Revelation Bible Class by Hiram Kemp Part 3

June 18, 2023 - Sunday AM MPR Bible Class

 

Questions for Revelation: Chapter 3

Summary of last week’s class:

In chapter 2 Jesus addresses four churches. Jesus opens each letter with a description of himself and ends holding out hope for a reward for those who overcome. Jesus points out the good in each congregation and the bad. Some churches (like Smyrna- Rev. 2:8-11) receive no rebuke because they have been faithful and done what Jesus desired of them. Jesus is repeatedly described as the one who knows. He knows what is going on in his church and what each congregation is facing. He also knows those who have caved in and are compromising with the Roman Empire and emperor worship.

The major thing to keep in mind in chapters 2-3 is this is where Jesus focuses on his people and what they need to do. In chapters 4-22 the bulk of the material will speak of Jesus’ coming judgment on Rome and his punishment of his people’s enemies. The church needed to repent and be faithful and let Jesus deal with those persecuting them (cf. Rom. 12:19-21). Though our circumstances are not identical to them as we read these letters we should ask ourselves, “What would Jesus’ letter say if he were writing us one today?” If we are falling short in any area where they were, we should repent. If we are persevering under similar opposition we should be sure not to grow weary in well doing (Gal. 6:9)!

Questions from chapter 3

1. How important is our reputation as a congregation? How can it be helpful and how can it be harmful (3:1)?
2. Is it possible to be a faithful Christian in a church that is dying (see Jesus’ statement in Revelation 3:4)?
3. What door is Jesus referring to in Revelation 3:8?
4. What negative thing does Jesus have to say about the church in Philadelphia?
5. What is the hour of trial referred to in Revelation 3:10? How do you know?
6. What is the “new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven” referring to (Rev. 3:12)?
7. What does it mean to be spiritually lukewarm (Rev. 3:16) and how do you know when/if you are?
8. Explain Revelation 3:20 in your own words.
9. Why does Jesus reprove and discipline (Rev. 3:19)?
10. What was the church at Laodicea doing right (Rev. 3:14-22)?
11. What were the Laodiceans trusting in (Rev. 3:17)?

Duration: 48:53