Revelation: A New Hope (Week 8)
In this series, we’ve explored Revelation through three lenses: the past—its Jewish roots and symbolism; the present—the context of its original audience; and the future—the timeless truth it speaks to the Church today.
For our Revelation Resources page, click here.
Warm-Up: What’s something you resisted doing at first but were glad you did in the end—going to bed early, taking a break, asking for help, or something else? Why do you think we sometimes resist things that are ultimately good for us?
Read Revelation 6:12-16 and Genesis 3:8.
1. In this week’s sermon, Pete discussed this passage from Revelation 6 in the context of Genesis 3, saying that sin causes us to perceive the presence of God through a lens of fear. Does this impact how you understand of the concept of God’s “wrath” against sin? particularly within the larger umbrella of God’s love?
Read Revelation 7:9-14.
2. Pete discussed the theological concept of Justification in this way: “we have been cleansed of our sin nature because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb.” Yet, we often try to approach the problem of sin is by believing we have to do “enough” to earn God’s forgiveness and saving love. Why do you think we so naturally fall into this idea that we have to earn what is already given to us by grace?
3. What’s the difference between following Jesus as a checklist of obligations and following him as part of a relationship? How might that change the way we approach prayer, Scripture, worship, or loving our neighbors?
Read Revelation 7:1-3 and Ephesians 1:13-14.
4. Discuss the idea Pete presented that the “seal” referred to in Revelation may be the very same “seal” of the Holy Spirit Paul writes about in Ephesians. How does this impact your understanding of the passage in Revelation?
Read Ephesians 4:25-32.
5. If justification is the stone being rolled away from our captivity, then sanctification is the process of leaving the cave moving into the light. How do these two parts of the Christian life work together?
6. Why is it so difficult to fully accept God’s forgiveness of our sins and allow it to set us free? Discuss some practices you have found helpful in staying connected to the Holy Spirit, who never leaves or forsakes us.
Read Revelation 7:16-17.
7. Revelation 7 ends with the promise that the Lamb will shepherd his people, provide living water, and wipe away every tear (glorifcation). How does this picture of God’s future help us face the brokenness of the present? What difference might it make to remember that the story ultimately ends in freedom, healing, and worship?
Closing: Discuss your thoughts, or any new perspectives gained, on the book of Revelation through this first part of our series.
(*Video available after Sunday services)
