Revelation #15 – Study Questions
Revelation CGS – Week 15
Angels, Mini-Scrolls, and Witnesses
Revelation 10:1-11:19
INTRODUCTION:
As we have been going through the book of Revelation, we have established that it is not about uncovering timelines and events or decoding secret messages and knowledge. It is a book of hope that is about uncovering timeless principles that spur the Christian on to faithful living.
Chapters 10 – 11 take place in a pause between the sixth and seventh trumpets. The seventh event in each of John’s sequences describes the return of Christ and the final judgment. In one sense, this pause is a literary device (the events of chapters 10 – 11 take place at the same time as those of chapters 6 – 9). But as a literary device, it aptly echoes the pause in divine judgment. God has hit the pause button on his judgment. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (see also Romans 2:4-5). The pause between the sixth and seventh trumpet—for as long as it lasts, and it will not last forever—creates space for the mission of the church.[1] What then motivates the mission of the church? First, it is the love they experienced at the moment of salvation. Second, it is their ongoing relationship with God and experience in worship. Worship keeps us centered and focused on God even in the midst of our struggles. Corporate worship fills us to be scattered and carry the gospel into our everyday spaces. Revelation continues to clarify for us exactly who God is. What do we keep learning? God and God alone deserves my worship.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, share about your experiences in corporate worship. What excites you about worship? What do you regularly experience in worship? How does worship help you follow Jesus in your week?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
Note: Revelation can be a tough book. Here are some questions that might help with discussion.[2]
- When you read Chapters 10-11, what stands out to you? If you had to summarize the main idea in this section, how would you express it in your own words?
- What does it mean for you to be a faithful witness to Jesus?
- What are some keys to remaining faithful to Jesus throughout your week?
- How does what you have read in Revelation 10 and 11 address the fears you have about being a faithful witness to Jesus?
- If you had to explain the purpose of worship to someone who never attended church, how would you explain it?
[1] Chester, Tim. Revelation For You: Seeing history from heaven’s perspective (p. 82). The Good Book Company. Kindle Edition.
[2] Questions adapted from: Chester, Tim. Revelation For You: Seeing history from heaven’s perspective. The Good Book Company. Kindle Edition.