November 3: Discovery Questions (based on Revelation 15:1-4; 16:1-12, 15-17)
1. What do you think the world would be like if there were no justice? How does justice make the world a better place to live?
Ask two people to read aloud Revelation 15:1-4; 16:1-12, 15-17, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage.
2. John’s vision in Revelation 15 brings us near the end of time on earth as “the wrath of God is completed” (15:1).
- How is the wrath of God connected to the justice of God?
- Why is it important that God is a God of justice (wrath) as well as a God of mercy?
3. Revelation 15:2-4 depicts God’s people celebrating their ultimate, eternal victory.
- What images in Revelation 15:2 indicate victory?
- How does the song God’s people sing in Revelation 15:3-4 portray victory?
4. God commanded seven angels to pour out seven bowls of wrath upon the earth in Revelation 16:1-12. Why do you think God called for seven bowls of wrath to be poured out and not just a single bowl of wrath?
- What does this say about our often-stubborn human nature?
- Read again Revelation 16:4-7. What does this say to you about God’s fairness when it comes to our actions and their consequences?
5. Twice in this text (Revelation 16:9, 11), those who received God’s poured-out wrath cursed God, “but they refused to repent.” Under circumstances like these, what could possibly cause a person to refuse to repent when given the opportunity?
- What does this say to you about the urgent need to “come clean” before God when struggling with sin?
6. In Revelation 16:15, the Lord declares that, while his return is certain, no one knows when it will occur. What will you do personally to make sure you’re ready when Jesus returns?
7. As the seventh and final bowl of God’s wrath is poured out on the earth, a loud voice from the throne declares, “It is done!” (Revelation 16:17).
- What is done?
- While this is a sobering thought, how does it give you assurance?
8. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Revelation 17:1-2, 6, 18; 18:1-10. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts and the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
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