The Bridge Church of the Nazarene

Rev 5:1-14 (3/29/20)
Sermon Study Guide Created by Pastor Michael Halcomb

Notes: 1) It will be best if each member of the group has this in front of them whether projected, in print, or on a personal digital device; 2) Suggested periods of time are given for reading and discussing each section. If your group does not finish, simply treat what remains as personal study material; 3) Share the conversation space. Take care to ensure that neither you, nor anyone else, is dominating the discussion; and, 4) Please do not share these outside of Bridge Pier Groups.

Part 1: In this sermon, Pastor Michael began by talking about concerns over the economy. These concerns exist on international, national, state, and local levels.

1. Why do you think so many people are worried about the economy right now? (i.e. How has COVID-19 affected the economy?)

2. Economists, especially those who subscribe to capitalism (i.e. every gets what they work for and thus what they deserve), have believed for a long time that the economy/market is predictable because humans are predictable. Humans love routines and, over time, their spending habits become predictable. Based on this, economists try to “predict/project” what the future of the economy will be like. The underlying principle is: “Humans always act in their own self-interests.” Pastor Michael suggested that this, however, isn’t always true. Humans often act against their self-interests, that is, they engage in “akrasia” (our Word of the Week). Can you think of any examples where this is the case?

Part 2: In this sermon, Rev 5:1-14 was the focal passage. Read the verses and then discuss them.

1 And I saw at the right hand of the one seated upon the throne, a document having been written on the inside and outside and it had been sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw the strong Messenger proclaiming in a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the document and undo its seals?
3 And no one was able in the sky nor on the land nor under the land to open the document or even to see it. 4 And I cried very much, because no one was found worthy to open the document or to see it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Do not cry! Behold, he overcame—the Lion the one of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David—he will open the document and its seven seals.”
6 And I saw in the middle of the throne also the four living creatures and in the middle of the elders a Lamb, standing as having been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, they are the seven spirits of God having been sent into all the land. 7 And he came, and he took (it) out of the right hand of the one sitting upon the throne. 8 And whenever he took the document, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb each having harps and gold vials full of incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones, 9 and they sang a new song saying, “Worthy are you to take the document and open its seals, because you were slain and bought for God with your blood a kingdom from every tribe and tongue and people and nation 10 and you made them, for our God, a kingdom, even priests, and they will rule over the land.”
11 I both saw and heard a voice of many Messengers circling the throne and the living creatures and the elders, and their number was ten thousand of ten thousands and a thousand of thousands 12 saying in a loud voice: “Worthy is the slain Lamb to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” 13 And every creature, which was in the sky, and upon the land, and under the land, and in the sea, and those in every place listened saying, “To the one sitting upon the throne and to the Blessed Lamb (be) the honor and the glory and the power into the ages of the ages.” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the elders fell and bowed.

1. What questions do these verses raise for you?
2. Who are the “4 living creatures”?
3. Who are the “elders”?
4. Who is “The Messenger”?
5. Who is “The Lion and The Lamb”?

Part 3: In last week’s verses (Rev 4), the picture painted was of a multiethnic bride of Christ gathered in the throne room worshipping. These verses, however, paint a picture of all creation engaging in this worship as they attend the wedding ceremony of Christ and his bride.

1. What does this suggest about how we should engage with, treat, and care for all of creation now?
2. What are a couple of clues that this is a portrayal of the beginning of the wedding ceremony?
3. What is a ketubah?
4. What does the term “seal” refer to in these verses?
5. What does “opening” refer to in relation to the seal(s)?

Part 4: Pastor Michael suggested that while God does indeed save us from our sins and weaknesses, he also saves us from our strengths.

1. Why might we need to be saved from our strengths? Discuss.
2. Can you think of an instance where your strength or someone else’s strength became problematic in their life?
3. What do you make of the story of Richard Savage that Pastor shared?

Part 5: This week’s 2 questions from Wesley’s 22 Questions are below. Read and discuss them honestly with one another.

1. Do I pray about the money I spend?
2. Do I get up on time and get to bed on time? (i.e. Am I being responsible?)

Pray: Close with prayer, praying about the things discussed during this lesson.