Meeting# 8 (Chapters 19 & 20) | This Week’s Leader: David Goodno
(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 eighth meeting of the Spring Semester for the Men’s “Called” Growth Group, next week (Wednesday, 05/29/2024) is our last meeting. As we’ve said throughout the semester everyone is welcome to join; you do not have to have been at a previous meeting to attend. We’re taking a break in June and July, and will meet in August. Our next Men’s group meeting will be Wednesday, 08/07/2024. Please monitor https://fv.church/events for more information.
The Called Men’s Group is finishing up on its’ study of the Book of Revelation. The Book is a message of hope and warning for believers to repent from sin and begin to live righteously. John also wrote the Book to encourage the seven churches to resist demands of the Roman emperor to worship him, instead of God and The Book of Revelation now warns us in present-time to resist temptations of the modern world that seeks to pull our attention away from God and that we should remain focused on Christ.
As we’ve continually said thought out the series, God did not give us the book of Revelation to build bomb shelters; but to encourage us to spread the Good News and to tell others about Jesus. – We have been, and will continue to take this approach in our Bible study.
Quick review of last week (Revelation Ch. 17 and 18):
In Chapter 17, John sees the great prostitute of Babylon who was covered in purple and scarlet clothing, covered in beautiful jewelry made of gold and precious gems and pearls.
In Chapter 18, The great city of Babylon is destroyed and the merchants of the world wept and mourned for the loss of Babylon, for without the city of Babylon, there was no one left to buy their goods.
This Week’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for allowing us to come together tonight to study your word. Lord, we thank you for all you do for us, help us to remember that you are with us when times get difficult. Lord God, Our Father, we trust you and cling to you for protection from evil. Keep us far from temptation and help us to remain faithful to you. In Christ’s name - Amen
Scripture: Read - Revelation Chapters 19:1 – 20:15
Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)
If someone asked you why God allows evil in the world, how would you answer?
Many believe that it comes down to free will. We will always be presented with a choice; without choice we would all be robots. Acts of love require a choice. Love cannot be genuine if it is forced. We have to choose to be obedient, we have to choose to love God and one-another.
But with that understanding. If we all are given the opportunity to choose God, some will choose evil.
We need to remember that love is sacrifice, we have to give-up our wants and desires; we don’t always get our way – there has to be compromise.
God so loved the world, He gave up his one and only Son.
Jesus so loved the world, He willingly went to the cross and died for us, for our sins, and to defeat death through the resurrection.
Chapter 19, begins with “After these things” so this marks a point in time after the destruction of Babylon and before the return of Christ, and the beginning verses refer to the celebration taking place just before Christ’s return.
There are two celebrations: 1.) the destruction of the great prostitute and Babylon and 2.) the marriage supper; wedding feast of the Lamb.
We see the 24 Elders mentioned again, who are believed to be those redeemed believers all throughout time, both Jews and Gentiles who are part of God’s family. The 24 Elders show us that all those redeemed will worship the Lord.
Some Bible scholars believe that this is the culmination of human history – the judgement of the wicked and the wedding of the Lamb and his bride, which is the church – the faithful believers from all time. It is believed that the Bride’s clothing represent the good deeds of the believers, and stand in contrast to the prostitutes ostentatious (flashy, and showy) clothing.
What is significant about the color white?
The fine white linen is often used as a symbol for spiritual cleanliness.
The overarching theme of the vision is the ultimate victory of Christ. Agree/Disagree, Why?
In 19:10, the Angel did not accept John’s homage and worship, saying that only God should be worshiped. What do we think this means or instructs believers how to act toward angels?
Why do we think John wanted to worship the angel?
As believers we can be in awe of angels and how the Lord uses them, however, angels are servants of God. Believers should not worship angels in place of God. Agree/Disagree, Why?
Who is the rider on the white horse? Many Biblical scholars believe that this rider is Jesus, but no longer as the Lamb, but a warrior.
Jesus first came to us as the Lamb to be a sacrifice for our sin.
Jesus returns and brings judgement; God vs. evil.
Biblical scholars also believe that this symbolizes victory over evil.
The rider’s name was “Faithful and True” and the “Word of God” on His thigh was written “King of all kings, and Lord of all lords. His name was written on Him that only He could understand. Why is this significant/what do we think this means?
Scholars believe that this implies that no title will do, no title will fully explain Him. That He is greater than any description or expression that human minds can understand.
What do we think the symbolism of Jesus’ robe being dipped in blood?
White symbolizes sinless perfection, holiness, purity. Some Biblical scholars believe that this is looking back at Christ’s crucifixion; the death of the Lamb of God on our behalf for forgiveness of sin. Other scholars believe that the blood on Jesus’ robe represents the future battle and is the blood of the slaughter of evil which will take place in the final battle. What do we think?
The end of chapter 19 summarizes the campaign of Armageddon which results in the beast, the false prophet being thrown into the lake of fire (fiery lake of burning sulfur) and their army being defeated.
Scholars note that the lake of fire is different than the bottomless pit mentioned in 9:1.
Can you think of a time when God has protected you against evil? If you are willing share with the group.
In our present time, what evil influences are you looking forward to being removed from the world?
In Chapter 20, the dragon is bound for 1,000 years.
The 1,000 years is often referred to as the “Millennium” which is Latin for 1,000. The millennium is widely debated among scholars, with three major positions on this “1,000 years”
1.) Postmillennialism -looks for literal 1,000 year period of peace on earth ushered in by the church. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be unleashed again, but then Christ will return to defeat him and reign forever. Christ’s second coming will not take place until after the 1,000 year period.
2.) Premillennialism – this view also believes the 1,000 years as a literal period of time, but holds that Christ’s second coming initiates the 1,000 year reign and that this reign occurs before the final removal of Satan.
3.) Amillennialism – this view understands the 1,000 year period to be symbolic of the time between Christ’s ascension and His return. This Millennium is the reign of Christ in the hears of believers and His church. It is believed that this period will end with the second coming of Christ
These different views about the Millennium (1,000 years) should not cause division and controversy in the church, because each view acknowledges what is most crucial to Christianity: Christ will return, Satan will be defeated, and Jesus reigns forever. Therefore, we should not allow the three varying opinions to divide us.
I’ll offer up a fourth viewpoint. - Whatever and whenever, this happens, Jesus Christ will unite ALL believers. I openly declare and affirm that I reject all evil, I recognize and acknowledge that Jesus is my Lord and savior, that all good things come from God, Christ is my center and I place HIM above all things, I submit myself to Him, and His will.
John does not say why Satan will be released for a while, but it is part of God’s plan to judging the world. Some believe that it is to expose those who rebel against God and confirm those who are truly faithful to God. Whatever the reason, Satan’s release results in the final destruction of all evil.
There are two viewpoints on the first resurrection:
1.) Some believe that the first resurrection is spiritual, and that the Millennium is our spiritual reign with Christ between his first and second coming. During this time, we are priests of God because Christ reigns in our hearts. In this view the second resurrection is the bodily resurrection of all people for judgement.
2.) Others believe that the first resurrection occurs after Satan has been set aside. It is a physical resurrection of believers, who then reign with Christ on earth for a literal 1,000 years. The second resurrection occurs at the end of the Millennium in order to judge unbelievers who have died.
What is meant by the “Second Death”? what do we think this means?
The second death is thought to refer to spiritual death – everlasting separation from God.
What is the significance of Gog and Magog? Do a quick google search and share with the group what you find.
Gog and Magog may be symbolic for the nations from around the world that will gather one last time against the God’s people and Jerusalem.
Gog and Magog may also symbolize all the evil forces that band together to battle God.
Noah’s son Japheth had a son named Magog see Genisis 10:2
Ezekiel presents Gog as a leader of forces against Israel, see Ezekiel 38-39.
After this fire from Heaven comes down and defeats the armies. Then Satan is also cast into the Lake of Fire joining the beast and the false prophet and be tormented forever and ever. – What do we think this means?
Sata’s power is not eternal – he will meet his end. He began his evil work in people at the beginning (Genisis 3) and his evil continues today, but ultimately, he will be destroyed when he is thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur; the Lake of Fire.
After Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire, the Final Judgement begins and the books; including the Book of Life will be opened and all will be judged. - If we stand with and remain faithful to God, we will experience the victory with Christ.
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 21:1 – 22:21
Is there anything that stands out when reading these verses? Be ready to discuss it at the next meeting.
REMINDER: We’re taking a break in June and July, and will meet in August. Our next Men’s group meeting will be on Wednesday, 08/07/2024. Please monitor https://fv.church/events for more information.
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.
_X_ 007, 05/15 Ch. 17, & 18. (42 Verses)
_X_ 008, 05/22 Ch. 19, & 20. (40 Verses)
___ 009, 05/29 Ch. 21, & 22. (48 Verses)