Joyful Moments in Christ

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 49 – Revelation 3-7

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 49 - Revelation 3-7

Week 49: Exploring Revelation 3-7

In week 49 of our journey to read the New Testament in a year, we will dive into Revelation 3-7, experiencing powerful visions that reveal both the challenges and promises awaiting believers. In Revelation 3, Jesus addresses the final three churches, calling them to renewed faith and commitment. Chapters 4 and 5 take us into the throne room of God, where John witnesses awe-inspiring worship and the Lamb, Jesus, taking the scroll, signifying His unique role in God’s redemptive plan. As the seals on the scroll are opened in Revelation 6, we see judgments unfold that challenge believers to remain steadfast in trials. Finally, in Revelation 7, we are given a hopeful vision of God’s protection over His people and a glimpse of eternal worship in His presence. Through these chapters, we will gain insights into the depth of God’s holiness, the worthiness of Christ, and the hope He offers for all who remain faithful.

Revelation 3

Revelation 3:20 (ESV): Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

In Revelation 3, Jesus continues His messages to the remaining churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. He warns Sardis of their dead faith, commends Philadelphia for their perseverance, and reproves Laodicea for their lukewarm faith. Each church is urged to remain faithful, vigilant, and spiritually alive.

Revelation 4

Revelation 4:11 (ESV): Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.

In Revelation 4, John is given a vision of God’s throne room, surrounded by heavenly beings worshiping Him. The scene emphasizes God’s majesty, holiness, and power. The creatures around the throne worship continually, saying, “Holy, holy, holy,” highlighting the eternal worship that surrounds God.

Revelation 5

Revelation 5:11-12 (ESV): Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

In Revelation 5, John witnesses a scroll in God’s hand that only the “Lamb who was slain” (Jesus) is worthy to open. This scene depicts Jesus’ unique role as Redeemer and Savior, and the entire heavenly host worships Him for His sacrifice and power.

Revelation 6

Revelation 6:10 (ESV): They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

In Revelation 6, Jesus begins to open the seals on the scroll, revealing a series of judgments that bring war, famine, death, and persecution. These events foreshadow trials and tribulations on earth, culminating in a call for justice from the souls of martyrs.

Revelation 7

Revelation 7:17 (ESV): For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

In Revelation 7, John witnesses a vision of 144,000 sealed servants of God and a multitude from every nation worshiping before the throne. The chapter emphasizes God’s protection over His people and the salvation He offers, with the multitude dressed in white robes symbolizing their purity through Jesus’ blood.

Week 49: New Testament Reading Assignment

Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!

Printable Resource:

Reading Plan: New Testament in 1 Year

Week 49: Reflection Questions for Revelation 3-7

Consider the following reflection questions:

Revelation 3: Faithfulness and Renewal

  1. How does Jesus call each church to repentance, and what steps can we take to renew our faith?
  2. Why does Jesus warn Sardis about being spiritually “dead,” and how can we avoid similar complacency?
  3. What does Jesus promise to those who remain faithful, and how can we trust in these promises?
  4. How can we avoid becoming “lukewarm” like Laodicea, and where can we deepen our commitment to God?
  5. How does Jesus’ invitation to “open the door” speak to our personal relationship with Him, and how can we respond?

Revelation 4: The Majesty of God’s Throne

  1. How does John’s vision of God’s throne room reflect His majesty, and how can we honor Him daily?
  2. What significance do the heavenly creatures’ praise hold, and how can we incorporate praise into our worship?
  3. How does understanding God’s holiness deepen our reverence, and what areas of our lives should reflect this?
  4. What does it mean that God is the Creator of all things, and how can we live in gratitude for His creation?
  5. How does this vision of worship inspire our approach to prayer, and in what ways can we focus on God’s glory?

Revelation 5: The Worthiness of the Lamb

  1. What does the scroll represent, and how does Jesus’ worthiness to open it signify His role in God’s plan?
  2. How does the worship of the Lamb demonstrate His unique role, and how can we honor Jesus in our lives?
  3. How does Jesus’ sacrifice influence our understanding of redemption, and how can we live in gratitude for His gift?
  4. What significance does the title “Lamb who was slain” hold, and how can we reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice?
  5. How does this vision of worship impact our view of Christ’s authority, and how can we rely on His power daily?

Revelation 6: The Opening of the Seals and Judgment

  1. How do the events of each seal reflect challenges humanity faces, and how can we respond in faith during trials?
  2. Why do the martyrs cry out for justice, and how can we trust God’s timing for justice?
  3. How does the vision of the seals warn us about the seriousness of sin, and how should we respond to God’s call for repentance?
  4. What does this chapter reveal about God’s sovereignty, and how can we rely on His power in difficult times?
  5. How can we find hope amidst these visions of judgment, and in what ways can we encourage others?

Revelation 7: God’s Protection and Eternal Worship

  1. What does it mean to be “sealed” by God, and how can we trust in His protection?
  2. How does the diverse multitude reflect God’s inclusivity, and how can we embrace this unity in our churches?
  3. What does it mean to be washed in the blood of the Lamb, and how does this reflect our redemption?
  4. How does the promise of no more tears give us hope, and how can we encourage others with this vision?
  5. What role does worship play in this vision, and in what ways can we make worship central to our lives?
Reflection Questions Revelation 3 How does Jesus call each church to repentance, and what steps can we take to renew our faith? Why does Jesus warn Sardis about being spiritually "dead," and how can we avoid similar complacency? What does Jesus promise to those who remain faithful, and how can we trust in these promises? How can we avoid becoming “lukewarm” like Laodicea, and where can we deepen our commitment to God? How does Jesus’ invitation to “open the door” speak to our personal relationship with Him, and how can we respond?
Reflection Questions Revelation 4 How does John’s vision of God’s throne room reflect His majesty, and how can we honor Him daily? What significance do the heavenly creatures' praise hold, and how can we incorporate praise into our worship? How does understanding God’s holiness deepen our reverence, and what areas of our lives should reflect this? What does it mean that God is the Creator of all things, and how can we live in gratitude for His creation? How does this vision of worship inspire our approach to prayer, and in what ways can we focus on God’s glory?
Reflection Questions Revelation 5 What does the scroll represent, and how does Jesus’ worthiness to open it signify His role in God’s plan? How does the worship of the Lamb demonstrate His unique role, and how can we honor Jesus in our lives? How does Jesus’ sacrifice influence our understanding of redemption, and how can we live in gratitude for His gift? What significance does the title “Lamb who was slain” hold, and how can we reflect on Jesus' sacrifice? How does this vision of worship impact our view of Christ’s authority, and how can we rely on His power daily?
Reflection Questions Revelation 6 How do the events of each seal reflect challenges humanity faces, and how can we respond in faith during trials? Why do the martyrs cry out for justice, and how can we trust God’s timing for justice? How does the vision of the seals warn us about the seriousness of sin, and how should we respond to God’s call for repentance? What does this chapter reveal about God’s sovereignty, and how can we rely on His power in difficult times? How can we find hope amidst these visions of judgment, and in what ways can we encourage others?
Reflection Questions Revelation 7 What does it mean to be “sealed” by God, and how can we trust in His protection? How does the diverse multitude reflect God’s inclusivity, and how can we embrace this unity in our churches? What does it mean to be washed in the blood of the Lamb, and how does this reflect our redemption? How does the promise of no more tears give us hope, and how can we encourage others with this vision? What role does worship play in this vision, and in what ways can we make worship central to our lives?

Reflective Prayer

Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:

  • Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 49 - Revelation 3-7
Revelation 3:20 (ESV): Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Revelation 4:11 (ESV): Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.
Revelation 5:11-12 (ESV): Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
Revelation 6:10 (ESV): They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
Revelation 7:17 (ESV): For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Other Reading Plans

Old Testament in 3 Years
Whole Bible: Daily
Whole Bible: 5 Day/Week
Whole Bible: Weekly

Online Resources

Read the Bible in a Year: Blog Series

Subscribe

If you enjoyed this post and wish to receive more Christian content, feel free to subscribe to my newsletters!

Related Resources

Visit the Joyful Moments in Christ homepage for all posts, or scroll through other blog posts related to reading the New Testament in a year:

English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Recent

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,