Revelation 17-19Monday,December 30, 2013

Revelation 17

vv. 4, 16How is the description of the prostitute, as well as the relationship between the prostitute and the beast, an apt illustration of the lure and effects of sin? In what ways have I experienced the attraction to and degrading/defiling effects of sin/temptation in my life?

vv. 8; 13-14; 17“The beast appeared once, is not presently evident, but will in the future again make his presence known. Evil is persistent.”[1]

“That John's beast ‘is not’ refers to his defeat by the Lamb on Calvary… It is this apparent revival of Satan's power and authority over the world after his mortal wound…that causes the deceived of earth to follow him.”[2]

Compare/contrast the beast and the Lamb (cf. Revelation 1:8; 4:8)

Why are so many people deceived by the beast? What can I learn about the character of the Enemy (Satan) from these verses? How can I guard myself against falling prey to the deceptive power of Satan?

Revelation 18

v. 3 How is Babylon’s sin described? What can I learn about the nature of sin and how it is viewed by God?

v. 4How are God’s people told to respond to “Babylon”? In what ways do I need to likewise respond to sin?

vv.4-7“Babylon's threefold web of sin is described as satiety (‘luxury’), pride (‘boasts, I sit as a queen’), and avoidance of suffering (‘I will never mourn’).”[3]How are these sins related to each other? (cf., Eze 28:5, 18)

v. 7-8 Why is Babylon’s attitude both offensive to God and false? How do I display the same attitude towards myself and my life?

vv.9-19What are the three groups that mourned over the fall of Babylon, and what is the common denominator behind their reasons for mourning?What lessons does this passage teach regarding the ultimate destiny of those who hope and work for material rewards? What are the things in my life that would perish along with the material world? What are the things that would survive the “fall of Babylon”?

vv.11-13What can be gleaned about the lifestyle and value system of the culture of Babylon from the list of commodities that the merchants once sold to Babylon? What is the relationship between that kind of value system and the selling of “bodies and souls of men”?What are some parallels that can be drawn between Babylon’s culture and our modern-day culture?

v.20 In what ways is “Babylon” responsible for the mistreatment of the saints, apostles and prophets?vv.22-24What are the routine practices of everyday life that Babylon was engaged in? What is surprising about verse 24 in light of these practices? In what ways can my pursuit of a “normal life” (normal by the standards of this world) result in injustice toward other people and ultimately in rejection of God and His messengers in my life?

Revelation 19

vv.1,2,5,6What does the fact that God’s justice will ultimately triumph compel me to do today? What kind of a life must I live in order for that fact to compel me to praise Him?

vv.7-9How is the “bride of Christ” described in these verses? What can I learn about the nature of Christian life from those descriptions? How does this imagery challenge the notion that the gospel is a “free ticket” to heaven, and that a Christian can do whatever he/she wants in this earthly life?

vv.11,12How does the vision of Jesus as the Judge on a white horse contrast with the way that he entered Jerusalem (cf., Matthew 21:5-7)? What can I learn about the heart of Jesus for me from this contrast (cf., Phil 2:6-8)?

vv.11-16What are the names of Jesus listed in these verses? Which name is personally meaningful to me in my life and why?

vv.13,14What is odd about the description of the robe that Jesus is wearing as opposed to the robes that the armies of heaven were wearing? Given that this is before any battle took place, what is the significance of the blood on Jesus’ robe (Rev 5:6-9)? How does this lead me to appreciate the power of the cross more?

v.21 What lessons can be learned about the nature of the word of God from description of the “sword that came out of the mouth of the rider” (cf., Heb 4:12)? How does this challenge any flippant attitude that I might have toward God’s word?

[1]The NIV Study Bible, study notes (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995) 1943.

[2] Kenneth L. Barker and John R. Kohlenbrger III, Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary CD, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994) notes for Revelation 17:8.

[3] Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. Ed. Expositor’s Bible Commentary CD (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992) notes for chapter 18