Class Lesson January 28, 2024

 

REVELATIONS

God has a word to the church – are you listening?

 

 

The church at Laodicea is one of two churches where Jesus identifies no positive qualities. He gives another beautiful description of Himself, then jumps right into Laodicea’s lackluster attitude toward spiritual things. No one took a stand for Jesus. Everyone came to church and left without a genuine and passionate desire to pursue God.

The Laodiceans are so apathetic that the theologians are split on whether the congregation is lost or saved. This condition shows that religious activity and claiming the title “church” does not prove a person is a follower of Christ. The evidence of following Christ is the outpouring of the Spirit. The outpouring of the Spirit is evidenced by a passion for Christ and His glory.

According to Jesus and His letter, apathy within the church renders it useless to the Kingdom of God. The greater problem is that the Laodiceans have no idea their condition is wretched and see no need for repentance. However, Jesus instructs the church to repent and open the door when He knocks. Jesus does not leave the church in a lukewarm state. He will make all things new, but until that day, Jesus desires His church to resist worldly comfort and passionately serve Him.

This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

 

 

Opening Questions:

In the past week, what did you do that most excited you?

 

How would you describe someone with an apathetic heart?

 

The Point: 

Evaluate your passion for Christ.

 

Revelation 3:14-22

14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Revelation 3:14-22.

 

STUDY NOTES

No one is excited about everything, but apathy in our relationship with Jesus has no place in the life of His disciples or the church. In fact, Jesus used extreme imagery when He spoke about those who failed to give Him their full affection. Jesus expects and deserves whole-hearted devotion from His people. We all have moments where the fire does not burn as brightly as others. However, a believer who lives a lifestyle of apathy toward following Christ is not right with God.

As you go through the text, notice how Jesus evaluates these churches. He genuinely cares about how the church operates. Some aspects of the church should remain, and some the church should change. Jesus looks at the activity, then digs deep into the heart of that activity. For instance, at Ephesus, the church is active, but at the heart, they lose their first love. They serve God for the wrong reasons.

Though Jesus’ message to the church at Laodicea contained no praise, it did contain grace. Their problem had a solution in Christ. He urged the believers to repent and open their lives to Him as Lord, promising that if they did so, they would enjoy spiritual victory and intimate fellowship with Him.

The letter to the church concludes with a positive and even urgent invitation to the Laodiceans to return to a close relationship with Him. The invitation is for believers to open the door of their hearts to their Lord for intimate fellowship. The image of a meal is important. Eating together is a sign of fellowship and complete acceptance. That is what Jesus earnestly offers and desires. Although Jesus’ invitation is to the church, if anyone repents, He will come to that person with the most majestic reward possible — to sit at the divine banquet with Jesus on His throne.

In short, Jesus gives these three instructions:

1. The church needs to confess.

2. The church needs conviction to serve Christ.

3. The church needs communion with Christ.

Quotes:

“When Jesus says something, you don’t need a second opinion.” – Stephen Williams

“The self-sufficient man is no man at all for Christ.” – Corey Watson

“Apathy is most recognizable in the actions of the unrepentant.” – Ashley Moore

“Our usefulness to the kingdom is less about our capabilities, and more about our commitment to the King.” – Wayne Bray

 

Bottom Line

Apathy towards Christ will send you to Hell.

 

Jesus describes the Laodicean Church:

They are useless.

They are self-dependent.

They are unrepentant.

 

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

 

How would you describe a church that is lukewarm?

 

What are the dangers of this type of spiritual apathy for a church and individual Christians?

 

What causes a church to lose its fervor for ministry and outreach?

 

What would happen to spiritual apathy if people continually remained aware of God’s greatness?

 

Describe repentance in your own words. Why is this something God values so highly?

 

Are you lukewarm in your devotion to God? If so, how do you sense Him drawing you back to Himself?

 

What does it look like to “eat with” Jesus (v. 20)? Why is this an appropriate picture of spiritual intimacy with Him?

 

END

Teacher Notes:

What did Jesus say the Church of Ephesus had lost last week?

What did Jesus tell the Church of Ephesus to do?

1.   To consider how far you have fallen.

2.   Repent

3.   To do the things you did at first.

To the Church of Laodicea 

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. … So, because you are lukewarm, … I will spit you out of my mouth.”

“Apathy towards Christ will send you to Hell.”

Bottom Line

Revelation 3:14-22

14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Revelation 3:14-22.

The Church of Laodicea – What do you know?

Laodicea was the wealthiest of the seven cities, known for its banking industry, manufacture of wool, and a medical school that produced eye salve. But the city had always had a problem with its water supply. At one time an aqueduct was built to bring water to the city from hot springs. But by the time the water reached the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool – only lukewarm. The church had become as bland as the tepid water that came into the city.

 

Laodicea was a wealthy city, and the church was also wealthy. But what the Laodiceans could see, and buy had become more valuable to them than what is unseen and eternal.

Wealth, luxury, and ease can make people feel confident, satisfied, and complacent. But no matter how much you possess or how much money you make, you have nothing if you don’t have a vital relationship with Christ.

What are the dangers of this type of spiritual apathy for a church and individual Christians?

 

 

The Laodiceans are so apathetic that theologians are split on whether the congregation is lost or saved.

What do you think?

 

What causes a church to lose its fervor for ministry and outreach?

 

What did Jesus say to the Church?

You are useless.

You are self-dependent.

You are unrepentant.

 

“Apathy is most recognizable in the actions of the unrepentant.” – Ashley Moore

 

Are you lukewarm in your devotion to God today?

 

What could cause a Christian to lose their devotion to God?

 

“The self-sufficient man is no man at all for Christ.”

– Corey Watson

 

NOTHING

ABOUT ME IS

SELF-MADE.

I OWE GOD

EVERYTHING.

Do you agree with this? Is this how you feel? Are you living this way today?

 

The Laodicean church was complacent and rich. They felt self-satisfied, but they didn’t have Christ’s presence among them. Christ knocked at the door of their hearts, but they were so busy enjoying worldly pleasures that they didn’t notice that He was trying to enter. The pleasures of this world – money, security, material possessions – can be dangerous, because their temporary satisfaction make us indifferent to God’s offer of lasting satisfaction. 

 

Jesus said in short:

1. The church needs to confess and repent.

2. The church needs conviction to serve Christ.

3. The church needs communion with Christ.

 

 

What does it look like to “eat with” Jesus (v. 20)?

Why is this an appropriate picture of spiritual intimacy with Him?

 

Conclusion

You must evaluate your passion for Christ.

Class Lesson January 21, 2024

 2nd Lesson Revelations 2:1-7

Opening Questions

If Jesus were to send a message to the church 

in America, what would He say?

 

 

REVELATIONS

All – Things – New

_____________________________________

THE POINT of THIS LESSON 

is that

Jesus is coming soon, so remain faithful.

Revelation 2:1-7

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Revelation 2:1-7.

STUDY NOTES

Revelation two and three contain messages from Jesus to the leaders of seven churches. The main message of these letters is to remain faithful until the end. The theme of Revelation is that Jesus is going to make all things new. The Book is meant to be informative and encouraging to the churches serving as they wait for the new to come. Therefore, along with a revelation of the future, Jesus spends time writing to the churches in the present. The reason is to motivate the churches to remain faithful until He comes.

As you go through the text, notice how Jesus evaluates these churches. He genuinely cares about how the church operates. Some aspects of the church should remain, and some the church should change. Jesus looks at the activity, then digs deep into the heart of that activity. For instance, at Ephesus, the church is active, but at the heart, they lose their first love. They serve God for the wrong reasons.

Nonetheless, as you read the letters, you will notice they are practical and applicable to us today. These churches are a reflection of our churches. They reveal some of the same struggles we face and the qualities we possess. What a blessing that Jesus has something to say and wants us to hear. He is the Lord who sees the truth, tells the truth, and judges according to the truth.

We are citizens of heaven where Jesus is King. So, we should act like we belong to heaven and King Jesus. Some of this evaluation does not seem encouraging. However, it is absolutely encouraging to know that Christ cares about His church. He desires us to be right with Him.

 

There are two main thoughts from this lesson:

1. We must be open to the Spirit as He reveals our own hearts. We must be open to spiritual evaluation.                                                                                                        
2. Though Revelation reveals Jesus as King in the future, we must not forget that He is King now and we must hear what He has to say to us.

 

Quotes:

The truth of Christ without the grace of Christ will lead to ruin. – Corey Watson

Our commitment to Christ will never outpace our commitment to, and knowledge of, the Bible. – Dallas Wilson

It’s possible to do good things for Jesus and lose your love for Jesus. – Will Bray

Yes, Jesus sees you when you fail, but He also sees you when you’re faithful. – Wayne Bray

Following Christ is about devoting ourselves to loving Him above the things of this world. – Dustin Dozier

 

 

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

What does Jesus say is good with the church?

 

What does Jesus say is wrong with the church?

 

What are the instructions that Jesus gives to help them endure to the end?

 

How does each church relate to the Upstate Church today?

 

Even though we evaluate churches, what can we learn about our personal walk with Christ?

 

How can we individually contribute to the endurance of the church?

 

COMMISSION

As we wrap up this lesson, it is imperative that everyone knows we go into the world on mission for Jesus. 

 

What aspects of the Church does Christ want the world to see for them to be saved?

 

Who in your life needs to know Jesus?

END

Teacher Notes:

Click Play to Watch

Opening Question

If Jesus were to send a message to the church in America, what would He say?

Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

 

 

What does the world need right now?

One Word

JESUS

 

“It’s possible to do good things for Jesus and lose your love for Jesus.”

– Will Bray

 

Revelation 2:1-7

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’ (Are you listening?)

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Revelation 2:1-7.

 

 

Commendation & Confrontation

Jesus praised believers for their successes and told them how to correct their failures.

 

 

There are two thoughts to remember:

1. We must be open to the Spirit as He reveals our own hearts. We must be open to spiritual evaluation.

2. Though Revelation reveals Jesus as King in the future, we must not forget that He is King now and we must hear what He has to say to us.

 

 

The Church of Ephesus – What do you know?

Ephesus – power of NY City with the culture of New Orleans & Las Vegas. Ephesus was the capital of Asia Minor, a center of land and sea trade, and along with Alexandria and Antioch in Syria, one of the 3 most influential cities in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. The temple of Artemis, one of the ancient wonders of the world, was in Ephesus. Paul ministered here for 3 years and warned the church that false teachers would come and try to turn them from the faith. And they did come and cause problems, but the church resisted them. John spent much of his ministry here in Ephesus and knew they had resisted false teachings.

 

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

What does Jesus say is good with the church?

Working hard, persevering, resisting sin, critically examining the claims of false prophets, and enduring hardship without becoming weary. Every church should have these characteristics.

 

What does Jesus say is wrong with the church?

You have abandoned the love you had at first. They serve God for the wrong reasons. Like when you first fell in love with your spouse – it was intense, it was a thrill to just be in her presence, you would do just about anything for her.

Ephesus had become a large PROUD church! Jesus would remind them that He Alone is the head of the body of believers. They were a busy church – the members did much to benefit themselves and the community – but they were acting out of the wrong motives. Work for God must be motivated by love for God, or it will not last.

 

What are the instructions that Jesus gives to help them endure to the end?

1.   Don’t stop believing!

2.   Don’t Compromise – consider the unexpected.

Nicolaitans – Why did God hate their deeds? The Nicolaitans were believers who compromised their faith to enjoy some of the sinful practices of Ephesian society. The name Nicolaitans is the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew word for “Balaamites.” Balaam was a prophet who induced the Israelites to carry out their lustful desires.

  

3.   Don’t Lose Focus – Keep the main thing the main thing

  

 

How does each church relate to the Upstate Church today?

These churches are a reflection of our churches. They reveal some of the same struggles we face and the qualities we possess.

 

 

How can we individually contribute to the endurance of the church?

“The fight for truth fails without the flame of Love.”

Jesus commended the church for hating the wicked practices of the Nicolaitans. But it’s important to note that they hated their sinful practices, not the people. We should accept and love all people and refuse to tolerate all evil. God cannot tolerate sin, and He expects us to stand against it. The world needs Christians who will stand for God’s truth and point people toward right living.

 

 

Even though we evaluate churches, what can we learn about our personal walk with Christ?

When we want to take part in an activity that we know is wrong, we may make excuses to justify our behavior, saying that it isn’t as bad as it seems or that it won’t hurt our faith.

CHRIST HAS strong words for those who look for excuses to SIN!

 

Jesus said to repent – what did Caleb say?

I am sorry,

I have been so selfish.

I have trampled on You with my words and my actions.

I have loved other things when I should have loved You.

I am begging You to forgive me.

 

Don’t you want to know what happen to Caleb’s marriage?

Click Play to Watch

 

– don’t trade something temporary 

for something that is eternal.

 

Conclusion:

The central message to the seven churches of the book of Revelation is to remain faithful to Jesus.

Each church that receives a commendation receives a commendation for faithfulness.

Each church that receives a condemnation receives a condemnation for unfaithfulness.

New Revelations Series Starts January 14, 2024

 1st Lesson Revelations 1:1-20

Opening Questions

What are your New Year’s Resolutions for 2024?

 

What is one question you have about the book of Revelation?

 

REVELATIONS

All – Things – New

_____________________________________

Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior?

If so, then you have nothing to fear from God’s judgment of the world as described in the Book of Revelation.

 

THE POINT of THIS LESSON 

is that

God wants to give us hope 

by helping us see reality as it is.

The Book of Revelations begins with a greeting to the seven churches of Asia Minor.

Revelation 1:1-20

1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants[a] the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Greeting to the Seven Churches

4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail[b] on account of him. Even so. Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Vision of the Son of Man

9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Revelation 1:1-20.

Purpose of Writing:

The Revelation of Jesus Christ was given to John by God “to show his servants what must soon take place.” This book is filled with mysteries about things to come. It is the final warning that the world will surely end, and judgment will be certain. It gives us a tiny glimpse of heaven and all the glories awaiting those who keep their robes white. Revelation takes us through the great tribulation with all its woes and the final fire that all unbelievers will face for eternity. The book reiterates the fall of Satan and the doom he and his angels are bound for. We are shown the duties of all creatures and angels of heaven and the promises of the saints that will live forever with Jesus in the New Jerusalem. Like John, we find it hard to describe what we read in the book of Revelation.

Here are a few Quotes from Sunday’s Message

• If the time was near 2,000 years ago, rest assured it’s nearer today.
• Because of our high view of scripture, we are careful not to elevate what we speculate.
• Ultimately, the entire Bible is the revelation of God.
• God’s intention is not to conceal, but to reveal Himself to mankind.
• We read the Bible, not to confirm convictions, but to determine them.
• There is nothing in the book of Revelations that should make a Christian fear.
• When considering the importance of context, the Bible can’t say to us now, something it never said to them then.
• The point of Revelations is that we see Jesus as He truly is. 

STUDY NOTES

Things are not just as they seem. There is reality, and then there is ultimate reality. Revelation is written to show us ultimate reality.

Revelation was written by an apostle who was experiencing intense persecution and delivered to a people who were going through immense suffering. In that suffering, Jesus comes to encourage His believers. This encouragement comes when Christ shows His people the ultimate reality of who He is and how He reigns, both now and forever more.

 

Revelation literally means “apocalypse” or “unveiling.” In other words, this is a book about the unveiling of Jesus Christ. Christians get a peek behind the curtain to see what truly is. It’s important to understand this as we begin the study of Revelation because if not you may find yourself frustrated by the book.

 

Revelation is written to show us more of Jesus.

Revelation is not written to answer all our questions about when Jesus is coming back!

If we can wrap our minds around that, then we can read Revelation and be blessed. (Revelation 1:3)

Two major points of this lesson:

1. Jesus Christ reigns in ____________.                                                                                                      
2. Jesus Christ reigns in ____________.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Why is it more important to see Jesus than to understand all the details of when Jesus is going to return?

 

Christ is described in very symbolic and glorified language. What feature most catches your eye and what do you think it means?

 

How does a proper vision of Christ help us endure suffering in a hostile world?

 

Does Revelation 1 remind you of any Old Testament visions of God? What does this teach us about Jesus?

 

What is the most encouraging thing to you about Revelation 1?

 

What does it mean that Jesus is standing in the midst of the lampstands?

Spend this week reading the Scripture Revelations 1:1-20 along with the study notes and any other material you can find. Let be prepared to go DEEPER in this study with answers to the questions herein.

Commission

It is imperative that everyone knows that we are to go into the world on mission for Jesus. You should leave class today focused on trying to live on mission.

Seeing Jesus - changes everything about our life!

Think about this: 

How can this vision of Jesus change 

how you are going to live as you leave here?

 

Who in your life needs to know Jesus?

END

Teacher Notes:

Click Play to Watch

What is one question you have about the book of Revelation?

Things are not just as they seem. 

There is reality, and then there is ultimate reality. 

Revelation is written to show us ultimate reality.

Upper / Lower Story

Revelation 1:1-20

1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants[a] the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Greeting to the Seven Churches

4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail[b] on account of him. Even so. Amen.

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Vision of the Son of Man

9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Why is it more important to see Jesus than to understand all the details of when Jesus is going to return?

 

Christ is described in very symbolic and glorified language. What feature most catches your eye and what do you think it means?

 

How does a proper vision of Christ help us endure suffering in a hostile world?

 

Does Revelation 1 remind you of any Old Testament visions of God? What does this teach us about Jesus?

 

What is the most encouraging thing to you about Revelation 1?

 

What does it mean that Jesus is standing in the midst of the lampstands?