BY: Judy Moore
DATE: Sunday 9 July 2023
‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Read online
Revelation | Chapter 3 | Verses 7-13
EXCERPT:
We live in a world in which success is the goal, regardless of the cost. For followers of Jesus, sometimes our lack of success can be disheartening. And it can be easy to forget that Jesus values faithfulness over success. For these ancient readers, John reminds them that even though they feel weak, he has placed before them an open door. And they just simply need to faithful in following Christ. Because, at the end of the day, faithfulness is success.
TRANSCRIPT:
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Youth Resources
BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS
Each week there are TWO different sets of questions for you to use, whether you are exploring the Bible within your Life Group, in other group settings, or simply using them on your own.
A | DISCUSSION STARTERS
These are simple questions to provoke discussion together out of the talk (ideal if you are watching our Sunday Service online with others in your group):
1 | Was there anything that particularly helped you during the talk?
2 | Was there anything that you didn’t necessarily agree with, or found difficult to understand in the talk?
3 | As a result of the talk, what:
a. Changes do you want to see?
b. Truths do you need to remember?
c. Actions do you need to take?
B | QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE
These are questions that are based on the talk and the surrounding themes:
Read: Revelation, Chapter 3, verses 7-13
1 | When it comes to faith, what would you say a ‘successful’ life looks like?
2 | In Revelation 3:7-13, Jesus addresses the church in Philadelphia, commending their faithfulness. How can we apply Jesus’ praise for their perseverance in our own lives today? (See also James 1:12)
3 | In v 7-8, Jesus mentions an open door that no one can shut. What do you think this open door might represent, and how does it relate to God’s guidance in our lives? (Refer to Acts 14:27)
4 | Jesus mentions that he knows they have ‘little strength’. Why are his words such an encouragement?
5 | In verse 10, Jesus speaks of a time of testing that will come upon the whole world. Regardless of what that might mean, how can we beat prepare ourselves for times of trial and remain steadfast in our faith? (See also James 1:2-4)
6 | According to verse 11, Jesus is coming soon. How should the promise of Christ’s return shape our attitudes and actions as believers today? (See also Matthew 24:44)
7 | In verse 12, Jesus describes the victorious Christians in Philadelphia as “pillars in the temple of my God.” What do you think this symbolism represents? And why is this such an encouragement? (Refer to Ephesians 2:19-22)
8 | Jesus promises them that he will write on them the name of His God and the name of the new Jerusalem. What does this signify, and how does it emphasize our identity as children of God? (See also Revelation 22:4)
9 | Take some time to pray – for confidence and boldness in your faith, and for faithfulness to take hold of the opportunities that Christ gives to us as his church.
As you work through these questions pray for one another to deepen and develop your relationship with Jesus.
BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES
VIDEO |’Book of Revelation Summary’ by the Bible Project (from start until 3mins 45 sec)
BLOG LINKS | Meditations on Revelation 2-3’ by Sam Storms.
BOOK |
Revelation for the Rest of Us’ by Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
BOOK |
‘Revelation’ (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament; BECNT) by Grant Osborne
BOOK |
‘Revelation’ (New Cambridge Bible Commentary; NCBC) by Ben Witherington
TRANSCRIPT
Coming Soon
