Meeting# 5 (Chapters 11, 12 & 13) | This Week’s Leader: Lane Butt
(Reminder to the leader, we’ve been running over timewise, try and start as close to 7:00 pm as possible.)
Revelation can be divided into six sections:
1. Introduction (1:1-8)
2. Vision of Jesus (1:9-20)
3. Message to the Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
4. Visions of the seven-sealed scroll, the seven trumpets, and the seven bowls (4:1-19:10)
5. Vision of the return of Christ and the fulfillment of this age (19:11-20:15)
6. Vision of the new heaven, the new earth, and the new Jerusalem (21:1-22:21)
Introduction: This is our fifth meeting of the Spring Semester for the Men’s “Called” Growth Group. Friendly reminder that anyone is welcome to join, and you do not have to have been at a previous meeting to attend. We meet at 7:00 pm and will continue meeting through the end of May 2024 (05/29/2024).
This semester, Called Men’s Group is conducting a Bible study of the Book of Revelation. Which is a book of hope and warning to believers to repent from sin and live righteously. John also wrote the Book to encourage the seven churches to resist demands to worship the Roman emperor and now warns us in present-time to resist temptations of the modern world that pulls us away from God and that we should remain committed to Christ.
As we have said in previous meetings, God didn’t give us the book of Revelation to build bomb shelters, but to tell others about Jesus. - We too are taking this approach with this semester’s Bible Study.
Quick review of last week (Genisis Ch. 3 and Revelation Ch. 9 and 10):
In Genisis 3, the serpent lied to Adam and Eve and convinced them to doubt God’s instructions. The serpent made it sound like their life would be better by disobeying God; but it turned out worse. Sin separates us from God, and Adam and Eve no longer enjoyed the company of God in the same way after their sin. In Revelation: Chapter 9, the fifth trumpet announces the locusts who are representative of demons with the power to sting and torment non-believers.
The sixth trumpet announced the coming of an army of warriors on horses. In Chapter 10 an angel gives John a scroll to eat, it is sweet and bitter, meaning that God’s Word is sweet to believers because it brings encouragement. But it sours our stomach because of the coming judgement pronounced on unbelievers and those who reject God.
This Week’s Prayer: Father God, thank you for allowing us to come together tonight and study your word. Lord, help us to open our eyes to your truth and give us courage to share your Good News with others. Father keep us safe from persecution and help us to persevere and remain faithful to you. -Amen
Scripture: Read - Revelation Chapters 11:1 – 13:18
Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)
Reminder that trumpets have three purposes: to warn that judgment is certain; to announce the battle between the forces of good and evil; and to announce the return of the King, the Messiah, King Jesus. – These trumpets offer us a warning and urge us to make sure our faith is firmly fixed on Jesus.
The Temple in Chapter 11, is believed to be a symbol of the church, compromised by all true believers.
It is believed that John measured the Temple to show that God was, and still is today, building walls of protection around his people, and that there is a place reserved for all believers who remain faithful.
The two witnesses bear strong resemblance to Moses and Elijah, who are two of God’s mighty prophets. Moses called plagues down upon the nation of Egypt (Exodus 7-11); Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Both of these men appeared with Christ at his transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-7)
Most biblical scholars believe that numbers in the book of Revelation are most likely symbolic, not necessarily literal meanings. The 1,260 days is 42 months, or 3.5 years – which is half of the perfect number 7, which represents completion. 3.5 can indicate that the work of the two witnesses is incomplete. Regardless, if the 3.5 years is symbolic or if it literally means 3.5 years; we can rest assured that evil’s reign will have a definite end.
How does the world react to the two witnesses in Chapter 11? What is it about God and His holiness that cause people to be uncomfortable and hate Him?
The two witnesses are killed, and the people rejoice. Worldly non-believers love sin and hate God. When we speak out against evil and stand with God, the world hates us too. - Discuss.
Do we think people of our time (modern day) would act any different? Why/Why not? – Discuss.
God has chosen to use people to be his witnesses in the world. Consider the reaction of the people to the two witnesses. How to people react to when believers stand against evil or talk about Christ? – Discuss.
When God points out sin our lives, how to we respond? - Discuss, if you are comfortable share a personal story with the group.
The ultimate goal of God’s saving plan is that everything in creation will glorify Him. Glory means splendor, radiance, and magnificence of God. It refers not only to God in his essential nature but to the effects of what God has accomplished. We glorify God because His glory is true and real, and we acknowledge His greatness. When we glorify God in our singing, our speaking and our way of living, we come closer to God. When we rebel, we become distant. Agree/Disagree. Why? Discuss.
What are some ways we glorify God?
The seventh sounding of the trumpet announces the arrival of the King. The judgements are no longer partial but now are complete. God is in control, and He unleashes his full wrath on evil.
In Chapter 12, biblical scholars believe various things about what the woman represents. Some believe that this represents God’s faithful people who have been waiting for the Messiah, other biblical scholars believe the woman represents Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, who defeated death, and defeats Satan; others believe that the woman represents a symbolic representation of Israel. Being clothed with the sun, speaks of glory, dignity, and exalted status. The moon under her feet may possibly describe the covenant relationship with Israel. The Crown of 12 stars is believed to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. What do we think? – Discuss. Ultimately what the woman represents is unknown. We need to keep our focus on following Jesus and remain rooted in Him.
The large red dragon represents Satan – seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns. Some believe that these represent Satan’s power and the kingdoms of the world in which Satan rules. Many people have tried to predict and identify which specific monarchies, kingdoms, and governments Satan rules over.
The Serpent’s tail causes one-third of the stars in the sky to fall to earth, these stars are often believed to be the angels who fell with Satan and became Satan’s demons (fallen angels). According to Hebrew tradition, one-third of all angels in heaven fell with Satan. The imagery depicts the seductive power and influence of the dragon.
Many biblical scholars believe and agree that the Son in 12:5 represents Jesus. Satan wanted to kill the world’s savior.
The wilderness represents a place of refuge and protection. Because God aided the woman’s escape into the wilderness. We can be sure that God will offer security to all true believers. Satan attacks God’s people, but God keeps them secure.
The rest of the woman’s children mentioned in 12:17, represent all believers throughout the world who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.
It is important to remember that the devil is not a symbol or something of legend; he is very real. Originally Satan was an angel of God, but through his own pride, he became corrupt. Satan is God’s enemy, and Satan actively and consistently tries to hinder God’s work. Satan roams the earth like a prowling lion (1 Peter 5:8) and is looking to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10)
Satan means “accuser” and he actively looks for people to attach (1 Peter 5:8,9). Satan like to pursue believers who are vulnerable in their faith, who are spiritually weak, or who are isolated from other believers.
The critical blow to Satan came when the Lamb, Jesus Christ, shed his blood for our sins. The victory is won by His sacrifice – Christ’s death in our place to pay the penalty for our sin, and the sacrifices we make because out faith in Him. As we face the battle with Satan, we should not fear or try to escape; we should remain faithful, and loyally serve Christ, who will bring victory (Romans 8:34-39)
We are in a spiritual battle and John says that the war is still being waged, but the outcome has already been determined. Satan and his followers have been defeated and will be destroyed. Nevertheless, Satan is battling God to bring more into his ranks. Those who belong to Christ have gone into battle on God’s side and He has guaranteed us victory. God will not lose the war against evil, but we must make certain not to give up or waver in our commitment to Christ.
In Chapter 13 introduces Satan (the dragon’s) two evil accomplices: (1) the beast out of the sea and (2) the beast out of the earth. Together, the three evil beings form an unholy trinity in direct opposition to the Holy Trinity of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirt.
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he wanted Jesus to show his power by turning stones into bread, to do miracles by jumping from a high place, and to gain political power by worshiping him. (Matthew 4:1-11)
Satan’s plan was to rule the world through Jesus, but Jesus refused to do Satan’s bidding. Thus, Satan turns to the fearsome beasts described in Revelation. To the beast out of the sea he gives political power. To the beast out of the earth he gives power to do miracles. Both beasts work together to capture control of the whole world.
This unholy trinity – the dragon, the beast out of the sea, and the beast out of the earth, the false prophet, unite in a desperate attempt to overthrow God. But their efforts are doomed to failure. What do we think? - Discuss
Throughout the Bible we see miracles performed as proof of God’s power, love and authority. But in Chapter 13 (13:14) we see counterfeit miracles performed to deceive. True signs and miracles point us to Jesus Christ, but miracles alone can be deceptive.
The second beast orders the people to worship a statue in honor of the first beast – which is in direct conflict of God’s commandments not to worship false gods and idols, or to bow down and worship them (Exodus 20:4-6). – Discuss
The Mark of the Beast – (13:16-18), many people throughout time have been trying to figure out what the mark of the beast is - credit cards with microchips, digital currency (Bitcoin, Worldcoin, Ethereum etc.), There are many, many theories to what the mark of the beast actually is.
As a group do a quick internet search of theories of what the mark of the beast could be. - Share what is found and discuss.
…”the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.” – and some manuscripts identify the number as “616.” Again, like what the mark of the beast, many have theorized about what this number represents – it is the most discussed part of Revelation and has been said to represent many things. The number six falls short of God’s perfect number seven and represents imperfection and the Antichrist. - Research what the number could represent and discuss.
In the Roman Empire, it was normal to place an identifying symbol or brand to mark slaves and soldiers. Some of the ancient mystical cults delighted in such marks and tattoos. The mark identifies members of who worship and belong the Antichrist.
The mark of the beast is designed to mock the seal that God placed on his followers in Chapter 7 (7:2, 3). Just as God marks His people to save them, Satan and his beast marks his people to identify them.
Identifying the mark or speculating on what it could be is not as important as identifying the purpose of the mark. Those who accept the mark show their allegiance to Satan, and that they reject God. To refuse the mark is to commit oneself entirely to God. – Discuss, what do we think? Explain why.
Is there anything that stands out/jumped out to you? Share with the group and discuss.
Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss and research.
Biggest takeaway?
Prepare for next week’s meeting. Read: Revelation 14:1 – 16:21
Is there anything that stands out when reading these verses? Be ready to discuss it at the next meeting.
References/Acknowledgements:
Elements of today’s Bible study were copied from:
1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/
2. NLT, Life Application Bible Studies, Revelation; copyright 1998, 2009, Tyndale House Publishers Inc, Carol Stream, Illinois.
Schedule:
Meeting No., Date Chapters (Total Verses)
_X_ 001, 04/03 Ch. 1 & 2. (49 Verses)
_X_ 002, 04/10 Ch. 3, 4 & 5. (48 Verses)
_X_ 003, 04/17 Ch. 6, 7, & 8. (47 Verses)
_X_ 004, 04/24 Ch. 9, & 10. (31 Verses)
_X_ 005, 05/01 Ch. 11, 12, & 13. (47 Verses) – Lane to lead the meeting.
___ 006, 05/08 Ch. 14, 15, & 16. (49 Verses) – Tom to lead the meeting.
___ 007, 05/15 Ch. 17, & 18. (42 Verses)
___ 008, 05/22 Ch. 19, & 20. (40 Verses)
___ 009, 05/29 Ch. 21, & 22. (48 Verses)