Prepared / The Great Tribulation: Part 1

May 26, 2024

Daniel 12:1-4; Matthew 24:4-14; Revelation 6

Study Questions

1. Why is it important to be prepared for the Day of the Lord? What does that mean to you?

2. What do the following scriptures teach us about the Day of the Lord?

a. Daniel 12:1-4

b. Zephaniah 1:15-16

c. Matthew 24:21

3. Many scholars understand Matthew 24:4-14 to be speaking to post-rapture believers. According to these verses, how does Jesus prepare post-Rapture believers living during the Tribulation? As we are currently living now (prior to the Tribulation) do you see events similar to those described in Matthew 24 happening?

4. Read Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:29-35; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 and Revelation 6:1-2. How is the antichrist going to first appear in the Tribulation? What will be his promise and accomplishment initially? When will he break his promise? What will happen in the tribulation thereafter?

5. Read Revelation 5:1-10. According to John, who is worthy to open the seals? Why?

6. How does God’s Word prepare the Church (and you) for the Day of the Lord? (See Ephesians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; Philippians 2:12-13.) Discuss what this means practically in your daily walk as a Christ-follower.

Optional questions for further study:

i. Read Revelation 6:1-17. What is God’s purpose of the seals? What is the significance of each horse and rider, and what will be the outcome of God’s judgment thus far?

ii. When the fifth seal was opened, who cried out to God and why? What was God’s response to them? What can we believe that God will do in regard to the injustice done to those that belong to Him based on v.11? What type of assurance does this give people today in light of suffering for Jesus?

iii. How did the inhabitants of earth respond to the events unleashed by the breaking of the seals? (v.15-17) Why will they respond this way?