Life Application Bible Studies Revelation

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Contents

A Note to Readers....................................................................ixIntroduction to the New Living Translation...........................................xvWhy the Life Application Study Bible Is Unique.......................................xviiWhat Is Application?.................................................................xixFeatures of the Life Application Study Bible.........................................3REVELATION from the Life Application Study Bible.....................................45How to Use This Bible Study..........................................................47Lesson 1: A Message of Hope and Warning Revelation Introduction.....................51Lesson 2: Face-to-Face with Christ Revelation 1:1-20................................55Lesson 3: Getting a Complete Physical Revelation 2:1-3:22...........................59Lesson 4: Steering Clear of Evil Influences Revelation 2:1-3:22.....................63Lesson 5: Worship His Majesty Revelation 4:1-5:14....................................67Lesson 6: Preparing for Persecution Revelation 6:1-8:5..............................71Lesson 7: Taking a Stand Revelation 8:6-11:19........................................75Lesson 8: Caught in the Cross Fire Revelation 12:1-14:20............................79Lesson 9: Heavenly Anger Revelation 15:1-16:21......................................83Lesson 10: The Evil System of This World Revelation 17:1-18:24......................87Lesson 11: The Ultimate End of Evil Revelation 19:1-20:15...........................91Lesson 12: Turn Your Heart toward Heaven Revelation 21:1-22:6.......................95Lesson 13: "I Am Coming Soon!" Revelation 22:7-21

Chapter One

VITAL STATcISTICS

PURPOSE: To reveal the full identity of Christ and to give warning and hope to believers

AUTHOR: The apostle John

ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: The seven churches in Asia and all believers everywhere

DATE WRITTEN: Approximately A.D. 95 from Patmos

SETTING: Most scholars believe that the seven churches of Asia to whom John writes were experiencing the persecution that took place under Emperor Domitian (A.D. 90-95). It seems that the Roman authorities had exiled John to the island of Patmos (off the coast of Asia). John, who had been an eyewitness of the incarnate Christ, had a vision of the glorified Christ. God also revealed to John what would take place in the future-judgment and the ultimate triumph of God over evil.

KEY VERSE: "God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near" (1:3).

KEY PEOPLE: John, Jesus

KEY PLACES: Patmos, the seven churches, the new Jerusalem

SPECIAL FEATURES: Revelation is written in "apocalyptic" form-a type of Jewish literature that uses symbolic imagery to communicate hope (in the ultimate triumph of God) to those in the midst of persecution. The events are ordered according to literary, rather than strictly chronological, patterns.

WITH tiny wrinkles and cries, he entered the world and, wrapped in strips of cloth, took his first nap on a bed of straw. Subject to time and to parents, he grew to manhood in Roman-occupied Judea, his gentle hands becoming strong and calloused in Joseph's woodworking shop. As a man, he walked through the countryside and city, touching individuals, preaching to crowds, and training 12 men to carry on his work. At every step he was hounded by those seeking to rid the world of his influence. Finally, falsely accused and tried, he was condemned to a disgraceful execution by foreign hands. And he died-spat upon, cursed, pierced by nails, and hung heavenward for all to deride. Jesus, the God-man, gave his life completely so that all might live.

At God's appointed time, the risen and ascended Lord Jesus will burst onto the world scene. Then everyone will know that Jesus is Lord of the universe! Those who love him will rejoice, greeting their Savior with hearts overflowing into songs of praise. But his enemies will be filled with fear. Allied with Satan, the enemies of Christ will marshal their legions against Christ and his armies. But who can withstand God's wrath? Christ will win the battle and reign victorious forever! Jesus, the humble suffering servant, is also the powerful, conquering King and Judge.

Revelation is a book of hope. John, the beloved apostle and eyewitness of Jesus, proclaimed that the victorious Lord would surely return to vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked. But Revelation is also a book of warning. Things were not as they should have been in the churches, so Christ called the members to commit themselves to live in righteousness.

Although Jesus gave this revelation of himself to John nearly 2,000 years ago, it still stands as a comfort and challenge to God's people today. We can take heart as we understand John's vision of hope: Christ will return to rescue his people and settle accounts with all who defy him.

John begins this book by explaining how he received this revelation from God (1:1-20). He then records specific messages from Jesus to the seven churches in Asia (2:1-3:22). Suddenly, the scene shifts as a mosaic of dramatic and majestic images bursts into view before John's eyes. This series of visions portrays the future rise of evil, culminating in the Antichrist (4:1-18:24). Then follows John's recounting of the triumph of the King over all kings, the wedding of the Lamb, the final judgment, and the coming of the new Jerusalem (19:1-22:5). Revelation concludes with the promise of Christ's soon return (22:6-21), and John breathes a prayer that has been echoed by Christians through the centuries: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (22:20).

As you read the book of Revelation, marvel with John at the wondrous panorama of God's revealed plan. Listen as Christ warns the churches, and root out any sin that blocks your relationship with him. Be full of hope, knowing that God is in control, Christ's victory is assured, and all who trust him will be saved.

A. LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES (1:1-3:22)

Near the end of his life, John received a vision from Christ, which he recorded for the benefit of the seven churches in Asia and for Christians throughout history. This is the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing to those who listen to its words and do what it says.

Prologue

1 This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, 2 who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

3 God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

John's Greeting to the Seven Churches

4 This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia.

Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; 5 and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world.

All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. 6 He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his...