Worthy

Revelation 5

Sermon Notes:

1. Who is Worthy?

2. The Worthy Gives Worth

3. The Work Proceeding from Hope

Reflection Questions:

1. Why did Jesus give John a vision instead of just telling him what was to come? What does this narrative in Revelation 5 convey about God's glory and power, and how might that be an encouragement to God's people who are waiting for Jesus' return?

2. John was overwhelmed with grief when there was no one who was worthy to open the scroll, but hope is found in the Lion who is the Lamb of God. It can be hard for us to see our dependance on Christ so clearly, like John is able to here. What ideas distort our perspective so that we do not see our dependance? How might you practice patient reliance on Jesus more in your everyday life?

3. Out of the three main activities that the Elders display here in Revelation 5 (Speaking Comforting Truth, Offering Prayer, and Worship), which one do you struggle with most? What is a practical way you can exercise that weakness? Who will keep you accountable to growing in that way?

The Letter to Pergamum

Revelation 2:12-17

Sermon Notes:

1) The Faithfulness We Speak Must Be Matched by the Faithfulness We Do

2) The Faithful Endurance of the Church in Pergamum

3) The Trouble of Compromise in Christian Living

Reflection questions:

1. When does our contemporary life demand of us to confess publicly our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

2. How often are we prompted to do something by other people, the radio, social media, TV, or advertising? How often are those things a “manner of life worthy of the gospel of Christ?” (Philippians 1:27)

3. Do we examine these suggested actions, after the example of the Christians in Berea? (Acts 17:11)

The Letter to Smyrna

Revelation 2:8-11

Sermon Notes:

Suffering is Standard:

1) The Background

2) The Cause

3) Their Expectations

4) Our Implications

Reflection Questions:

1) What areas of life are most tempting to have guaranteed peace with the world? Politics, culture, school friends, co-workers, classmates, teammates, children, spouse…?

2) How might the contemporary church be failing or succeeding in hearing and keeping the words written to Smyrna?

3) What parts of being a disciple of Christ might need the most support and encouragement in order to be able to be faithful and keep the words of our Lord?