Revelation #19 – Study Questions
Revelation CGS – Week 19
A God of Victory
Revelation 15:1-16:22
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. This continues to be an important focus to keep at the forefront of our reading. The middle of this letter continues to present images and events that leave us asking, who, how, and when? These aren’t wrong questions, but often they lead us to focus on the ”shiny objects” of the text and miss the main idea altogether. So, we must ask, how does this passage help me to see Jesus more clearly and live faithfully in righteousness, and declaring the gospel?
Revelation 12–15 consists of one distinct cycle of visions within the longer drama. In chapter 14, we were reminded that as we focus on God’s promised victory, it helps us endure and remain faithful. Now, as we continue in chapters 15 and 16, we are again reminded of the fact that God is a God of victory over the powers of this age. Too often in this life, it seems like evil wins. But the book of Revelation offers us an alternative ending. Revelation chapters 4 – 11 offered hope for those longing for security in an insecure world. Chapters 15 – 16 offer hope for those longing for justice in an unjust world. And this hope is not a fiction. Another cycle of seven begins—seven bowls with seven plagues. But this cycle is climatic “because with them God’s wrath is completed” (15:1; Isaiah 51:17, 22). The seven bowls/plagues are introduced by God’s people (Revelation 15:2) singing in praise of God’s justice (v 3-4). They stand beside a sea of glass (v 2). The sea symbolized chaos and threat in the Hebrew worldview. So a sea of glass is a sign that God is about to calm the forces of evil. In the drama of Revelation the bowls come from the temple in heaven, which John calls “the tabernacle of the covenant law” (v 5). God’s judgment is not arbitrary but based on his revealed will (his “covenant law”). The angels who will deliver the judgments of the seven bowls are dressed like Christ, for they are his representatives (v 6; 1:13). The divine origin of these judgments is reinforced in 15:8, where the smoke of God’s glory fills the temple (Exodus 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11). Even the holy angels cannot enter God’s presence (Revelation 15:8), far less unholy humanity. The lightning, thunder, and earthquake of 16:18 recall Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-18), but this time God has come down to judge.[1] While Revelation points us to a future time when God will have complete justice over all evil, it also reminds us of the victories we have experienced in Christ here and now. That experience of the now combined with the vision of the promised future, compels us to faithfulness. In these chapters, we are once again reminded that our God is a God of victory, and by his grace, we experience that victory now (in part) and then (in full).
GETTING STARTED – The taste of a small victory can really spur on the pursuit and realization of a much larger victory. As you begin your time together, share about a time you had a small victory that spurred you on in pursuit of something much larger.
Example: I (Kyle) picked up golf in my early 30s. And I was long frustrated as I tried to figure out how to hit a golf ball reasonably straight. A feat that still evades me frequently! LOL! But that first time I followed every tip and hit it straight was a good feeling. I now had the confidence that it was possible and was spurred to keep going.
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]
- If you had to pick a main idea from chapters 15-16, what would it be? What verse influences your answer? What response do you think John wants from chapters 15 – 16?
- How is divine judgment good news?
- When are you tempted to want revenge? How does Revelation 15 – 16 enable you to respond differently?
- What victories have you experienced in Christ? I.e., How has Jesus changed you and made a difference in your life?
- How does the experience of having victory in Christ (even a small one) spur you on to faithfulness?
[1] Chester, Tim. Revelation For You: Seeing history from heaven’s perspective (pp. 107-108). The Good Book Company. Kindle Edition.
[2] Some questions are adapted from: Chester, Tim. Revelation For You: Seeing history from heaven’s perspective. The Good Book Company. Kindle Edition.