Themes in Revelation: The Kingdom of God

Week 11, Wednesday: The Requirements of Our Citizenship
As those who possess the Kingdom of God we have a responsibility to practice our citizenship there, according to the requirements of the Lord and His Word. We can only fulfill our Kingdom calling as kings and priests by living according to the order and rule of the Kingdom. In this lesson we’ll look more specifically at what it means to be called to the Kingdom and glory of God (1 Thess. 2.12).

Read Revelation 6

Meditate on the following passages from Revelation
1.      Revelation 6.9: What does it mean to lay down your life for Jesus Christ? What are the primary obstacles to your consistently taking up your cross and following Jesus, dying to your old self and being clothed with the new self in Jesus (Eph. 4.17-24)?

2.      Revelation 8.3-5: Prayer is obviously an important part of our participation in the Kingdom of God. How can you see that in this passage? Do our prayers participate in Jesus’ rule over the kings of the earth and the whole cosmos? Explain.  

3.      Revelation 11.3-6: These two olive trees represent the whole Church – both Gentile and Jew. John says they are “witnesses.” What does a church look like which is bearing witness to Christ in its community? How does our being witnesses contribute to the progress of the Kingdom?

4.      Revelation 14.1-5: What is involved in following the Lamb “wherever He goes” (cf. 1 Jn. 2.1-6)? How would you describe the role of the Law of God in your walk with and work for the Lord at this time?

5.      Revelation 19.1-15: Who can look forward to rejoicing at the marriage supper of the Lamb/King? Why? Should we be preparing right now for what we see in verses 11-15? How?

My Reflection
What does it mean for you to be called to the Kingdom and glory of God (1 Thess. 2.12)? How should others expect to know that this is your overarching calling in life?

The Glory of God
Is God glorified in the witness of His Church? How? Is God glorified in the witness of your church?

Glory to Glory
Can you see any areas where you need to be more attentive to fulfilling your Kingdom calling in life? Where? What can you do to begin improving here?

Memorize
Recite your memory verse aloud: Revelation 15.3, 4. Share it with a Christian friend. Explain what you’re coming to understand about how we must “fear” and “glorify” the Name of the Lord.

Closing Prayer
I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
When my enemies turn back,
They shall fall and perish at Your presence.
For You have maintained my right and my cause;
You sat on the throne judging in righteousness.
You have rebuked the nations,
You have destroyed the wicked;
You have blotted out their name forever and ever.

Psalm 9.1-5

T. M. Moore

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The book of Revelation is the culminating episode in the story of God’s covenant. To learn more about that covenant, and to discover the way it integrates all of Scripture into the Gospel of Jesus Christ, order a copy of T. M.’s book, I Will Be Your God, by clicking here.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.