1, 2. What is one reason why we should be interested in the book of Revelation?
Have you ever looked at someone else's photo album? Perhaps he found many faces that he did not know. But suddenly a photo catches his eye. Why? Because you are in it too. He looks at it carefully and tries to remember when and where it was taken. Also, she tries to identify everyone who is in it. For you, this photo is different, it tells you something special.
Well, the book of Revelation is like that picture. Why? For at least two reasons. First, because it was written for us. Right at the beginning it says: “A revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his slaves the things that must soon take place” (Rev. 1:1). So this book is not addressed to everyone, but to us, the servants of God. So we are not surprised to learn that we are participating in the fulfillment of his fascinating prophecies. We are “in the picture”!
3, 4. According to the book of Revelation, when would its prophecies be fulfilled, and how should that affect us?
The second reason has to do with the period of time in which those prophecies must be fulfilled. The apostle John spoke of that period when he said, “By inspiration I came to be in the day of the Lord” (Rev. 1:10). John wrote those words around the year 96 of our era. By then, “the day of the Lord” was still far away (Matt. 25:14, 19; Luke 19:12). But Bible prophecy shows that day began in 1914, when Jesus became King in heaven. From that year the prophecies of Revelation began to be fulfilled, which are related to the people of God. So we are living in "the Lord's day."
As we live in this exciting time, we should keep in mind the loving advice we read in Revelation 1:3: “Happy is he who reads the words of this prophecy aloud, and happy are those who hear and obey the things written in it.” , since the appointed time is near.” Surely we need to read aloud “the words of this prophecy,” hear them, and obey them. What are some of those words that we must obey?
MAKE SURE JEHOVAH ACCEPTS YOUR WORSHIP
5. How does the book of Revelation show that it is very important to make sure that Jehovah accepts our worship?
Already from the first chapter of Revelation it is clear that Jesus is very aware of everything that happens in the congregations (Rev. 1:12-16, 20; 2:1). The messages that he sent to seven congregations in Asia Minor show that this is so. In those messages, he gave specific advice that would help first-century Christians to ensure that Jehovah accepted their worship. And those tips also help all God's servants today. What does this teach us? That our Leader, Jesus Christ, knows very well how our spiritual health is. He guides and protects us, and not a single detail escapes him. He knows what we have to do in order not to lose Jehovah's approval. Next, we are going to analyze some of the advice that he gave and that we have to obey today.
6. a) According to Revelation 2:3, 4, what problem did the Christians in Ephesus have? b) What is the lesson for us?
(Read Revelation 2:3, 4). Let us not lose the love that we initially felt for Jehovah. The message that Jesus gave to the Christians in Ephesus indicated that they had endured and served Jehovah tirelessly despite the difficulties. However , they had lost the love they had in the beginning. They had to rekindle that love if they wanted Jehovah to accept his worship. The same thing happens today. It is not enough that we endure; we have to do it for the right reasons. Jehovah looks not only at what we do, but also why we do it. For him, our motivation is very important. He expects us to worship him out of love and gratitude (Prov. 16:2; Mark 12:29, 30).
7. a) According to Revelation 3:1-3, what problem did Jesus see in the Sardis congregation? b) What should we do?
(Read Revelation 3:1-3). Let's stay awake and vigilant. Members of the Sardis congregation had a different problem. Although they had been active in their service to Jehovah in the past, they had now relaxed. That's why Jesus told them to wake up. Here is a warning for us. It is true that Jehovah does not forget what we do for him (Heb. 6:10). But we cannot rest on our laurels and think that we no longer have to keep trying. We may not be able to do the same thing now as we used to, but we should be “very busy in the work of the Lord” and stay awake and vigilant until the end comes (1 Cor. 15:58; Matt. 24:13; Mark 13 :33).
8. What lesson do we learn from Jesus' words to the Laodicean Christians? (Revelation 3:15-17).
(Read Revelation 3:15-17). Let us worship Jehovah enthusiastically and wholeheartedly. In Jesus' message to the Laodicean Christians, he highlighted another problem. They were "lukewarm" or apathetic in their worship of Jehovah. In fact, Jesus told them that they were in a “wretched, pitiful” state. So they had to stir up their enthusiasm for Jehovah and their worship of him (Rev. 3:19). What is the lesson for us? If we no longer have the enthusiasm we used to have, we need to deepen our appreciation for spiritual riches (Rev. 3:18). Let's not let the desire to lead a comfortable life distract us. We want spiritual activities to always be the most important thing in our lives.
9. Taking into account what Jesus told the congregations of Pergamos and Thyatira, what danger should we avoid?
Let us reject the teachings of apostates. Jesus strongly rebuked some Christians in Pergamos for fomenting divisions and sects (Rev. 2:14-16). On the other hand, he commended the Thyatira Christians who had avoided the “deep things of Satan” and encouraged them to hold fast to the truth (Rev. 2:24-26). Christians who were spiritually weak and had been misled by false teachings needed to repent. Likewise, we must reject any teaching that goes against what Jehovah thinks. Apostates may appear to “have a devotion to God,” but in reality they are “denying the power of that devotion” (2 Tim. 3:5). If we are good students of the Word of God, it will be easier for us to recognize and reject false teachings. (2 Tim. 3:14-17; Jude. 3, 4).
10. What other lesson do we learn from what Jesus told the congregations in Pergamum and Thyatira?
We do not practice or tolerate any type of sexual immorality. In Pergamum and Thyatira there was another problem. Some Christians in those congregations did not reject sexual immorality, and so Jesus called them to attention (Rev. 2:14, 20). This teaches us that Jehovah will not tolerate us falling into sexual immorality even if we have been in the truth for years and have many responsibilities (1 Sam. 15:22; 1 Pet. 2:16). However low the standards of this world fall, he expects us to uphold his high moral standards (Eph. 6:11-13).
11. What have we learned so far? (Also see the box “Lessons for Us.”)
How can we summarize what we have learned so far? We have seen that it is very important to make sure that Jehovah accepts our worship. If we are doing something wrong, let us immediately make the necessary changes (Rev. 2:5, 16; 3:3, 16). Now, Jesus mentioned something else in the messages that he sent to the congregations. What is it about?
lessons for us
BE PREPARED TO ENDURE PERSECUTION
12. What do we learn from the messages received by the congregations in Smyrna and Philadelphia? (Revelation 2:10).
Let us now analyze the messages received by the congregations in Smyrna and Philadelphia. Jesus told these Christians not to fear persecution, because Jehovah would reward them for their faithfulness (read Revelation 2:10; 3:10). What do we learn from these messages? That persecution is something to expect and be prepared to endure (Matt. 24:9, 13; 2 Cor. 12:10). Why is it important for us to keep this in mind?
13, 14. What effect have the events mentioned in Revelation chapter 12 had on God's servants?
The book of Revelation tells us that "in the day of the Lord," that is, in our day, God's servants would be persecuted. Chapter 12 explains that “war broke out in heaven” just after the birth of the Kingdom of God. Michael Jesus Christ glorified and his armies fought against Satan and demons (Rev. 12:7, 8). The result was that these enemies of God were defeated and cast down to Earth, where they make people suffer greatly (Rev. 12:9, 12). But what effect has this event had on God's servants?
Next, Revelation tells us what Satan's reaction is. Since he no longer has access to the celestial region, he unleashes his fury against the rest of the anointed Christians, who are the representatives of the Kingdom of God on Earth and "have the mission of bearing witness about Jesus" (Rev. 12:17; 2 Cor 5:20; Eph 6:19, 20). How has this prophecy been fulfilled?
15. Who are the “two witnesses” of Revelation chapter 11, and what happened to them?
Satan caused the enemies of God to attack the anointed brothers who were leading the Kingdom preaching. Among them were brothers with great responsibilities. These are the “two witnesses” * who according to the book of Revelation are executed (Rev. 11:3, 7-11). In 1918, eight of the brothers who ran the play were falsely accused and sentenced to long prison terms. From a human point of view, it seemed that his work was finished.
16. What surprisingly happened in 1919, but what has Satan continued to do since then?
The prophecy in Revelation chapter 11 also says that the “two witnesses” would come back to life after a short time. This was surprisingly fulfilled less than a year after his imprisonment. In March 1919, these anointed Christians were released from prison, and the charges against them were later dropped. The brothers immediately resumed the Kingdom work. But Satan did not give up. Since then, he has launched "a river" of persecution against all of God's servants (Rev. 12:15). No wonder we all need to “have endurance and faith” (Rev. 13:10).
ILLUSTRATION:
A dragon representing Satan attacks God's people on Earth. Series of images: 1. Eight anointed Christians with great responsibilities who were imprisoned in 1918. 2. In a Nazi concentration camp, an armed policeman shouts orders to several brothers. 3. Armed and hooded officers arrest a brother. 4. A brother from South Korea is handcuffed and tied up with ropes.
How has Satan attacked God's people after being cast out of heaven? (See paragraphs 12 to 16).
DO ALL YOU CAN IN THE WORK THAT JEHOVAH HAS COMMITTED TO US
17. What unexpected help have God's servants received despite being the target of Satan's attacks?
Later, Revelation chapter 12 indicates that God's servants would receive unexpected help, for it says that "the earth . . . swallowed up the river" of persecution (Rev. 12:16). And that is just what has happened. At times, the more reasonable elements of Satan's world, such as some judicial systems, have come to the aid of God's people. Jehovah's servants have achieved many legal victories that have allowed them to enjoy a measure of freedom. And how have they used it? Making the most of every opportunity to accomplish the work Jehovah has given them (1 Cor. 16:9). What does this mission include?
18. What is our main mission in these last days?
Jesus foretold that his disciples would announce the “good news of the Kingdom” of God throughout the earth before the end came (Matt. 24:14). To fulfill this mission, they have the support of an angel or a group of angels who have “everlasting good news to announce to those who live on earth: to every nation, tribe, language and people” (Rev. 14:6 ).
19. What other message do those who love Jehovah need to preach?
Now, the servants of God do not limit themselves to proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom. They also have to support the angels that are mentioned in chapters 8 to 10 of Revelation. These angels announce a series of calamities for those who reject the Kingdom of God. That is why Jehovah's Witnesses have been declaring a message of condemnation that is like "hail and fire." This message shows what God will do to the different elements of Satan's wicked world (Rev. 8:7, 13). People need to know that the end is near. Only then will they be able to make all the necessary changes to survive the day of Jehovah's fury (Zeph. 2:2, 3). But since this message is not liked by everyone, we have to be brave. And during the great tribulation the final message of condemnation will be even harsher (Rev. 16:21).
ILLUSTRATION:
An angel announces good news to the inhabitants of Earth. Behind is a group of seven angels; one of them plays a trumpet. Series of images: 1. Brothers show signs that they raise with their hands or hang from their shoulders. Some signs say "Religion is a snare and a fraud" or "Serve God and Christ the King." 2. A couple offers "The Watchtower" of February 1, 2012, which talks about Armageddon. 3. A man carries in his hands "The Watchtower" number 2 of 2021, entitled "Soon we will live in a better world."
What two messages do the servants of God announce? (See paragraphs 18 and 19).
OBEY “THE WORDS OF THIS PROPHECY”
20. What will we analyze in the next two articles?
It is very important that we obey “the words of this prophecy” because we are “in the picture”, that is, we participate in the fulfillment of what Revelation says (Rev. 1:3). But how can we faithfully endure the persecution and continue to preach these messages with courage? There are two things that will give us strength to achieve it: first, what Revelation says about the enemies of God, and, second, the blessings that await us if we remain faithful. We will discuss these topics in the next two articles.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What lessons do we learn from the messages that Jesus sent to the seven congregations?
The messages that he sent to seven congregations in Asia Minor show that this is so. In those messages, he gave specific advice that would help first-century Christians to ensure that Jehovah accepted their worship. And those tips also help all God's servants today. What does this teach us? That our Leader, Jesus Christ, knows very well how our spiritual health is. He guides and protects us, and not a single detail escapes him.
Why should we be prepared for persecution?
Jesus told these Christians not to be afraid of persecution, because Jehovah would reward them for their faithfulness. That persecution is something to expect and that we must be prepared to endure it.
What work do we servants of God have to do in this time of the end?
Jesus foretold that his disciples would announce God's "good news of the Kingdom" throughout the earth before the end came. To fulfill this mission, they have the support of an angel or a group of angels—who have “eternal good news to announce to those who live on earth.
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