Welcome to the Metastory
I. Reviewing Revelation
A. The Command to Look (Rev. 1:7,18; 3:20; 5:5)
B. The Challenge to Overcome (Rev. 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21)
C. The Clash of Kingdoms and Calm of Silences (Rev. 6:1-15; 8:1-9:21; 7:1-17; 10:1-11:14)
II. The Story at the Centre (Rev. 12:1-17)
A. The Characters:
1. The Well-dressed Woman- Israel, Mary, Church (Gen. 1; Gen. 37; Luke 1:26-38; Rev. 12:17)
2. The Kingly Kid- Jesus (Ps. 2; Col. 3:2)
3. The Dangerous Dragon- Serpent, Satan, Destroyer (Rev. 12:9; Gen. 3)
B. The Plot:
1. The Birth and the Battle (Rev. 12:1-9)
2. The Victory and the Vitrio (Rev. 12:10-12)
3. The Pursuit and the Provision (Rev. 12:13-17)
III. Defying Defeated Dragons
A. Know which Story you are Living in (Rev. 1:1-3)
B. Know your Enemy (Rev. 12:4,9,10,15-17)
1. The Accuser
2. The Deceiver
3. The Destroyer
C. Know how to Overcome (Rev. 12:11)
1. Trust in the Blood that is Stronger than Sin
2. Believe and Proclaim the Testimony that is Truer than the Lies
3. Hope in the Life that Transcends Death
Questions for Further Reflection:
1. Kid’s Question: What do you think about there being dragons in the Bible? Why do you think the Bible talks about them?
2. What has been the most challenging part of reading Revelation so far?
3. What do you appreciate about Apocalyptic literature in the Bible? What do you dislike about it?
4. How would you summarize the story in chapter 12? What is(are) the main point(s)?
5. What does this story say about the presence of evil in our world today? In what ways have you seen the dragon’s rage at work?
6. What does this story say about the believer’s hope? In what ways have you experienced God’s provision against desperate dragons?7. What is the story you tell yourself? Slow down, take time, and notice the narrative playing in your life. Who is it about? Where is it headed?
8. Satan accuses, deceives, and seeks to destroy. Which of these tactics do you find yourself most susceptible to?
9. Jesus gives us the power to overcome. Which of these tactics do you struggle to put to use?