ROUTE 66 STUDY GUIDE

A Reflection on the last things

“Last things” or “last days” are phrases used to describe the end of this world as described in the Bible. As this is the last week of Route 66, let’s set our focus together on the end of this world as we know it, and the new world to come through the rule of Christ our King.

Questions:

1. Revelation 18 is a sobering chapter of the Bible. It is like a final prophecy addressed towards a godless world. 

1. Read or skim Revelation 18. Look for similarities you see between Babylon and the world in which we live. 
2. Read 1 John 2:15-17. Can you name a few examples of how Christians can avoid loving the things of this world?

2. Revelation 21:9-27 describes a heavenly city with its inhabitants. 

1. Read verses 9 and 27. Why does the Bible use this image of a bride to describe the people named in the Lamb’s book of life?
2. It is interesting that God’s people dwell within a city eternally. How is this city different from Jerusalem in the old testament, or like other cities?

3. In Revelation 21, it refers to our experience as “the former things”. One day, there will be a new world that God will create, and this world will be entirely different. Read Revelation 21:1-4. This future world will be the home of all who trust in Christ by faith. What do you imagine it will be like, to dwell with God in this new world?

Open Letters to the Church

A letter used to be an intimate communication between two parties. The internet age has created a new form of media, an “open letter”. This type of letter is almost always negative, and instead of trying to help someone towards real change, it appeals to a greater audience to shame the actual recipient of the letter. 

Some critics of the Church have used this medium to write open letters “to” the “Church”. While there is benefit in bringing truth to the light, there is much greater benefit in bringing people to the light. In the beginning of Revelation, Jesus writes letters to His Church. In these, He calls us to draw near to Him and to be truly transformed and to be ready for His appearing.

In each of these three letters, aim to understand the main point being declared.

Questions:

1. God is love. He is the author of love, and Jesus Christ is the perfect picture of love. What does it mean to abandon a “first” love? 

1. Read Revelation 2:1-7. 
2. Think back to your early years as a Christian. What habits and behaviors benefitted you then, and could you commit to “do the works you did at first?”

2. In the letter to Pergamum, life is not easy. There is trouble in the neighborhood. There are false teachers in their midst. In many ways, you may be able to identify with this Church.

1. Read Revelation 2:12-17.
2. This letter speaks to setting, problem, and victory. The Church dwells where Satan is, they have false teachers among them, yet they have an invitation to conquer and to dwell with God. How do you relate to this letter, and how is it that you could conquer? 

3. Imagine that the head of your company, or your in-laws, or some other guests come to your home—and instead of being ready to welcome them—you are unprepared and asleep. Jesus uses this imagery to show spiritual death and spiritual laziness. Would God describe you as being alive, awake and clean?

1. Read Revelation 3:1-6
2. There is a command to “wake up” in verse 3. What does this mean to you?
3. How is it that you can experience what Jesus describes in verse 5?

This page is a resource for life group leaders, Bible study teachers, families, and anyone else seeking to get Biblical conversations going. As we read through the Bible individually, the Lord can do a deeper work in our community as we discuss His Word together. These discussion guides are meant as a way to get 15-minute conversations going for your group, as a complement to any other content that your group is studying.

If you are not yet plugged into a group, take a look at SycamoreHill.life for ways to connect, ask a friend at church, or you can contact office@sycamorehillchurch.org.