REVELATION - Spring Lake Church

REVELATION
The Year of the Word
A year-long look at the entire Bible
AUTHOR
John the apostle has been widely held
as the author of this book, an idea that
was almost unchallenged through the
2nd-century. Some differences in style
between this and John’s other New
Testament books have cast some doubt
as to his authorship, but most of these
can be explained by the unusual nature
of the book.
DATE
This book was likely written during
John’s exile on the island of Patmos
during the reign of Domitian over the
Roman empire. The fact that the
churches in the book are presented as having been in existence for some time supports this timing. This
would date the book around A.D. 95 or 96.
THEMES
This book is primarily apocalyptic in nature. The three major sections of the book are captured in 1:19:
“The things which you have seen” (ch. 1), “the things which are” (ch 2-3), and “the things which will
take place after this” (ch 4-22). Much of the book is dedicated to the prophecies of what will happen in
the future. The number “seven” is of significant importance throughout the book as it represents the
completion of God’s work.
KEY VERSES
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and
True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are
like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He
has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.
He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his
name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were
following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine
linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp
sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will
rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress
of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. Rev. 19:11-15
CHRIST IN REVELATION
The entire book of Revelation is truly an examination of
Christ. He is portrayed as resurrected, in glory, and in
authority (ch. 1-3). He is also seen as the Lamb who was
slain and worthy to judge mankind (ch. 5). His wrath will
be poured out upon the earth (ch. 6-18), and He will
usher in the end of all things and rule for all eternity (v19
-22).

REVELATION
The final book of God‟s special revelation to us is the book Revelation. This book is the final chapter
where we are given a glimpse into God‟s plan to judge evil and usher in the end of all things. More importantly,
this book gives us a picture of Jesus Christ in His glory, the Lamb with the right to open the
scrolls of judgment upon the earth.
Read Revelation 1
Spend a few moments imagining this picture of Jesus in glory.
Can you understand John‟s reaction in v17?
What keeps us from such a reaction? Why is this not the posture of our heart daily?
Read Revelation 4 and 5
Is this how you imagine the throne room of God? Why or why not?
Who is the Lamb in v6? (see v9)
In what way does this picture of Christ‟s deity affect your view of Him?
Having captured this image of Jesus
Christ and been reminded of
the fact that HE IS GOD, read
chapters 2-3.
Can you identify with any of the
criticisms made of these
churches?
Could Christ offer you any of
the commendations found in
these verses?
Christ sees our actions and
knows our hearts. Be honest
with yourself and ask Him to
show you the reality of your sin
in quiet prayer.
What is God asking you to do?
Read Revelation 21-22
What hope do these chapters
give you?
How does this picture affect
how you view your neighbors,
co-workers, friends, and family
that do not know Christ?
How might the perspective that Christ will make all things right in the end change the way we live?
How do our priorities change? How do our relationships change? How does our worship change?
Spend some time in prayer thanking God for all He has done, all He is doing, and all He will do.
“He who testifies to these things says, „Yes, I am coming soon.‟ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of
the Lord Jesus be with God‟s people. Amen.” Rev. 22:20-21