NT Fire Starters – Day 361: Revelation 20:1-15
READ: Revelation 20:1-15
THINK: Do you ever wonder if some people who reject Jesus would not do so if they just had the chance to see what serving Him is really like? While you need to live in a way that gives people an accurate impression of Jesus and what it means to follow Him, it’s a reality that most people who reject Christ under less-than-ideal circumstances would still reject Him under the most ideal circumstances. Astoundingly, many who are born and live during the millennium will reject Christ’s authority and choose instead to believe Satan’s lies, even after experiencing the perfection of Christ’s reign. People who follow the inclinations of their sinful human nature, failing to submit to God, will choose their own way under any circumstances. In addition, people with weak commitments or insincere motives will ultimately deny or defy Christ when faced with pressure and temptation.
RESPOND: What will happen to Satan at the conclusion of Armageddon? (See 20:2 note.) Who will be part of “the nations” during Christ’s thousand-year reign on earth? (See 20:3 note.) Who will have authority to judge during that time? (See 20:4 first note.) Who is resurrected at this time, and what privilege will they have? What is “the millennium” and what will things be like during that time, including individual lives, society and even nature? (See 20:4 second note.) What is “the first resurrection” (v. 6) and who has part in it? (See 20:6 note.) What’s the difference between those involved in “the first resurrection” (v. 6) and those who will be resurrected at the end of the millennium? Why will Satan be released at the end of the thousand years, and what will he do? (See 20:7 note.) What are “Gog and Magog” (v. 20)? Who will be susceptible to Satan’s deceptions, even after living under Christ’s reign, and why will many fall for Satan’s lies? (See 20:8 note.) Why will those who are resurrected or come from heaven to reign with Christ be immune to Satan’s temptations? What will happen to those involved in the final rebellion against God? (See 20:9 note.) What will happen to Satan after his final assault is abruptly defeated? (See 20:10 note.) Who is involved in the “Great White Throne” judgment, and how will they be judged? (See 20:11-13 and 20:12 notes.) What is Hades, and what does it mean that “death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire”? (See 20:14 first note.) How does the Bible portray the lake of fire and its purpose? (See 20:14 second note.) What happens to those whose names are not found in the book of life? How should these realities motivate and inspire Jesus’ followers? (See 20:14 note, sub points 3 & 4.)
PRAY: Thank Jesus for the victory He’s already won over Satan and for the promise to ultimately destroy evil. Thank Jesus for the opportunity to reign with Him on earth at the conclusion of history. Pray for the spiritual salvation of those you know who don’t yet have a personal relationship with Jesus.
ACT: If you remain faithful to Christ, you’ll one day reign with Him and exercise authority over others. So you don’t have to be intimidated at the present time to take a stand for Christ. In light of this, look for an opportunity to share your faith or talk about Jesus with someone who doesn’t know Him–someone who could be lost for eternity if no one introduces them to Jesus.