Another Look at Revelation — Lesson 6
July 9, 2009
“Another Look at Revelation”
Lesson 6: Chapter 5 — The Scroll and the Lamb
Adult Wednesday and Sunday Bible Study Series
West Broad Church of Christ
July 12, 2009
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
Chapter Review and Current Objective:
We examined John’s view of the throne of God in Chapter 4. The apostle presented an ultimate, all-powerful, triumphant God to Christians who were persecuted and harassed. Knowledge of this God would sustain them as they faced the challenges of life in the Roman Empire. But something else happened in that throne room. What was it?
I. The Challenge of the Sealed Book (5:1-14)
John described the splendidness of God’s throne in the previous chapter. What else happens?
n 5:1 – An overflowing scroll. Question: What do you think this means?
n 5:2-5 – An angelic challenge. Reflection: Think of the great leaders of our world and their collective mission. How does this impact your thinking of our capacity for perfection?
n 5:6 – A wounded lamb
The Lamb takes the scroll from the hand of God. What actions result?
n The worship by the living creatures and the elders (5:8). Question: In view of the various historical perspectives about the person of Jesus, how does their action speak to the deity of Christ?
n The song of the living creatures and the elders (5:9-10)
n Continued cosmic adoration (5:11-14). Question: What does the heavenly audience have that we do not? How can we “obtain their refrain?”
Summation:
John’s vision in Chapter 5 demonstrates how helpless creation would be without the work of Christ. But it also demonstrates the joy and celebration possible in creation because of Christ. The early Christians could take confidence in Jesus despite their duress because of his power and ability. Christians today can enjoy that same confidence, as well.
