REVELATION STUDY

Copyright 2021

​jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org

SESSION 1 Matthew 24-25

Let’s do something new for this study.  Let’s look at the book of Revelation.  It’ll be more of an overview focusing on application then a detailed study of each verse.  First, we set the background by looking at Matthew 24-25, Jesus’ Olivet Discourse.  Read the chapters a few times before even looking at the questions.  Once each morning and evening for a few days would be good.  When you start answering, take your time.  You can answer a few questions and send them, then start on the next questions.  Or you can wait and send them all together.  The answers are involved, not short quick answers.

MATTHEW 24-25

  1. How is Jesus preparing His disciples for His soon departure? Why does He want them to know these things?
  2. What does Jesus say about WHEN He will return?
  3. Why doesn’t He tell them (and us) the exact day and hour He’ll return?
  4. What SIGNS does He give to show when He will return?
  5. According to these signs, how soon does it seem Jesus might return?
  6. What does Jesus want His followers to be doing until He returns?
  7. What does this discourse teach you about God?
  8. How should this impact your own daily life no?

 

SESSION 2: 1 Thessalonian 4:13-18

The Second Coming Jesus talked about in Matthew 24-25 is right after the 7-year Tribulation.  Just before this terrible time of judgment Jesus will return in the sky to take His people to heaven.  This, the rapture, is because believers will never face judgment for sin (Romans 8:1).  Paul explains about the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.  It is the next event in God’s prophetic program and what we now look for.  The Christians Paul wrote to knew Jesus was coming back, but when some of them started dying they wondered what would happen to those who died before He returned.  Paul explained what would happen to them so they would be comforted and encouraged.  Read this short passage many times and picture it in your mind before answering the questions.

1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18

  1. If you had lost a loved one, how would Paul’s words encourage (verse 18) you?
  2. Why is death called “sleep”?
  3. Unravel the order of events and make an outline of what will happen first, second, etc.
  4. What are the 3 sounds that will accompany this event and why are they important?
  5. What promises does God make in these verses?
  6. How does this passage give you hope (verse 13)?
  7. How are you encouraged by this (verse 18)?
  8. What difference should knowing this make in your daily life?

 

SESSION 3: 1 Corinthians 15

Last time we looked at the rapture and saw what it would be like.  Paul gives more detail in 1 Corinthians 15 about what will happen to our bodies when Jesus calls us into the air to meet Him.  Read this chapter over and over as well.

1 CORINTHIANS 15

  1. What do you think Paul’s purpose was in writing this?
  2. Why did God want us to know this? What difference does it make if we are resurrected or not?
  3. What arguments does Paul uses to prove that we will be resurrected?
  4. Which verse(s) in this chapter summarize best what Paul is saying?
  5. How long will the rapture take (verse 51-52)?
  6. Why does God want it to happen so quickly? Why not give people a warning so they can prepare?
  7. How do you think the suddenness of this will impact those who are left behind?
  8. What difference does this truth about our resurrection make in how we are to view death?
  9. How do you view death and the fear of death?

 

SESSION 4: Revelation 1

John, the closest apostle to Jesus, wrote the book of Revelation when he was in his 90’s.  He was the only disciple not martyred.  He was put in a barrel of boiling oil, but he didn’t die.  He was imprisoned on an Alcatraz-like Island at the end of his life, and this is when Jesus revealed the future to him.  Find some time when you can read the whole book of Revelation through at one sitting (without stopping).  Then read chapter 1 several times.

(Some of the answers from here on you won’t be able to email to me.  That’s OK, I don’t need to see them. I want you to do them for your own benefit.  Perhaps you can snail mail a copy sometime in the future.)

REVELATION 1

  1. Why is the book called “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” instead of “The Revelation of the Future”?
  2. Draw a sketch of what you think this scene looked like.
  3. List everything this chapter says about Jesus. Take your time and look carefully, there is a lot.
  4. Why did John fall down as if dead when He saw Jesus on the throne? How would you have responded if you were John?
  5. How does this picture of Jesus compare to the meek and mild Jesus who walked the roads in Galilee?

 

SESSION 5: Revelation 2-3

Take your time with this, for it is a long one and there is no hurry to finish.  There is lots to digest here.  The 7 churches listed were actual churches in Asia Minor that were on a circular mail delivery route so the messenger could carry the letter from one church to the next.  “Angel” is a Greek word meaning “messenger.”  These letters were written to the pastor(s) of each church.  There were many small house churches scattered through each city, there were no church buildings.

REVELATION 2-3

Make a chart comparing and contrasting each church in the following categories: problems they faced, commendation/praise, condemnation/rebuke, encouragement/promise to overcomers and lesson for us today.

Which churches have no commendation?  Why?

Which churches have no condemnation?  Why?

Which church do you think the church in the USA today is most like?  Why?

What is the main lesson you have learned from this study?

 

SESSION 6: Revelation 4

The rest of the book of Revelation will focus on the future, for John and for us.  The 24 elders (4:4) stand for all Christians from the cross to the Rapture.  They are called the Body of Christ, also the Bride of Christ.  The 7 lamps (4:5) refer to the Holy Spirit.  The 4 living creatures (4:6) are probably an exalted order of angels who guard the throne and lead in worship of God.  Read Revelation 4 several times before beginning to answer the questions.  If you are able, read the chapter in different Bible translations.

REVELATION 4

  1. Draw a sketch, or add to the one you started for Revelation 1, of what you think this must have looked like. Use your imagination. Picture yourself as being there.  Draw yourself among them.
  2. How does Ezekiel 1 compare to Revelation 4? Anything new or different? If so, add it to your picture.
  3. How does Isaiah 6 compare to Revelation 4? Anything new or different? If so, add it to your picture.
  4. Why does John say “it had the appearance of” or “it was like” so many times? Why not just describe it?
  5. Why does God let John see what the throne looks like in heaven?
  6. Why does He want us to know what God in heaven looks like?
  7. Paul saw God’s throne in heaven and writes about it in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. He is writing this about himself. How did seeing God’s throne impact him?

 

SESSION 7: Revelation 5

Revelation 5 builds on chapter 4.  Four sets the scene and 5 describes what is taking place there.  They could be one chapter.  Read Revelation 5 several times so you can digest it well before looking at the questions.

REVELATION 5

  1. Why was no one worthy to open the scroll (v 1-4)?
  2. Why did John cry because no one could open it, what made it that important (v 4)?
  3. What three names are used for Jesus in verse 5-6? What is the significance of each? Keep a list of all the names for Jesus you find in the book of Revelation.  Write the name, the chapter and verse, and the significance of the name.  Go back to Revelation 1:1 and add all the names you can find in the first 4 chapters.
  4. How could Jesus be both a lion and a lamb at the same time?
  5. Add the Lion/Lamb to your picture as described in verse 6 and the 4 living creatures and 24 elders bowing down (verse 8). If there isn’t room you may want to start a new.
  6. Read the song you’ll be singing recorded in verses 9 and 10 as if you are now before the throne of God bowing down and worshipping (verse 8). How does that make you feel now? How do you think you’ll feel when you are in heaven really doing it?
  7. Add angels to your picture (verse 11).
  8. If great, powerful, majestic beings like angels bow to Jesus, what does that say about Him?
  9. What proofs does the writer of Hebrews give in Hebrews 1:5 to 2:18 to show that Jesus is greater than angels?
  10. Do you think we’ll ever get bored with praising Jesus all the time (verses 13-14)? Why or why not? Why do people get bored now?
  11. What does this chapter show about the importance of worshipping Jesus today?
  12. Why does Jesus want us to worship Him?
  13. What personal benefits do we gain from worshipping Jesus?

 

SESSION 8: Revelation 6

Now begins the judgment section of Revelation.  It will last until 19:6.  Three sets of seven judgments each comprise the next 11 chapters.  First come the 7 seal judgments (chapters 6-7).  The last seal judgment contains 7 more judgments, the trumpet judgments (chapters 8-11).  The 7th trumpet opens the 7 bowl judgments (chapters 15-6).  Seven, the perfect number (3 for deity and 4 for worldly completeness) is used 735 times in the book of Revelation.  It’s God’s favorite number and speaks of His holy perfection.  In fact, the whole book is comprised of 7 lists of 7 things.  1) 7 churches (2:1-3:22); 2) 7 seals (6:1-17; 8:1); 3) 7 Trumpets (8:2-9:21; 11:15-19); 4) 7 personages (11:3-13:18); 5) 7 bowls (16:1-21); 6) 7 woes or dooms (17:1-20:15); and 7) 7 new wonders (221:1-22:7).

The white horse (2) symbolizes the Antichrist coming to bring “peace” which only lasts long enough to get him in power (Matthew 24:15-22).  The red horse pictures war and death (v 4; see also Matthew 24:4-7).  The black horse is famine (v 5-6; Matthew 24:7).  The pale horse pictures the dead that result from war and famine (v 7-8).  These are the so-called four horsemen of the Apocalypse (Zechariah 1:8-17; 6:1-8).  These take place at the beginning of the tribulation, but the results continue until the end.  Each judgment continues on while the next builds on it.

REVELATION 6 

  1. Why are horses used as symbols? What is their significance?
  2. How is seal 1, finally having world peace and disbanding all armies, the start of God’s judgment?
  3. Draw seven seals down the left side of a piece of paper. Leave enough room under #7 for 7 trumpets and enough room under trumpet 7 for 7 bowls. Number the seals and write a very short description of each seal judgment.
  4. The fifth seal (v 9-11) is about a coming judgment that is temporarily withheld. What is the judgment and why is it withheld?
  5. How does it make you feel when you read verses 12 to 17? What emotion do you have about the people under judgment?
  6. Why do you think God is revealing all this to us? Why does He want us to know this? There are probably multiple reasons, list as many as you can think of.

 

SESSION 9: Revelation 7

Revelation 7 is a parenthesis, a pause in the recording of the judgments.  It tells about two groups of believers alive on earth during the Tribulation.  Again, read this chapter several times before proceeding.

REVELATION 7

  1. If all Christians are raptured before the Tribulation, where did these believers who are alive in the Tribulation come from?
  2. Make a chart comparing and contrasting these two groups (verses 1-8 and 9-17) as to nationality, purpose on earth, protection from persecution, seal of God, etc.
  3. Imagine 144,000 Jewish evangelists like John the Baptist and Elijah witnessing throughout the world for 7 years and no one can kill them! What kind of an impact will this have on the world?
  4. If God is bringing judgment like never before, why send out these evangelists to those who are under judgment?
  5. Does all this judgment by God make the evangelists’ jobs easier or harder? Think awhile before answering.
  6. What information does Revelation 14:1-4 add about the 144,000?
  7. Does this mean there will only be 144,000 believers in heaven? Prove your aner.
  8. Why did one group live and the other die?
  9. Add the believers who were martyred during the Tribulation to your picture of the throne (verses 9-17).
  10. What has personally impacted you the most from this chapter?

 

SESSION 10: Revelation 8-9

Read Revelation 8 and 9 several times first.  Picture what is happening in your mind.  In the Old Testament trumpets announced important events and gave signals in times of war.  “Wormwood” (v 11) is a very bitter, poisonous but not deadly plant.  The “Abyss” (9:1) is where demons (“Locusts” 9:3-11) too awful to be allowed out are kept until being released at this time.  “Abaddon” (Hebrew) or “Appollyon” (Greek), meaning “Destruction,” is the name of the powerful demon that is their leader. It refers to either Satan or one of his top generals.  The 200-million-man army also refers to demons, or demonized men (9:13-19).

REVELATION 8-9

  1. This series of judgments is more sever than the seal judgments, but less severe than the following bowl judgments will be. What does this tell us about God?
  2. Draw 7 trumpets on your paper, coming out of the 7th seal judgment. Write a short summary of what judgment each of them brings.
  3. Why does God talk about the prayers of God’s people and incense (incense also stands for prayers, a sweet savor to God) going up to God right before the trumpet judgments are announced (8:3-6)? “Then” starting verse 5 connects the two, what is the connection?
  4. Draw what you think the demons that are described as locusts but look like horses prepared for battle might look like (9:1-11).
  5. Draw what you think the 200 million demons, or demonized men, might look like from their description in 9:17-18.
  6. How can people continue to reject God despite seeing His power and experiencing His judgments (9:20-21)?
  7. What does this tell you about mankind?
  8. What lessons is God’s Spirit teaching you through these chapters and events?

 

SESSION 11: Revelation 10

Revelation 10 doesn’t talk about the unfolding judgments, but how they impact John and his message.  We are approaching the middle of the Tribulation when everything gets much worse.  The second half of the tribulation is more terrible than the first half and the stage is being set for Jesus’ Second Coming.

REVELATION 10

  1. Sketch what John saw in 10:1-4.
  2. Why doesn’t God want us to know what the seven thunders said?
  3. Can you take a guess about what it might have been?
  4. How does “no more delay” (v 6) fit in with the words to the martyrs in 6:9-11 to “wait a little while”?
  5. What is the symbolism/significance of John having to take this little scroll and eat it (9-11)?
  6. Jesus is called “Him who lives forever and ever” in verse 6. Add this to your list of all the names for Jesus from Revelation 1:1. Keep this going through the rest of the book.  Add new names to it as you come across them.  This will be one of the most rewarding parts of your Revelation study.
  7. Why is He called so many different names?
  8. Which is your favorite name for Him? Why?

 

SESSION 12:  Revelation 11

Read Revelation 11 several times.  It contains two separate topics: the 2 witnesses (1-14) and the 7th trumpet (15-19).  The 2 witnesses begin their ministry at the middle of the Tribulation and live until the very end.  Enjoy!

REVELATION 11

  1. These two special witnesses will have great power, even to do miracles. They will be men who are similar to Moses and Elijah in personality and ministry – not them themselves come back to life but men who are similar in ministry, as John the Baptist was to Elijah. What made these two men so special that they were chosen to be with Jesus when He was transfigured (Matthew 17:1-9) and these witnesses to be like them?
  2. How do these 2 show God’s mercy?
  3. Why will God let them be killed?
  4. Another 7,000 people die after the 2 witnesses are taken to heaven (13). There are about 8 billion people in the world today. All believers will be raptured before the Tribulation.  That may be as many as 1 billion people.  So suppose 7 billion people enter the Tribulation.  Revelation 9:15-18 say a third will be killed.  We don’t know how many will be killed by the rider on the red horse, new believers martyred and additional deaths from other plagues, plus the 7,000 here.  Take a guess at how many will still be alive at this point?
  5. Three “woes” are mentioned here (8:13). The first (9:12) and second (10:14) are past and the third is yet to come. What are these judgments and what makes them extra bad (“woes”)?
  6. What is the purpose of the pause and scene in heaven recorded in 11:15-19? Why does God want John to record this for us?
  7. Rewrite verses 17-18 so they apply to you today and you can use them in your own worship.
  8. How are you impacted by severe thunderstorms? Do you like them, fear them, etc.? Why is there so much thunder and lightning around the throne (v. 19 etc)?

 

SESSION 13: Revelation 12

God has told John about the believers who will be on earth during the Tribulation, people who come to Him after the Rapture.  There are the 144,000 witnesses, the millions of believers  (most of whom are martyred) and the 2 witnesses.  Now, in Revelation 12 and 13, He reveals the enemy – the opposition to God and His people.  The woman stands for believing Israel, Jews that are faithful to God, the wife of Jehovah.  The child from the woman is the Messiah, Jesus, who comes from Israel and ascended (“snatched up”) back to heaven.  The red dragon who persecutes Israel and the child/Messiah is Satan (Rev 12:9; 20:2).  He is the  “serpent of old” who deceived Eve (1 Timothy 2:14), the one who through Herod sought to kill the Christ child in Bethlehem (Jeremiah 31:15; cf. Matthew 2:16-18). The “dragon” is the ruler of the fallen angels (Matthew 12:24), the persecutor of Israel and of the saints of the ages, and the false father of the counterfeit trinity who gives power to his false son, the Beast (13:2). He is bound during the Millennium (Revelation 20:2) and finally cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Michael, along with Gabriel, is an archangel (12:7). Michael defends Israel during “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7; cf. Daniel 12:1).

REVELATION 12

  1. Since Satan can’t attack God directly, he attacks His children: Christians and Jews. Verses 1-6 summarize Satan’s attacks against the Jews from the beginning. Why are the Jews the most persecuted people ever?
  2. God doesn’t allow the Jews to be destroyed, but He does allow His chosen people to be persecuted and killed – why?
  3. How does the rise in anti-Semitism we see in the world today fit in with this passage?
  4. Verses 7-9 go back to the very beginning, before Adam and Eve, when Satan and 1/3 of the angels rebelled against God and tried to overthrow Him. Revelation 12:7-9 are great verses to memorize. What important truths do they contain?
  5. What names are used for Satan in this passage? What do they signify?
  6. What other names can you think of for Satan?
  7. This even is also recorded in Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:15-17 and Luke 10:18. What additional information do these passages show about Satan’s defeat by God?
  8. How can these verses help you in your spiritual warfare today?
  9. Who is saying the words in verses 10-12?
  10. Verses 13 through 17 describe how Satan will pursue all Jews during the Tribulation, more than they were persecuted even by Hitler. Why does Satan so hate the Jews?
  11. How will God protect His Jews during this time?
  12. Who will Satan attack when He can’t destroy the Jews (v. 17)? Why?

 

SESSION 14: Revelation 13

This chapter speaks of the other two members of the Satanic trinity.  We saw Satan, who counterfeits God’s work.  Now we see the Beast (13:1), also called the Antichrist, who counterfeits Jesus.   He is first prophesied in Daniel (read Daniel 7:7; and 8:19-27). This beast (the Antichrist) rises up out of the revived Roman Empire. Christ is the stone, cut out without hands, who falls upon the feet (the kingdom of the Antichrist, the revived Roman Empire) and grinds it to powder (Daniel 2:31-35). The Beast is the counterfeit “son” who receives his power from Satan (13:2) and will be wounded and healed (13:14). He is “cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone” (Revelation 19:20) at Christ’s second coming, following Armageddon (Revelation 16:16).

The second beast mentioned is the False Prophet (13:11-18), the third member of the counterfeit “trinity” (Revelation 16:13), who arises after the Beast is healed and causes all to worship the first Beast (13:12), and who marks his own with the mark of the Beast (13:17, 18). See Romans 8:9 and Ephesians 1:13. This false spirit copies and counterfeits the work of the true Trinity.

REVELATION 13

  1. Read Revelation 13:1-10; Daniel 7:7; 8:19-17 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12. Write a short biography talking about the Antichrist.
  2. Read Revelation 13:11-18. Write a short biography talking about the False Prophet.
  3. In what ways does Satan try to counterfeit God?
  4. In what ways does the Antichrist try to counterfeit Jesus?
  5. In what ways does the False Prophet try to counterfeit the Holy Spirit?
  6. How is Satan trying to counterfeit God today?
  7. God’s perfect number is 7. Man’s number is 6, which falls short of perfect 7. Three 6’s intensifies it even more.  Thus 666.  How does Satan try to replace God but fall short today?

 

SESSION 15: Revelation 14-15

Jesus is again pictured as a Lamb.  In revelation 5:6 He is seen as “slain” (Isaiah 53:7; John 1:29).  In Revelation 17:14 He is the mighty conqueror.  The word “Lamb” is used 29 times in Revelation and only once elsewhere in the Bible – John 21:15.  “Babylon” (14:8) stands more for a world system than a geographical location.  It could be the city of Babylon rebuilt, a reference to Rome as the center of rebellion against God or a general representation of the whole political and religious system of the world under the rule of the Antichrist.  It started with the first great rebel against God, Nimrod, who built the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9).  We will see more about Babylon in chapters 17 and 18.  Before starting with the questions, read chapters 14 and 15 several times.

REVELATION 14-15

  1. What is so special about these 144,000 (14:1-5)? Name as many as you can.
  2. Why are these 144,000 so intent on following the Lamb wherever He goes (14:4)?
  3. “Angel” is a Greek word, “angelos,” which literally means messenger. What is the message of each of the 3 angels mentioned in 14:6-12?
  4. Why are believers who die during the Tribulation blessed (14:13)?
  5. What is the special blessing they receive?
  6. Draw a picture of 14:14-20. How does this compare to the previous pictures you drew of the thrown?
  7. What does the sickle stand for (14:14-20)?
  8. The blood of the dead will flow 1,600 stadia or 180 miles (the entire length of the nation of Israel). How many do you think would have to die to provide this much blood? Update the world population totals you have been keeping.
  9. How can blood flow? Does blood flow? What is happening here?
  10. Draw another picture of 15:1-15. How does this fit in with the previous pictures you drew?
  11. Use the song of Moses, 15:3-4, as your prayer today. Memorize it and pray it over and over throughout the day.

 

SESSION 16: Revelation 16

After several chapters filling in background information, the judgments continue again in 16.  Read the chapter several times.

REVELATION 16

  1. Get your paper listing the seal and trumpet judgments and draw 7 bowls coming out of the 7th trumpet. Number them and write a very short description of each judgment.
  2. Despite this unprecedented suffering and death inflicted on mankind, the angels still say God is just in doing these things (v. 5-7). What would they say to those today who accuse God of being unjust and unfair in allowing suffering and death today?
  3. Look over your list of seal, trumpet and bowl judgments. How many of them affect the earth and its ecology? In light of this, how should we as Christians view the movements today aimed at protecting the earth and its ecology?
  4. More demons are released; these describes as frogs (v. 13). Why frogs, what’s so bad about frogs?
  5. Why does God allow them to do miraculous signs (v. 14)?
  6. How does this compare to what Pharoah’s magicians did when they counterfeited God’s miracles through Moses (read Exodus 7:11-13, 22-24; 8:7)?76. God does put limits on what He allows Satan and demons to do (read Exodus 8:18-19), but why does He let them do anything at all?
  7. Verse 15 is spoken by Jesus. He gives a warning and a promise. What are they?
  8. The people know God is bringing this judgment, for they curse Him for doing it (v. 15). If they recognize it is from Him, why don’t they repent?
  9. How does this apply today to those who know about God but refuse to yield to Him?
  10. How are we to relate to these kinds of people today?
  11. Why are you submissive to His will instead of cursing and rejecting Him? What makes you any different than them?

 

SESSION 17: Revelation 17

Revelation 17 and 18 go together, for both speak about the Babylon we saw in Revelation 14:8.  Seventeen talks about the world religious system led by the Antichrist and eighteen the world political and economic system he leads.  While true believers will be raptured before the tribulation, millions of those claiming to be Christians will be left behind.  The False Prophet (13:11-18) will bring all world religions together under himself and lead this ‘church’ in opposition to Jesus.  He will lead the world in worship of the Antichrist as the true ‘christ.’  Read Revelation 17 several times before starting.

REVELATION 17

What do the following symbols refer to:

  1. The great prostitute (17:1-2):
  2. Seven heads/kings (17:3, 9-11): Rome is often referred to as the city on seven hills. The identity of the 7 heads/kings is very hard to determine.  No one knows if they are specific kings, world empires or symbolic of the Roman empire, which includes Europe and the USA today for we are an extension of Rome’s political and social structure.
  3. Ten horns (17:3, 12-14): Probably future world leaders who will follow the Antichrist. The number may be literal or may refer to all world kingdoms at that time.
  4. Many waters (17:1, 15):
  5. Adultery (17:2):
  6. Intoxicated with wine (17:2):
  7. Scarlet beast with blasphemous names (17:3; 13:11-18):
  8. Purple, scarlet and gold (17:4):
  9. Drunk with blood (17:6):
  10. Eat her flesh and burn her with fire (17:16-18): Having used the False Prophet and apostate ‘church’ to gain power and control of the world, the Antichrist will destroy this false world religion so all worship is focused directly on himself.

Answer the following questions:

  1. Why does God use so much symbolism?
  2. Why is it very dangerous today for true believers to compromise with other beliefs and religions in any way?
  3. Can you give some examples of where or how this is happening?
  4. Verse 14 has a very important name for Jesus. Add it to your list. If you haven’t been keeping it updated, go back and add any other names of Jesus you may have missed.
  5. While there are times and places when other religions have been persecuted, it is mainly Jews and true believers who have been attacked through the ages. Clearly, Satan is behind this now and in the future. But why does God allow it?  Why doesn’t He use His power to protect His people and prevent it?  (That’s a hard question worthy of much contemplation before answering.)

 

SESSION 18: Revelation 18

The counterfeit religion that focused on anything or anyone but God and Jesus which started at the tower of Babel and has continued since in many forms will be destroyed at the end of the Tribulation, never to rise again (Revelation 17).  Along with it the whole world system of materialism, power, control, greed, pride, selfishness and oppression that also started at Babel will also come to an end (Revelation 18).  Read Revelation 18 several times before starting.

REVELATION 18

  1. What words or terms are used to describe this world system (“Babylon”) before it fell? List all you can.
  2. What words or terms are used to talk about the destruction of this world system (“Babylon”)? List all you can.
  3. What reasons are given for God bringing this terrible judgment on this whole system?
  4. When you look at the world system in which we live and think about what will one day happen to it, how do you feel?
  5. Describe this world system in which we live today. What are its values, motives, priorities and goals?
  6. Knowing what is coming, how involved should we be in the world in which we live?

 

REVELATION 19: Revelation 19

Not all prophecy is in the book of Revelation.  There is much in Matthew 24-25, Paul’s epistles, Daniel, Ezekiel and many of the other prophets.  John wrote to those who already knew those prophecies and that gave them a great advantage over those who start with the book of Revelation.  To quickly fill in the gaps, Revelation 19 is at the end of the Tribulation.  The seven years of judgment are over and all the nations of the world have gathered in a large valley north of Jerusalem called “Armageddon.”  They are there to fight each other for world dominance.  Several parts of the world have broken from the Antichrist’s rule and are fighting for their freedom.  It seems Europe (and the USA if it still exists) will be the main supporters of the Antichrist.  Just as this great battle for world control is about to start Jesus will appear in the sky.  All the world’s armies will join together and their armaments will be used to destroy Him, but instead He will destroy all of them with a word.  That’s what Revelation 19 portrays.  The good guys win!

This is one of my personal favorite chapters in the whole Bible.  Picturing the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” coming destroy those who oppose Him, and us coming with Him, never ceases to thrill me!  I never tire of reading it.  I hope it speaks to you as well.

REVELATION 19

  1. Draw a picture of Revelation 19:1-10. This is the scene in heaven during Jesus’ Second Coming (verses 11-21).
  2. Draw a picture of Revelation 19:11-21, focusing on Jesus on the white horse.
  3. Add the new names for Jesus listed here to your list (verse 11, 13 and 16 if you don’t already have it).
  4. Why will Jesus return on a horse (11)?
  5. Why a white horse (11)?
  6. Why are His eyes like blazing fire (12)?
  7. What do the many crowns on His head stand for (12)?
  8. Why does He have a name no one knows (12)? What does that mean?
  9. Why is He wearing a robe dipped in blood (13)? Whose blood is it?
  10. What does the sharp sword out of His mouth stand for (15, 21)?
  11. What does it signify that we will be wearing “fine linen, white and clean” (14)?
  12. Why does Jesus want us to come with Him as part of the “armies of heaven” (v 14)?
  13. “He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty” (v. 15) use three terms to try to describe how totally furious and full of righteous rage God is. Who would like to be on the receiving of such terrible anger and judgment? Yet that is what Jesus took on the cross so we can be with Him when He returns instead of being judged by Him.  Spend time meditating on this and thanking God for it.
  14. What is this about calling birds to a feast have to do with Jesus’ coming (17-18, 21)?
  15. Verses 19-21 talks about the battle between Jesus and the Antichrist and his armies on earth. How long do you think the battle lasted? How much effort on Jesus’ part do you think it took Jesus to win?
  16. As I said, this is a favorite passage of mine. What in it impresses you most?
  17. How can knowing how everything ends help you face your own life and challenges today?

 

SESSION 20: Revelation 20

The Bible starts with the first 3 chapters in Genesis talking about how Satan brought sin and rebellion into the world and the results of that sin.  The last 3 chapters in Revelation reverse all that damage and end with man restored to his original position of living in God’s literal presence in a perfect world.  Jesus totally reverses the damage done by Adam’s sin, restoring everything to Garden of Eden conditions.

REVELATION 20

  1. Verses 20:1-3 repeat 19:19-21. What new information does 20:1-3 add?
  2. What do we learn about hell from these 2 passages?
  3. Following the 7-year Tribulation comes the thousand-year Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 21-22 plus hundreds of prophesies in the Old Testament). Before this happens, all believers will be resurrected. Those who put their faith in Jesus between His resurrection and the Rapture will all be resurrected at the Rapture, but believers before the resurrection, and those from the Tribulation, will be resurrected and rewarded at this time (4, 6).  Their soul/spirit will be in heaven in a temporary body until their bodies are resurrected.   If all eternity were a time line 1 mile long, how long would be the portion that would represent their (or our) life on earth?
  4. Will they think what they went through on earth is worth it compared to what they’ll have for all eternity?
  5. Do you?
  6. After the thousand-year Millennium there will be one more rebellion led by Satan (7-8). Imagine living in Garden of Eden conditions for hundreds of years with Jesus physically present and then choosing to follow Satan and rebel? Why would people want to do that?
  7. What does that show about the human heart?
  8. After the Millennium ALL dead unbelievers from Cain on will be physically resurrected and condemned to hell forever (5, 11-15). Now they have temporary bodies and are in a hell-like place awaiting this final judgment. I can’t even imagine the regret, guilt and fear they will have.  How can a loving God do this to them?
  9. Draw a picture of the scene described in 11-14.
  10. Spend some time praying for those you know who aren’t believers and will be present in this final judgment. God won’t force anyone to believe, but pray they will clearly see Jesus for Who He is so they can make a free-will choice to believe in Him.

 

SESSION 21: Revelation 21:1-22:6

Now we get to see what ‘heaven’ will be like.  Actually, it’s the New Jerusalem during the Millennium, but it will probably stay pretty much the same as everything transitions into eternity.

REVELATION 21:1-22:6

  1. Draw a picture of the New Jerusalem as described in Revelation 21:1-22:6.
  2. Make a list of everything that will be in the new heaven and earth.
  3. Make a list of everything that will NOT be in the new heaven and earth.
  4. Keep adding to your list of names of Jesus (21:6).
  5. How do you think John felt during this time of talking with angels?
  6. How do you think the angels felt talking to John?
  7. How does it make you feel knowing there are always angels hanging around you, watching you, protecting you and guiding you?

 

SESSION 22: Revelation 22:7-21

The final words of Revelation and the whole Bible are very important and interesting.  Everyone likes a story with a good ending – and you can’t beat this ending anywhere!

REVELATION 22:7-21

  1. Jesus Himself is talking in verses 7, 12-16 and 20. Each time He starts with “I am coming soon.” But He still isn’t here.  How would you define “soon” as Jesus used it?
  2. What blessings does Jesus promise us in 7 and 12-16?
  3. In many ways, verse 17 is a summary of the whole Bible. Would you agree? To those who reject, He says “Go.”  But to us the invitation is “come.”  Thank Him for this free offer.
  4. There are more names for Jesus in verse 13 and 16. Add them and any other to your list. Look over the whole list.  Which name (or names) mean the most to you?  Why?
  5. Summarize the whole book in one sentence.
  6. Give it a short title.
  7. As you look back on the whole book of Revelation, what stands out to you most? Why?

 

I hope you enjoyed doing this study as much as I did planning it.  What a great and marvelous God we serve!  Organize and keep your answers and notes.  You can use them for your times of worship, to study the book again, or to teach it to someone else.  Ask God to show you someone you can teach this book to