouds of heaven, and Acts tells us the angel told the disciples that as He went into heaven into the clouds, so He will come again one day the same way.
b. What will happen when He returns like this? (verse 7b)
Every person who has ever lived will SEE Him!
c. What else will every human being who has ever lived do in that time? (Philippians 2:10-11)
Every person will bow before Him and acknowledge that He is LORD of all…the One they have blasphemed continually.
d. What does Zechariah 12:10 tell us? What does verse 7 add to this?
That those who are living in Jerusalem and of the descendants of David are going to see Him, the One who was pierced there on the cross, and realise Who He was and is. Not only those directly involved, but every single human being who has ever lived will see Him and admit He is Lord to the glory of God.
e. What are people going to do when this realisation hits them? (Zechariah 12:10b-11)
They will weep and mourn for what they did, and for their lost opportunities in life. They will be filled with remorse for their wicked actions and rebellion against him during their life time and will weep and wail because of it.
f. How does this “they which pierced Him” apply to people today? In what sense do people “pierce” Him? (Hebrews 6:4-6)
Every time a person rejects Jesus Christ (either deliberately or by ignoring Him) it is as though they personally have pierced Him. To reject Him is to pierce His heart of love.
g. In the light of these Scriptures, what is the sensible thing for YOU to do right now? (Romans 14:11; Ephesians 3:14)
To bow before Him NOW admitting Who He is, and give yourself to Him confessing that you too, are a sinner and deserve God’s judgement. This is the only way you can avoid it later against your will.
4. Verses 8-20
a. What does Jesus Christ say about Himself? (verse 8)
He is one with the Father (God); He is Alpha and Omega (the first and the last), the everlasting and Almighty God.
b. How does John describe Him in the beginning of his Gospel? (John 1:1-3)
As the Word (of God) who was in the beginning WITH God and who IS God and who MADE everything….the great CREATOR.
c. What does John say about himself? (verses 9-10)
That he was in tribulation (in exile and under arrest) on Patmos Island because of his preaching….he was meditating in the Spirit on the Lord’s day (Sunday) when he suddenly heard a great trumpeting voice behind him.
d. Imagine you were in John’s place and swung around to see where this Voice was….what would your first impressions be? (verses 13-16; Matthew 17:2)
That of great light and seeing this Person emanating light and glistening all over.
e. What do you think this description of the Lord signified….
Luke 9:29…His head……………total purity, spotless and sinless
Habakkuk 1:13a…His eyes… All seeing….piercing to the very centre of people’s beings.
His feet….like shining brass….brass speaks of judgement…He has judged all sin and is over all things.
The seven stars in His right hand….His protection, care and keeping of His people
Ezekiel 3:12…His voice… like rushing water, it encompasses all things.
Hebrews 4:12…The sharp two edged sword….His word which cuts to the core of humans’ psyche
Matthew 17:2…His shining face… His overall glory and perfection shining from within His Being.
f. What was John’s reaction to seeing all this glory? (verse 17)
He collapsed in a dead faint at His feet.
g. How did Ezekiel feel when he saw God’s glory ? What did Paul do? (Ezekiel 1:28; Acts 9:3-4 )
They both collapsed on the ground with their faces downwards (they didn’t fall backwards)
h. What did the Lord of Glory do to John? (verses 17b-19)
He picked him up and told him to write down what he was seeing and hearing.
i. What does verse 20 tell us about interpreting this book?
That it is full of symbols and pictures indicating certain truths…the first two being clearly told us…the stars being the angels of certain churches and the lampstands (candlesticks) being the churches themselves.
j. What is the significance of a star representing and angel? (verse 20; Hebrews 1:14 )
Just as a star is a heavenly body, so the angels are the heavenly beings to minister to God’s people.
k. What about a lampstand representing a church? (Matthew 5:14-16)
Each believer is to be a light for Christ, lighting the corner where they are….our light is to shine out before others.
Revelation Two….(verses 1-29)
Several times in these letters to the seven churches we come across the term “Nicolaitanes”. Their teaching is not clearly defined, but it seems to be something to do with splitting the church into groups of those who did everything, and those who did nothing (the laity) ….in other words those who set themselves up as being more important than the rest. This was something that God detested.
1. Verses 1- 7
a. How does the Lord Jesus identify Himself to the Ephesian church? (verse 1)
As the One who holds the seven stars in His hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.
b. What does this show us about His relationship with His people? (verse 1)
That He has everything under His watchful eye at all times and cares for His people.
c. Each church is said to have an angel….what do you think this signifies about the angels? (Psalm 34:7; Hebrews 1:13-14)
That they are sent by the Lord to minister to His people as He walks among them.
d. What commendation is given to this church? (verses 2-3, 6)
They had many good works; they had patience and dealt quickly with problems; they tested out those who claimed they were apostles and found them out if they weren’t; they had suffered and worked hard for the Lord; and they also hated the Nicolaitane teachers.
e. What did the Lord have against these hard working, faithful people? What warning is there in this for us? (verse 4)
He said they had left their first love….they were doing these things from habit and with the wrong motives instead of doing them from love of the Lord and each other. We have to be careful we don’t fall into the same trap.
f. What did they have to do to remedy their failings? (verse 5)
They had to repent and get back to where they had started and overcome their slack attitudes.
g. What promise were they given if they did this? (verse 7)
They would be made partakers of the tree of life and have a place in heaven.
h. What does this promise suggest to you about these people?
That many in this church were only head professors, with no desire to please the Lord….it sounds as though they were just going to church from habit rather than because they were Christ lovers…..not really born again.
2. Verses 8-11
a. How does the Lord Jesus identify Himself to the church at Smyrna? (verse 8)
As the Everlasting and Everliving One, the First and Last, having died and risen again.
b. What do these verses suggest to us? (verse 8; Psalm 121:2-8)
God is a LIVING God, not a dead idol! That He is ever watchful over His people at ALL times….He never slumbers or sleep on the job.
c. What commendation does this church have? (verse 9a; Acts 9:2, 4-5a)
the Lord knew all about their hardships and how they coped, as well as their outreaches into the community (He said they were rich spiritually). He was taking notice of all the persecution they were undergoing, even to being imprisoned and put to death.
d. Where did a lot of this persecution of the believers come from at that time? (Acts 9:2; 6:11-12; 17:13)
It came from the so-called religious people, the Jewish leaders of their faith.
e. What is the purpose of trials and tribulations for believers? (1 Peter 1:6-7)
They are testing times to prove the reality of our faith and to ultimately bring praise and glory to God.
f. What did our Lord say to His disciples about having trials? (John 16:33)
You WILL have tribulations in the world, but don’t be afraid, I have overcome the world and you can still have peace in the midst of it all.
g. How does Peter describe going through trials? (1 Peter 1:7b)
Like going through a fire and coming out refined.
h. What does the Lord tell this church to do? (verse 10)
To not be afraid, but to remain faithful, even if it means death.
i. What is His promise to them? (verses 10c-11)
If you do this, you will receive the crown of life.
j. What can we learn from this? (verse 11)
To stay faithful to the Lord means being kept from spiritual death.
k. How do John 3:16 and 36 back this thought up?
Both these verses use the world “believes” (present tense) a continued belief, not a oncer that is tried and then left. To continue to believe is to “have” eternal life.
l. What did our Lord Jesus say about “eternal life” ? (John 17:3)
Having eternal life is to KNOW God (personally) and Jesus Christ whom He sent….it is not enough to have a head knowledge knowing ABOUT Him, but it has to be a personal knowledge from the heart. The same difference as there is between having an acquaintance and a close friend.
3. Verses 12-17
a. How does the Lord Jesus identify Himself to the church at Pergamos? (verse 12)
As the One who wields the sharp two edged sword.
b. What is the sword that is referred to here? (Hebrews 4:12)
The Word of God is like a powerful and living two edged sword that twists and turns in a person’s heart and mind to get to the bottom of our motives and thoughts….there is nothing that it cannot reach!
c. What conclusion do we come to now from verse 12? (John 1:1-2)
Our Lord Jesus identifies Himself 100% with His Word; He IS the Word of God to the world, and His written Word does this for each believer today cutting right to the heart of any matter if we allow it to.
d. What commendation is given to these people? (verse 13)
God knew the difficulties of their circumstances and how they were standing fast in their faith, even to one of them being martyred.
e. What is the “BUT” that comes next? (verses 14-15)
There were two factors in this church promoting teaching anti-God ways….those who held onto their idol worship and immoral ways, and those who held with the Nicolaitane teachings.
f. What goes hand in hand with idol worship? (verse 14c; Numbers 25:1-3; Romans 1:23-27)
Immoral behaviour seems to be part of the rituals of idol worship…when people throw God out and make idols, God gives them up and they lose their sense of decency and moral right.
g. Read the story of Balaam in Numbers chapters 22-23; 31:1-16….this gives the background to verse 14. What was Balaam’s downfall ?
He was greedy and full of pretence….he pretended to follow the Lord, but told Balaak how to get the better of Israel through his girls and women which in turn led to idolatrous rites in dancing etc, which then led to immorality.
h. What was this church told to do? What would happen if they didn’t? (verse 16)
They were told to repent or else God would come in judgement quickly on them.
i. What would judge them if they didn’t clean their act up? (verse 16b; John 12:48)
The “sword of God’s mouth”….in other words, His Word (both living and written) will be the judge in the day to come.
j. What was the promise to the overcomer here? (verse 17)
They would be given the hidden manna (the Bread of Life) and a new name written on a white stone.
4. Verses 18-29
a. How does the Lord Jesus identify Himself to the church at Thyatira? (verse 18)
The Son of God with piercing eyes….the ALL SEEING One…and feet like fine brass…..the One who has trodden the place of judgement.
b. What commendation was given to these people? (verse 19)
God knew their good works, love, service, faith and patience.
c. What did the Lord have against these people in spite of their good deeds? (verses 14-15)
They were allowing teaching to creep in (promoted by a woman) which included idolatry and allowed immorality (including homosexuality) to be practised.
d. Idolatry and immorality were the norm in the world in those days….how can we identify with these things today? What might we see in our churches along these lines?
The normal way of people today is non-commitment, pleasure, making money and sport. These things are in the church today….people go if it suits them, they put sport first and if they can make a fast dollar, so what? Immorality is rife in the world today, from young to old, and it is in the church as well…..let us make sure that none of these things rule our lives.
e. These things were bad enough, but what was worse? (verse 21)
The fact that they had already been called upon to repent and had refused to.
f. What sort of judgement were they facing if they continued to refuse to repent? (verses 22-23; chapter 21:8)
They would reap the result of this way of life, and end up being thrown into the lake of fire.
g. What do we see as the result of homosexual and immoral behaviour today? (Romans 1:27)
We see AIDS and other sexual diseases rife and these ultimately bring suffering and death with everyone knowing that the peo9ple who have these diseases must have been engaged in these activities.
h. What is the natural end of people’s behaviour? (Galatians 6:7-8)
They reap what they sow….those who sow ungodly ways will reap the result and those who sow in spiritual things will reap life everlasting, peace and joy.
i. What was the Lord’s message to those at Thyatira who were not involved in these activities? (verses 24-25)
The Lord’s message to those not in agreement was to “hold fast” to what they had and to continue in these ways until the end.
j. What is the promise to the overcomers here? (verse 28)
They will have judgement over nations and the power to rule and will have a part in the Morning Star.
k. What is the Morning Star that they will have a part in? (chapter 22:16)
None other than our Lord Jesus Christ….if we do not have a part in Him, we will not be part of His people.
l. CHALLENGE…..Is what we are hanging onto here, worth hanging on to, to miss eternity with Christ ?
Revelation Three….(verses 1-22)
1. Verses 1-6
a. How does the Lord Jesus identify Himself to the church at Sardis? (verse 1a)
As the One who has the Sevenfold Spirit of God and holds the seven stars.
b. What does this description suggest to you? (verse 1b)
He is the One who knows all things and is in full control of all things….the ALL-KNOWING and ALL-POWERFUL One.
c. Is there any commendation for this church as a whole? (verses 2-3)
No, none whatever!
d. What description did our Lord give to this church? (verse 1b)
You make out you are an alive group, but in actual fact you are dead!
e. It was not too late to remedy the situation….what were they to do? (verse 3a)
Be watchful and strengthen what is right before it is too late….remember the first things you did, repent and go back to them.
f. What warnings were they given if they didn’t do this? (verse 3b)
They would be judged without any warning.
g. There were a few exceptions to this warning….who were they? (verse 4)
There were a few in this church who were walking with the Lord and they were counted worthy to receive His blessings.
h. What was the promise to these and any others who repented? (verse 5)
If they were overcomers and would repent, their sins would be forgiven and they would be clothed in white (righteousness) and their names would not be blotted out of the Book of Life…Christ Himself would stand with them before His Father and His angels.
i. Why do you think this verse….He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the seven churches….is inserted at the end of each section? (verse 6)
Because the state of each church is applicable to all believers at different stages in their lives and we would do well to heed the warnings and do something about it….it is one thing to hear with your physical ears, but another thing entirely to hear with your spiritual ears and obey. It is not merely a HEAD knowledge, but it must be a HEART knowledge.
2. Verses 7-13
a. How does the Lord Jesus identify Himself to the church in Philadelphia? (verse 7)
As the True and Holy One, the One with the Key of David and who has the final say in all things.
b. What does this description suggest to you? (verse 7; Hebrews 1:3a)
That He is the head of all things and has full control of everything.
c. What commendation is given to this church? (verse 8)
God knew what their circumstances were, what they were facing and how they were keeping His Word…..they may have been small and weak but they were faithful and doing what they could.
d. What encouragement were these people given? (verses 9-10)
Unbelievers would be made to recognise them for what they were and to know they were loved by God; they would also be kept from the hour of temptation because they had been faithful to God’s Word.
e. What warning were they given, even so? (verse 11)
To hold fast to what they had as the Lord is going to come quickly and unexpectedly…. otherwise they might lose their crown
f. Notice that it is MEN who would take their crown (not God)…..compare this with John 15:6 where it is men who gather those not abiding in Christ and burn them…..what do these two illustrations suggest?
That if believers let themselves slip into sinful ways, they will lose their testimony before men, and will bring shame to the name of Christ. Men will rubbish them as Christians.
g. What promise were the overcomers given here? (verse 12)
They would be made a pillar (an upholder) in God’s temple for ever and they would have the names of God and the new Jerusalem [placed on them forever.
3. Verses 14-22
a. How does the Lord Jesus identify Himself to the church at Laodicea? (verse 14; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Colossians 1:15)
As the AMEN, the FAITHFUL and TRUE witness, the beginning of God’s creation..
b. What commendation does He give these people? (verses 15-16)
None whatsoever!
c. What was their attitude? (verse 16)
They were drifters, going with the flow and having a lukewarm attitude; very materialistic and taking things easy.
d. How did they view themselves? (verse 17a)
With great complacency….they had everything they wanted and were relying on their material possessions.
e. What were they really like in God’s sight? How did He view them? (verse 17b)
As having nothing that really mattered….they were poverty stricken spiritually, poor, blind and naked.
f. Do you know people like this? What does this tell you?
It tells us that people never really have a true view of themselves…we never see ourselves as others see us! We all know people like this.
g. How can we get a true view of ourselves without making excuses? (Psalm 139:23-24)
By asking God to search our hearts and show us what we are before Him.
h. Do we find this a frightening thought?
If we aren’t right with God, it can be a very scary thought, but we must remember that God is just waiting for us to turn to Him and confess our sin and shortcomings..
i. We all know what we OUGHT to be like, and maybe we would like to be like this, but what are we REALLY like? Are we like these people? (Psalm 51:17)
This question gets right to the heart of the matter….it is not a question of DOING, it’s a question of BEING. Are we really right with God? Do we have a humble and contrite heart before Him and put Him first in our lives?
j. What was God’s advice to these people in this church? (verse 18)
Come to Me and I will give you true riches with clothes to cover your nakedness, and eye ointment to heal your blindness.
k. What statement does God make in verse 19? How does Hebrews 12:6-11 back this up?
Those who He loves, He will rebuke and chasten to bring them back to him and to give peace and righteousness to them.
l. Does He wipe these people altogether for their slackness? (verse 20)
No, He gives them an invitation to come to Him and allow Him to come into their lives and commune with Him…..He wants them to make a fresh start.
m. What promise does He give to those who mend their ways and become overcomers in this church? (verse 21)
He will give them a place beside Him in His throne, an honoured place, in spite of their failings at this time
4. Lessons to Learn…
a. What can we see from each of these churches that applies to all of us today?
i. That God sees and knows what each of us is up to and where we are at with Him.
ii. That we each have failings and weaknesses that we need to repent of.
iii. To be aware of any false teaching we might be given.
iv. That we need to be overcomers to receive the full blessing of God’s promises.
v. God’s promises are conditional on us doing our part….IF we overcome, then He will give us what He has promised.
Revelation Four….(verses 1-11)
1. Verses 1-11
a. What is revealed to us in this chapter? (verses 1-2)
Heaven is opened to human gaze and John saw God’s throne and the One sitting upon it.
b. What is similar in this description to the one that Ezekiel gave? (verse 3; Ezekiel 1:26-28)
The throne had One sitting on it who is not clearly described and there was a bow like a rainbow over and around it.
c. What does John say was round the throne? What significant number divides into this twice? (verse 4)
John saw twenty four seats with twenty four elders sitting on them clothed in bright clothing wearing golden crowns…..this number is twelve times two.
d. What significant groups in the Bible consist of twelve each? What do you think this represents? (Matthew 19:27-28)
There were the twelve tribes of Israel headed by the patriarchs, and there were the twelve apostles of Christ…..these represent the whole of God’s people, both Old Testament and New Testament saints. Therefore the Lord has ALL His people with Him around His throne with Himself in the midst.
e. What is clearly taught in John 10:14-16?
That all God’s people are equal and are ONE people….there is one flock and one Shepherd.
f. How does Paul expand this thought? (Galatians 3:26-29)
He shows that in Christ there is no difference between gender or ethnicity….all are ONE in Christ Jesus.
g. What else is present at the throne of God? (verse 5)
The seven lamps of fire which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God
h. What else did John see at the throne of God? (verses 6-8a)
Four living creatures which looked like a lion, calf, man and eagle.
i. What were each of these living creatures doing? (verses 8b-9)
They were giving praise and glory to God continually proclaiming His holiness.
j. What were the twenty four elders (God’s people) doing at the same time? (verse 10)
They worshipped God with their faces to the ground and threw their crowns before the Lord.
k. What does this signify? (James 1:17)
That all they had was given by the Lord in the first place.
l. What does it seem from verse 11b that the living creatures represent? (Psalm 98:4-9; 148: 1-13)
They seem to represent the whole of creation which is giving glory to God in unison.
m. What does the Psalmist call for? (Psalm 148:13)
For all of creation to praise the Lord!!
Revelation Five….(verses 1-14)
1. Verses 1-14
a. What did John see that the One on the throne was holding? (verse 1)
He was holding a book that was full of writing and sealed with seven seals.
b. What did the angel announce and ask for? (verse 2)
He asked for someone who was worthy to step forward and open the book.
c. What happened at this announcement? (verse 3)
There was no movement….no-one was worthy to come forward and do this.
d. How did John feel at this? (verse 4)
John was very sad and disappointed……he wept much because it couldn’t be opened.
e. Who stepped forward to open it in the end? How is He described? (verse 5; Ephesians 1:7; 1Peter 1:18-19)
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only worthy One to open it….He is described as being the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David.
f. What was His appearance like as He stepped forward to take the book? What qualified Him above all others to open this book? (verse 6; John 1:29)
He appeared as a sacrificed Lamb having paid the price of sin with His own blood which no-one else could do….He had seven horns (perfect power…omnipotence), seven eyes (the all seeing and all knowing One…omniscience) and the sevenfold Spirit of God going out into all the world….(the ability to be everywhere at once, omnipresence)
g. Who did Jesus Christ work through when He offered Himself a sacrifice to God? (2 Corinthians 5:19, 21; Hebrews 9:14)
God’s Holy Spirit, and indeed the Father Himself were all involved in paying the price of sin….the whole GODHEAD suffered together…..and now Christ is able to stand for all to see as the slaughtered Lamb that takes away the sin of the world.
h. What happened when the Lamb took the book? (verses 7-10; 1 Peter 2:9)
All those who were redeemed fell down before Him singing His praises and proclaiming His worthiness to take the book because He is the One who brings redemption to all the world and He is the One who has made them into a kingdom of priests to serve God.
i. What does the next group seem to be that proclaims His worthiness? (verses 11-12)
All the heavenly hosts and all creation also bows the knee and proclaims Him Lord to the glory of God.
j. What difference do you notice between the first group’s praise and this group? (verses 9b-10, 12)
The first group proclaims their salvation by the blood of the Lamb and their position as a kingdom of priests before God, but the second group can’t say this….nevertheless they proclaim the worthiness of the Lamb to receive the highest accolades and honour.
k. What does the secular world and all creatures say and do while this is going on? (verse 13; Philippians 2:9-11
They all bow down before Him and admit that He is Lord to God’s glory.
l. When we think of how non-Christians today talk, what is so ironical in this?
They use the name of Jesus and Jesus Christ in such filthy ways as swear words and in blasphemy, but in that day they will acknowledge who He is and proclaim Him Lord as well. But it will be too late to do them any good.
m. What does this show us the importance of? (2 Corinthians 6:2b)
To take up God’s offer of salvation NOW while there is still time to bow your knee before Him willingly rather than wait until that time when it will be done unwillingly.
Revelation Six….(verses 1-17)
There are several different explanations of this chapter, but we are going to take the historical point of view……….
1. Verses 1-17
a. What did John see when the first four seals were broken? (verses 1-8)
As each seal was broken, he saw four different coloured horses with riders.
b. Each one was characteristic of a national movement that tried to become world wide…what does the white horse suggest to you? (verse 2)
Religion……the Gospel went out widely to start with and then Satan brought in his counterfeit in the other religious movements. White is widely recognised as a symbol of purity, and it is the colour of the papal robes, the pope’s cars and even his aeroplane.
c. What was red the symbol of and what followed in its trail? (verses 3-4)
Red is the colour of communism and wars and battles followed this movement.
d. What followed the entry of the black horse? (verses 5-6)
Famines and rising inflation….financial ruin in many cases. A black flag is symbolic of anarchy.
e. The Greek word that is translated as “pale” in this verse, is translated as “green” in other places e.g. the same word is used where the Lord told the people to sit down on the “green” grass to get fed….what does this pale horse bring in its wake? (verses 7-8)
It brings death and hell, with helplessness and hopelessness….the end of the road you might say.
f. Look up “what religion has a green flag”? What do you see there?
The colour green appears in almost all the Arab and Islamic flags
g. What do we hear the radical Islamic people saying?
Death to Israel, Christians and all who disagree.
h. In the light of these thoughts, do we see these things happening in the world today? What does this suggest?
Yes, we do see these things today. These four seals suggest that this is a picture of the present world system, not necessarily for a time to come…..this is right at our door step.
i. What does the fifth seal show us? (verses 9-11)
Those who have been martyred down through time still waiting for the avenging of their blood….they already have their robes but know they have to wait until the final judgement when time has ceased to be.
j. What happened when the sixth seal was opened? What does it signify? (verse 12-17; chapter 16:18)
There was a tremendous earthquake, the largest the earth has ever seen, and a significant eclipse of the sun with the moon showing red like blood. This is the end of time, the end of the earth as we know it and the judgement of God….it will be a time of terror for all those who don’t know the Lord…..this is the end of the first picture of what is to come.
Revelation Seven (1-17)
1. Verses 1-17
We now go back and recap what has already happened and fill in a few more gaps from a different angle…..
a. Read this whole chapter through first….what is it a picture of?
The end of time and the beginning of eternity.
b. What sort of people are mentioned in verses 4-8? What are they a picture of?
People from each of the twelve tribes of Israel…. a picture of the Old Testament saints (believers).
c. What sort of people are mentioned in verse 9? Who do they represent?
People from every nation and language, all wearing white clothes and worshipping God….these represent the New Testament believers and includes the Old Testament ones as well….the WHOLE of the redeemed people.
d. What is this great multitude of people doing? (verses 10-12)
Praising and worshipping God for His salvation.
e. What does the rest of this chapter remind us of? (verses 13-17; chapter 5:11-14)
The description of the happenings in chapter five.
f. Therefore what could you say chapters 6-7 are a picture of?
A quick overview of the history of mankind, ending in heaven’s peace and bliss.
Revelation Eight and Nine….(verses 1-13 &1-21)
We have seen six seals each signifying different things, and now come to the seventh seal…..it wasn’t mentioned before. Let’s see what is going to happen now….
1. Verses 1-13
a. Who has been opening these seven seals? What do we see when this seventh one is broken? (verses 1-2)
The One like the slaughtered Lamb has been opening these seals…now we see seven angels with seven trumpets.
b. What has been happening while these seals were opening and now trumpets begin to blow? (verses 3-4)
The believers are praying and their prayers are as sacrifices and incense rising to God.
c. What happens as each of the first four trumpets are sounded? (verses 5-13)
Great disasters happen in the earth and skies and a third part of the earth is affected in each case.
2. Chapter 9:1-21
a. What does the fifth trumpet bring? (verses 1-4)
Torment to unbelievers….torment of mind and body which is brought by Satan, and a lack of peace.
b. What form does this torment take? (verses 5-12)
It’s like a stinging scorpion bite with constant unrest and noise.
Thought….. This torment could be likened to war….there are already large helicopters that have faces painted on them, they are certainly prepared for battle and made from metal, and their rotors could be likened to the sound of chariots and horses running to battle. All war is stimulated by the evil one (verse 11).
c. What did the sixth trumpet bring? (verses 13-19)
Plagues and diseases which wipe out great numbers of people, and further wars and battles.
d. Do any of these disasters cause people on the whole to turn to God in repentance? (verses 20-21)
No, not on the whole.
e. Do we see these things happening in the world today?
Yes, to a greater or lesser degree, depending which country.
Revelation Ten….(verses 1-11)
1. Verses 1-11
a. What did John see in verses 1-2?
He saw a great and bright shiny angel come down from heaven with a little opened book in his hand and stand with one foot on the land and one on the sea.
b. What happened when the angel set his feet down? (verse 3 )
He shouted out loudly and seven thunders answered back
c. What was John told to NOT write down? (verse 4)
He was told to not write what the seven thunders were saying when the mighty angel came from heaven with the little book.
d. Where was this angel standing? What do you think this signifies? (verses 2, 5)
He was standing with one foot on the earth and one on the sea….this shows that he was all-encompassing, covering the whole earth with his message.
e. What did this angel announce to the whole earth? (verse 6)
That there would be no time at all, no further delay, before the seventh trumpet would sound.
f. What did this last trumpet bring? (verse 7)
The completion of the mystery of God….His church was now complete and the end of the old order was at hand.
g. What is this “mystery of God”? (Colossians 1:26-27)
The mystery of God is the fact of He in His people….all those who have come to know Him in this life. Now it was finished and the last one has come to Him and His Body is complete.
h. What did Paul tell his readers about this same event? How do we know it IS the same event and time? (1 Corinthians 15:51-54)
Paul says that all believers will hear and respond to this last trumpet, and be changed in a moment of time into their celestial bodies.
i. What popular thought about this time does Paul NOT say?
He does not say that we will be whisked away in a twinkling of an eye, he says we will be changed in that moment of time.
j. What was John told to do next? (verses 8-9)
To take the little book from the angel and to eat it.
i. What does this little book do for John? What do books contain? (verse 10)
Books contain messages and writings. This message was sweet to John, and so God’s Word is sweet to His people. But it was bitter in his stomach (after he had taken it in) and so there are often bitter consequences for God’s people after accepting the Gospel message, from persecution and/or crucifying the flesh.
Revelation Eleven….(verses 1-19)
1. Verses 1-19
This chapter is full of symbolism as we will see. One example is in verse 8 where it says that our Lord was crucified in Sodom and Egypt, and we know that He was actually crucified in Jerusalem. We must be careful not to get ourselves bogged down trying to work everything out, but to just take the meat and leave the bones (things we don’t understand)
a. What was John told to measure? What was he told to NOT measure? (verse 1)
He was told to measure the Temple of God and the altar there, but not to measure the court which was given to the Gentiles.
b. What do Paul and Peter both tell us that God’s true temple is made up of? (1 Corinthians 3:11, 16-17; 1 Peter 2:4-6 )
It is made up of the living stones of believers which are built on the foundation of the Apostles of Jesus Christ with Him as the Chief Corner Stone.
c. Why do you think John was told to measure the inner court and yet not to measure the outer court of the Gentiles? (verse 2)
Perhaps it is that the first part of the temple is made up of the Old Testament dispensation of believers and is past and complete, while the New Testament complement of believers is still being gathered in.
d. Who comes into the picture now? (verse 3)
Two witnesses which give God’s message for a certain period of time.
e. What are these two witnesses, and what do they stand for? (verse 4; Psalm 52:8; Revelation 1:20)
The olive tree is symbolic of Israel, and the lampstand is symbolic of the true church of God. These two witnesses are those who proclaim God’s Word, from Old Testament times to New Testament times.
f. What does verse 7 suggest?
That at the end of the time of preaching God’s Word, it will seem that they are dead and the beast has the victory over them.
g. Where will it seem that they are dead and what happens at this time? What are Sodom and Egypt symbolic of? (verses 8-10)
Sodom and Egypt are symbolic of this world system that has turned its back on God and His Son, and that in fact crucified (and continues to crucify Him by refusing His message) Jesus Christ. God’s message and messengers have never been welcomed by the world system, and if it could, it would crucify the Gospel now. But this can never be done away with and keeps rising afresh at different times and places and will continue to do so until the end of time.
h. What does verse 11 seem to tell us? What can we infer from this?
It says that after this period of time when it seems that preaching the Gospel has been completely annihilated and done away with, that there will be a mighty revival, so much so that people will be afraid
i. What does verse 12 tell us?
That there will be a great voice calling all those who are the olive tree and lampstand to come up to heaven; they rose up in a cloud with everyone seeing them.
j. What is going to happen in the earth at this very same time? (verse 13; chapter 16:18)
There is going to be the largest earthquake the world has ever experienced.
2. Verses 15-19
a. The seventh angel’s trumpet finishes blowing….(all the preceding events happen as it begins to start blowing…10:7) What happens next? Compare it carefully with chapter 10:7… (verse 15; Philippians 2:10-11)
It is talking about the seventh angel and his trumpet again when Jesus Christ has subdued all kingdoms and taken His own kingdom and presented it to His Father as His perfect and glorious church (bride) without spot or blemish. It is at this time that every knee will bow before Him declaring that He is Lord to the glory of God
b. What do you notice in these two passages about the seventh angel? (verse 15; chapter 10:7)
In 10:7 the angel is beginning to sound, and in verse 15 the trumpet has been blasted with voices in heaven proclaiming Him Lord and that He will reign for ever and ever. In the first one, things are starting to happen and in verse 15 everything is finalised.
c. How does 1 Corinthians 15:52 tie in with this?
Paul tells us that when the LAST trumpet will sound, Jesus Christ will return for His people….for there to be a “last”, there must have been others preceding it!
d. Where is the temple of God at this time? What is God’s temple? What is happening on earth? (verse 19; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6: 16)
God’s temple is His completed people….here it is seen open in heaven. On earth there is complete and utter chaos
e. What does verse 15 tell us?
The seventh angel has sounded his trumpet, and it sounds as if the whole of the kingdom of Christ is wrapped up and the eternal state begun…The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever
f. Verses 16-17 show the same picture that 5:13-14 do. What is the scene? (Philippians 2:9-11)
It shows the whole of creation acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and giving glory to God.
g. Verse 18 is divided into three parts….what does the first part of verse 18 indicate? How does this Psalm passage tie in with this? (Psalm 2:1-5)
It shows man’s rebellion against God and how they have thrown Him out of their lives. This brings God’s anger on them, and His judgements which no-one can escape. God has given all people a chance to escape this and they have deliberately refused and now they must pay for it.
h. How does Hebrews 9:27 back the second section of verse 18 up?
It tells us that after we die, we are all going to be judged.
i. Who is going to bring the accusations against us? (Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12)
We are going to give an account of ourselves to God as He sees us….not as we see ourselves. We are not going to give an account of anyone else, or be able to point the finger as a reason for our actions or words.
j. Besides our deeds, what else are we going to be judged on? (Matthew 12:36-37; Romans 14:10,12)
We are going to be judged on our words, and WE are going to be the ones who will drag up every unconfessed nasty word we have ever said to or about others! Not a nice thought!
k. When all the judging is done, what is Jesus Christ going to do with us (after all, He is the One who died to save us from our sins) ? (Ephesians 5:25-27)
He is going to present His people to Himself as a spotless (without blemish) group to be with Him for ever. What a glorious thought!
l. i. In addition to this, what does the second section of verse 18 tell us?
That rewards will given to all of God’s people, both Old Testament and New Testament (prophets and saints)
ii. Read Matthew 16:27; Luke 6:23, 35; Revelation 22:12….what are these verses about and Who is speaking these words?
These verses are all about the giving (Christ) and receiving (God’s people) of rewards after the Lord returns, and in each case it is the Lord Jesus Himself speaking.
m. In the light of all this, how should we be living here NOW? Why? (2 Peter 1:3-11; 1 John 2:28)
We are to abide in Him and exhibit all the characteristics shown in Peter’s passage, so we will not have to feel ashamed before Him at the time of rewards.
n. Notice….we are not going to be judged FOR our sins as Jesus Christ has taken them all away, but we ARE going to be rewarded for how we have lived. We will all have the reward of being with Him in glory and clothed in righteousness, but some will receive additional greater rewards than others, and all wrongs will be put right. What a glorious prospect lies ahead of us!
o. What do you notice Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:5 about this occasion?
That when God brings the hidden things to light in His people, He doesn’t condemn because all sin has been forgiven, but He gives praise where praise is due.
p. What do verses 16-19 remind us of that we have already seen in Revelation? (chapter 5:8-14; 7:9-17)
It is the picture of the complete body of saints (both old and new testament) worshipping God with the temple of God open for all to see….His church is now on show before all eyes. Both pictures are identical.
p. What does this seem to indicate? How can we tie it in with the four presentations of the story of the crucifixion?
Chapter 5 is the heavenly scene which is presented after the seven churches have been spoken to. Chapter 7 is the heavenly scene shown after the seven seals were broken.
Chapter 11 is the same heavenly scene presented at the end of the seven trumpets.
This seems to indicate that so far there have been three different presentations of the same events…..there is only ONE end but three different angles of the same events leading up to the end of ALL things. Just as in the four Gospels, there are four different presentations of the crucifixion ….there was only ONE crucifixion and ONE resurrection, but four different accounts of the same events, with one telling one thing and some telling others.
This is the third picture of the end of everything…it has filled in a bit more of the happenings of this time.
Revelation Twelve….(verses 1-17)
1. Verses 1-17
a. What three characters are mentioned in verses 1-5?
The pregnant woman, the great red dragon and the child that was born.
b. What can we see about this child that was born? (verses 4-5 )
The dragon tried to destroy this child as soon as he was born.
c. If the Jewish nation is represented by the woman, who was the most important child ever born in it? (Matthew 1:21; 1 John 4:14)
Jesus, the Saviour of the world is the most important child to have ever been born.
d. What did Herod try to do to Him? What stimulated Herod to try this? (Matthew 2:13)
Herod tried to kill Him as a baby….this was Satan’s way to try to get rid of the Saviour of mankind.
e. What do verses 7-11 tell us?
That Satan and his angels were dispelled from heaven once and for all and thrown into the earth, and the kingdom of God and the power of Christ had come.
f. What did our Lord Jesus say about Satan? (Luke 10:18)
That He had seen Satan fall from heaven like a shaft of lightning.
g. What does verse 13 tell us?
That the dragon persecuted the woman.
h. What does history tell us that Satan has done over the years to the Jewish nation?
The Jews have been ostracised and persecuted beyond measure, even to the present time.
i. What is Satan called in verse 10? What is he doing in verse 17?
He is called the accuser of the believers and he makes war continually with them.
j. What does Peter refer to him as? (1 Peter 5:8)
Peter calls him the adversary of the believers and likens him to a hungry roaring lion.
k. How can we overcome Satan and his temptations? (verse 11)
By the “blood of the Lamb”; the death of Jesus Christ which takes away all our sins.
l. How can we do this practically to be effective? (1 John 1:7b)
By quoting out loud “The blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses me from all sin”. It is surprising how this lessens the temptation and gives one the strength to overcome hurt, anger, disappointments and temptations.
m. What is the overall impression that one gets from this chapter? Is Jesus Christ going to be born again into this world? (Romans 6:9-10; Hebrews 10:12)
This chapter seems to be an overview of history since the birth of Jesus Christ….He is NOT going to be born again into this world. Therefore this shows that the book of Revelation is not a blow by blow chronological account of things to come, it is merely different overviews of man’s history and God’s dealing with mankind.
n. What does Revelation 1:19 tell us the book is about?
The things before John, at his time and what was going to continue happening from then on.
o. How much further down the time line are we now from John?
We are two thousand years further on…..much has happened since John’s time, with still more to come.
Revelation Thirteen – Fourteen…..
1. Chapter 13…..We see here images and pictures of actual things that have happened and are happening on the earth right now, things that represent nations and countries. Many of these images tie in with what Daniel saw in his visions many centuries before John wrote this………….
a. What did John see happening next? (verse 1)
He saw an ugly animal, rising up out of the sea with seven heads and ten crowns.
b. What were the characteristics of this beast? (verses 1c-2 )
It was full of blasphemy and was part leopard, bear and lion.
c. Remembering that this beast is a picture of nations, do you know which modern day country these animals are the symbols of? (you may not be able to identify all of them)
The leopard is Germany’s symbol; the bear is Russia’s symbol and the lion is the symbol of England.
d. Therefore what group of countries are these three part of ?
They are part of Europe.
e. What gave these countries their authority? (Verse 2c; John 8:44) (think back to the world wars and what went on then)
It came from Satan, the great destroyer, symbolised by the dragon.
f. What was the main aim of these nations? (verses 5-7)
To blaspheme God and destroy His people, the Jews.
g. This has not only happened in the past and present, but it is happening again today in various places…what two sorts of people do we see here? (verses 4,7)
Those who worshipped the Beast (world system) and those who worshipped God (whose names were in The Book of Life)
h. When was the Book of Life written up with people’s names? How could this be so? (chapter 17:8b)
It was written up BEFORE God even began to make the world….this was possible because of God’s foreknowledge because He knew all things and KNEW who would accept His offer of salvation and turn to Him.
i. What else do we see was known BEFORE the earth was made? (verse 8c)
That God’s Son would come to earth and die for the sins of the world….no wonder God chose a lamb for the Israelite’s offering to symbolise His Son as the Lamb of God!
j. What sort of marks do we see put on ALL people? (verses 16-18; chapter 14:1)
There is the mark of the Beast on people who worship him in their right hands or their foreheads, and those who worship God will have His name on their foreheads.
k. What does the right hand and the forehead signify?
The actions and thoughts of man….his will, his choice. What a person chooses to do with Jesus Christ on this earth will go with him into eternity, there will be no turning back!
2. Chapter 14………Many people get hung up on different types of groups in heaven, but our Lord Jesus said there is only going to be ONE flock and ONE shepherd (John 10:16).
a. How many people are mentioned here? How is this number arrived at? (chapter 7:3-8)
They come from the twelve tribes of Israel (12 x 12), and indicate the people of Israel who have followed the Lord.
b. Does this mean that they are exclusively the only ones there? (chapter 7:9-17)
No, but they are the only ones mentioned in this passage…..in chapter 7 we see the rest of the redeemed who all have the same characteristics as this group.
c. How are God’s people described here? (verses 1-5)
They are sealed with God’s seal, they sing a new song, are undefiled (pure) in God’s sight, and as the redeemed are without fault before Him.
d. What do we see about the Gospel of God in verse 6? (Matthew 28:18-20 )
It is everlasting and has been, is and will continue till the end of time to be preached to every nation and language on earth.
e. What does the Gospel of God proclaim today? (Acts 4:12; 16:30-31; Hebrews 9:27)
That judgement is inevitable….it is appointed unto man to die and after this the judgement. There is only one name we can be saved from judgment by, Jesus Christ, and if we believe on Him we shall be saved.
Revelation Fifteen – Sixteen…..
1. Chapter 15…..
a. What does verse 2 tell us about?
John saw a bright shining sea like glass reflecting fire with God’s people standing on it playing with harps and singing praises to God.
b. What was going on in the background while this was happening? (verse 1)
There were seven angels holding the last seven plagues that were going to come.
c. What is the contrast between the “sea of glass” and the “waters”? (verse 2a; chapter 4:6; 17:15 )
The sea of glass is only mentioned in connection with God’s throne and God’s people while we are clearly told that the “waters” are the masses of the world’s population that are following the world system (the whore).
d. What did John see in verse 6?
He saw seven angels come out of God’s temple in heaven wearing pure white clothes, and each carrying a golden bowl full of God’s anger against sin and evil.
e. Following the thought of one of the “four beasts” giving the angels the golden bowls full of God’s anger and judgement, what does John 3:36 tell us?
That the Gospel must present both sides of the story….that those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God will have life, and those who refuse or ignore it suffer the consequences of receiving God’s wrath (great anger and retribution)
2. Chapter 16…..Random thoughts on this chapter rather than actual teaching… we are seeing these things beginning to happen today, and they will get much, much worse in the future……
a. What does verse 1 tell us about?
Seven angels were commanded to pour out the bowls of God’s anger and retribution on the earth
b. What are some of the dreadful diseases we see today in unbelievers”? ( verse 2; Romans 1:26-27)
AIDS and HIV as well as STD due to a lax moral way of life.
c. What do we see in verse 3? What example of this did we see in 2010?
Pollution of the ocean with the oil explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.
d. What further pollution do we see next? How has this come to pass already in rare cases? (verses 4)
All the fresh water becomes polluted, and we have seen this with the odd case of nuclear fallout, such as Chernobyl and Japan after the tsunami. Acid rain contributes to this. People reap the consequences of their actions.
e. We complain about the sun being hotter than it used to be, but we haven’t seen anything yet! How bad does it get? What is the reaction of the people at this phenomena? (verse 9)
It gets bad enough to scorch people, and they still refuse to acknowledge God’s power….they attribute it all to Mother Nature, or to the earth rebelling at man’s careless use of the environment
f. In what sense is the world full of darkness today? (verse 10; John 3:19-20)
It is full of spiritual darkness which brings misery and pain…..men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.
g. We have already seen certain nations indicated in the symbolism of animals in chapter 13….what nations are indicated in verse 12?
The kings of the east suggest China, Japan and other Asian nations.
h. You may think that a lot of what we have studied is a bit fanciful, but we see how God uses symbols here that are clearly explained…..what are we told in verses 13-14?
That the demons that John saw came like frogs from the dragon to the beast and the false prophet, and they were able to do great miracles that brought the whole world together in wonder to the last great world war.
i. What persons are symbolised in those verses? (verses 13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12)
The dragon is Satan himself; the beast is the one world government headed by the Man of Sin, and the one world religion run by one head…..these three set themselves against God, His Son and His people.
j. What are we told about the coming of the Lord Jesus and His people in verse 15? (verses 16-18; 1 John 2:28)
That He is coming like a thief….suddenly and with no warning….His people are those who are watching for Him and keeping their lives in order (abiding in Him) so they will not be ashamed before Him in that day.
k. What do we see in verses 18-21? How many times has this earthquake been mentioned? (6:12; 11:13)
We see the largest earthquake that has ever been on earth where the mountains and islands are moved out of their places, and the earth is convulsed in its death throes. This earthquake is mentioned three times, and even the sun, moon and stars are affected by it. The whole earth is affected by it, and the end of the world system of finance and politics (Babylon) comes to an end.
Note…..in each case this earthquake comes at the action of the seventh angel…when he blows his trumpet and tips his bowl out.
l. Before we leave chapter 16, what do you see happening in the last verse?
Tremendous hailstorm with huge hailstones causing much damage; people blaming a God they say doesn’t exist for this.
m. When do we see the other mentions of hail falling? ( 8:7; 11:19; 16:21 )
Two other times and in each case the hail is associated with the earthquake at one of the angels’ action
n. So what can we assume from these accounts?
That it is three different accounts of the same thing.
Revelation Seventeen- Eighteen…..
1. Chapter 17 ……(Read chapters 17-18 through at one sitting first)
a. What does John digress to explain about in these two chapters? (verses 4-5)
The woman who is called BABYLON.
b. Who took John to see this woman and explain her to him? ( verse 1 )
One of the angels who had the golden bowls.
c. In Ezekiel 23, we read how God describes the nations of Israel and Judah as prostituting wives when they drifted into the idolatrous habits of the surrounding nations. This may give a better understanding of this description of this woman. How does John describe her in verse 2?
As a woman who actively seeks out to fornicate with the people of the earth.
d. Taking the chapter in Ezekiel into account, what does this “formication” and “prostitution” (whoredoms) represent? (Exodus 20: 2-6)
It represents those who have thrown God out of their lives (either actively or passively) and turned to worshipping idols and following heathen practices (an idol is not necessarily just an image, but anything that takes God’s place in one’s life)
e. Going back to this woman called Babylon….what impression do you get of her? What does she represent? (verses 4-6, 18)
She is attractive and wealthy, but totally evil, self seeking and implacable…she represents the world system that we see around us today, one that has thrown God out and made her own rules…..I, me and mine regardless! She is implacable in her evilness, and causes many martyrdoms of the people of God.
f. What is the main aim of this woman? How does it compare with Satan’s aim? (verses 6a, 14a; Isaiah 14:12-14)
To destroy God’s people and take God’s place. Satan has always wanted God’s position and he continually seeks to thwart God’s plan and have people follow him instead. Satan leads this woman.
g. The main aim of this world system….what are nations taking out of their constitutions? What do we see happening around us today?
Nations are taking God out of their constitutions, and saying they are past all that, and are now a secular nation.
h. What has this system (woman) been responsible for all down through the years? (verse 6)
All the martyrs of God….they killed the prophets in Old Testament times, and took the lives of as many believers as they could……all the martyrs of the early church, the middle ages, and in modern times as well where there is active opposition to the Gospel.
3. Chapter 18 …..
a. What do we see collapsing in this chapter that has already begun? (verses 2; 15-17)
The financial systems of the world, with banks foreclosing and crashing; financial advisors taking off with people’s savings; investments disappearing into thin air.
b. We are seeing the beginning of these things….people are hoping for recovery but only time will tell…at some stage there will be no recovery at all……what five categories of people of people do we see in this chapter all bewailing this collapse? ( verses 4 &24; 9, 11, 17-19; 22 )
The kings and rulers as their kingdoms and nations collapse; merchants and financiers who have nothing left to work with; the transport system because there is nothing moving any more; all industry comes to a standstill and social life stops; God’s people stand apart from this system.
Revelation Nineteen…..(verses 1-21)
1. Verses 1-21 ……(Read chapters 19-20 through at one sitting first….we are not going to try to pinpoint time frames here, but just concentrate on the things that John SAW and HEARD)
a. What do these two chapters cover? (This time is still in the future of man’s history)
The consummation of God’s great plan….His people are honoured and exalted to be with Him for ever and all evil is judged and destroyed
b. How do verses 4-6 parallel with chapters 5:8-14, 7:9-17, and 11:15-17?
They all show the same picture of God’s people in the eternal state with all evil put away, giving praise and honour and glory to God.
c. What extra bit of information does John give now about God’s people and this time of glorification and praise? (verses 7-9)
That God’s people are called the Bride of Christ, and this time of rejoicing is called the marriage supper of the Lamb.
d. What does verse 11 tell us that John saw?
He saw a white horse coming from heaven with a rider called Faithful and True ready to make judgement on the earth.
e. What does it say here about this horse and rider that isn’t said about the other horsemen ? (verse 11; chapter 6:1-8)
This horse and rider comes out of heaven….it doesn’t say where the other horsemen came from..
f. What is the description of this Horseman? (verses 11c-13)
He is a righteous judge with eyes like flaming fire piercing and all seeing, wearing many crowns and having a secret name. He was wearing a cloak red with blood and He was called the “Word of God”.
g. Taking this description along with John 1:1-2, Hebrews 4:12-13 and Revelation 1:13-16, what picture do we see about this Person?
It is none other than Jesus Christ, the Word of God, with all seeing eyes and words that cut like sharp sword.
h. How is God going to judge the world at the final judgement? (John 12:48; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16)
He is going to judge the world by Jesus Christ and by the Word that He spoke while here on earth which we have a record of in the Bible.
i. What valid excuse will people have as they stand before Him? (Genesis 18:25; Matthew 12:37; 1 Peter 4:5)
There will be no excuse whatsoever….people will see themselves as God sees them and will condemn themselves, admitting that God’s judgement is right and fair.
j. What does verse 16 tell us? How does this compare with Philippians 2:9-11?
That this great Person has his glorious Name written on His clothes for all to see…..King of kings and Lord of lords. There is none greater and ALL will give Him glory for Who He is.
k. What is the final thing seen in this chapter? (verses 17-21)
The one world army and its leaders come together to fight against God and the armies of heaven with the result that the religious leader and the political leader of the world will be dealt with by being thrown into the final punishment, the lake of fire.
l. We won’t go into what the lake of fire is apart from looking at what Jesus Christ says about it….how did He describe it? (Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:23-25)
He said that it is a place of torment where no-one wants to be, where there is no peace or rest….the worm (whatever that may be…memory? regrets?) never dies.
m. How long is eternity?
For ever and ever, a time without end.
Revelation Twenty…..(verses 1-15)
1. Verses 1-15……(There is a quite a bit of controversy about the details of verses 1-9, but we will look at the facts)
a. What facts are we absolutely certain about in this chapter? (verse 4a; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3)
That God’s people are going to be with Christ , judging with Him.
b. What do we see in verses 8-9 again? ( 19:19 )
Another picture of the final battle between the nations of the world and God and His people.
c. What additional facts can we see here? (verses 4c, 6b; 8-9; 10)
That Jesus Christ is going to rule and reign and His people will be with Him; that Satan will be dealt with and punished once and for all; that there will be a final war.
d. What are we told here about the final judgement? (verses11-15)
That it IS coming and that ALL people are going to stand before God with His books open in which is the record of their deeds and words.
e. Is anyone going to be able to avoid this? What about those who have been cremated and their ashes scattered over the sea? (verses 13, 15)
No-one is able to get out of this judgement….the earth and sea are going to give up ALL the dead (remember, the body is only one third the part of man!)….it is the spirit and soul that will be judged and they have continued to live regardless of what happened to the body.
f. What is the criteria for people to escape the second death? (verse 15; 21:24,27)
To have their name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…… this was done BEFORE the world began! (because God knew back then who would accept His salvation and who would refuse it….nothing takes God by surprise!)
g. What are we told about death and hell in verse 14?
They are going to be thrown into the lake of fire….they are the last enemies to be dealt with.
h. What will Christ do with them at this stage? (1 Corinthians 15:24-26)
Christ has already got the victory over them, and will put them under His feet.
i. What is the believer’s experience with both physical and spiritual death? (1 Corinthians 15:51-55)
Physical death has lost its sting, and spiritual death doesn’t even come into it.
j. What is the final fate of those whose names are NOT written in the Book of Life? (verse 15)
They will also be thrown into the lake of fire where Satan and all his cohorts will be.
k. What are the people like who will be there? (21:8)
It is the fearful, unbelieving abominable, murderers, immoral, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars.
l. What about the good and kind people who aren’t Christians? Do they have a better fate? (Mark 9:43-48; Luke 16:23-25)
We can only go by what the Bible tells us.
m. What sort of people are first and last on this list? (20:8)
The fearful and unbelieving, and all liars….those who were too afraid of losing their “freedom” to do their own thing, and those who thought they couldn’t believe what God said..
n. How many lies does a person have to tell to become a liar? What did Jesus Christ say about those who tell lies? (John 8:44)
Just one…..those who tell lies are the children of Satan.
Revelation Twenty-one…..(verses 1-27)
1. Verses 1-8
a. What did John see next? What does he tell us about the first one? (verse 1)
He saw a new heaven and a new earth….the first ones had gone.
b. What was significant about the second earth? What is this symbolic of? ( verse 1c)
There was no more sea….whether this was just symbolic or literal we will have to wait and see. The sea is symbolic of separation and also of the masses of unsaved humanity.
c. What does Peter tell us about the first earth and heaven? (2 Peter 3:10-12)
That the stars are going to fall to the earth, and everything will melt with a tremendous heat and dissolve away.
d. What did John see in verse 2? What does a city consist of? What is an empty city called?
He saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem coming out of heaven….a city is made up of people, without them it remains a ghost city.
e. What does John liken the city to? (verse 2)
It was so beautiful, he likened it to a bride ready for her marriage.
f. What is the ultimate for God’s people? (verse 3)
God being with His people physically, living and interacting with them.
g. What is the contrast between then and now for God’s people in that place? (verses 4-5; Isaiah 65:17)
There will be no more sorrow or tears, no more separation or pain because everything will be new, we won’t remember things that happened in our earthly life.
h. We know that much sadness happened in our earthly life that we wouldn’t want to remember, but what is another reason that we won’t remember things? (1 Corinthians 2:9)
We will be so completely taken up with the Lord and the new and wonderful things He has for us to explore and do, that the old life will not even come to mind! Why would a butterfly want to remember being a caterpillar?
i. The believers are in this wonderful new place, with all evil having been dealt with, so what does John go on to talk about? What is a picture of this relationship? (verse 9; Ephesians 5:22-32)
He goes on to talk about the bride, the Lamb’s wife. Ideal marriage in this day and age is symbolic of Christ and His church with love and headship at the centre. How sadly it falls down in practice!
j. What does John go on to compare God’s people with? ( verse 10 )
The heavenly and holy city, the new Jerusalem coming from God.
k. What does the description of this city of God, His bride, indicate to us? How does it differ from cities of today? (verses 11-21; Ephesians 5:27)
It is the most beautiful thing, all shimmering and perfect, equal in every direction and built of the most precious stones imaginable! God’s people are all equal and of infinite value to Him…all sparkling pure.
l. What are the main characteristics of this city? What do they represent? (verses 12-14, 22-23)
Its gates and foundations….the gates representing the old testament saints (Israel) and the foundations representing the saints (church, bride) of the new testament-modern times. All of God’s people are gathered together in this heavenly city, with the Triune God at the centre of His people! What a wonderful prospect!!!
m. What do verses 22-27 show us?
It is a city without barriers…God and His Lamb are freely available in access to everyone at all times. No light is needed, as God’s glory lightens it with no shadow of any kind. There are no barriers or gates, everyone is free to move around. There is nothing to mar anything, only innumerable blessings available to all….how much God’s people have to look forwards to!!
n. What are we told again is the ticket to being in this place? (verse 27b)
Only those who have their name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be there.
Revelation Twenty-two…..(verses 1-21)
1. Verses 1-5
a. What is the main thing about this heavenly place? What prevails? (verses 1-2)
It is life in abundance! The river of life and the tree of life are there for all to partake of.
b. What do you think is significant about the tree of life? (verse 2; Genesis 3:22, 24)
It is at the beginning of the Bible and at the end….it signifies the way of life that God intended for man to enjoy, but which man lost through his disobedience and sin. When sin has been dealt with finally and completely done away with, the tree of life is accessible to all once more.
c. What does verse 3a tell us?
That the curse of mankind has gone for eternity
d. What sort of body will people have in heaven? (verses 3-5; Mark 12:25; 1 Corinthians 15:53-54; Galatians 3:28; 1 John 3:2)
We don’t know the finer details, but we do know that we will be like Jesus Christ , and that we will have a heavenly body (like the angels) that will live for ever; there will be open relationships between everyone there (all the same) and we will have characteristics and abilities that we don’t even comprehend here on earth.
e. What do we see about Jesus Christ after His resurrection? (Luke 24:30-31, 51; John 20:19, 26)
He could just appear and disappear at will; we see that He went up to heaven bodily in the sight of those with Him.
f. What is the contrast between then and now in the mode of travel for God’s people in that place?
It seems there will be no need for vehicles, ships or planes to get around!
g. What sort of things will we be doing? (verses 3b, 5; chapter 5:8-14)
We don’t know the finer details, but we are told that we will be serving God and reigning for ever and will be praising and worshipping Him Who lives for ever….no-one will have time to be bored!!!.
h. Jesus Christ has been revealed in His heavenly glory….what is His last message to mankind in this book? (verses 16-17)
He is going to return quickly, but He still extends the invitation to “Come” to people while there is time…..He still has blessings for those who want to follow Him! It is not too late yet to come to Him.
i. Who is giving the invitation in verse 17? Who is giving it today?
The Holy Spirit of God and His people, the Church…..the message is going out today by God’s people through the power of the Holy Spirit.
j. What will happen to any person who adds to this book or downgrades any part of it? (verses 18-19)
Anyone who does this doesn’t have their name written in the Book of Life….they are not a true believer.
k. What was John’s final response to this revelation he had been given? Can we say this too wholeheartedly? (verse 20)
“Even so, come Lord Jesus”. This should be the response of every believer’s heart. We should be more open to these things and thinking more about them than we do….these are the things of ETERNITY that will last forever.