Theme: Vision of the Great Prostitute
Passage: Revelation 17:1–18
John’s vision shows why this world is so deceptive.
1. It’s Seductive: The prostitute seduces (3–6) ...
through her opulence ...
her suitors to partake in her perversions ...
to violently oppose God’s people ...
by aligning with the beast.
2. It Seems Right: The Beast parodies the Lamb (8–11).
a. “Coming”
b. Rule
c. Followers
3. It Offers Power: The powerful submit to the Beast (12–14).
a. They offer their power to him.
b. They wage war with the Lamb and his followers.
4. It Masks its End: Destroyers destroy (15–17).
Main Challenge: Rather than being amazed by places, people, and possessions, focus through the deception on the victorious Lamb.
The Great Threat to Us Western Materialism
Application Questions:
• What makes our world so seductive and alluring? In what areas are you susceptible to being seduced?
• Is this world really drunk on the blood of Christians (v. 6)? How so or how not?
• Do you think those that claim to follow Christ can be misled by the Beast? In what ways?
• What does this passage teach us about power? How does the world’s approach to power differ from that of heaven (cf. 4:9–11; chap. 5; 12:10–11)?
• How do you explain the gruesome and abusive description of the “prostitute’s” end as being part of God’s purpose and plan (vv. 16–17)?
• Do you agree or disagree that the great threat to us from this vision is Western materialism? What are some practical ways to help us see through this deception to focus on Christ?
July 17, 2022
Vision of the Great Prostitute
July 17, 2022 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Revelation 17
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?