Revelation begins and ends with blessing. We see blessing in the beginning in verse 3, where the author blesses the one who “reads aloud the words of this prophecy.” And we see blessing at the end in Revelation 22:14: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.”
But the blessing at the beginning of the book, which focuses on the reader, is not given only to those who read Revelation but those who “hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it.”
It’s easy to approach Revelation with a sense of curiosity. We hope to figure out what it all means and what these symbols point to. But if we read Revelation rightly, we will study this book as a way to encounter Jesus so that our lives are changed. The end affects the present.
Knowing how the story will unfold is not something God reveals so that we can go on living the way we have been (with a little knowledge to puff us up). No, the purpose of this book is that we would “hear” and “keep what is written in it.” The goal is that we would bring our lives in line with the truths we encounter. The point is that we would be changed.
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Adults
Every week for Volume 4: From Captivity to the Wilderness, Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s director of Sunday School, will offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Adults.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Students
Every week, student ministry leaders offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Students. Listen in as he shares:
- The main point of the session
- Any challenges and opportunities for additional discussion that may arise during this session
- Encouragements for leaders
Podcast (studentsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
A Final Reminder
Don’t forget, you can find tools to help you prepare and lead the discussion in the Additional Resources for this volume. We hope these are a blessing to you as you walk through this session together.
*This week’s leader devotional is written by Trevin Wax. It is adapted from the daily devotions for Unit 36, Session 1 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.
