Devotions (Revelation) #8

MON, 16th November

Revelation 17:1-18

In the previous chapters, we were given overviews. In the next few chapters, John will zoom in on what happens during the sixth and seventh bowl and spell out more details for us.

Questions

1. Use your drawing skill to illustrate the passage.
2. Read this article on the meaning and significance of Babylon: “Who Is the Whore of Babylon? (And Why Does It Matter?)”
3. In the article, the author tells us that “culture is not neutral”, and that “the devil attacks God’s people via the backdoor through seductive, idolatrous culture”. What are some examples of ungodly culture that you see around you? (Think about the culture of your workplace, what we see on TV, and maybe even at church.) What tempts you to follow?

Prayer Suggestions

1. Pray for a wise and discerning heart so that we would not follow this world in blindness. Pray for resistance against temptations, especially the ones you mentioned above.
2. Pray for people you know who have given in to the culture and ideologies of the world, and who are drifting further away from Christ.
3. Give thanks to God for three things.

TUE, 17th November

Revelation 17:1-18 (Part II)

Questions

1. How would you describe the relationship between the woman and the beast?
2. What would happen to the woman in the very end? Why?
3. History keeps repeating itself. Do you know of any authorities or people that wanted to destroy Christianity in the past? What happened then? In what ways are authorities or people trying to destroy Christianity today? Discuss with your life group.

Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks that God is sovereign and can use even wicked people and evil forces to achieve his purpose of ultimately destroying evil.
2. Give thanks that God has the power to protect the Bible from being corrupted, and to protect the purity of the gospel message and the church, even though many powerful enemies have tried to destroy and corrupt it throughout history.
3. Pray for the ministry that you are involved in at church.

WED, 18th November

Revelation 18:1-8

Questions

1. How did Babylon view herself? And how did God view her?
2. What does it mean for God’s people to “come out of Babylon” (v4)?
3. Have you become too desensitised to be able to recognise sin? Are you sharing in Babylon’s sins? Specifically, what do you need to do to “come out of Babylon”?

Prayer Suggestions

1. Ask God to examine your heart and repent of any pride or arrogance. Ask the Lord to help you become sensitive to sin so that we may repent of it quickly.
2. Ask the Lord to show us what it means to live in the world, but not be of the world. Ask the Lord to give you a longing for your eternal home.
3. Pray for the church’s ministry plans for next year. May the Lord raise up godly leaders who are eager to obey him, and may the Lord direct the plans of the church.

THU, 19th November

Revelation 18:9-20

Questions

1. There were two different responses to the fall of Babylon in this passage. What were they?
2. Why do you think the two sides responded so differently? Which one do you identify with? Which response does God want us to have?
3. Why do you think the phrases “in one day” (v8) and “in one hour” (v10, 17, 19) are emphasised in this chapter?

Prayer Suggestions

1. Give glory and praise to God for his righteous judgements.
2. Pray that we wouldn’t be so deceived by the benefits of wealth, comfort, and success that we would turn a blind eye to the evil things that are happening in our city and country.
3. Pray for the Australian government. Pray for our political leaders to not be proud, but to be able to make policies that are good and ethical. Pray that they would not give in to the temptation of using their position for personal gain. Ask God to give Christians true wisdom and a voice in public discussions.

FRI, 20th November

Revelation 18:21-24

Questions

1. What two adjectives would you use to describe fallen Babylon in this passage?
2. What were the key reasons of Babylon’s destruction (v23-24)?
3. Since Babylon doesn’t just represent the Roman Empire, but also all the big empires and political authorities and alliances throughout history that opposed God, what significance does this passage have for us?

Prayer Suggestions

1. Give thanks that one day, history will actually stop repeating itself as “Babylon” is no more.
2. Pray that we would not be Christians who have one foot in Babylon and one foot in God’s kingdom. Pray that we would totally get on board with God.
3. Pray for the lost world. There are so many people who are deceived and are proud of their sins and perversions. Mourn for the world and ask God what you can do for him.

SAT, 21st November

Revelation 19:1-10

Questions

1. This passage shows us a scene of worship in heaven. Who were the worshippers (there are multiple groups)? What stands out for you in this scene? Pick two things.
2. Thinking about the wedding of the Lamb…
   • Who was the bride?
   • What was she wearing? What does it represent, and who gave it to her?
   • If the wedding dress was gifted to her, then how did she make herself ready?
   • How does this passage make you feel?

Chill out with this old-school praise song that’s related to today’s passage:

Prayer Suggestions

1. Worship the Lord with the heavenly chorus and praise the Lord in song and prayer!
2. Give thanks to God that Jesus is our righteousness. Below is another song; feel free to use the lyrics as a prayerful response to the Lord.

SUN, 22nd November

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