This week there are two sets of Life Group Questions to choose from: Following Jesus Together following on from Aaron Hardy's talk and Session 3 of our Revelation Series.

Following Jesus Together

Watch the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V47Xnbt2ST0

Dale starts his talk by describing three “unspiritual” attitudes:

• Naïve Arrogance
• Vengeful Escalation
• Assumed Innocence

What are the faults that you see in these attitudes?

Why might this way of thinking act as a barrier to God’s work in our lives?

Why might these attitudes block our ability to pursue justice?

He then provides three contrasting approaches:

• Worshipful Humility
• Honest Anger
• Vulnerable Confession

Is there anything about these points that you find difficult or irritating?

What do you find beautiful or inspiring about these ideas?

How might these attitudes help us spread God’s justice in the world?

The Revelation of Jesus Christ Part 2: Session 3 - Revelation 16

Cheat Sheet

Seven bowls that pour out God’s wrath remind the Jewish reader of the bowls in the temple that contained incense. These are very similar to the trumpet judgements, and also reflect back to God’s judgements on Egypt in the book of Exodus. Yet, the bowl judgements also place greater emphasis on humanity’s rebellion, and extend the areas afflicted by judgement, in comparison to the trumpet sequence.

The great river Euphrates marked the boundary between the Roman Empire and the Parthian territory. So, the drying up of this river in Revelation 16:12 is a sign of doom, as it is now possible for the Parthian army to advance and attack Rome. The kings from the East are the Parthian rulers who cross the Euphrates at the head of their armies.

Three impure spirits that look like frogs come from the mouths of the dragon, beast, and false prophet in Revelation 16:13. Frogs were considered unclean to many ancient near eastern people; a spirit coming from one’s mouth is most likely a visual way of depicting the impact of what those people were saying. This is a horrible parody of the sword that comes from Jesus’ mouth in Revelation 19. Yet it is also a reminder that the words of Satan’s servants have some power; they are able to perform signs, and an army is gathered in response to them.

The one who stays awake and remains clothed is an image of a Christian who remains alert and discerning, even during seasons of immense persecution and strife. While the ultimate aim of the declaration in Revelation 16:15 is that Christians await the final return of Christ with this kind of attitude, it is also a call to courage during difficult situations that may precede this return, such as those experienced by the original audience of the book of Revelation.

Armageddon is most likely a symbolic reference to a place in the ancient world, Megiddo, where many significant battles had been fought, including Gideon’s defeat of the Midianites. Megiddo was also an ancient crossroads. In any case, while it is the place where the kings gather, no battle is fought there (despite the claims of some end-times teachers.) Or at least, no battle involving God’s people. Rather, the kings of the earth and the beast are defeated, seemingly quite easily, by Jesus, in Revelation 19:17-21.

Study

God the Rescuer

Scholars note that one of the key background concepts to the judgement sequences in Revelation is the story of the Exodus. Essentially, this builds on the idea that what God has done before, he can do again.

If it works for your group, work through the chart in the optional extra resources, drawing connections between these sequences. Remember, there are ten distinct plagues mentioned in Exodus, so don’t expect things to line up exactly.

What do you notice, as you think this through?

Why do you think these concepts are linked in Revelation? How might this have been an

encouragement to the persecuted church?

God the Patient Judge

Like the Exodus story, Revelation contains a significant tension. God is willing to receive those who are prepared to repent and turn to him. Like Moses and Aaron, in every season God sends his messengers out, inviting the world to repent. Yet his patience will not last forever, and injustice and sin demand judgement.

What do you think of the idea, expressed in Revelation 16:5-7, that God will be just in his

judgements?

How would you explain this concept to a non-Christian friend?

God the Cursed

Three times in Revelation 16, God is cursed by those receiving his judgements. Elsewhere in Revelation, there is repentance and holy fear expressed by those who are confronted with God’s power and judgement (such as in Revelation 11:13.) Yet this is not the case in Revelation 16.

Why do you think this is mentioned three times in this chapter? What point is John making?

Why might people refuse to repent?

How do you react when people in New Zealand society curse or ridicule God?

How would you minister to someone who is experiencing a great degree of suffering, yet refuses to seriously consider the claims of the gospel?

Optional Extra Resources:

A Lovely Layout, Locating Likely Literary Links:

Bowls Trumpets Seals Exodus Plagues

Rev 16 Rev 8:6-11:15 Rev 6-8:5 Exodus 7-12

1

2

3

4

5

6

7