Week 2:

Small Group Discussion Guide – The Seven Churches: Revelation 2:1-7 & 3:14-22

Duration: 40–45 minutes

Theme: The Lamb Wins – Staying Faithful and in Love with Jesus

1. Welcome & Opening (5 minutes)

Leader Notes:

• Welcome everyone warmly.

• Set the tone: “Today we’ll explore how Jesus speaks to His Church and to us, His followers today. We’ll see how He encourages, rebukes, and invites us into a closer relationship with Him.”

Suggested Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, open our hearts and minds today. Help us hear Your voice, see where we need Your love and guidance, and trust in Your victory. Come and teach us afresh, Amen.”

2. Icebreaker / Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Prompt:

• Share a time when you felt like you were doing a lot for God but realized your heart wasn’t fully in it. How did that feel?

• Or, if you feel comfortable, share a time you’ve felt spiritually “lukewarm” like Laodicea—comfortable in life, but distant from Jesus.

Purpose:

• Helps participants personally connect with the challenges the seven churches faced.

3. Scripture Reading (5 minutes)

• Read Revelation 2:1-7 (Ephesus) and Revelation 3:14-22 (Laodicea) aloud together.

• Optional: Split the reading—one participant reads Ephesus, another Laodicea.

Leader Notes:

• Highlight that Jesus sees both the good and the struggles of each church.

• Point out His invitation: rebuke + restoration + promise of victory.

4. Discussion: Jesus’ Message to His Church (10 minutes)

Key Discussion Points:

1. Jesus notices our strengths and weaknesses—nothing is hidden from Him.

2. He rebukes out of love and invites repentance, restoration, and intimacy.

3. The church can overcome trials, temptations, and spiritual dryness through love, obedience, and faithfulness.

Discussion Questions:

• In what ways do you relate to Ephesus—working hard, doing good things, but maybe losing your first love?

• In what ways do you relate to Laodicea—comfortable or self-sufficient, yet spiritually dry?

• How does it feel knowing Jesus promises intimate relationship (“I stand at the door and knock”) even when we fail or grow lukewarm?

• How can the promise that “the one who conquers will share in My victory” shape the way we live daily?

5. Reflection & Personal Application (10 minutes)

Activity:

1. Silent Reflection (2–3 min): Write down one area where your love for Jesus might be “cooling” or where you’ve relied on comfort, status, or routine rather than Him.

2. Pair Share (optional, 3–5 min): Share insights with a partner if comfortable.

3. Group Reflection: Invite a few volunteers to share how they feel Jesus is calling them to respond.

Leader Notes:

• Emphasize that responding to Jesus isn’t about guilt—it’s about restoration and intimacy.

• Encourage participants to see spiritual growth as ongoing, not instant.

6. Living It Out / Mission Focus (5 minutes)

Discussion Prompts:

• How can we practically show love and faithfulness to others like Jesus calls His church to?

• In what ways can we support one another in staying faithful, loving, and obedient to Jesus in everyday life?

Leader Notes:

• Highlight that overcoming isn’t about “fighting” others—it’s about reflecting Jesus’ love.

• Encourage participants to identify one practical step they can take this week to live gospel-shaped lives.

7. Closing Scripture & Prayer (5 minutes)

Scripture: Revelation 3:20-21

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.”

Suggested Prayer:

• Renewal of Love: “Jesus, ignite fresh love for You in our hearts, beyond routine or duty.”

• Spiritual Vision: “Help us see clearly where we’ve grown lukewarm, and give us the eyes to recognize Your guidance.”

• Faithfulness and Courage: “Strengthen us to remain faithful, love others boldly, and trust in Your victory every day.”

Optional Take-Home Challenge:

• Spend some time this week reflecting on your own love for Jesus. Ask Him to show you where your heart might need renewal.

• Think of one small way you can act in love, faith, or service that reflects Christ’s victory in your daily life

Week 3: Worship and the Throne

Revelation 4&5 

1️⃣ Opening (5 min)

Leader intro (read or paraphrase):

Sometimes it feels like the world is collapsing under its own noise — wars, injustice, anger, confusion. Yet Revelation 4–5 shows us another scene altogether: a throne that never shakes, a song that never stops, and a Lamb who already holds the scroll of history.

Tonight, we’re going to lift our eyes above the headlines to the throne of God, where our restless hope finds its home.

Optional Icebreaker:

• “What’s one recent moment that made you feel either overwhelmed or full of hope?”

2️⃣ Scripture Reading (5 min)

Invite volunteers to read:

• Revelation 4:1–11

• Revelation 5:1–14

Encourage everyone simply to listen to the imagery — colours, sound, worship, emotion.
Then take a minute of quiet before moving on.

3️⃣ Reflection: “The World We Live In” (5 min)

Read aloud (or summarise):

It’s easy to despair at the state of things. From Orwell’s 1940s observation about political dishonesty to today’s global crises, humanity always seems restless. But John’s vision reminds us that even when the world shakes, heaven’s throne doesn’t.

Group prompt:

• Where do you feel the weight of the world most clearly right now?

• What emotions rise up when you think about the state of things — frustration, fear, numbness, compassion?

(Keep responses brief; this helps people connect the passage to real life.)

4️⃣ Discussion Part 1 — The Throne That Never Shakes (8 min)

Read again: Revelation 4:1–6.

Discuss:

1. What images or details from this scene stand out to you the most?

2. Why do you think John emphasises the throne so much (17 times)?

3. How might remembering that God is on the throne change how you react to today’s chaos?

Leader thought:

The throne is a symbol of unshakable sovereignty. When everything else seems unstable, this vision roots us in the truth that God hasn’t moved. Our hope isn’t built on circumstances but on His rule.

Reflect quietly for 30 seconds:
Where do I need to remember that the throne still stands?

5️⃣ Discussion Part 2 — The Song That Never Ceases (8 min)

Read: Revelation 4:7–11.

Discuss:

1. What do the creatures and elders teach us about worship?

2. How does worship act as a response to despair?

3. Have you ever experienced worship bringing you peace or clarity in a dark time?

Leader thought:

Worship doesn’t erase pain; it anchors us in God’s presence. When despair pushes us toward distraction, worship draws us toward truth. It’s not that God needs our praise — we do.

Optional activity (2 min):
Invite everyone to say aloud a single short phrase of praise — for example, “You are faithful,” “You are holy,” “You reign.”
Let it form a brief chorus of worship.

6️⃣ Discussion Part 3 — The Scroll and the Lamb (6 min)

Read: Revelation 5:1–10.

Discuss:

1. Why does John weep when no one can open the scroll?

2. What strikes you about the contrast between the lion he’s told about and the lamb he actually sees?

3. How does knowing the Lamb has already triumphed shape your hope today?

Leader thought:

The scroll represents God’s purposes — complete and secure. The Lamb who was slain holds it. Power in God’s kingdom looks like sacrifice, not domination. “It is finished” still echoes in eternity.

Reflection moment:
Tomorrow the news will sound the same. But the throne hasn’t moved. The song hasn’t stopped. The scroll is still in His hands.

7️⃣ Prayer & Worship Response (3 min)

Invite everyone to stillness or soft background worship music.

Prayer points (you can pray these aloud or let others add their own):

1. Lord, anchor our restless hope in Your steady throne.

2. Teach us to worship when we feel weary or afraid.

3. Help us reflect the Lamb’s humility and peace in a restless world.

End with everyone softly saying together:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

💬 Take-Home Thought

Tomorrow’s headlines will sound the same — Gaza, Ukraine, Westminster, Washington — but the throne hasn’t moved. The song hasn’t stopped. The scroll remains in the Lamb’s hands.
Our hope has a home, and it is found not here, but there.

Week 4: Revelation 12

The Battle behind the Battles

40-Minute Study Guide:

Purpose:

To explore how Revelation 12 and the theme “The Lamb Wins” can strengthen faith in times of uncertainty.

Group Size: 6–10 people (works in person or online)

Materials: Bibles, pens, printed handout above, paper for notes

0–5 mins | Welcome & Opening Prayer

• Begin with a short prayer for open hearts and peace.

• Invite everyone to share one word describing how their week has felt (e.g., busy, uncertain, hopeful, heavy).

5–15 mins | Read & Reflect

Scripture Reading: Revelation 12:7–12

• Read aloud slowly (different voices for verses 7–12).

• Pause, and let silence sit for 30 seconds.

  Then ask:

• What image or phrase stood out to you most?

• How does this passage make you feel — hopeful, uneasy, comforted?

15–25 mins | Discussion (Small Groups or Whole Group)

Use these guiding questions:

1. Why do you think “not knowing” is so difficult for us?

2. How can the image of “the final score is already decided” change how we face uncertainty?

3. What does it mean, practically, to live like someone who already knows the ending is good?

4. Where have you seen God at work even in chaos — in your life, the church, or the world?

Encourage personal sharing but remind the group to respect privacy and keep confidentiality.

25–35 mins | Reflection and Application

Invite quiet reflection for two minutes, then discuss:

• How can this hope shape the way we pray, work, and respond to difficult news?

• What’s one small act of trust or faith each person could take this week?

If possible, play gentle instrumental music during the reflection time.

35–40 mins | Closing & Prayer

Gather back together and pray:

• Thank God for His victory and His peace in uncertainty.

• Pray for those facing “the not knowing” — illness, waiting, fear.

  “The Lamb wins. The victory is Yours, Lord.”

Optional: end with a simple worship song or moment of silence.

💡 Optional Follow-Up Ideas

• Encourage journaling through the week: “Where am I noticing glimpses of God’s victory?”

• Next session: read Revelation 21:1–7 (“A New Heaven and a New Earth”).

• Invite testimonies of where people have seen hope even in hardship.

Week 5: The Justice of God

Passages: Revelation 19:6–20 & Matthew 22:1–14

Theme: God’s justice revealed through Jesus – mercy and judgment perfectly united.

Duration: 40 minutes

⏰ 1. Welcome & Opening (5 minutes)

Leader:

Welcome everyone and explain that today’s study looks at God’s justice — not as something to fear, but as something that flows from His love and fairness.

Optional Icebreaker:

“When you hear the word justice, what comes to mind — a courtroom, fairness, punishment, compassion, or something else?”

Opening Prayer:

Ask God to help the group understand His justice in a deeper way — to see His heart of love and mercy even in judgment.

📖 2. Read the Scriptures (5 minutes)

Have two people read aloud:

• Revelation 19:6–10 – The wedding of the Lamb

• Matthew 22:1–14 – The parable of the wedding banquet

Leader Prompt:

As we listen, let’s notice what these passages tell us about God’s invitation, justice, and grace.

💬 3. Explore the Teaching (10 minutes)

Key Ideas (Leader summarises):

1. God’s Justice Comes Through Jesus

   • Revelation pictures Jesus returning to bring justice — but as one who has already taken our punishment on the cross.

   • Justice isn’t about revenge but about putting things right.

2. Two Cities, Two Spirits

   • Babylon symbolises rebellion and pride — humanity trying to live apart from God.

   • Jerusalem symbolises faithfulness and renewal — God’s dwelling with His people.

3. Two Feasts

   • The wedding banquet represents eternal life with God.

   • The banquet of destruction shows the reality of rejecting God’s invitation.

4. The Right Clothes

   • The “wedding garment” is not our good deeds but the righteousness of Christ — freely given to those who accept His invitation.

🪞 4. Discussion Questions (15 minutes)

Encourage honest, open sharing. Try to draw everyone in.

1. What surprises you about the way Revelation describes God’s justice?

2. Why do you think Jesus used the image of a wedding banquet to describe heaven?

3. In everyday life, how do we sometimes trust in “Babylon” — power, money, or reputation — instead of God?

4. What does it mean for you personally to be “clothed in righteousness”?

5. How can we live as people already forgiven, already wearing those clean and bright clothes?

🧠 5. Reflection & Response (5 minutes)

Leader reflection:

Justice and mercy meet at the cross. The Judge Himself takes our place, offering us forgiveness and freedom. The question is: Will we accept His invitation?

Quiet Reflection:

Invite the group to spend a moment in silence, thinking about areas of life where they need to say “yes” again to God’s invitation — perhaps surrendering pride, fear, or self-reliance.

🙏 6. Prayer (5 minutes)

Prayer Points:

1. Thanksgiving: Praise God that His justice is good — He puts things right through Jesus.

2. Confession: Ask forgiveness for the times we’ve followed “Babylon” — trusting in false securities.

3. Commitment: Pray for courage to live as God’s beloved people, clothed in Christ’s righteousness.

Optional Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are both Judge and Saviour — just and merciful.

Thank You for taking our sin and giving us Your righteousness.

Help us live each day ready for Your return, faithful and joyful, clothed in Your grace.

Amen.

🕯️ Optional Extras (if time allows)

• Short activity: Invite each person to write one phrase that describes what God’s justice means to them now, compared to before the study.

• Follow-up reading: Romans 3:21–26; Micah 6:8; John 3:16–18.

Week 6: The God Who Ends Evil and Drives Out Fear

Passage: Revelation 20

Theme: God’s justice and love — Jesus defeats evil, bears judgment, and brings freedom.

Length: 40 minutes

⏰ 1. Welcome & Opening (5 minutes)

Leader introduction:

Tonight we’re looking at one of the most powerful — and sometimes misunderstood — truths in Scripture: that Jesus will one day bring an end to all evil and make everything right.

But this isn’t a story of fear — it’s a story of love.

Icebreaker:

“If you could make one kind of evil or injustice disappear from the world, what would it be — and why?”

Opening prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you that you are both just and loving.

As we open your Word, help us to see your heart clearly — to understand your justice, receive your grace, and live without fear. Amen.

📖 2. Read the Passage (5 minutes)

Read aloud together:

• Revelation 20:10–15

  Then, if time allows, read 1 John 4:7–18

Prompt:

As you listen, notice what emotions these verses stir up in you — fear, hope, curiosity, comfort? There’s no wrong answer.

💬 3. Key Themes & Teaching (10 minutes)

Leader summary (use your own words, or read aloud if helpful):

• Revelation isn’t a code to crack — it’s a revelation of Jesus Christ. It was written to suffering Christians who needed hope.

• It shows that Jesus will one day destroy all evil — both the evil “out there” in the world and the evil “in here” in our own hearts.

• God’s justice means that sin and cruelty can’t simply be ignored — but his mercy means he takes the penalty himself through Jesus on the cross.

• So judgment is real, but it’s already fallen on Jesus. We don’t need to be afraid.

• God’s justice and love meet perfectly at the cross. His goal is not to condemn but to restore.

• “Perfect love drives out fear.” God doesn’t want religion or performance; he wants relationship.

🪞 4. Discussion (15 minutes)

Invite people to share honestly. Pause often, allow silence, and draw out quieter voices.

1. Ending evil:

   What gives you hope when you think about Jesus finally doing away with all evil?

2. Facing judgment:

   How does it change your understanding of God’s judgment when you realise Jesus stepped down from the judge’s bench to take our place?

3. Freedom from fear:

   Have you ever seen God misrepresented as angry or harsh? How does knowing that “God is love” change how you picture him?

4. Living now:

   What might it look like to live as people who are already forgiven and free — clothed in Christ’s love today?

🧠 5. Personal Reflection (3 minutes)

Invite a short silence. Encourage people to close their eyes and reflect quietly on one of these prompts:

• “Where do I need to receive God’s love again?”

• “Who in my life might need to know that God is not angry with them, but loves them?”

• “What fear do I need God’s perfect love to drive out?”

🙏 6. Prayer Time (7 minutes)

You can pray in pairs, small clusters, or as a whole group.

Encourage short, heartfelt prayers rather than long ones.

Prayer Points:

1. Thanksgiving:

   Thank God that through Jesus, justice and mercy meet — that the cross has already dealt with sin and we are free.

2. Healing:

   Pray for those who’ve had God misrepresented to them — that the fog would clear and they’d see his true light and love.

3. Hope:

   Ask for courage to live as people of hope, confident that Jesus will end all evil and bring perfect peace.

Optional closing prayer:

Father, thank you that your justice is good and your love is perfect.

Thank you for Jesus, who took our place and gave us peace.

Fill us with hope, drive out fear, and help us to reflect your love in our world. Amen.

🌺 Optional Extras (if time allows)

• Short Activity:

  Give each person a small piece of paper. Invite them to write one fear, burden, or injustice they long for Jesus to end.

  Collect them (or let people keep them) and pray: “Lord, one day you will make all things new.”

• Further Reading:

  Romans 3:21–26 | John 3:16–18 | Revelation 21:1–5 | Psalm 103:8–12