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 sixth 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 will continue meeting at 7:00 pm 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.  Revelation is a book of hope and warning forbelievers to repent from sin and begin to 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 grabs our attention and pulls us away from God; that we should keep our focus on Christ.  

As we’ve said before, God did not give us the book of Revelation to build bomb shelters; but to encourage us to tell others about Jesus.  – Wetoo are taking this approach for our Bible study.  

 

Quick review of last week (Revelation Ch. 11, 12 and 13):

In Chapter 11, John is commanded to measure the Temple of God.  John sees two witnesses, who proclaim God’s judgement on the earth.  The seventh trumpet sounds, calling the rival forces of good and evil to the final battle.  
In Chapter 12, John sees the woman clothed with the Sun and Moon beneath her feet.  John sees a red dragon, which represents Satan, then a war starts in heaven, one side Satan, and on the other side Jesus. Satan loses, Satan and his demons are cast out of heaven to earth.  In Chapter 13, a beast comes out of the sea, the beast comes out of the earth, and everyone was required to receive the Mark of the Beast in order to buy or sell anything.

 

 

This Week’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before you to honor you and offer our appreciation for remaining faithful to us, even when we fail you.  Lord help us to remain faithful to you; courageous in telling others about the freedom that comes from following you.  Father, you are sovereign, holy, and just.  Give us the strength and ability to be a witness and give us the words to persuade others to surrender to you.  - Amen

 

Scripture: Read - Revelation Chapters 14:1 – 16:21​​​​

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+14%3A1+-+16%3A21&version=NLT

Observation, Application & Questions:

• In Chapter 14, what does the Lamb represent?

  • Jesus, the Messiah.

• What is the significance of Mount Zion?

  • Mount Zion is a hill in Jerusalem, Israel, which is about 2,510 ft tall and is located outside the Old City's walls. It is the highest point in the Old City and is an extension of Temple Mount.  

  • Mount Zion is not just an important historical and spiritual landmark for Israel. From the time the ark of the covenant was moved into the City of David, then later to the temple that Solomon built, Zion became a center of worship that represented the presence of God.

  • The word “Zion” has multiple meanings, and it is not just thehill in Jerusalem.  Zion is a term for
    "Holy Place" or "Kingdom of Heaven". 

  • Many Biblical scholars believe that “Zion” mentioned in Chapter 14, represent more than just the mount or hill, but all of Jerusalem, which is the capital of Israel.

  • It is important to remember that the precious gift of God’spresence; The Holy Spirt is not just limited to those of Jewish descent. When we accept Christ as our savior we are graftedinto the inheritance of Zion as our place of refuge, protection, and communion with God.  

• Chapter 14 also shows us what awaits believers who endure.  It is believed that the 144,000 represent the believers who have endured persecution on earth and are now ready to enjoy the eternal benefits and blessings of being with God forever.  Many Biblical scholars also believe that the 144,000 mentioned here are the same 144,000 previously mentioned in Revelations 7:4.  Other Biblical scholars believe that although portrayed as celibate males, the 144,000 signify both male and female believers who dying in faith, are gathered as firstfruits for God, foreshadowing a greater harvest, their mouths told no lies, and resemble Jeus as blameless servants of the Lord.

• The three angels contrast the destiny of believers with that of unbelievers (complete separation of God). Some believe that the purpose of the angels is to be the final warning to unbelievers and to those who reject Christ.  This way no one will have the excuse of never hearing God’s truth.  Other scholars believe that this is an announcement of judgement rather than a call for warning and one last chance for repentance.  

• Babylon was the name of an evil city and an immoral empire, a world center for idol worship.  Many have tried to predict what country, city, ruling power or Government would be represented or associated with the name Babylon mentioned in Revelation (Chapters 14, 16, 17 and 18).  What specific city, nation or geographical location is unknown.  Some believe that Babylon is a literal rebuilt city of Babylon on the banks of the Euphrates River.  Others believe that it is a cryptic reference to Rome in John’s time, or Rome in the future, or refers to Jerusalem as a city set against God – but scripture generally aligns Jerusalem with God and Babylon against Him.  Throughout the Bible, Babylon represents a symbol of confusion caused by godlessness and worship of anyone, anything, or god; other than our One True God: Yahweh, Elohim, Adoni, Christos; the Great I AM.  - What do we think Babylon represents?

• Those who worship the beast, accept his mark, and operate according to its world economic system and all who follow the beast will ultimately face God’s judgement.  Our world, present, past and future, will value money, wealth, power and pleasure over God’s leadership and direction.  To get what the world values many will deny God and violate basic Christian principles.  The ultimate result of sin is separation from God.  If someone chooses to live a life separate and independent from God, in the next life they will be separated from Him forever.
-  Agree/Disagree?  Explain why.  

• Why does becoming a Christian or growing in our faith sometimes bring more conflict into a person’s life?  - Discuss among the group.

• What is the source of comfort for those who have endured in faith throughout all the chaos?  How does this give hope to present-day believers who are experiencing conflict? – Discuss.

• What are some areas of conflict in your life?  Which of these can be reduced or resolved without diminishing your faith?  - reflect on this, and if you are comfortable, share with the group.  

• Does your faith make friends, neighbors, coworkers or relatives feel uncomfortable?  Are any reflections of the great struggle of good against evil?  - if you are comfortable, share with the group.

• What should Christians do to protect themselves from the opposition of the evil forces in this world?  

• In what ways are we facing conflict with evil?  What kind of reinforcements do we need to withstand the pressure?  - Pray as a group for the Lord to keep everyone safe and far from evil.  Pray for any individual needs as well.  

• How can we help others endure and remain faithful?  - Discuss.  

• What is it about spiritual warfare that seems most real to us?  - if comfortable, share with the group.  

• Where do we see Satan’s anger unleashed against God’s people?  - Discuss.

 

• In Chapter 15, Seven Angels hold seven plagues, which brings God’s wrath to completion.  The plagues are poured out upon the earth.  

  • The seven last plagues are also called the seven bowl judgments and begin in Chapter 16, unlike other plagues and judgments in the Book of Revelation, these end in the complete elimination of evil and the end of the world.

• What do we think is the significance of the singing of the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb?

  • The song celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 15) and was sung after the Israelites sang after they were delivered from Egypt as they passed through the Red Sea.  The song of the Lamb celebrates the ultimate deliverance of God’s people from the power of Satan.  The songs also represent the believer’s anticipation of a future with the Lord.

 

• In Chapter 16, the bowl judgements are God’s final and complete judgements on the earth.  The end has come.  There are manysimilarities between the bowl judgements and the trumpets, except: the bowl judgements are complete not partial, the trumpets were a warning and allowed unbelievers to repent, but the bowl judgements do not, and people are directly attacked by the bowl judgements.  - Discuss.  

• The plagues bear some resemblance to the plagues of the book of Exodus.  The brief description of the first six bowls may be intended to stress the importance of the seventh bowl.  Quickly discuss the seven plagues; are there any that stand out to you?  - Discuss with the group.

• Sinful people will unite to fight against God in a final display of rebellion.  Many are already united against Christ and His people - We know that the people realize these judgements come from God, because they curse God for sending the plagues.  But even after all the horrific events that occur in the judgments, they still refuse to recognize God’s authority and refuse to repent of their sins.  Christians should not be surprised at the hostility and hardness of heart of unbelievers.  Even when the power of God is fully and completely revealed, many will still refuse to repent.  Why do we think this is?  - Discuss

• 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?

 

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.

_X_ 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)

• Prepare for next week’s meeting.  Read: Revelation 17:1 – 18:24

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+17%3A1+-+18%3A24&version=NLT

• Is there anything that stands out when reading these verses?  Be ready to discuss it at the next meeting.

 

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