Passage: Revelation 15:1–8
Theme: Preparation for the Final Bowl Judgments
Notice what the preparation for the final bowl judgments teaches us about God’s victory and judgment:
1. Temple Imagery: Victory and Judgment emerge from the presence of God
2. Seven Angels carrying seven bowls: Victory and Judgment are offered by God in response to human loyalty
3. The Conquerors: Victory and Judgment motivate worship in God’s faithful followers.
Why?
a. He alone is holy.
b. He draws followers from all nations.
c. His actions and ways are right.
Main Idea: God’s judgment reveals his justice and faithfulness to deliver those loyal to Him.
Application Questions:
• How does what we see in chapter 15 concerning God’s judgment and victory in heaven counter what judgment and victory have looked like on earth under the rule of the dragon and his beasts (Cf. chap. 13)? How might that play out in our society today?
• What parallels do you see in this chapter with God’s relationship to his people at the time of the Exodus? What is this vision communicating through these parallels?
• Why do people today struggle so much with visions like this about God, His wrath, and judgment? How would you respond to someone who rejected such a depiction of God?
• Is it appropriate for believers to worship God for his vindicating judgments? How can we do so in a proper manner?
• According to this vision, how do we demonstrate our loyalty and submission to our just God?
July 3, 2022
Preparation for the Final Bowl Judgments:
July 3, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 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?