Revelation 4 - Lesson Plan

Reformed Adult Bible Study Lesson Plan: Revelation 4

Theme: God's Sovereignty and Our Worship

Aim: To understand the breathtaking vision of God's throne room and its implications for our lives as worshippers and witnesses.

Scripture: Revelation 4

I. Introduction (5 minutes)

Begin with a brief overview of the book of Revelation. Contextualize chapter 4, explaining that it follows the letters to the seven churches and marks a shift to a more explicitly apocalyptic and visionary section of the book.

II. Verse-by-Verse Exposition

Set the stage by reading Revelation 4:1-2a aloud.

Discussion Question: What emotions might John have felt as he heard the trumpet-like voice and saw the open door in heaven?

Verse 1:"After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven..."

OT Allusion/Quotation: This opening echoes the call of God to other prophets, inviting them into the divine council, like Isaiah 6:1 (read aloud) and Ezekiel 1:1 (read aloud).

Discussion Question: How does the image of an open door enhance the sense of awe and anticipation in the passage?

"...And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.'"

OT Allusion/Quotation: The "voice like a trumpet" links back to Revelation 1:10 and further resonates with the divine voice described in Exodus 19:16 and Psalm 77:18.

Discussion Question: How does the command "Come up here" help us understand John's role as both a recipient of revelation and a messenger to the churches?

Verse 2:"Immediately I was in the Spirit. And behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne."

OT Allusion/Quotation: The throne imagery draws heavily on passages like Isaiah 6:1, Daniel 7:9, and Ezekiel 1:26, emphasizing God's sovereign rule and power.

“Throne” over 17x in Rev. 4-5

Discussion Question: What is the significance of John being "in the Spirit" at this moment? How does the Spirit enable us to perceive spiritual realities?

Verse 3:"And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald."

Discussion Question: Colors often carry symbolic weight in Scripture. What might the colors of the jasper, carnelian, and emerald represent in this context?

Verse 4:"Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads."

OT Allusion/Quotation: The twenty-four elders likely represent the redeemed people of God, possibly drawing on the twenty-four orders of priests in 1 Chronicles 24:3-19 or the combination of the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. This also links to the promise in Exodus 19:6 of God's people being a "kingdom of priests."

Discussion Question: How does the imagery of the elders' clothing and crowns point to the future glory that awaits believers?

Verse 5:"From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder..."

OT Allusion/Quotation: These powerful forces echo God's awe-inspiring presence at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19:16.

Discussion Question: How do these natural phenomena contribute to our understanding of God's power and majesty?

"...And before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God."

OT Allusion/Quotation: This image evokes the seven lamps of the tabernacle in Exodus 25:37 and the "eyes of the Lord" ranging over the earth in Zechariah 4:10.

Discussion Question: What is the significance of the seven spirits of God being represented as both torches and eyes?

Verse 6:"And before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal."

Discussion Question: How does the imagery of a "sea of glass" add to the overall impression of God's throne room?

"And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind."

OT Allusion/Quotation: This declaration of God's holiness echoes the seraphim's song in Isaiah 6:3. The description of God as the one "who was and is and is to come" connects with the divine name "Yahweh" revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14.

Discussion Question: Why is it significant that the living creatures are "full of eyes"? What does this suggest about their role and function?

Verse 7:"The first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight."

Discussion Question: Why do you think these particular creatures were chosen to represent God's glory? What symbolism might be attached to each creature?

Verse 8:"And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'"

OT Allusion/Quotation: This declaration of God's holiness echoes the seraphim's song in Isaiah 6:3. The description of God as the one "who was and is and is to come" connects with the divine name "Yahweh" revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14.

Discussion Question: How does the repetition of "holy" emphasize God's transcendent nature? What does it mean to say that God "was and is and is to come"?

Verses 9-11:These verses describe the worshipful response of the twenty-four elders to God's glory.

OT Allusion/Quotation: Their act of casting their crowns before the throne is an act of humble submission before the sovereign Lord, acknowledging that He alone is worthy of all praise. The language of verses 10-11, particularly the affirmation that God "created all things," closely aligns with the sentiments expressed in Daniel 4:34-37.

Discussion Questions:What does it mean to "cast our crowns" before God? How can we cultivate an attitude of humility and surrender in our worship?

How does the elders' declaration of God as Creator connect with their worship? How does reflecting on God's creative power shape our understanding of His worthiness?

III. Chapter Reflection

Reflection Questions:

What is the overall message of Revelation 4?

How does this chapter deepen our understanding of God's character and attributes?

What does it mean for us to worship God as He is revealed in this chapter?

How does this vision of God's throne room provide comfort and encouragement in the midst of trials and suffering?

What practical implications can we draw from this chapter for our daily lives as Christians?

IV. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

Conclude the study with a prayer of adoration and surrender to God, asking for grace to live as faithful worshippers and witnesses in light of His awesome majesty and power.