Seven Bowls | Revelation 15-16

Sermon Discussion | Revelation 15 & 16

1. Rev. 15:1-3 The faithful people are standing and singing the song of Moses, however, it's different from what we read in Exodus 15. This song encompasses ALL the victories God has had in history. This is not just a song of his people being saved from Pharaoh, but all creation and all people going through a new exodus. What does it mean to you that all people and all creation are being led through a new exodus? Can you share times in your life that God has been victorious? 

2. Read Rev 15:5-8. Jeremy opened his sermon with a reflection of the creation account in Genesis 1. There we see the idea of the garden being God's temple; where he dwells with man and his creation. Our role is to be a reflection or God's image to the world around us. Here in verse 5 God has come near! The doors are open! What was broken in Gen 3 is being undone. There was a time when humans were "with" God and now the earth is in need of cleansing completely. What does it mean to you that the doors are open? The "temple" is being refined or cleansed for the coming King and no one can enter until it's been purified. In light of God's creational intent, what do you think is going on here? What does John want us to see and understand?

3. In ch 16:1-12 is the pouring out of the bowls, these sound much like the plagues in Exodus. A judgement meant to bring repentance, but just like Pharoah, they curse God. While we might not experience this type of judgement, we do face other circumstances that God might be using to bring repentance. Are you more likely to shake your fist at God or bend your knee? What does it take for you to repent? Why is repenting difficult? 

4. Jeremy referenced the frogs in verse 13 as "magical demon frogs", they sneak into your bedroom and into your bed, you cannot hide from them. They whisper, let's go to battle with God! They are an image of sneaky, lying voices that are bent on standing against God and want you to join them. It may not be as blatant today as, "Don't follow Jesus", so what are those voices in our culture today saying? What do they say to you personally? How can we collectively and individually respond?

5. Read Rev 16:15 & Matt 24. Make some reflections on what Jesus is saying. What does it mean to be ready for Jesus' return? What does it mean to not be ready? 

6. Read verses 17-21. There is a battle coming - Armageddon, it will be the final time God moves to put ALL things right, even creation will join in. All wrongs, hurts, injustice etc will be set right. And in verse 21 there are people who continue to curse God. If they are desperate for control, are you? If we are called to be a kingdom of Priests, how are you fulfilling your role?