Revelation Week 18 – Study Questions

Kyle Bartholic   -   June 22, 2023

Revelation CGS – Week 18

 

Four Truths That Prompt Endurance

 

Revelation 14:1-21

 

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. 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. As we look at chapter 14 this week, we are given a glimpse of God’s final victory. A battle has been raging – the dragon, the beasts, and the angels of heaven. It is God that will have the final and a complete victory over evil. This truth in chapter 14 should stand out to us and prompt our faithfulness. The story of the cosmic battle has thus far shown how one of Satan’s agents, the great seven-headed beast, dominates the seas (13:1), while another insidious beast dominates the land (13:11). In contrast to the satanic beasts, however, the Lamb of God holds the high ground, Mount Zion, where the company of the redeemed gathers (14:1). The name “Mount Zion” has positive connotations as the place where the faithful gather in safety (Isa. 24:23; Joel 3:21) to worship the God who creates and delivers them (Ps. 146:10). Although Mount Zion traditionally referred to a location in Jerusalem, here it refers to heaven, where the saints sing before God’s heavenly throne (Rev. 14:3; compare 4:2). The redeemed, who are pictured as a group of 144,000, are the whole people of God, not merely one part of it, as we have already seen in the discussion of 7:4–8 (see chapter 3 above). The sense that the 144,000 represent the whole people of God continues here, where the “redeemed” sing a “new song” before God (14:3). The comment reminds readers that they already know that the “new song” praises the Lamb who has “redeemed” people “from every tribe and language and people and nation” to serve God (5:9–10).

 

John insists that no one can remain uncommitted in the conflict between God and evil. Either one bears the mark and name of the beast (13:16–18) or one bears the seal and name of God and the Lamb (14:1). John did not make such a sharp distinction because the alternatives were obvious to his readers but because the alternatives were not obvious. A number of the Christians in the seven churches to which John wrote seemed willing to compromise their Christian commitments in order to assimilate into the surrounding culture (2:14, 20). Many in those Asian cities would have found it ridiculous to profess exclusive loyalty to God and the Lamb when one could be much more comfortable by joining in the practices of the wider society. John’s visions offer the opposite perspective by seeking to show that it is absurd to join in society’s misguided veneration of oppressive powers when one could join in celebration of the true Lord of heaven and earth.[1] So, we are brought back to the main idea, God’s final victory prompts my endurance.

 

 

GETTING STARTED – Perspective is a truly important thing when walking through the tough things of life. Share about a time when your perspective helped you walk through something difficult. Example: I (Kyle) remember when our first child was born and the long sleepless nights that came with it. As a new parent, those nights were tough on both of us. But the wisdom shared by others who had been down that road shaped our perspective and allowed us to hold to the truth that it wouldn’t always be this way. Yes, those nights were tough, but as we walked through it, we kept getting glimpses that it was getting better, and the perspective offered to us really helped us endure those early months and fight off discouragement. Now, with four kids, we have experienced that reality and that helpful perspective over and over again.

 

 

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 14, 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. How does the perspective of God’s final and sure victory inform the way you see your circumstances? How does it help you live faithfully?
  3. John continues to be clear in his letter to the seven churches; there is no neutral ground when it comes to Jesus. How does this idea strike you? What thoughts and feelings come up in your heart and mind when you think about it? Do you agree with John? Why or why not?
  4. Part of the reality that there is no neutral ground when it comes to Jesus is that our identity is supposed to be changed in Christ. We struggle on this side of heaven to walk fully in our new identity. What aspects of the world do you struggle with when it comes to your identity in Christ? Where or what do you turn to for fulfillment, contentment, purpose, or validation?
  5. What is one intentional step that you could take this week to help keep the perspective of God’s final and complete victory at the front of your mind and in your daily circumstances? Be creative and practical. Think about art, music, notes, etc. – Example: I (Kyle) will at times make a verse I am memorizing or meditating on as my first calendar appointment of the day (often at 6 am). That way, I utilize my phone not as a distraction (which it often is) but as a tool for training in righteousness and holding to God’s perspective.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, Second Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018), 135–136.