November 24: Discovery Questions (based on Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-7, 18-20)
1. What do you most look forward to in heaven?
Ask two people to read aloud Revelation 21:1-8; 22:1-7, 18-20, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passage.
2. In his vision, John saw “a new heaven and a new earth” (21:1). Lesson writer Mark Scott notes, “The word for ‘new’ is a word that means ‘qualitatively new’ (not just new in time).”
- What elements of our present world do you think will be retained in heaven?
- What do you think will be new?
3. No tears, no death, no mourning, no crying, no pain (21:4). Knowing all these things will be absent in heaven, how does this lead you to long for your heavenly home?
- How does this thought give you hope and contentment now?
4. Revelation 22:1-3 depicts heaven as a place where health and life abound, and where the curse of sin is forever gone. What do you think it will be like to live forever in heaven knowing that you will never again face the temptations and consequences of sin?
5. Revelation 22:4-5 tells us that in heaven we will see the Lord’s face, we will wear his name on our foreheads, and God himself will provide all the light we need. In what new ways do you think heaven . . . .
- will draw us near to God?
- will affirm our identify as his children?
- will surround us with the light and glory of God?
6. The angel in John’s vision affirmed the true and trustworthy nature of the revelation (22:6), pronounced a blessing on all who keep (obey) the words contained in it, and pointed to the soon return of Christ to the earth (22:7).
- Do you believe Jesus could actually return any day now?
- How does this knowledge impact the way you live your life from day to day?
7. As John’s revelation comes to a close, a warning is given to all who hear the words of the prophecy, not to add to or take away from anything that is written in it (22:18-19).
- What does this say to you about the reliability of God’s Word?
- What does this say about our own commitment and obedience to God’s Word?
8. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Luke 1:26-38 as we begin a unit on the Gospel of Luke with the theme, “The Messiah Comes.” 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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