Theme: Final Judgment
Passage: Revelation 20:11–15
1. The Judge (11): God presides over the final judgment.
a. Great White Throne
b. The one able to sit on it
c. From Him the earth and heavens fled
Theological Truth: God alone is worthy to judge.
2. The judged (12–13): The dead
a. The whole of humanity
i. No respecter of persons
ii. Includes all people (the sea, death, and Hades)
b. The scrolls of works and life
i. The scrolls were opened: judged according to their works
ii. The scroll of life: The only basis for eternal life
Theological Truth: God judges without partiality according to his revealed will.
3. The Judgment: the lake of fire (14–15)
a. Death and the place of the dead come to their end.
b. Anyone not found in the book of life finds their end here as well.
Theological Truth: God judges decisively.
Main Point: Choose Christ now!
Application Questions:
From what we have seen so far in our study of Revelation, what does it mean to “Choose Christ now”? For unbelievers; for believers.
What should the truth that God alone is worthy to judge mean for us now? Are we ever able to (Will we ever) judge others? Why or why not?
How do the themes of God’s sovereignty and human freedom emerge in this text as well as throughout Revelation? How do you handle the tension inherent in these themes?
What does it mean that God judges decisively? What do you believe this is calling you to do in your relationship with Christ?
August 21, 2022
Final Judgment
August 21, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 20:11–15
October 9, 2022
October 9, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 22:18–21
Passage: Revelation 22:18–21 Theme: Conclusion to Revelation Revelation’s conclusion leaves us with three final challenges: 1. Be Warned (18–19) a. To hearers who add to the Word, God will pour out His plagues. b. To hearers who subtract from the Word, God will remove them from life in His city. Application: • Teach the Word and only the Word. • Live according to the Word. 2. Trust His Promise (20) a. Jesus is coming soon! b. His followers long for His return. 3. Receive Grace (21) a. From beginning to end, its only by grace. b. Jesus offers grace to all of us. Main Idea: HEED JESUS FINAL WORDS! Application Questions: • What does it mean to add to God’s prophetic word? How are you tempted to add to God’s word? • What does it mean to subtract from God’s word? How are you tempted to subtract from God’s word? • Do these warning apply to believers? How do vv. 18–19 impact our understanding of eternal security? • What can you do to keep your focus on Christ and His coming? • What application can we make from the final statement that Jesus extends His grace to all of us?
October 2, 2022
October 2, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 22:16–17
Passage: Revelation 22:16-17 Theme: A Call to “Come” 1. Jesus’ Testimony (16a) a. “I, Jesus” i. Authorization ii. Autograph iii. Attestation b. “give you this testimony for the churches” i. Warning ii. Encouragement iii. Exhortation 2. Jesus’ Credentials (16b) a. He is God (“I am”) b. He is Messiah 3. Invitations to “Come” (17) a. The Spirit and Bride say “Come” b. Let the hearer say “Come” c. Let the one in need come d. Let the desirer take freely of the life-giving water Main Idea: Jesus’ Revelation invokes invitation. Will you come?
September 25, 2022
September 25, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 22:12–15
Passage: Revelation 22:12–15 Theme: Payday is Coming Notice three truths about payment at the Second Coming: 1. Jesus brings life’s paycheck (12–13). a. He renders payment because He is God (13). b. He pays each of us for what we have done (12b). 2. He blesses those who repent to receive His cleansing (14). a. Penitents have the right to partake in eternal life. b. They can freely come into God’s eternal presence. 3. He excludes those who remain unrepentant (15). Main Challenge: Wear clothes washed in Christ’s blood. Application Questions: • From what you heard today, do you think that there will be degrees of reward in heaven for believers? Why or why not (consider the rewards mentioned in this text)? • How do you define repentance? Is this something you did at some point or something that is an on-going process? • In what ways is this passage encouraging news to people who sin? How is it frightening news as well? • How can you wear clothes today washed in Christ’s blood? What attitudes and actions is this passage calling you to embrace?