November 10 | Discovery Questions

November 10: Discovery Questions (based on Revelation 17:1-2, 6, 18; 18:1-10)  

1. Talk about a time when your allegiance to someone or something you value was tested. How did it occur, and what was the outcome? 

Ask two people to read aloud Revelation 17:1-2, 6, 18; 18:1-10, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage. 

2. Lesson writer Mark Scott states, “God’s people should be crystal clear about their allegiance. They play to an audience of one.” In what ways does the world around you negatively impact your allegiance to Christ?

• How do you resist that influence? 

3. In reference to “the great prostitute” (17:1), it is said that “the kings of the earth committed adultery” with her and “the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.” 

• Viewing the great prostitute and Babylon as metaphors for sinful regions, rulers, and people in the world, what is it about sin that is so attractive to people? 

• What does it mean to say that the Christian is in the world, but not of the world? 

4. In Revelation 18:1-2, an angel with “great authority” announced the fall of “Babylon the Great.” No nation, city, or ruler, no matter how great, is beyond the reach of God’s wrath. 

• Does this idea help you deal with the realities of evil rulers and oppressive nations today? Why, or why not? 

5. In declaring the fall of Babylon the Great, the angel indicated that “the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries” (18:3). 

• Given all the evil deeds that could have been mentioned, why do you think the angel singled out the sin of loving riches in this context? 

• What warning should Christians hear in this verse? 

6. Fallen Babylon is described as “a dwelling for demons” and “a haunt for every unclean spirit” (18:2). To what degree do you think sinful regions, rulers, and citizens today are affected by demonic activity? 

• What can Christians do today to protect themselves from the enemy’s attacks? (Hint: see Ephesians 6:10-17.) 

7. While judgment against Babylon was certain, God’s people were urged to “come out of her” so they would not “share in her sins” nor “receive any of her plagues” (18:4). 

• What does this tell you about the love and mercy God shows to his children who are striving to live for him in a hostile environment? 

• How does this encourage you to remain faithful in the midst of your own struggles? 

8. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .” 

For Next Week: Read and reflect on Revelation 19:1-14; 20:11-15. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts and the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.