Revelation #16 – Study Questions

Kyle Bartholic   -   June 8, 2023

Revelation CGS – Week 16

 

A Woman and a Dragon

 

Revelation 12:1-17

 

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.

 

Revelation 12–15 consists of one distinct cycle of visions within the longer drama. The section depicts a messianic war that extends from Christ’s incarnation (12:5) to his second coming (14:14–20). Readers of John’s time and readers of our own time live in between these two events. All who look back to Christ’s first coming and await his second coming find themselves called to endure amid competing claims upon their loyalties (13:10; 14:12). The struggle is intense, but in the end John brings readers back to the heavenly throne room, where the saints who have overcome the beast sing praises to God and the Lamb as they have at the end of previous cycles (15:1–4).[1] Despite the fact that ch. 12 starts a new vision, it does continue to develop the themes of the previous sections of the book. It goes into the deeper dimension of the spiritual conflict between the church and the world, which has been developed progressively in chs. 1–11. In the seven letters John has explained the conflict as one in which Christians are tempted to compromise in various ways. These temptations arise from both inside and outside the church. In each subsequent vision John depicts in increasing intensity the spiritual sources of the conflict. The seven seals reveal that spiritual forces of evil are ultimately unleashed against believer and unbeliever alike by the cherubim, in accordance with the command of the resurrected Christ. The seven trumpets show that demonic forces of judgment are sent forth to punish hardened humanity. Yet even these forces are released by good angelic forces. Passages interspersed throughout the seals and trumpets sections demonstrate that God’s people will be protected spiritually through the woes, which for true Christians serve as trials to refine their faith.[2] This larger section helps to remind us of what Paul said in Eph, 6:11-12, “11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” In other words, don’t dismiss the spiritual realm.   

 

 

 

GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, answer this question together. When you think about your everyday life, how often do you think about the spiritual implications or impact of your normal regular actions? Do our everyday actions have spiritual connection, and if so, how?

 

 

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.[3]

  1. When you read Chapter 12, 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?
  2. What does it mean for you to be a faithful witness to Jesus?
  3. What are some keys to remaining faithful to Jesus throughout your week?
  4. How does what you have read in Revelation 12 address the fears you have about being a faithful witness to Jesus?
  5. If you had to explain the posture of being a faithful Christian to someone who never attended church, how would you explain it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 117–118.

[2] G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999), 622.

[3] Questions adapted from: Chester, Tim. Revelation For You: Seeing history from heaven’s perspective. The Good Book Company. Kindle Edition.