NT Fire Starters – Day 340: Revelation 1:1-20

READ: Revelation 1:1-20

THINK: Are you ready to be blessed? That’s God’s promise to those who read and “take to heart” (v. 3) what’s written in His Revelation. Some venture into the book out of strange curiosity, but God wants you to approach it with purpose. Some people avoid it because they feel it’s too difficult or even frightening. But Revelation is a celebration of Christ’s ultimate victory and conclusive triumph over evil. For those who love God, Revelation provides assurance that all things will be made right in the end. As you read Revelation, you’ll notice the use of symbolic language and images to describe real events. Though it foretells the future, it speaks to the present. Looking through the lens of late first-century/early second-century Christianity, Revelation gives a glimpse of things that are unfolding even now as well as things to come.

RESPOND: What does the word that’s translated “revelation” mean? (See 1:1 note.) Who provides the revelation and who or what is revealed? Who is blessed by this revelation and how? (See 1:3 note.) What are the seven churches addressed at the beginning of the letter (vv. 4, 11)? (See 1:4 note.) In what way do they represent the entire Church (all followers of Christ through the ages)? What is meant by “the seven spirits before his throne”? (See 1:4-5 notes.) What do verses 4-5 indicate about Christ’s character? What’s the primary purpose of Revelation? (See 1:7 note.) How does verse 7 describe Jesus’ second coming–when He literally returns to earth? What will His coming mean for those who know Him, and for those who don’t (v. 7)? What does it mean that Christ is “the Alpha and the Omega”? (See 1:8 note.) What is Patmos and why was John there? (See 1:9 note.) What does it mean that John was “in the Spirit” when he received the vision? (See 1:10 note.) What do the seven gold lampstands represent? (See 1:12 note.) Who is the “son of man,” and what is significant about each aspect of His description in verses 13-15? (See 1:13 and 1:16 notes.) How are the roles of priest and king combined in Jesus? What is the double-edged sword, and what does it do? (See 1:16 note.) In what way does verse 19 give a general overview of Revelation and it’s relevance then, now and for the future? (See 1:19 note.)

PRAY: Thank Jesus for revealing himself and His plans for people, both now and for the future. Ask God to help you respond appropriately to His Word. Praise Jesus for His eternal and unchanging character, power and authority.

ACT: Read the Introduction to Revelation for insight regarding the style, structure and interpretation of this unique book.