Reading
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Truth for Today
The message of the seventh trumpet is that Jesus Christ is the sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords. He will one day take the rule of the earth away from the usurper, Satan, and from earth's petty human rulers. History is moving inexorably (without the possibility of being stopped) toward its culmination in Christ's earthly reign. When He returns, He will bring covenant blessings to the redeemed, but eternal judgment to those who reject Him. In the light of that sobering truth, Peter exclaims, "...what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God...?" (parts of 2 Peter 3:11-12).
Reflecting on the Text
1. Warren Wiersbe (a commentator) has written: "One of the themes that links Revelation 14-16 together is expressed by the word voice, which is used eleven times. In the events recorded, God speaks to His people or to the lost world, or His people and angels speak out in praise of the Lord or in warning to the world. As the world moves into the last half of the Tribulation, heaven is not silent." What do you sense the voice of God is saying to you in this lesson? Why?
2. Though the Battle of Armageddon is yet future, you are involved in a real spiritual battle in the present (see Ephesians 6). How can you be victorious and evade spiritual injury today?
3. Think of the people in your life who need to embrace the "everlasting gospel" (14:6). What are some practical ways that you can point them to the cross?
Friday, March 27, 2009
Victorious Voices - Part 5 - Devo for 04/03/2009
Reading
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Going Deeper
The redeemed in heaven sang the "song of Moses." Read this song of praise in Exodus 15:1-18.
Exploring the Meaning
1. What things had the Lord done for His people?
2. Identify the themes in this song of Moses that are also found in Revelation 14-16.
3. Read Proverbs 23:17. Why is it important to fear God (see Revelation 14:7)?
(Verses to consider: Romans 1:18-21; 1 Peter 2:17)
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Going Deeper
The redeemed in heaven sang the "song of Moses." Read this song of praise in Exodus 15:1-18.
Exploring the Meaning
1. What things had the Lord done for His people?
2. Identify the themes in this song of Moses that are also found in Revelation 14-16.
3. Read Proverbs 23:17. Why is it important to fear God (see Revelation 14:7)?
(Verses to consider: Romans 1:18-21; 1 Peter 2:17)
Victorious Voices - Part 4 - Devo for 04/02/2009
Reading
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Questions
1. What do you learn about God's great "winepress" of wrath, the great battle (14:19-20; 16:14-19)?
2. The bowl judgments form the content of chapter 16. What is the nature of each of these catastrophes? What was the response of the inhabitants of earth following them?
(Verses to consider: Exodus 7:20-25; Isaiah 60:2; Jeremiah 4:23-27; Joel 2:2; Mark 13:24-25)
3. What glimpses of God's power and triumph do you see throughout these chapters?
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Questions
1. What do you learn about God's great "winepress" of wrath, the great battle (14:19-20; 16:14-19)?
2. The bowl judgments form the content of chapter 16. What is the nature of each of these catastrophes? What was the response of the inhabitants of earth following them?
(Verses to consider: Exodus 7:20-25; Isaiah 60:2; Jeremiah 4:23-27; Joel 2:2; Mark 13:24-25)
3. What glimpses of God's power and triumph do you see throughout these chapters?
Victorious Voices - Part 3 - Devo for 04/01/2009
Reading
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Questions
1. How are the 144,000 described in chapter 14? What are they doing?
(Verses to consider: Psalm 40:3; Zephaniah 3:13; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:22)
2. John saw several different angels in this vision. What were they each doing?
3. What is the "song of Moses" (chapter 15)? What does it say about God?
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Questions
1. How are the 144,000 described in chapter 14? What are they doing?
(Verses to consider: Psalm 40:3; Zephaniah 3:13; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:22)
2. John saw several different angels in this vision. What were they each doing?
3. What is the "song of Moses" (chapter 15)? What does it say about God?
Victorious Voices - Part 2 - Devo for 03/31/2009
Reading
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Keys to the Text
Song of Moses and Song of the Lamb: The song of Moses was a song of victory sung by the people of Israel immediately after their crossing through the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1-21; see Deuteronomy 32:1-43). The song of the Lamb refers to Christ's sacrificial death and extols God's powerful works in creation as He providentially upholds the universe. These two songs celebrate two great, redemptive events: (1) deliverance of Israel by God from Egypt through Moses; and (2) deliverance of sinners by God from sin through Christ. Like one gigantic choir, the redeemed of the Lord will sing and rejoice over the accomplishment of God's entire redemptive work before Christ's return.
Seven Golden Bowls: These bowls symbolize God's judgment. They are shallow saucers, familiar items often associated with various functions of the temple worship, such as serving wine or using in blood sacrifices. Their flat shallowness pictures how the divine judgments will be emptied instantly rather than slowly poured, drowning those who refused to drink the cup of salvation.
1. What other things has God in your life that should generate a song of praise to Him?
2. What other judgments from Scripture have been instantaneous (please give references)?
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Keys to the Text
Song of Moses and Song of the Lamb: The song of Moses was a song of victory sung by the people of Israel immediately after their crossing through the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1-21; see Deuteronomy 32:1-43). The song of the Lamb refers to Christ's sacrificial death and extols God's powerful works in creation as He providentially upholds the universe. These two songs celebrate two great, redemptive events: (1) deliverance of Israel by God from Egypt through Moses; and (2) deliverance of sinners by God from sin through Christ. Like one gigantic choir, the redeemed of the Lord will sing and rejoice over the accomplishment of God's entire redemptive work before Christ's return.
Seven Golden Bowls: These bowls symbolize God's judgment. They are shallow saucers, familiar items often associated with various functions of the temple worship, such as serving wine or using in blood sacrifices. Their flat shallowness pictures how the divine judgments will be emptied instantly rather than slowly poured, drowning those who refused to drink the cup of salvation.
1. What other things has God in your life that should generate a song of praise to Him?
2. What other judgments from Scripture have been instantaneous (please give references)?
Victorious Voices - Part 1 - Devo for 03/30/2009
Reading
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Drawing Near
1. Think back over what you have studied thus far in the book of Revelation. What main themes have you seen over and over again?
2. Armageddon has become a somewhat overused symbol for fierce conflict, or even to describe football games and wrestling matches. What do you know about the Battle of Armageddon? What questions do you have?
The Context
Revelation 14 serves as a preview of the end of the Great Tribulation. In this chapter, John shows his readers the triumph and vindication of the 144,000 faithful Israelites, who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The fall of Babylon (symbolic of the Satanic world system) is foreseen and the fate of its loyalists foretold. The chapter then gives a summary glimpse of the battle of Armageddon, the great and terrible "winepress of the wrath of God."
Revelation 15 depicts the Tribulation saints who have overcome the beast. They sing songs of praise celebrating God's infinite power, perfect sovereignty, and eternal faithfulness. It also introduces the seven angels who are given the task of pouring out seven bowls of wrath, God's final judgments at the end of the seven-year Tribulation period. The bowl judgments are described in chapter 16 in rapid-fire staccato fashion, each one stronger in fury and intensity. Through all of this, the book of Revelation always reminds us that though the power of evil is great, God's plan and purposes will triumph and Jesus will be crowned King and Lord.
Revelation 14:1-16:21
Drawing Near
1. Think back over what you have studied thus far in the book of Revelation. What main themes have you seen over and over again?
2. Armageddon has become a somewhat overused symbol for fierce conflict, or even to describe football games and wrestling matches. What do you know about the Battle of Armageddon? What questions do you have?
The Context
Revelation 14 serves as a preview of the end of the Great Tribulation. In this chapter, John shows his readers the triumph and vindication of the 144,000 faithful Israelites, who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The fall of Babylon (symbolic of the Satanic world system) is foreseen and the fate of its loyalists foretold. The chapter then gives a summary glimpse of the battle of Armageddon, the great and terrible "winepress of the wrath of God."
Revelation 15 depicts the Tribulation saints who have overcome the beast. They sing songs of praise celebrating God's infinite power, perfect sovereignty, and eternal faithfulness. It also introduces the seven angels who are given the task of pouring out seven bowls of wrath, God's final judgments at the end of the seven-year Tribulation period. The bowl judgments are described in chapter 16 in rapid-fire staccato fashion, each one stronger in fury and intensity. Through all of this, the book of Revelation always reminds us that though the power of evil is great, God's plan and purposes will triumph and Jesus will be crowned King and Lord.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Terrible Triumvirate - Part 6 - Devo for 03/21/2009
Reading
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Truth for Today
The book of Revelation is the ultimate action thriller. Anyone who loves books filled with adventure and excitement will certainly love this book. The amazing Revelation contains drama, suspense, mystery, passion, and horror. It tells of apostasy by the church. It spealks of unprecedented economic collapse, and of the ultimate war of human history - the war that will truly end all wars. It describes natural disasters rivaled in intensity only by the world-wide Flood of Noah's day, as God will pour out His wrath on the sin-cursed earth. It speaks of the political intrigues that will lead to the ascendancy of the most evil and powerful dictator the world has ever known. Finally, and most terrifying of all, it describes the final judgment and the sentencing of all rebels, angelic and human, to eternal torment in hell. The book of Revelation is thus a book of astounding drama, horror, and pathos. Yet, amazingly, it is also a book of hope and joy with a happy ending, as sin, sorrow, and death are forever banished.
Reflecting on the Text
1. Should the reality of Satan and his evil intent alter the way you approach each day? If so, in what ways? If not, why not?
2. Given the fact that Satan is a sworn enemy of God and His servants, how can you practically and specifically better support your pastor and church leaders this week?
3. What insight or truth from this lesson do you find most meaningful (i.e., comforting or convicting)?
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Truth for Today
The book of Revelation is the ultimate action thriller. Anyone who loves books filled with adventure and excitement will certainly love this book. The amazing Revelation contains drama, suspense, mystery, passion, and horror. It tells of apostasy by the church. It spealks of unprecedented economic collapse, and of the ultimate war of human history - the war that will truly end all wars. It describes natural disasters rivaled in intensity only by the world-wide Flood of Noah's day, as God will pour out His wrath on the sin-cursed earth. It speaks of the political intrigues that will lead to the ascendancy of the most evil and powerful dictator the world has ever known. Finally, and most terrifying of all, it describes the final judgment and the sentencing of all rebels, angelic and human, to eternal torment in hell. The book of Revelation is thus a book of astounding drama, horror, and pathos. Yet, amazingly, it is also a book of hope and joy with a happy ending, as sin, sorrow, and death are forever banished.
Reflecting on the Text
1. Should the reality of Satan and his evil intent alter the way you approach each day? If so, in what ways? If not, why not?
2. Given the fact that Satan is a sworn enemy of God and His servants, how can you practically and specifically better support your pastor and church leaders this week?
3. What insight or truth from this lesson do you find most meaningful (i.e., comforting or convicting)?
The Terrible Triumvirate - Part 5 - Devo for 03/20/2009
Reading
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Going Deeper
Daniel's visions and prophecies of the end times contain similar imagery. Compare this Old Testament vision with Revelation. Read Daniel 7:1-28.
Exploring the Meaning
1. What added insights does this passage contribute to your understanding of the beasts in Revelation 12-13?
2. What promises are given of God's ultimate victory (vv. 9-14, 18, 22, 27)?
3. Read John 8:44. How did Jesus describe Satan?
(Verses to consider: John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8)
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Going Deeper
Daniel's visions and prophecies of the end times contain similar imagery. Compare this Old Testament vision with Revelation. Read Daniel 7:1-28.
Exploring the Meaning
1. What added insights does this passage contribute to your understanding of the beasts in Revelation 12-13?
2. What promises are given of God's ultimate victory (vv. 9-14, 18, 22, 27)?
3. Read John 8:44. How did Jesus describe Satan?
(Verses to consider: John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8)
The Terrible Triumvirate - Part 4 - Devo for 03/19/2009
Reading
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Questions
1. What did John see in chapter 13? What did these characters do?
(Verses to consider: Daniel 8:23-25; 9:24-27; 11:36-45; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-11)
2. How is the second beast described (13:11)? How is he related to the first beast?
3. What is the "image" made by the beast (13:14)?
(Verses to consider: Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4)
4. Why is the mark of the beast significant during the end times (13:16)?
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Questions
1. What did John see in chapter 13? What did these characters do?
(Verses to consider: Daniel 8:23-25; 9:24-27; 11:36-45; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-11)
2. How is the second beast described (13:11)? How is he related to the first beast?
3. What is the "image" made by the beast (13:14)?
(Verses to consider: Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4)
4. Why is the mark of the beast significant during the end times (13:16)?
The Terrible Triumvirate - Part 3 - Devo for 03/18/2009
Reading
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Questions
1. The main characters described by John in chapter 12 are a woman, a male Child, and a dragon. Who or what is signified by each of these characters?
2. Describe the cosmic conflict recorded in chapter 12. What was/is the outcome?
(Verses to consider: Job 1:6; 2:1; Daniel 10:13; Ephesians 2:2; 6:10-19; Jude 9)
3. What will happen to Israel during the Tribulation?
(Verses to consider: Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:9-12; Psalm 91:4; Isaiah 40:31)
Revelation 12:1-13:18
Questions
1. The main characters described by John in chapter 12 are a woman, a male Child, and a dragon. Who or what is signified by each of these characters?
2. Describe the cosmic conflict recorded in chapter 12. What was/is the outcome?
(Verses to consider: Job 1:6; 2:1; Daniel 10:13; Ephesians 2:2; 6:10-19; Jude 9)
3. What will happen to Israel during the Tribulation?
(Verses to consider: Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:9-12; Psalm 91:4; Isaiah 40:31)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
