Revelation #17 – Study Questions
Revelation CGS – Week 17
People of Discernment
Revelation 13:1-18
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] 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.” The cosmic battle between the forces of Satan and the allies of God and the Lamb, which was vividly described in Revelation 12, continues without pause in Revelation 13, where the dragon operates through henchmen that appear as a beast from the sea and a beast from the land. The woman’s conflict with the dragon in Revelation 12 did not offer simple predictions of future events, but it conveyed a message for the people of God in many times and places. The visions of the beasts do the same thing. By continuing the story of the dragon, they continue warning readers across the generations about the power of evil, calling them to renewed faithfulness and endurance (12:10).[2] How do those in the passage endure faithfully? They know a real from a fake when they see it. The dragon and the beasts are fakes and posing to be something they are not. Counterfeit gods. Those who are able to see through and discern their deception are those who know the truth and know the true God. Chapter thirteen is all about encouraging God’s people to remain faithful through discernment… there are counterfeit gods all around us trying to distract us from the real thing. John reminds us a powerful truth here, faithful people resist deception through wisdom and discernment.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, answer this question together. Have you ever had to determine whether something was real or fake in your life? Think of money, a collectible, an Amazon or internet purchase that seemed priced too good to be true. How did you do it?
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.
- When you read Chapters 12-13, 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?
- How would you define discernment? And, what practices does a discerning person employ?
- Wisdom was defined as “the right application of knowledge” in the sermon. Do you agree with that definition, and if not, how would you define it?
- How have you walked in wisdom in your life? What practices, habits, or relationships have been crucial in cultivating and walking in wisdom?
- What is one intentional step that you could take this week to help increase in wisdom and discernment? Consider the areas of Bible reading, prayer, and community.
[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] Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 125.