Revelation Week #23 – Study Questions
Revelation CGS – Week 23
A Thousand Years
Revelation 20:1-6
INTRODUCTION:
Reminder: When we began our time in the book of Revelation 21 weeks ago, we started with a few ground rules that are designed to help us read Revelation responsibly. Those ground rules were to focus on the timeless principles, not on the timelines, keep the original audience in mind, remember that it is part of a larger literary genre, and finally, keep the main thing the main thing. And, what is the main thing? Jesus is victor.
The vivid images in this scene alert readers to the fact that John is using word pictures to describe things that do not neatly fit within the confines of space and time. Think, first of all, about the use of space in this vision. John understands Satan to be a real force that exerts its evil influence in the world, but he is not trying to persuade readers that Satan has the physical body of a dragon or that the dragon can be bound with a metal chain. John does not invite readers to speculate about exactly where on the globe the angel might capture Satan, or to wonder whether the door to the bottomless abyss is located in the northern or the southern hemisphere. John uses physical and spatial images for spiritual realities. This will also be true in his description of the kingdom of the saints in 20:4–6, which we will consider shortly. Second, if the physical spaces in John’s vision point to spiritual realities, the same is true of the references to time. John says that Satan is bound “for a thousand years” (20:2). Just as the door to the great abyss cannot be located on a map, the duration of the thousand years cannot be located on a calendar. One does not draw nearer to heaven by means of a space shuttle or nearer to the abyss by digging a shaft into the ground, and one does not enter the thousand-year period by turning a calendar page. John refers to time in order to point readers to a reality that lies beyond time. … This nonliteral sense fits with other references in Revelation. When John says that the allies of the beast receive kingly power “for one hour” (17:12), he means that their reign is brief, not that it lasts for exactly sixty minutes. When he refers to persecution lasting for a three-and-a-half-year period, he repeats and varies the time reference, so that it does not fall into a neat chronological pattern (see pp. 108–9). When he uses multiples of a “thousand” to identify the number of the redeemed in 7:4–8 (twelve thousand from each of the twelve tribes, for a total of 144,000), he quickly alters the imagery in 7:9 to show that this same group actually consists of a multitude “that no one could count” (see pp. 93–94). Similarly, John will use multiples of a “thousand” when stating the dimensions of the New Jerusalem (21:16)—not to tell readers how much square footage to expect in eternity but to speak about its fullness and perfection. Fullness is what the “thousand years” signifies in 20:1–6.[1] As we make our way into chapter 20, we are again reminded by all of the imagery that there is one central authority over the universe, God. That truth and the reminders that John gives us should fill us with hope. Why? Because no matter the turbulence of my life, hope cannot be hindered with God.
GETTING STARTED – There are different seasons of the year that fill us with different emotions. Summer is exciting and often feels relaxing. Fall might bring nostalgia. Etc. As you begin your group time, share about what in season of the year do you feel the most hopeful and why?
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]
- How does this chapter prompt you towards faithfulness? How does it reorient your perspective on your circumstances (both positive things and challenges)?
- In this chapter, we are reminded of God’s central authority over the universe and salvific history. What is the central authority of my life? Specifically, what is my authority when I am stressed and at my limits, and what is my authority when I am healthy? Often we can vacillate between two sources. But, ultimately, God is to be our authority in every season.
- What are some simple steps I can take to more fully surrender to God as the central authority of my life? Consider things like prayer, how you view your time, talents, and treasure, and your response to difficult people in your life. Be practical.
- Why do you think John writes this section?
- What effect does he want to have on his first readers? What response does he want from us as we read his words today?
[1] Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 179.
[2] Some questions are from: Chester, Tim. Revelation For You: Seeing history from heaven’s perspective. The Good Book Company. Kindle Edition.