Revelation Study 9. Revelation 4

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 1. Chapters 4 and 5 are essentially an introduction to the action in chapters 6 through 20. Basically, what happens in 4:1-5:14?
John's vision of heaven and the throne of God
The Lamb and the scroll  

For Thought and Discussion: Thrones, especially God's throne, are mentioned forty-five times in  Revelation. Why do you think they appear so often? What do they have to do with the book's message?
Thrones are for rulers. God rules as sovereign. We share His authority.
That there are other thrones tells us that there are other authorities.

For Thought and Discussion: 
a. What does the association between God and thunderstorms suggest to you about God?
Uncontrollable, unpredictable powerful, dangerous -fearsome.
b. Research the storm Imagery In the Old Testament, beginning with Exodus 19:16-19.
God protects from storms (Ps 57:1, 148:1; Is 4:6, 25:4, 54:11
God controls storms (Ps 107:29. 149:8; Zec 10:1. Mt 8:24/Mk 4:35/Lk 8:22)
God manifests Himself in the storm (Is 28:2, 30:30; Jer 23:19, 30:29; Ez 1:4; Nah 1:3)
 
2. What impressions does 4:1-11 give you of God the Father? What can we learn about Him from this chapter?
He is central: all things are related to the throne
He rules sovereignly
He is glorious
He is holy
He is worthy
He is Creator 

3. From 4:1-5:14, what seems to be the number-one occupation in Heaven? (Consider especially 4:8-11, 5:8-14.)
Worship: acknowledgement of God's worth and holiness

For Further Study: Compare the four creatures in Revelation to the angels In Isaiah 6:1-3 and Ezekiel 1:4-28.
Isaiah sees 6-winged seraphim
Ezekiel sees four living creatures. with a human likeness, each with four faces, each with four wings. The four faces were human, lion, ox, eagle. There was a wheel for each of the 4 creatures, covered with eyes.

For Thought and Discussion: What attitudes do you think are expressed by falling down before God? What is expressed by laying one's crown before Him? 
Submission/Surrender 
Overwhelming presence. 
 
For Thought aed Dlscusslou: 
a. What are your Impressions of Heaven from 4:1-5:14?
God is central; He is in control

b. Why is this important for us to know?
Not earthly, yet more real
 
4. For what reasons is the Father worthy of worship? Which of His deeds and attributes are praised in 4:8-11? 
Eternal" the uncreated One
Forever-living: He has life-in-Himself
Creator: full of overflowingwisdom and power 
Holy: morally pure and separate. All other holiness derives from God's holiness
 

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