Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Revelation 3:14-22), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [14] Jesus introduces himself here as “the beginning of the creation of God.” Jehovah’s Witnesses would say this means Jesus was the first creature made by God—an old heresy first propounded by Arius. Rather, it means that he is the divine Word of God by whom all things were made (see John 1:1-3), the Initiator or Ruler of God’s creation. Why is it essential to understand Jesus to be the fully divine Creator, and not just a demigod or “superman” of some sort?

• [15-18] Jesus describes a revoltingly “lukewarm” Christian as someone who is so satisfied with his wealth and self-sufficiency that he is blind to his true spiritual need for Jesus. (This reminds us of the seed that fell among thorns in Jesus’ parable of the sower in Matthew 13.) Are you in danger of worldly cares and riches distracting you from Jesus? Would you describe yourself as someone who desperately needs Jesus, who comes to Jesus for your very life? Why do you think the Bible so frequently portrays faith and faithfulness as difficult for the wealthy?

• [19] “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” (Read Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:3-11.) One of the most difficult aspects of our faith is the disciplinary character of God. It is because he loves us and wants us to know him and be like him that he disciplines us and calls us to repentance. (And repentance doesn’t just mean “behavior modification,” it means turning away from sin and turning to him for life and relationship.) Why is it so difficult to believe that God’s discipline is for our good? What does his discipline feel like? What do we suspect God is doing when he disciplines us? How do you usually interpret your experience of his discipline? Do you judge God by how his discipline feels to you? How can we trust that his discipline really is good and loving?

• [20] Read Luke 12:35-40; James 5:7-9. Jesus stands at the threshold of the world, and his imminent return is good news for all those who can’t wait to see him. The lukewarm will not be so thrilled to see the one who defines eternal reality, as is evident by a lack of eagerness now. Are you anticipating his return? Why or why not?

• [21] After his death and resurrection, upon his ascension into heaven, as a human, Jesus sat upon his Father’s throne! It became also his own throne. And he shares this same throne with faithful believers! Can you see God’s intentions toward humanity in this? Toward you? What are the implications of Jesus sitting upon God’s throne, and sharing it with us? When will we sit upon it? What will that authority look like? Why does Jesus have the authority to share God’s throne with us? Why would he? What does this say about God?