Twice in this book (19:10; 22:9), the apostle John is tempted to worship a magnificent angel. Why do you think the Holy Spirit moved John to include these blunders? What “magnificent” things in your life are you tempted to adore in a way that only the Lord deserves? In the words of the angel, “Don’t do it!”

Is the future coming of the Lord a “real” reality to you? In what ways does this passage challenge us to be prepared for the return of Jesus? Is his return something you anticipate or dread? Why?

Verse 11 is a strong warning about being so set in our ways that we will not change yet, verse 17 tells us that real life with the Lord is available to everyone who “thirsts” for it. If you have not yet trusted in Jesus Christ, I would urge you to do so soon before the opportunity is gone forever!

We all have a thirst and hunger for real “life”. What are you seeking to slake your thirst for life and satisfy your hungers in this present world? Are they delivering what they promise? Jer. 2:13

If you are a follower of Jesus, what aspects of your relationship with him are not as close or clear as you would like them to be? Is it possible to have a relationship with the Lord that is free from uncertainty, doubts and unanswered questions in the “here and now”? Why or why not? See I Cor. 13:12; Phil. 3:7-13; I Jn 3:2; 5:13

As is typical in Revelation, the metaphors get mixed and the bride we anticipated seeing (v.9) actually turns out to be a city of great brilliance and glory (v. 10)! What aspects of city life draw people to live there? What do you think the Lord wants to communicate to us about eternity through this vision of a city?

Experiencing “community” is a big part of city life. Do you tend to view eternity in a more individualistic or corporate way? Which view is most accurate according to this passage?

What is unique about this city? What is “missing” in this city? In this vision, the city is a perfect cube. Where else in Scripture do we find a perfect cube? ( Hint – it is part of the Tabernacle) What does this tell us about our relationship with God in this city?

What aspects of eternal “city life” are you most anticipating?

Our eternal state is often conceptualized in a very ethereal and non-physical way (e.g. hanging out on clouds playing harps). How does the picture of a “new heaven and a new earth” and the image of a city coming down out of heaven to be on the new earth impact that “other-worldly” view?

What does the image of a “city” communicate about our eternal dwelling place? What does the presence of a “new earth” tell us about our everlasting abode? How should we interpret passages that state that God will “restore” and “renew” everything? Mt. 19:27-28; Acts 3:21

John Eldredge states, “We can only hope for what we desire.” Randy Alcorn states, “We can only desire what we can imagine.” If these statements are true, then it challenges us as believers to spend some time, guided by Scripture- not culture, pondering and imagining the incredible eternal place our Savior is preparing for us!

How does an awareness of the reality of standing before the judgment seat of Christ affect your life today? Are you fearful of all your words and deeds being exposed? If so, meditate on John 5:22-30, I John 4:16-18, Titus 3:5, Romans 8:1

Ultimate fair and righteous judgment will be meted out according to this passage. How should this reality influence the way we handle injustices and those who perpetrate them now? See Col. 3:25; Romans 12:19; I Peter 2:22-23

Jesus indicates that our hearts (the “core” of our being –including emotions, desires, and choices) follow our treasure (Mt. 6:21). How can we go about “laying up treasure in heaven” so that our lives end up being invested in things that are eternally valuable and not merely “wood, hay and straw” to be burned at judgment?
See 1 Cor. 3:5-17

Some serious Bible students believe we are in this “millennium” right now and have been since the death and resurrection of Jesus? What do you think of this view? Do you think the text of Rev. 20 supports this interpretation? Why or why not?

This chapter indicates that our Lord will ultimately be victorious over all opposition and even destroy death itself – our final enemy! What problems, challenges, sins, or evils are you most looking forward to seeing eliminated? Thank God that one day you will experience this reality if you know Him!

How do verses 11-15 impact the belief that physical death is the end of consciousness or a merely a pathway to reincarnation? How do you react to the idea that God will judge all people based on what they have done?

What do you think is the significance of the “unknown” name that is written on Jesus? Why would John even record something that we cannot know? See also Deut. 29:29 and Rev. 10:1-4

How would you respond to someone who claims that it is unloving and unfair of God to “judge and make war” and take human life? How can justice and love coexist in the nature of God? How does the cross impact this discussion? See also Rom. 3:21-26; Ezek. 33:11

What do we know of the character of those who gather to “make war” against Jesus and his saints here from the rest of the book of Revelation? See Rev. 9:20-21; 11:17-18; 13:7-8, 14-17; 16:8-11; 17:13-14

What expectations do you have of Jesus for your life? Has Jesus fulfilled or confounded your expectations? When Jesus doesn’t work in the way you anticipated, how do you respond to him? Are your expectations based on Jesus’ own words or on what the religious “crowds” of our day are saying about him?

Jesus’ “Road to Royalty” surprisingly traveled through the cross. What blessings and benefits have his followers received and experienced which are so much more significant than mere political power? Spend some time this week thinking about how the events of this first Easter week have personally impacted your life and eternity.

It has been said that we all worship someone or something. Do you agree with this statement? How can we determine who or what we are actually worshipping in our lives? What are some of our culture’s favorite objects of worship? Personally, what is the object of your greatest praise and worship?

How do the believers express their worship in this passage? Is worship more than what takes place when believers gather together to praise God? How do we know if a particular action is “worship”? See Rom 12:1-2; I Cor. 10:31

Why do you think the Lord uses marriage and a wedding feast as a symbol of our joining him in heaven? What truths about our eternal relationship with Him is he attempting to communicate? See also II Cor. 11:2-3

The Apostle Paul quotes a secular poet when speaking to a secular audience in Athens (Acts 17:28). Do we need to be aware of the ideas and philosophies of modern culture in order to effectively speak to the culture? Is it possible to know modern culture without being exposed to sinful ideas and actions? Who are the “poets” of our modern culture? Is it sinful to be exposed to false philosophies and ungodly behavior? See Phil. 4:8

According to Paul’s teaching in I Cor. 5:9-13, from whom should believers separate? Who takes responsibility to judge the world? Who is responsible for convicting the world of sin? ( See John 16:8-11) What is our primary role in interacting with the world? See II Cor. 5:14-6:2; John 3:17; Luke 19:10