Understanding Revelation: Hope, Humility, and Context

 

Summary

The book of Revelation often stirs up strong reactions—some avoid it out of fear or confusion, while others become obsessed with decoding its mysteries. Yet, neither extreme is the way God intended us to approach this final book of Scripture. Revelation is not meant to be ignored, nor is it a puzzle to be solved for secret knowledge about the end times. Instead, it is a vital part of God’s Word, given to the church to encourage, challenge, and transform us.

As we begin to explore Revelation, it’s essential to approach it with humility, recognizing that none of us have all the answers. The figurative and symbolic language can be difficult to interpret, and Christians throughout history have disagreed on its meaning. But disagreement should not divide us; rather, it should be an opportunity to model Christlike love and respect, even in our differences. We must also submit ourselves to the text, allowing God’s Word to shape us, rather than trying to force our own ideas onto it. Context is crucial—Revelation must be read in light of the rest of Scripture and its original purpose, not as a standalone codebook.

Revelation is apocalyptic literature, filled with grand images and repeated stories, much like parts of Ezekiel and Daniel. These images are not always meant to be taken literally; they often point to deeper spiritual realities. For example, the dramatic scene in Revelation 12 retells the Christmas story in symbolic terms, reminding us that the book is not a chronological roadmap of future events. In fact, the world “ends” multiple times within its pages, underscoring that its structure is not linear.

The New Testament speaks of the “last days” not as a distant future, but as the time between Jesus’ first and second coming—a period we have been living in for 2,000 years. The point is not to predict dates or decode hidden timelines, but to live faithfully in the present, knowing that Christ will return at a time we cannot anticipate.

Ultimately, Revelation is a book of hope, not fear. It was written to a persecuted, suffering church to give them a heavenly perspective on their pain. Its message is that Jesus is coming back, that God will dwell with His people, and that every tear will be wiped away. In a world full of brokenness, Revelation reminds us that Jesus wins, and that our future is secure in Him.

Key Takeaways

- Approach Revelation with Humility
Humility is essential when reading Revelation. The book’s complex imagery and symbolism mean that no one has a perfect understanding, and we must be willing to admit our limitations. This humility allows us to disagree graciously and maintain unity in the body of Christ, modeling a better way for the world to handle differences. [03:29]

- Submit to God’s Word, Not Our Preferences
We must let Scripture transform us, rather than trying to make it fit our preconceived ideas or desires. When we approach Revelation (or any part of the Bible) with an agenda, we risk distorting its message. True submission means allowing God’s Word to challenge and change us, even when it’s uncomfortable or mysterious. [05:16]

- Interpret Revelation in Context
Revelation is part of a larger story and must be read in the context of all Scripture. Its apocalyptic genre uses vivid images and repeated themes to communicate spiritual truths, not to provide a literal, chronological timeline. Taking verses out of context leads to confusion and error; understanding the whole counsel of God brings clarity and balance. [06:19]

- The “Last Days” Are Now—and Have Been Since Jesus
The New Testament teaches that the “last days” began with Jesus’ first coming and will continue until His return. Rather than obsessing over signs and dates, we are called to live faithfully in the present, knowing that Christ’s return will be unexpected. Our focus should be on readiness and faithfulness, not speculation. [16:02]

- Revelation Offers Hope, Not Fear
At its core, Revelation is a message of encouragement to suffering believers. It lifts our eyes to God’s ultimate victory, assuring us that Jesus will return, evil will be defeated, and God will dwell with His people forever. In the midst of pain and brokenness, this book reminds us that our story ends in hope—because Jesus wins. [24:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Two Extreme Approaches to Revelation
[03:29] - The Principle of Humility
[04:23] - Disagreeing Well as Christians
[05:16] - The Principle of Submission
[06:19] - The Principle of Context
[07:15] - Apocalyptic Literature and Imagery
[08:58] - What Revelation Is Not
[10:17] - Misusing Revelation as a Roadmap
[11:10] - Symbolism: The Christmas Story in Revelation
[13:13] - Problems with Chronological Reading
[14:02] - “End Times” vs. “Last Days”
[16:02] - Living in the Last Days
[18:14] - The Unknowable Timing of Christ’s Return
[20:14] - The Real Purpose of Revelation
[21:49] - Letters to the Seven Churches and What’s Ahead
[23:32] - Revelation as Encouragement for Suffering
[24:21] - God’s Ultimate Victory and Hope
[26:31] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Revelation – Hope, Humility, and How to Read the Last Book of the Bible

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### Bible Reading

- Revelation 21:3-4
“I heard a loud shout from the throne saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’”

- 2 Timothy 3:1-5
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that.”

- Revelation 1:1-3
“This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.”

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### Observation Questions

1. In Revelation 21:3-4, what specific promises does God make to His people about the future?
2. According to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what are some of the characteristics of people living in the “last days”?
3. The sermon mentioned that Revelation is not a chronological roadmap of the end times, but instead uses symbolic and figurative language. What example did the pastor give from Revelation 12 to illustrate this? ([11:10])
4. What does Revelation 1:1-3 say about the purpose of the book and who it is for?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The pastor said that Revelation was written to encourage a suffering church, not to scare them. How does the promise in Revelation 21:3-4 offer hope to people who are hurting? ([24:21])
2. The sermon explained that the “last days” began with Jesus’ first coming and continue until His return. How does this understanding change the way Christians should think about the end times? ([16:02])
3. The pastor emphasized approaching Revelation with humility and not letting disagreements divide the church. Why is humility so important when reading and discussing Revelation? ([03:29])
4. The sermon talked about submitting to God’s Word instead of forcing our own ideas onto it. What are some dangers of reading Revelation (or any Scripture) with our own agenda? ([05:16])

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said that some people avoid Revelation out of fear or confusion, while others become obsessed with decoding its mysteries. Which of these extremes are you more likely to fall into, and why? How could you move toward a healthier approach? ([01:23])
2. When was the last time you disagreed with another Christian about something in the Bible? How did you handle it? What would it look like to disagree with humility and love, as the pastor described? ([04:23])
3. The sermon challenged us to let God’s Word shape us, not the other way around. Is there a part of Revelation (or any Scripture) that you find uncomfortable or hard to accept? How might you open yourself up to being changed by God’s Word in that area? ([05:16])
4. The pastor said that Revelation is not a codebook for predicting dates, but a call to live faithfully now. What does “living faithfully in the present” look like for you this week? ([16:02])
5. Revelation was written to give hope to people who are suffering. Is there an area of pain or brokenness in your life where you need to be reminded that “Jesus wins”? How can you hold onto that hope this week? ([24:21])
6. The sermon mentioned that taking verses out of context can lead to confusion and error. Have you ever seen or experienced this? How can you make sure you are reading the Bible in context? ([06:19])
7. The pastor read about God wiping away every tear and making all things new. How does this future promise affect the way you handle suffering or disappointment right now? ([24:21])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for humility, unity, and hope as they read and discuss Revelation together, and for God to use His Word to encourage and transform them.

Devotional

Day 1: Approach Revelation with Humility
As we begin to study the book of Revelation, it is essential to approach it with humility, recognizing that none of us has a perfect understanding of every detail. The book is filled with figurative language and mysterious imagery, and throughout history, even the most devoted followers of Jesus have disagreed on its interpretation. When we approach this text humbly, we are able to disagree with one another in a way that honors God, showing love and respect even in our differences. Let us be a people who model Christlike humility, especially when we encounter challenging or confusing passages, remembering that our unity in Christ is more important than having all the answers. [04:23]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Reflection: When was the last time you disagreed with someone about Scripture? How can you approach future disagreements with a spirit of humility and love rather than pride or frustration?


Day 2: Submit to God’s Word, Not Our Preferences
The principle of submission calls us to let God’s Word transform us, rather than trying to make Scripture fit our own opinions, desires, or comfort. It is tempting to approach the Bible with preconceived notions, but true spiritual growth happens when we allow the Word to challenge and change us. As we read Revelation and all of Scripture, let us be willing to lay down our preferences and submit ourselves to God’s truth, trusting that His wisdom is greater than our own. [05:16]

James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Reflection: Is there a part of God’s Word you tend to resist or reinterpret to fit your own comfort? What would it look like to fully submit that area of your life to God today?


Day 3: Interpret Scripture in Context
Understanding the context of Revelation—and all of Scripture—is crucial for faithful interpretation. It is easy to take verses out of context to support our own ideas, but God calls us to read His Word as it was intended, considering its literary genre, historical background, and place within the whole story of the Bible. By reading Revelation in context, we avoid confusion and misapplication, and we open ourselves to the true message God wants to communicate. [06:19]

2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Reflection: Think of a time when you heard a Bible verse used out of context. How can you commit to reading and understanding Scripture in its proper context this week?


Day 4: Revelation Is a Book of Encouragement and Hope
Revelation was given to encourage God’s people, especially those who are suffering, persecuted, or weary from the brokenness of the world. Rather than being a book of fear or confusion, its purpose is to give us a heavenly perspective on our struggles and to remind us that God is with us, bringing comfort and hope. The promise of God’s presence, the end of pain, and the ultimate victory of Jesus are at the heart of this message. [24:21]

Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV)
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you most need the hope and encouragement that God promises in Revelation? How can you hold onto that hope today?


Day 5: Jesus Wins—Live in Hope, Not Fear
The ultimate message of Revelation is that Jesus is coming back, and He will bring healing, restoration, and peace. No matter how dark or difficult the world may seem, we are reminded that Jesus wins—He is victorious over sin, death, and all evil. This truth is not meant to divide or frighten us, but to fill us with hope and perseverance as we await His return. Let us live each day in the confidence that our future is secure in Christ, and let that assurance shape how we face today’s challenges. [26:31]

Revelation 22:20-21 (ESV)
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Reflection: What would change about your attitude or actions if you truly believed that Jesus is coming back and that He will make all things new? How can you live in that hope today?

Quotes



I think that, that we, we should be the people who model that you can disagree on things and still love each other and still treat each other with respect. I think that the rest of our culture should look at the church and think, man, I wish we could disagree like they disagree. [00:04:43] (18 seconds) Edit Clip


So I want to unpack really something important that the book of revelation is not, okay, first, the book of revelation is not a chronological roadmap of the end times. It's not, um, I, if you are here today and you came because you're like, all right, Matt's going to tell me exactly when and how the end times are going to unfold. I'll catch you. See you next time. [00:09:48] (25 seconds) Edit Clip


In fact, in the book of Revelation, the world ends seven different times, okay? Now, if this is a chronological book, when did the world end twice before Jesus was born? Like, the day of judgment did not occur multiple times before the birth of Jesus. We know that that didn't happen. [00:12:51] (18 seconds) Edit Clip


It's to speak to people who are hurting, people who are suffering, people who are broken, people who are tired of this sin, of the hurt, people who are tired of losing people that they love to disease, people who are tired of watching marriages end in divorce, people who are tired of the suffering of this world. [00:25:38] (26 seconds) Edit Clip


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Transcript
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