Pastor Jacob Michalski’s sermon on chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation focuses on two main themes: “Behold the Almighty God” and “Behold the Victorious Lamb.” John witnesses the throne room of heaven where God Almighty sits in majesty, surrounded by 24 elders and four living creatures who worship Him continuously, establishing that God is the center of all worship. When a sealed scroll appears that no one is worthy to open, causing John to weep in despair, Jesus appears as both the “Lion of Judah” and the “slain Lamb” who is worthy to take the scroll because of His sacrificial death and resurrection. The sermon concludes with the encouragement that Jesus, as the victorious lamb, holds the destiny of the world in His hands, offering hope to believers that He is in control regardless of life’s struggles and persecution.
Reflection Questions
- What stuck out in today’s message? What did you find challenging and encouraging? Did you learn anything new?
- Read Revelation 4 and 5. Write a list of every mention of numbers and “everything/everyone” in these two chapters. What do these numbers show us about the magnitude of what is happening?
- Which image impacted you the most: the throne, the worship by the creatures and elders, the scroll, or the Lamb? Why?
- Who is the lamb and how does lamb imagery connect with the rest of the Bible’s themes and imagery?
- Why is it significant that originally they can find no one worthy to open the scroll? What is John’s reaction to the lack of a worthy one?
- What do you think it felt like to be John witnessing Jesus being the one able to open the scrolls? Have you ever had a moment in your life where God reminded you He is still in control?
- What would it look like for your life to reflect that reverence and awe shown in heaven?
- Define sovereignty in your own words. What does it look like to trust in God’s sovereignty in these uncertainties of our life?
- The book of Revelation is intended to bring hope and encouragement to the Church. How does this passage bring hope and encouragement?
- Here is a short activity to engage with this week’s text: Grab a piece of paper (and some colored pencils or markers if you want to get really creative) and read Revelation 4 and 5 slowly out loud. Draw what you read- your own picture of the Heavenly Throne. Once you finish your drawing, reflect on your drawing and what you noticed about the text in a different way because of drawing it. The intention is not to create a beautiful or perfectly accurate drawing (I’m not sure any of us can do that, ha), but rather to engage in an activity that helps us interact with this complex text. If you and/or your group members feel bold enough to share your drawings, we would love to see them! Send a photo to groups@epikos.org or post a photo to Instagram and tag @epikos_church
