Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — Revelation 1:9-20

Study 2 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 1:9-20 

1-     What, according to verse 9, is the twofold experience in which all believers share, and what should characterize their lives? Cf. Jn. 16:33; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 2:12a.

2-     We are not for a moment to suppose that Christ is literally like this. What John sees is a vision, each feature of which is symbolic of some aspect of our glorified Lord. Write down against each feature here portrayed what trait in our Lord. Write down against each feature here portrayed what trait in our Lord’s character it suggests. What is the total impression left upon your mind?

3-     What does Christ say of Himself and of His relation to the churches in verses 17-20? With verse 17, cf. Dn. 10:8-11, 15-19, and with the figure of the ’lampstands’, cf. Mt. 5:14-16.

Notes

1-     Verse 17.  See also 22:13. Note that Christ applies to Himself words spoken by God of Himself in verse 8.

2-     Verse 18.  ‘The keys of Death and Hades’.: according to the teaching of the Rubbis these keys are in the hands of God alone.

3-     Verse 20. ‘Mystery’: i.e., something with a hidden meaning here explained. Cf. 17:7; Mt. 13:11. ‘The angels of the seven churches’. Sometimes taken to mean the pastors or bishops of each church, but more probably denoting a guardian angel (cf. Dn. 10:21; Mt. 18:10).

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — Revelation 1:1-8

Study 1 From the Book of Revelation is: Revelation 1:1-8

1-     Trace in verses 1 and 2 the course of the ‘revelation’ from its source in the mind of God by four successive steps to us who read and receive it. How is it described in its content, character and value, and what is required in those who read or hear? CF. Lk. 11:28

2-     Observe the place given to Jesus Christ in relation to God, and consider each title given to Him in verse 5a. Cf. Jn.3:11, 32, 3; 18:37; Col. 1:18; Rev. 19:11-16. How does John describe His attitude to us, and what He has done for us?  Cf. Jn. 13:1; Eph1:7; 1 Pet. 2:9.

3-     With 1:7 cf. Dn. 7:13 and Acts 1:9-11. Is the thought of His coming a joy to you? Cf. 6:15-17; 1 Thes. 4:15-18; 5:1-4; 2 Thes. 1:7-10.

Notes

1-     Verse1. “The revelation of Jesus Christ”: i.e., communicated by Him; and intended not to mystify but to disclose.

2-     Verse 3. “He who reads”: the one who reads this book aloud to his fellow-believers ‘the prophecy’: a significant claim. Cf. 22:7, 10, 18, 19.

3-     Verse 4. “The seven spirits” i.e., the Spirit in His sevenfold fulness.

4-     Verse 5. “The faithful witness”: this includes the thought of martyrdom. Cf. 1 Tim. 6:13. Note the sequence - death, resurrection, enthronement.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — The introduction of Revelation

Study 0 From the Book of Revelation is:  Introduction to the Book of Revelation 

Many have been put off the study of the book of Revelation by fears of its difficulty, or the intricate nature of some interpretations. But no book of the Bible will more surely reward the student who approaches it for its present relevance rather than as an eschatological enigma. It is important to remember that the visions which occupy so large a part of it are not to be regarded as literal pictures: the book is written in the literary form known as ‘apocalyptic’, which expresses heavenly and spiritual realities by means of a conventional and elaborate symbolism.

It is generally agreed that it was written by John the apostle, and in days of persecution, as his exile proves (1:9). Some thing that his exile was suffered under Nero, who died in AD68; Some under Domitian (81-96). The later date seems more probable. The struggle between the people of Christ and the power of Rome had now reached a state more advanced than that which is reflected in the Acts of the Apostles. Emperor worship became common from Nero’s reign outward, and the outlook was dark and threatening.

The reference to Rome in chapter 17 is but thinly veiled. Some interpreters (Preterist’) regard all the references as being to contemporary events, so that for us the book speaks of things already past; some (Historicist’) have seen in chapters 2:19 references to Christian history before and after the fall of Rome, and to the conflict of evangelical religion with the Roman church, so leading on the times of the end; other (‘Futurist’) regard chapters 2 and 3 as an epitome of Christian history, and the rest of book, as prophecy looking forward to events at the time of the Lord’s return.

A true interpretation may well find something of value in all these points of vies. It is best to study the book with the assurance (1) that it had a real message for its own time; (2) that its lessons have been illustrated by the history of the Church; and (3) that it contains prophetical reference to the future. The readers should not be so troubled by the obscurities that he cannot rejoice in the message of what is clear. We can learn lessons of tremendous value about the place of Christ’s people in the purposes of God and the glorious future awaiting them, the heavenly nature of our earthly conflict,  which can be carried on only with divine aid, the need to overcome in the struggle, the eternal judgment of God upon Satan and sin, and the certainty of the complete victory, the lordship over history and second doming of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Search The Scriptures —Study 119 — Psalms 148 and 150

Study 119 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalms 148 and 150

With this lesson, we end the book of Psalms. Tomorrow, we will start the book of REVELATION

These psalms again find their best setting in the gathering of Israel in the Temple, celebrating God’s greatness particularly in terms of His works in creation and history.

1-     Summarize as expressed here the psalmist’s view of God in His cosmic magnificence and creative omnipotence. To what one end should everything be used, and all creation united?

2-     How is God’s special relation with His people shown, and of what things do they feel they can assured as they dwell on what He is known to be?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 118 — Psalm 147

Study 118 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 147

1-     In each of the three sections of this psalm (verses 1-6, 7-11,12-30) one attitude or attribute of God is being highlighted. Discover each of these. What are, then, the point and logic of the references in each section to God’s control of the natural universe and of created things?

2-     Faith and praise are here supported by concrete reasons. What do we thus learn to be greatest reasons for trusting and praising God? 

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Search The Scriptures —Study 117 — Psalm 146

Study 117 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 146

       1-     In verses 3 and 4 the psalmist is warning Israel against trusting God. Cf. Is 30:1-5; 31:1. Why is trusting in man such a mistake? Cf. Is. 2:20-22; Je. 17:5.

       2-     It was always important to Israel to be a remembering people.  See how God’s acts in their experience long before illustrating the statements about God in verses 6c, 7a, 7b, 7c. Look up Jos. 23:14-16; Ex. 3:7, 8; 16:2-4; Ps. 126:1, 2.

3-     Jesus takes up these themes making them the programme of His whole ministry (see Lk. :16-21), and explaining His miracles in these terms (see Mt. 11:2-5, echoing Is. 29:18, 19; 35:5, 6). What does He mean to teach about Himself in this way?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 116 — Psalm 145

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Study 116 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 145

      1-     How many different aspects of the character of God are mentioned in this psalm, and what kind of appreciation and response should such contemplation of His character call forth?

     2-     How is the kindness of God shown to all, and how more specifically to those who fulfil certain conditions? Cf. and contrast Mt. 5:4, 5; Rom 3:22; 8:28. 

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Search The Scriptures —Study 115 — Psalm 144

Study 115 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 144

      1-     What does David confess (a) that he is in God’s sight; and (b) that God can be to him and do for him? Have you similar cause to ‘sing a new song’ (verse 9)?

      2-     What special lessons for spiritual leaders of others can be learnt from this psalm? In particular, how do David’s prayers express the special needs of a person with responsibility?

Note. Verses 8, 11. The meaning is that when they raised their right hand in solemn oath, they lied.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 114 — Psalms 142 and 143

Study 114 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalm 142 and 143 

      1-     Ps. 142 shows how God’s servant is not immune from the depth of distress and despair. How does he describe how he feels? And then, what does he doe? What does he believe? And what does he expect?  CF. Ps. 138:7, 8; Jb 23:10; 2 Cor. 1:8-11.

      2-     Ps. 143 consists of an invocation (verses 1, 2), a lament (verses 3, 4), a retrospect (verses 5, 6) and a petition (verses 7-12). Study how one important fact comes to mind in each of these first three sections. Note what reaction is caused each time in him. The petition itself falls into a pattern like this too. What solution does he now pray for in each aspect of his need? Note particularly his morning prayer in verse 8. Learn from such an example how to be more pointed in your praying.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 113 — Psalms 140 and 141

Study 113 From the Book of Psalms is: Psalms 140 and 141

       1-     In Ps. 140 note carefully the psalmist’s description of his enemies: their character, their methods, their purpose. In these circumstances of intense danger, what does the psalmist do, what does he pray for, and how is his faith sustained?

      2-     Ps. 141 deals with some of the more insidious temptations which threaten to involve God’s servant in evil. Note in detail what they are.  Note also the kinds of help for which he prays. How does the influence of other people work here?

3-     Both psalms mention the far-reaching significance of speech. Study how the things men say can do evil. How can greater control be gained over the tongue?

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