REVELATION - PART 5
LEADERS NOTES:
We have another finance update from Anna. Begin your time by watching and then praying together.
Follow by watching the bible project explanation 8:20-the end. This weeks video will be particularly helpful if a number of people have not heard the sermon.
The Big Picture- If you are ever feeling lost throughout the readings remember that this section of Revelation shows us John’s vision of the seven trumpets which communicates the severity of God’s judgment—and also the greatness of his mercy—toward those who unrepentantly oppose him. And that God uses pain as a megaphone to rouse a deaf world
Feel free to explain that this weeks study is broken up into 4 different sections to help us tackle and unpack some of the rich symbolism used by John.
READ REVELATION 8:1-12
Ask people before jumping in to reflect on the first question while reading.
THE FIRST FOUR BLASTS
1. In this passage what is the target of each judgement given with the first, second, third and fourth trumpet? How will these judgements impact life as people know it?
2. What parallels do you notice between the trumpet judgements and the Egyptian plagues in Exodus?
3. How do we see natural disaster causing pain in this world?
READ REV 9:1-6
THE FIFTH BLAST
1. How do we know that the fallen star is Satan? (note Luke 10:18 & Isaiah 14:12-14)
2. What were the limitations/terms given to the army of locusts in regards to their destruction after the 5th trumpet was blown?
READ REV 9:13-21
THE SIXTH TRUMPET
1. What do you notice about the beliefs/actions/character of the remaining people who were not killed by the plagues of judgement?
2. How does the blowing of the seven trumpets reveal Gods mercy? See Ezekiel 33 for helpful context
Ezekiel 33:3-4 ‘and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, 4 then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. 5 Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’
READ REV 11:1-11
THE TWO WITNESSES
1. If the two witnesses are a symbol for the church; what is the characteristics and then actions of the church in this passage?
APPLICATION
1. How would praying for peoples repentance when seeing pain in the world bring about deeper peace for people in pain? Have you ever regularly prayed for people to turn to God and repent?
2.In what ways does this passage challenge you towards boldness?
3.What is one comfort you are left with after tonights reflections? What is one challenge?
PRAY
What does this mean for Gods people now and today? How can you be living in light of what we have read tonight? How o you need to respond?
Pray that we may be a church that steps out into this world with boldness. Pray for this city- that pain would awaken people to the fact that this is not our home and we need to security of Jesus to bring us into real relationship with God.