Week of September 9, 2024
The New Testament final book called Revelation has been a source of significant controversy throughout church history. Martin Luther, for example, early in his ministry didn’t think it should be included in the Bible. But the book has made a resurgence in popularity, in recent decades because of dispensational teaching like the Left Behind Series (more explanation on that later in the series) and then most recently as “The Contextual Empire Strikes Back” … as exploring what Revelation would have meant to its first readers leads to a rich appreciation for what it can mean to believers today. Like first-century readers, we face pressures to conform to the culture rather than follow Jesus. So in this message series, we will gain inspiration to “Thrive Under Pressure.”
Monday | Revelation 1
Read the entire first chapter. What strikes you in doing a first reading? Who is the author? To whom is Revelation addressed? How is Jesus portrayed in this chapter? Compare and contrast this to how Jesus is portrayed in the Gospels. How does this portrayal of Jesus make you feel toward him?
Tuesday | Revelation 1:1-3
Today we zoom in to the first verses of chapter 1. The book is described as a “revelation of Jesus Christ.” This could mean that it is from Jesus or that it is about Jesus or both. How has Jesus revealed himself to his people throughout history? What do you think that Jesus most needs to communicate to the American church today regarding himself? What do you need most to learn of Jesus in this season of your life?
Wednesday | 2 Timothy 4:1-7
What sorts of pressures do you think that Paul and Timothy faced in their ministries? What are the pressures that Christians face which would undermine their faith? What charge or commission does Paul give Timothy (v.3)? What have you been commissioned to do regarding your own service for Jesus? What did it mean for Paul to “fight the good fight?” What about for you?
Thursday | 2 Corinthians 4:1-11
This passage reflects this week’s themes of our depending on God’s revelation of his truth (v.6) with the reality of the pressures of life and ministry of the early Christians (vs.8-9). What aspects of modern life blind people from the truth of the Good News of Jesus? What has God used in your life to open your eyes to his love and truth? How does such revelation give you strength in dealing with life’s struggles and perplexities? From what you know of the book of Revelation, how might it help you not be crushed, fall into despair, feel abandoned, or be destroyed spiritually (vs. 8-9)?
Friday | John 14:15-21, 26-27
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Paraclete” … the one who comes along side us to counsel us, comfort us, and teach us. The Holy Spirit inspires God’s revelation in the Scriptures and takes Scripture truth and reveals its significance to our own lives. Jesus said that we would know the Spirit’s presence (v.17). What has been your experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence? What is an example of a life event or season of the Holy Spirit’s revealing God’s truth to you? What are you (or could you be) praying for the Spirit’s revealing work today?
