Read the entire chapter of Revelation 1. Then we will focus on verse 9, and more specifically, on John.

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1 [ FUTURE LESSONS FOR TODAY S LIVING THE BOOK OF REVELATION DEDUCTIVE LESSON ONE Revelation 1:9 20 Day One: Revelation 1:9 Read the entire chapter of Revelation 1. Then we will focus on verse 9, and more specifically, on John. 1. The entire book of Revelation is written in first-person perspective, because John is relaying his account of what he saw first-hand. How does John identify himself in relation to his readers (verse 9)? 2. According to verse 9, where was John, and why? According to church tradition, John was banished to the island of Patmos (a barren and solitary place) because he could not be killed. Tradition indicates that the Romans attempted to martyr John by plunging him into a cauldron of boiling oil, but John would not boil. Scholars estimate that John wrote Revelation about A.D. 95, as a very old man.i Throughout our studies this year we will take a closer look at John, his life, and his writings. For today, let s look at the background of this man who called himself the one whom Jesus loved. 3. What do you learn about John s family from the following verses: Mark 1:19 20, Matthew 20:20 23, Matthew 27:

2 4. What nickname did Jesus give to John and his brother? (Mark 3:17) Why do you think that was their nickname? Scripture Memory: Each week you will have a Scripture Memory passage to meditate on and memorize. This week it is Revelation 1:8. "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8 Day Two: Verses Read Revelation 1: When did John hear a voice, and to what did he compare it? 2. What did the loud voice say? 3. On the map below, draw a line connecting Patmos to Ephesus. Then continue from Ephesus to the other churches, in the order in which they are given. ii 2

3 4. John said he was in the Spirit when he heard the voice. What do you think that means? 5. John was in the Spirit on the Lord s Day, referring to Sunday, the first day of the week. Why is Sunday the Lord s Day? (See John 20.) 6. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last (verse 11). Not only is God eternal, He is the source and completion of all that exists. What do you learn from these verses? Colossians 1:16 17 John 1:1 3 John 8:58 Scripture Memory: Fill in the missing words from memory. "I am the and the, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1: 3

4 Day Three: Verses Read Revelation 1: John turned around to see the One who was speaking with the voice like a trumpet. What did he see, according to verses 12 and 13? The person John sees is Jesus Himself and the description of His apparel is similar to that of the high priest, as described in Exodus and Leviticus. In Hebrews, Jesus is called our High Priest, because He is the mediator between God and man. Verses contain several similes, or comparisons. Let s examine them. 2. His head and hair were white like wool or snow. What does the color white signify? What does Isaiah 1:18 say on this subject? 3. His eyes were like a flame of fire. What do you think that signifies? 4. His voice was as the sound of many waters. If you have ever stood next to a pounding waterfall, or been caught in a torrential rainstorm, you might have an idea of what John was trying to convey. What feelings do you think this mighty sound evoked in John? 5. Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. This, of course, speaks of His words. What does Hebrews 4:12 say about God s Word? 4

5 6. His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. Throughout Scripture, Jesus and light are synonymous terms. What did Jesus Himself say in John 8:12? Optional Study: His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace. The Greek word connotes a white-hot and shining appearance. For a more in-depth look, look up other verses where Jesus feet are mentioned. (Matthew 15:30, Matthew 28:9, Luke 8:35; Luke 8:41, Luke 10:39, John 11:32, John 12:3) You may find this interesting. Scripture Memory: Fill in the missing words from memory. "I am the and the, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who and who and who, the Almighty." Revelation : Day Four: Verses Read Revelation 1: What happened when John saw the Lord Jesus in verse 17? 2. What comforting words did the Lord give to John in verses 17 and 18? Terms and Definitions: Hades Hades is simply the Greek word for hell, the abode of the dead. 3. What three things are John supposed to write down? 5

6 4. What do the seven stars and seven lampstands represent? Terms and Definitions: Angel The word angel is literally messenger and can be translated as both angel and pastor. There is debate among commentators as to whether the Lord is addressing the human leaders of each of these churches, or actual angels who may be assigned as spiritual overseers of the seven congregations. Since John was to physically write these messages and they are obviously intended to be heard by the actual congregations, the pastor translation seems more plausible. 5. So far, in this first chapter, we have seen the word seven ten times seven churches, seven Spirits, seven stars, and seven lampstands. Seven is an important number in Scripture, and since it represents completion and fullness, we will encounter it many more times as we study this book wherein so many things are brought to completion. Knowing that seven signifies fullness, perfection, or completion, what do you think is the significance of the Lord s seven messages to the seven churches? 6. Can you think of other instances of the number seven in Scripture? Scripture Memory: Fill in the missing words from memory. "I am the and the, the and the," says the Lord, "who and who and who, the." : 6

7 Day Five: Verse 18 Re-read all of Revelation 1 for review. 1. We know that John is seeing Jesus Christ Himself, as opposed to just a mighty angel, because in verse 18 He says, I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. The resurrection of Christ is the pivotal doctrine of our faith, upon which all our belief is centered. How did Paul express this thought in 1 Corinthians 15:14 and 17? 2. Take time now to read the accounts of Christ s resurrection in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20. Meditate on the significance of this event and write down your thoughts. Think about how these Gospel testimonies would have been different if they had ended otherwise. Think about how the world would be altered. Think about how your life would be different. Scripture Memory: Write out the entire Scripture Memory verse in the space below. : Day Six: Personal Application 1. John was in the Spirit on the Lord s Day Sunday. By definition, the Lord s Day belongs to the Lord. Yet sometimes, we act as if it is our day. What are some things that you can do (or abstain from doing) to reclaim Sundays for the Lord? Can you think of some ways that you can make this upcoming Sunday special to the Lord? 7

8 2. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, and every letter in between. He is the fullness of all knowledge and wisdom. Use the letters from alpha and omega to begin words that describe our Lord Jesus. A O L M P E H G A A 3. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen[!] If you are a Christian, you were once dead as well dead in your sins but through Christ you have been raised from the dead and are now alive. What s more you will be alive forevermore. Amen! Write out a prayer whose theme is the resurrection. If you have not experienced the resurrection power of Christ, and would like to become a Christian by placing your trust in Jesus Christ, talk to your group leader about what it means to follow Him. 4. As we study this book about the end times, we will see the hardship and tribulation that many people will face. The grief, pain, and sorrow of those who do not know Christ in these latter days will be immense. Some of them may be people that you know and love. Let s start this study right by praying for these people, beginning with one individual. Ask the Holy Spirit to specifically identify whom He would have you pray for as this study progresses. You may be surprised by His choice. Now commit to praying diligently for his or her salvation. Write this person s name or initials below. Scripture Memory: From memory, write out the Scripture Memory verse below. : 8

9 2010 Brian Joel Jackson. All rights reserved. Express permission granted for use and reproduction by Harvest Christian Fellowship, Riverside, CA. i Foxe, John. Foxe s Book of Martyrs. Published by John Day ii Map obtained from on 8/21/09. Copyright unknown. Use of this image does not constitute an endorsement of nor are the opinions and teachings therein necessarily shared by the author or Harvest Christian Fellowship. Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version. Prayer Requests: 9

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