Revelation #14 – Study Questions
Revelation CGS – Week 14
The Golden Censer and Silver Trumpets
Revelation 8:1-9:21
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.
Much of the heavenly visions of John are portrayals of the authority of the Lamb. It is like looking at a diamond from different angles. John continues to repeatedly show how Jesus has the power and ability to overcome evil. This matter greatly to the Christian. Why? Because if Jesus doesn’t have the authority and might to overcome evil, then he doesn’t have the authority and might to deliver on his offer and promise of salvation. We first see this authority demonstrated in his resurrection, then we experience this power in our transformed lives, and we are reminded of his authority over all of history and the cosmos here in this passage. And, as much as the visions and images that John gives us are intimidating and quite overwhelming, they are not without the reflections of God’s mercy. Twice in this section, there are pauses for warnings (8:13 & 9:12). There is something here that reminds us of Pharaoh’s response to God in the Exodus. God gave chance after chance for Pharaoh to repent, but he didn’t. We see that pattern here. Yes, he is a God of judgment, but he is not like the fickle and vindictive gods of the Roman world. Yahweh’s judgment is always paralleled with his mercy.
Here in chapters 8 and 9, we are reminded of the important truth that the promise of salvation only matters if God can deliver on it. And we see a God who certainly can deliver.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, share about a time in your life when you knew you could trust the promise of another person. What made them trustworthy and dependable?
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.[1]
- When you read Chapters 8-9, 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 does this chapter prompt you towards faithfulness? How does it reorient your perspective on your circumstances (both positive things and challenges)?
- When you consider the certainty of your salvation, how does that prompt both a response of praise and an earnest desire to be found faithful?
- What consolation is there in these chapters when it feels as if history is spinning out of control?
- How do these chapters encourage us to pray for turmoil in our world?
[1] Questions adapted from: Chester, Tim. Revelation For You: Seeing history from heaven’s perspective. The Good Book Company. Kindle Edition.