Introduction to The Book of Revelation
Memory Verse from last week: “For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2: 8-9)
Opening: “The beginning and the end of the story”
Object Lesson: Jesus is the beginning and the end of the story!
Preview: Just as the book of Genesis tells us how the universe began, the book of Revelation tells us how it will end; it’ the end of the world as we know it, and the beginning of eternity with a new heaven and a new earth.
It was written by the apostle John around 95 AD. while he was exiled on the island of Patmos (see map) “for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ” (v. 9). The revelation (Greek “apokalupsis” meaning “unveiling” or “disclosure”) of Jesus Christ came through visions, through an angel, and through Jesus Christ Himself (see vs. 1-2 and 10-12).
The gospels tell us the partial story of Jesus Christ: His miraculous birth, His sinless, selfless life, His sacrificial, substitutionary death, and His glorious resurrection. John’s gospel even tells us about His preincarnate existence, His preeminence with God the Father, His power in creating the world, and His Deity (“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…through Him, all things were made…. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1: 1-3 and 14). The Book of Revelation tells us the “rest of the story”. “The future and eternal picture of Jesus Christ is fully revealed in John’s Revelation” (C. Smith).
It reads like a modern-day science fiction novel. For the Christian, it’s edifying; for the non-Christian, it’s terrifying. Reading it should remind us of Jesus’ preeminence (surpassing all others, superior), draw us into a deeper relationship with Him, and instill a sense of urgency within us to share the gospel. Although it is addressed to the 7 churches of Asia Minor, it is still relevant to us, the church, today.
Read all of Revelation chapter one and answer the following questions
Focus on verses 1-8
- Besides gaining fuller knowledge about Jesus Christ, what is the “extra bonus” for the person who reads, hears, and keeps the words of this book ?
- To whom is the letter addressed? Find the specific names in the following verses and fill in the blanks. Finally, label them on the attached map
- The church of______________________ (Rev. 2: 1)
- The church of _____________________ (Rev. 2: 8)
- The church of _____________________ (Rev. 2: 12)
- The church of _____________________ (Rev. 2: 18)
- The church of _____________________ (Rev. 3: 1)
- The church of _____________________ (Rev. 3: 7)
- The church of _____________________ (Rev. 3: 14)
- How is God described in verse 4? How does Jesus describe Himself in verses 8 and 11? What can you conclude from this comparison?
Focus on verses 9-19
- Why would God write a letter to the seven churches? Could it be the same reason that Paul, John, and Jude wrote their letters?
- What do the lamp stands symbolize? Who is in the midst (middle) of the lamp stands? What can we learn today from this relationship?
- The key to understanding the Book of Revelation is found in verse 19 – “Write the things which you have seen, the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”
“The things which you have seen” refers to …
“The things which are” refers to …..
“The things which will take place” refers to …..
Reflect: Jesus said, “Surely, I am coming quickly!” (Revelation 22: 20) If you really believe that He will come again soon to take us home to heaven, how should we live?
Praises and Prayer (group and partners)
Memory Verse for next week: “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last. I am He who lives and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.”
(Revelation 1: 17-18)