Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Chris focused on Revelation 4 and 5, which includes a fantastic, mind-blowing vision of God the Father and the Lamb (Jesus, the Son
of God). This vision is so comprehensive in its scope and magnificence that everything we might be facing pales in comparison to it—especially those things that might distract us when we “look down.”

MY STORY
For what event, experience, or fulfilled hope are you still asking, “Are we there yet?”

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”
(Revelation 4:9-11)

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”
(Revelation 5:9-10)

Who is on the throne in Revelation 4? To whom does the one on the throne give the scroll in Revelation 5?

Why is it important the God the Father and God the Son are distinct in this vision of heaven? Where is the Holy Spirit referred to in these two chapters? (Revelation 4 & 5)?

What is the key word here, (a descriptive adjective), when it comes to the reason why the one of the throne and the Lamb are being worshiped?

What worthy thing did the Father do to receive worship? What worthy thing did the Son do to receive worship?

Why is it important that no other created being, heavenly or otherwise, has ever come close to doing these two things?

Why, then, are only the members of the Godhead worthy of worship?
Why then, is it a futile waste to time to put our trust and hope in anything, or anyone, else?

What is the reward for those from every tribe and language and people and nation who have experienced saving faith in Jesus?

What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what “takeaways” do you think God has revealed to you?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Chris pointed out the pervasive and seductive influence of the Roman empire in every area of life in the first century.

In what forms do these types pervasive and seductive influences take today? What are some of the functional saviors Pastor Chris mentioned? What is it about them that can draw a person’s attention away from Jesus, and keep their focus downward?

How have you been drawn to some of these options?

Pastor Chris said it’s easy to get a case of the “look downs” where our focus is pulled away from looking up to Jesus ... these could include, end-times charts, financial problems, health issues, election year options, bad choic- es made by friends and family members (or yourself), addictions, comfort, and a host of other things.

How can we focus our attention on the powerful presence and terrifying majesty of Jesus to put the seriousness of these things into perspective—without minimizing their very real challenging impact in our lives?

Contrast the empty promises made to the people who gave into the Imperial Cult of Rome with the certain pros- pect of being given responsibility to rule with Jesus in the age to come.

What might some of those “ruling responsibilities” include?

What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, call us to?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
If you were to “cast your crown” before Jesus, what would that crown represent in your life?

Take of the things that is causing your attention to focus downward, and away from Jesus, and deal decisively with that distraction.

That might mean talking about its allure with someone you trust, or perhaps bringing it up with your group.

What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?