Themes in Revelation: Tribulation

Week 12, Friday: The Widespread Effects of Sin
Sin produces tribulation, and tribulation has devastating effects wherever its reach is extended. The world God loves so much that He sent His Son to redeem is presently being savaged by sin and tribulation. The work of Christ’s redemption, and therefore of His Kingdom-and-glory-seeking people, must extend like His, “far as the curse is found.”

Read Revelation 8

Meditate on the following passages from Revelation
1.      Tribulation is compounded when the judgment of God falls against it. In chapter 8 we see the devastating effects of this. Describe the tribulations that come upon the creation because of sin. In what ways do we see this ruin of the creation in our own day?

2.      According to Revelation 9, in what ways does the ruin of sin and tribulation affect humankind? Do we see this process at work in our day? In what ways?

3.      The ruin caused by tribulation and sin powerfully affects the hearts of people toward God. How can you see that, for example, in Revelation 11.7-10 and Revelation 16.8-11? How should knowing this affect our attitude toward people who are still lost in sin?

4.      Revelation 16 shows even more effects of the ruin of sin and tribulation. How does this add to what we’ve seen already, and in what ways can you see these effects in our day?

5.      There’s even a sense in which the ruin of sin and tribulation makes people slaves to those who wield power through institutions that have become corrupted by sin. How can you see this in Revelation 13?

My Reflection
We cannot escape the tribulation that comes upon the earth because of sin and the judgment of God. Rather than try to avoid tribulation, or hope we might somehow be able to escape it, believers are called by the Lord to overcome in the midst of tribulation. What does this mean for you?

The Glory of God
Meditate on Revelation 12.10-12. Heaven rejoices at the ruin of tribulation. Why? How does this contribute to the glory of God?

Glory to Glory
Can you see in Revelation 12.10-12 a pattern for overcoming in the face of tribulation? See if you can tease this out, then share your observations with a Christian friend.

Memorize
Review Revelation 1.9. What does it mean to be a companion with God in His Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ? Talk with a Christian friend about this question.

Closing Prayer
Write a prayer based on Revelation 1.9 and Revelation 12.10-12. Try praying this aloud. Does that feel right? Comfortable? Biblical?

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.