Revelation - Week 3

Day 1

Write Down

READ

Revelation 1:19

19 “Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen.

This verse is considered by many to be the divine outline of the book of Revelation. The apostle John was to write three things: 1) what you have seen; 2) things that are now happening; and 3) things that will happen.  Number 1) has to do with chapter 1; Number 2) has to do with chapters 2 and 3; and Number 3) has to do with chapters 4 and following.

REFLECT

Think of key passages in Bible books to help you know what to look for in the book. In John’s gospel he gave the key in John 20:30-31. The key to the book of Acts is likely 1:8 that tells how the gospel was to be spread.

RESPOND

Talk with your friend about examining the book of Revelation with the outline of 1:19 in mind.

Day 2

Mystery Revealed

READ

Revelation 1:20

20 This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

A “mystery” is something not previously revealed but is now made known. Remember about wondering in verse 12 about the “gold lampstands”? Here is the answer: it is the seven churches that are to give light in the world. In verse 16 the seven stars were mentioned. Here it is learned they are the “angels” of the seven churches. The Greek word “angel” means “messenger.” One must determine whether it is a supernatural being or human. Some believe it is the pastor, but in the first century they did not have pastors as we do today. There were elders who led the churches, and their qualifications are given in 1 Timothy 3.

REFLECT

Consider this reminder as you read further in Revelation. Not every symbol is explained but many are.

RESPOND

Talk with your disciple about the fact that whether the “angel” (messenger) is a supernatural one or human, the messages to the seven churches are particularly given to the people in each. The messages should be read today with interest to see what applies to the present condition in some churches.

Day 3

In His Right Hand

READ

Revelation 2:1

“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands:

The Lord Jesus Christ first addressed the church in Ephesus. All seven of these churches were local churches, but the lessons drawn from them apply to churches today. Notice the description of the Lord Jesus is something said about Him in chapter 1. The message is from the Lord Jesus and is to be taken seriously.

REFLECT

Think about Jesus walking with a church. He is with the believers through all their persecutions and blessings. He walks among all the churches.

RESPOND

Talk with your friend about the nearness of Jesus to believers. Read John 16:33 to see He gives peace in the midst of trouble.

Day 4

Patient Endurance

READ

Revelation 2:2-3

2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.

It is customary in these letters to the seven churches that something is said to commend them, except for the last church, Laodicea. The apostle Paul had spent three years in Ephesus where he had what some consider his greatest ministry. Jesus says several things that those in the church could be commended for.  One could ask if local churches today are as concerned about these matters.

REFLECT

What are you doing in your local assembly to see that the group is doing things that can be commended by the Lord Jesus?

RESPOND

With your disciple, read Acts 19:8-10 and more of the chapter if you have time. This gives a background for Paul’s ministry in Ephesus and the region. Ephesus was an important city on the western edge of Asia Minor (Turkey) where many worshiped the goddess Diana.

Day 5

Lost Love

READ

Revelation 2:4-6

4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. 6 But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.

After commending the church, Jesus then tells of a complaint about the group. They had left their first love. Jesus wanted them to repent (change their minds) about this condition. If they would not, He said He would remove their church from among the seven churches. Apart from this, it was in their favor that they hated the works of the Nicolaitans even as He did. There is uncertainty about this group, but they are also mentioned in the message to the church in Pergamum with some more details.

REFLECT

How is it with you now in comparison to when you first trusted in Jesus as Savior? Do you hunger to know more about the Bible as you did then? Have you grown in your love for Jesus because of what He has done for you?

RESPOND

Talk with your disciple about how things are going for you now in your Christian journey in comparison to when you first became believers. Determine to refresh your hearts by thinking of what Jesus has done for you. Decide to read more about Him in the Bible. Agree to be engaged in the Bible at least four times a week.