Week 1: Revelation, an introduction
Revelation 1: 9-20
This year we’ve been diving deep into some of the tougher and stranger parts of the Bible — Job, Philemon, and all sorts of “weird and wonderful” passages. And now, as the year draws to a close, we’re turning to Revelation: the most mysterious, confusing, and hope-filled book of them all.
Revelation has often been treated like a puzzle or a secret code. People have tried to pin 666 on politicians, leaders, even parliaments, and some have used it to predict the end of the world (always wrongly!). But Jesus Himself said that no one knows the day or the hour — not the angels, not even the Son, only the Father. Revelation isn’t about guessing dates or playing “end-times bingo.” It’s about God showing His people who He is and what’s really going on in the world.
It’s a bit like Job. Job asked, “Why is there suffering?” but God didn’t give him a neat answer. Instead, God pointed Job back to Himself — as wise, good, and ultimately in control. In the same way, Revelation doesn’t give us all the answers we might want about “when” or “who,” but it does give us eternal truths:
Jesus wins. His death and resurrection change everything.
This world is temporary, but God’s Kingdom is forever.
The pull of money, power, and pleasure won’t last — but life with Jesus will.
The church has an urgent mission: to share the hope of Jesus while there’s still time.
Revelation is sometimes strange, sometimes overwhelming, but it’s not meant to frighten us. It’s meant to give us hope. We live in the “in-between” — between what has been and what is to come — and Revelation reminds us that God is trustworthy, His Word is true, and His light shines even in the darkest places.
One of the most beautiful pictures comes near the end, when the New Jerusalem is described with foundations made of twelve precious stones. Back then, those choices seemed odd — why not diamonds? But today we know that when pure light shines through those exact stones, they explode into the colours of the rainbow. Diamonds, on the other hand, turn black. Nobody could have known that two thousand years ago. It’s a glimpse of how God’s Word holds truths far deeper than we realise — and of how His light transforms everything it touches.
Revelation isn’t about fear or confusion. It’s about hope, trust, and confidence in Jesus, the One who is the beginning and the end, the light in the darkness, and the ultimate victor.
You can find a study guide for this session here
Reflection Points
Asking the right questions – When we stop chasing “when” or “who” and instead ask, “What is God showing me about Himself?”, we find peace instead of fear.
Living in the in-between – Life right now is temporary, caught between the old and the new. Revelation reminds us that the story isn’t finished, and the best is yet to come.
Light in the darkness – Even when the world feels chaotic, Jesus is still victorious. His light cuts through the shadows and gives us hope that cannot be shaken.
Questions to Ponder
Where am I tempted to look for answers that God hasn’t promised to give me, instead of resting in who He is?
What might change in my daily life if I really believed that Jesus has already won the victory?
Who in my life needs to hear the hope of Jesus, and how could I share that with them this week?
Prayer Points
Trust – Lord, help me to trust You when things feel uncertain, and to remember that You are in control.
Hope – Jesus, fill my heart with the hope of Your victory so I can live with courage and joy, even in dark times.
Mission – Holy Spirit, give me boldness and love to share the good news of Jesus with those who don’t yet know Him.
Week 2: The Lamb Wins – Staying Faithful and in Love with Jesus
Revelation 2:1-7
Summary
Jesus has a lot to say to His Church, and He speaks through vivid, sometimes challenging imagery to guide, encourage, and correct. The letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 show us a picture of what it means to be His people, living in a world that’s messy, sometimes hostile, and full of distractions. These letters were written to real churches in specific cities, facing their own struggles under Roman rule, persecution, and false teaching. But the message carries timeless truths for all believers: Jesus sees us, knows us, and calls us to follow Him faithfully.
Jesus is alive, powerful, and in control. He holds the keys to life and death, to heaven and hell. His words are not just for a moment in history—they are for His Church today. He addresses both our strengths and our weaknesses, and He promises that those who overcome will share in His victory. The number seven reminds us of God’s completeness. Just as there were seven churches in Asia Minor, the message applies to the whole Church, everywhere and at all times.
Three big challenges stand out in these letters: false teaching, persecution, and spiritual poverty. Jesus reminds us not to compromise, to stay faithful, and to keep our love for Him alive. The church at Ephesus was hardworking and diligent, but their love had grown cold. They needed to refocus on the heart of their faith, not just the tasks of ministry. Laodicea seemed wealthy and comfortable, but Jesus said they were spiritually poor. He invites them—and us—into deep, intimate relationship with Him. He knocks at the door, wanting to come in, restore, and renew us.
Through these letters, Jesus shows us a pattern: He sees, He speaks, we respond, and we are restored. The theme is clear: the Lamb wins. Jesus wins through His sacrificial love, His death on the cross, and His resurrection. And as His followers, we are called to participate—not through force, but through love, faithfulness, and laying down our lives in obedience. In the face of trials, temptations, and distractions, we are reminded to keep our eyes on Him, allow Him to guide us, and trust in His victory.
You can find a study guide for this session here
Reflection Points
Faithfulness Over Performance – Are we motivated by duty, achievement, or love for Jesus? What does it look like to keep our first love alive in everyday life?
Spiritual Riches vs. Comfort – Are we relying on wealth, status, or comfort to give us security, or are we seeking spiritual richness in Jesus?
Invitation to Relationship – How open are we to letting Jesus in daily? Do we recognize His knocking, and do we respond with trust and intimacy?
Reflection Questions
When have you felt like the church at Ephesus—working hard but losing sight of love? How can you refocus on Jesus’ love in your daily routines?
When have you felt like Laodicea—comfortable or self-sufficient, yet spiritually dry? What practices help you stay spiritually alive and connected to Christ?
How do the promises of overcoming and sharing in Christ’s victory give you hope in the midst of challenges or persecution?
Prayer Points
For Renewal of Love: Ask Jesus to reignite a fresh love for Him in your heart, beyond duty or habit.
For Spiritual Vision: Pray for insight and discernment to see areas where you rely on the world rather than Christ, and for openness to receive His guidance.
For Faithfulness and Courage: Ask for courage to stand firm in faith, to love others even when it’s difficult, and to trust in the victory of Jesus in all circumstances.