3-Worship and Wrath
Worship and Wrath
(REVELATION 4—7)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Revelation 4—7. This lesson references chapters 4 and 5 in Be Victorious. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
If Revelation 1:19 is God’s inspired outhne of this book, then Revelation 4 ushers us into the third division: “the things which shall be hereafter.” In fact, that is exactly what God said to John when He summoned him to heaven! It would appear that, in this experience, John illustrates what will happen to God’s people when the church age has run its course: Heaven will open; there will be a voice and the sound of a trumpet; and the saints will be caught up to heaven (1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:13–18). Then, God’s judgment of the earth can begin.
—Be Victorious, page 63
1. Why do you think the book of Revelation takes such a dramatic turn in chapter 4? What purpose does this focus on the worship in heaven provide for believers? This section precedes one on God’s wrath—on the things yet to come that aren’t particularly pretty. Why would God show a glimpse of heaven first? How does this provide comfort for Christians who believe themselves to be in the “last times”?
More to Consider: The key word in chapter 4 is throne. In fact, this is a key word in the entire book of Revelation. Why do you think this word is used so frequently? What does this say about the importance of God’s sovereignty? Why is that important to understand in light of the rest of Revelation?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Revelation 4—7 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here.
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
Whenever the living creatures glorified God, the elders would fall before the throne and praise Him. The book of Revelation is filled with hymns of praise (Rev. 4:8, 11; 5:9–13; 7:12–17; 11:15–18; 12:10–12; 15:3–4; 16:5–7; 18:2–8; 19:2–6). The emphasis on praise is significant when you remember that John wrote this book to encourage people who were going through suffering and persecution!
—Be Victorious, pages 67–68
3. Review Revelation 4:9–11. What is the theme of this hymn? Why is creation mentioned in this passage? Why might God’s role as Creator have been particularly important to the early Christians suffering persecution? Why focus on this attribute in this transitional section of Revelation?
From the Commentary
The focus of attention shifts in Revelation 5 to a seven-sealed scroll in the hand of God. The scroll could not be read because it was rolled up and sealed (like a Roman will) with seven seals. John could see writing on both sides of the scroll, which meant that nothing more could be added. What was written was completed and final.
The scroll represents Christ’s “title deed” to all that the Father promised Him because of His sacrifice on the cross. “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen [nations] for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession” (Ps. 2:8). Jesus Christ is the “Heir of all things” (Heb. 1:2). He is our beloved “Kinsman-Redeemer” who was willing to give His life to set us free from bondage and to restore our lost inheritance (see Lev. 25:23–46; the book of Ruth; Jer. 32:6–15).
As Christ removed the seals, various dramatic events took place. The seventh seal introduced the seven trumpet judgments (Rev. 8:1–2). Then, when the seventh trumpet had blown, the great day of God’s wrath was announced, ushering in the “vial [bowl] judgments” that brought to a climax the wrath of God (Rev. 11:15ff.; 15:1). It is possible that the trumpet judgments were written on one side of the scroll and the bowl judgments on the other.
A title deed or will can be opened only by the appointed heir, and this is Jesus Christ. No one in all the universe could be found worthy enough to break the seals. No wonder John wept, for he realized that God’s glorious redemption plan for mankind could never be completed until the scroll was opened.
—Be Victorious, page 69
4. Why is it significant that only Jesus can open the scroll (Rev. 5:3–10)? Why did this make John weep (v. 4)? What is significant about the symbolism of the slain lamb in this context?
From the Commentary
The worship experience in Revelation 5 offers us four reasons why we worship Jesus Christ.
(1) Because of who He is (vv. 5–7).
(2) Because of where He is (v. 6).
(3) Because of what He does (vv. 8–10).
(4) Because of what He has (vv. 11–14).
—Be Victorious, pages 69–73
5. Review the Scripture passages associated with the four reasons listed above. How does each of these passages support the reason noted? What does this entire section of Revelation teach us about worshipping Jesus?
From the Commentary
The worship described in Revelation 4—5 is preparation for the wrath described in Revelation 6—19. It seems strange to us that worship and judgment should go together, but this is because we do not fully understand either the holiness of God or the sinfulness of man. Nor do we grasp the total picture of what God wants to accomplish and how the forces of evil have opposed Him. God is longsuffering, but eventually He must judge sin and vindicate His servants.
According to Daniel 9, seven years are assigned to Israel in God’s prophetic calendar, beginning with the signing of an agreement with the world dictator (the Antichrist), and ending with Christ’s return to earth to judge evil and establish His kingdom. It is this period that is described in Revelation 6—19. By referring to John’s outhne (Rev. 1), you will see that his description is in three parts: the first three and a half years (Rev. 6—9), the events at the middle of the period (Rev. 10—14), and the last three and a half years (Rev. 15—19).
—Be Victorious, page 77
6. Review Revelation 6—7. This is the beginning of a complex and much-examined portion of Revelation that has been the subject of disagreement and examination for centuries. As you look at these first two chapters, what stands out to you as being most significant? What is the point of the seals? The 144,000? Why might this section be so difficult to understand?
From the Commentary
In Revelation 6—7, John characterized the opening days of the tribulation as a time of retribution, response, and redemption.
In Revelation 6:1–8, John recorded the opening of the first four seals, and as each seal was opened, one of the four living creatures summoned a rider on a horse. (“Come and see” should read, “Come!”) In other words, events take place on earth because of the sovereign direction of God in heaven.
The horse imagery is probably related to the vision described in Zechariah 1:7–17. Horses represent God’s activity on earth, the forces He uses to accomplish His divine purposes. The center of His program is Israel, particularly the city of Jerusalem. (Jerusalem is mentioned thirty-nine times in Zechariah.) God has a covenant purpose for Israel, and that purpose will be fulfilled just as He promised.
Antichrist (vv. 1–2). Daniel states that there is a “prince that shall come,” who will make a covenant with Israel to protect her from her enemies (Dan. 9:26–27). In other words, the future world dictator begins his career as a peacemaker! He will go from victory to victory and finally control the whole world.
War (vv. 3–4). The Antichrist’s conquest begins in peace, but soon he exchanges the empty bow for a sword. The color red is often associated with terror and death: the red dragon (Rev. 12:3), the red beast (Rev. 17:3). It is a picture of wanton bloodshed.…
Famine (vv. 5–6). The color black is often connected with famine (Jer. 14:1–2; Lam. 5:10). Famine and war go together. A shortage of food will always drive up prices and force the government to ration what is available.…
Death (vv. 7–8). John saw two personages: Death riding a pale horse and hades (the realm of the dead) following him. Christ has the keys of death and hades (Rev. 1:18), and both will one day be cast into hell (Rev. 20:14). Death claims the body while hades claims the soul of the dead (Rev. 20:13). John saw these enemies going forth to claim their prey, armed with weapons of the sword, hunger, pestilence (death), and wild beasts.
—Be Victorious, pages 78–81
7. The four horses symbolize key elements that play key roles in this section of Revelation. Review Revelation 6:1–8 and note the interpretations suggested in the previous commentary excerpt. How do these interpretations help you understand the message of chapter 6? Why do you think these themes are important?
From the Commentary
John recorded two responses to the opening of the seals, one in heaven and the other on earth.
Verses 9–11 focus on the response of the martyrs. When the Old Testament priest presented an animal sacrifice, the victim’s blood was poured out at the base of the brazen altar (Lev. 4:7, 18, 25, 30). In Old Testament imagery, blood represents life (Lev. 17:11). So, here in Revelation, the souls of the martyrs “under the altar” indicates that their lives were given sacrificially to the glory of God.…
Verses 12–17 focus on the response of the earth-dwellers. The martyrs cried, “Avenge us!” but the unbelievers on earth will cry, “Hide us!” The opening of the sixth seal will produce worldwide convulsions and catastrophes, including the first of three great earthquakes (Rev. 6:12; 11:13; 16:18–19). All of nature will be affected: the sun, moon, and stars, as well as the heavens, the mountains, and the islands.
—Be Victorious, pages 81, 83
8. Read Philippians 2:17 and 2 Timothy 4:6. How is the message of these verses similar to the description of the martyrs’ role in Revelation 6:9–11? Review Revelation 6:12–17. Now read Joel 2:30–31; 3:15; and Isaiah 13:9–10; 34:2–4. How does the scene in Revelation compare with these verses? Even without understanding the meaning of the symbolism, how might readers respond to these descriptions? Why do you suppose such a frightening picture is painted here?
More to Consider: Review Revelation 7. What are the two groups described here? Contrast and compare them. What stands out to you about the way they’re described?
From the Commentary
In Scripture, a seal indicates ownership and protection. Today, God’s people are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13–14). This is God’s guarantee that we are saved and safe, and that He will one day take us to heaven. The 144,000 Jews will receive the Father’s name as their seal (Rev. 14:1), in contrast to the “mark of the beast” that the Antichrist will give those who follow him (Rev. 13:17; 14:11; 16:2; 19:20).
This seal will protect these chosen Jews from the judgments that will “hurt the earth and the sea” (Rev. 7:2), and occur when the first four angels blow their trumpets (Rev. 8).
—Be Victorious, page 85
9. What are the challenges with a literal interpretation of the 144,000 Jews who are sealed? How is this passage an example of having only a “limited” human view of God’s plan? Is it important to your faith that this section is literally true? Why or why not? What role does the Holy Spirit play in passages like this that can be somewhat unclear or potentially controversial in interpretation?
From the Commentary
You cannot read the book of Revelation without developing a global outlook, for the emphasis is on what God does for people in the whole world. The Lamb died to redeem people “out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation” (Rev. 5:9). The great multitudes pictured here came from “all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues” (Rev. 7:9). “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” was our Lord’s mandate (Mark 16:15).
There is no doubt as to who this multitude is, because one of the elders explained it to John (Rev. 7:14): They are Gentiles who have been saved through faith in Christ during the tribulation.… While today, in most parts of the world, it is relatively easy to confess Christ, this will not be the case during the tribulation, at least during the last half of it. Then, unless persons wear the “mark of the beast,” they will not be able to buy or sell, and this would leave them without even life’s bare necessities. Revelation 7:16 indicates that they suffered hunger (see Rev. 13:17), thirst (see Rev. 16:4), and lack of shelter. (On the heat of the sun, see Rev. 16:8–9.)
—Be Victorious, page 87
10. Why do you suppose the salvation of people from all the different nations and cultures matters to God? Why does the passage include reference to people no longer hungering or thirsting? How does this picture of people coming through tribulation to worship affect you?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Revelation 4—7. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. What elements of Revelation 4—7 are most puzzling for you? Is it important for you to understand every detail of the symbolism? Why or why not? What do you do when you come across something you don’t understand in Scripture? What would be a wise way to deal with the things you don’t understand in Revelation (and elsewhere in the Bible)?
12. What was your reaction to the scene of worship in Revelation 5? How does this description of worship compare with your experience of worship? What can you glean from this picture of worship that might help you worship God better today?
13. What does it mean to you to be “sealed by the Holy Spirit”? How does this affect the way you live your faith out in daily life?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you want to go deeper into the study of the symbolism in Revelation? Do you want deepen your worship? Be specific. Go back through Revelation 4—7 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: This section of Revelation includes a beautiful hymn of worship before the story turns to God’s wrath and ultimate judgment. Worship can be a very encouraging experience, especially in the midst of great turmoil. Consider leading a small worship service with your family or small group just to encourage one another and praise God for His sovereignty. Include songs, Scripture reading, and moments of silence to simply sit in wonder of God’s awesome power and perfect plan.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the Going Forward section. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Revelation 8—11. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapters 6 and 7, “Blow the Trumpets!” and “A Time for Testimony,” in Be Victorious.