apocalyptic literature tg - helwys · reader god’s requirements of those who choose also to serve...

Apocalyptic Literature

Lesson 1Reassuring the Faithful ....................................................3Zechariah 12:1-10

Lesson 2The Beasts and the Holy Ones ..........................................8Daniel 7:1-28

Lesson 3Fretting over the Future ..................................................13Daniel 12:1-13

Lesson 4Living in the Meantime ..................................................18Matthew 24:1-51

Lesson 5Giving an Account..........................................................23Relevation 20:11–21:8

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prepare Before the SessionRead the session for today in the Study Guide. Then read the options in this Teaching

Guide, placing checkmarks beside the activities you plan to include. After you have decidedwhich options to use, gather the appropriate materials.

WHAT’S IN YOUR TEACHING GUIDE

This Teaching Guide has three purposes:➤ to give the teacher tools for focusing on the content of the session in the Study Guide.➤ to give the teacher additional Bible background information.➤ to give the teacher variety and choice in preparation.

The Teaching Guide includes two major components: Teacher Helps and Teacher Options.

Teacher Helps

Teacher Options

Find Relevance helps you zero in on why each

session is important for the

adults you teach.

Seek Understandingpresents helful Bible Background

informations and insights that will help

you better understand the Scripture.

Teaching Outlineprovides you with an outline

of the main themes in the

Study Guide.

My Teaching Plan is a

convenient place for you to

make notes for teaching the

session.

Offer Illustrations presents material that will help you paint

a picture of the session. This section often presents items from

church history, current events, or interesting anecdotes that

help introduce the session.

Discussion provides teaching activitiees that will help learners

discuss the Scripture text.

Questions presents multiple collections of questions for

various kinds of adults.

Involve Learners helps learners become actively involved

with the Scripture text for a particular session.

Closure gives you a means for wrapping up the session.

You Can Choose!There is more material in each session than you can use, so choose the options from each section

to tailor the session to the needs of your group.

Find RelevanceWhy do/should adults careabout this session? Surfing

through the hundreds of televi-sion channels now available to us

is bound to bring up at least one or two—and perhaps many more—televangelists.Having just entered the new millennium,some of those evangelists are loudlyproclaiming the possible “end of theworld” or the “Day of the Lord.” Suchpredictions are disconcerting to some,frightening to others, and downrightridiculous to many more. Most of uswould just rather not think about it,preferring to surf right on over to theWeather Channel or CNN for a lighter fare.

The sessions of this unit encourage usto explore what the Bible says about suchthings as the “Day of the Lord” and the“end of the world.” The truth is that manyof us know very little about apocalypticliterature in the Bible. It seems too diffi-cult to understand, too hard tocomprehend, and largely irrelevant to ourlives, so when we come to texts likeZechariah 12 and the other passages inthis unit, we shy away from them. Butnothing could be further from the truth.Zechariah did not intend to instill fearinto the lives of his original audience, butrather, to give them words of assurance inquestionable times. These are texts ofhope written for people living in difficultdays.

Seek UnderstandingWhat do these Scripturesmean? The books of Haggai,

Zechariah, and Isaiah (56-66)speak to a unique time in ancient

Israel’s history. The generation of peoplewho returned from Babylon to Jerusalemfollowing the Exile were facing tryingtimes. Their enemies were no longeroutside the walls of the city, but wereinside among the people. Trying to re-establish the organized religion of theirpast now married to the religion ofJudaism in the present was difficult.

Today’s text reveals that the prophetand the “house of David” believed thatGod was on their side, while they wereagainst the “inhabitants of Jerusalem,”although we have never been able todetermine their specific identity. Thepoint is that language surrounding “theday of the LORD” is not about somedistant futuristic, cataclysmic battle, butrather is about God’s judgment upon theenemies of the prophet and his followers.

The prophet is not foretelling God’sfinal battle to end the world, but is actu-ally explaining how God intervenes andtruth emerges victorious every day. Whiledoing this, the prophet describes for thereader God’s requirements of those whochoose also to serve God.

1Lesson Teaching Guide

REASSURING

THE FAITHFUL

Zechariah 12:1-10

ResourcesJon L. Berquist,“Zechariah,” Mercer Commentary on theBible (Macon: Mercer University Press, 1996) 793-8.

Paul Boyer, When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Beliefin Modern American Culture (Cambridge MA: HarvardUniversity Press, 1992).

Watson Mills ed., Mercer Dictionary of the Bible (Macon:Mercer University Press, 1991).

My Teaching Plan

I. Visions and Oracles of Zechariah, 1:1-8:23: In the late sixth and early fifthcenturies, the prophet shared visions andoracles given by God for the purpose ofenabling the people to rebuild Jerusalem,the Temple, and their lives.

II. God’s Protection for Judah: An Overviewof 9:1-11:17

III. Apocalyptic Vision of Destruction: TheDay of the Lord, 12:1-10: Punishmentwill come on Judah for rejecting God’sshepherd. The internal conflicts resultfrom God’s taking the side of the perse-cuted.

A. The God of Creation: God is the makerof heaven and earth; when Godspeaks, people should listen (1).

B. The Judgment of God: The cup is asign of God’s coming judgment, butagainst whom (2)?

C. Who Will Be Judged?: The phrase “onthat day” suggests judgment. Thenations shall witness it. But why is the“house of Judah” in God’s watchfuleye? So far, we are uncertain as to whois the object of judgment (3-5).

D. Internal Division: The “clans of Judah”shall be judged, but the inhabitants ofJerusalem shall be saved. The prob-lems in Judah are not external, butrather, are internal between opposinggroups (6).

E. Who Shall Be Saved?: Only those inJudah who are in line with the theologyand heritage of “David” shall be saved;judgment comes against any whooppose the house of David (7-9).

F. Those Who Lose Their Lives Shall GainIt: After the dispute/confrontation isover, God’s spirit will be upon the“house of David.” In Hebrew, thepierced one is “me,” meaning theprophet, God, or some unnamed indi-vidual. Regardless, someone has givenup their life for this internal split overtheology and worship (10).

4 Lesson 1

Offer IllustrationsHow can I help learners think about the issues?

❍ No One WinsHave you ever been part of a church ordenomination that split? Through theyears, many leading denominations haveundergone controversies so intense that a“split” in its membership has resulted.Typically, both sides claim to pray to andbelieve in the same God. Both sidesbelieve in their heart of hearts that theyare right. So who decides the winner?Some suggestions: “The majority is notnecessarily the winner.” “Truth is alwaysthe winner, but whenever there is division,everyone loses.” “While integrity andaccuracy regarding the issues that led tothe split may be with your side, God neverintended anyone to fight over God’sname.” However, as 1 John reveals, inter-nal division over God’s name is not new.

Questions➤ What divides people? What divides

groups?

➤ Have you experienced a hurtful divi-sion in which people on both sides ofthe controversy believed they wereright? Explain.

➤ How might the division have beenhealed?

➤ What might have resolved the contro-versy before the tie was completelysevered?

➤ Are some conflicts unresolvable—evenfor Christians? Explain.

❍ Tragic EndFebruary 28, 1993, marks the beginning ofa tragic event in US history. The FBI wascalled to Waco, Texas, to the “Mt. Carmel”compound where David Koresh had ledhis followers to live while waiting for thesecond coming of Jesus. They were well-stocked with supplies, including firearmsand ammunition. They had heardthrough Koresh’s sermons that thegovernment would attempt to overtakethem. From February 28 until April 19,the “Branch Davidians” (a biblical term)closed themselves inside the compound,awaiting the completion of their teacher’sbook on the end times.

Many believe the deaths that occurred onApril 19 could have been avoided. Theyclaim that the US government had itchytrigger fingers to end a situation that itdid not understand. On that day in April,David Koresh and dozens of others,whether they chose to or not, died.

Questions➤ The Branch Davidians are one group

among many seeking to pinpoint theend of time. Why do you think somepeople feel it is so important to predictthat moment?

➤ What comfort does our text fromDaniel provide about the end of time?

➤ Would you live more contentedly if youknew exactly when Christ is going toreturn? Explain.

➤ Whether a cultic leader or belovedpastor, why do you think some peopleare willing to place so much trust inanother individual?

Teaching Guide 5

DiscussionHow can I lead learners to dialogue around thesession?

❍ The Glad RiverAn amazing work, Will Campbell’snovel The Glad River is the story ofDoops Momber and his two war-timefriends. They call themselves “theneighborhood.”

Doops has never been baptized, andmuch of the novel is about his innerstruggle with organized religion. Therelationship between Doops and hisfriends is based on honesty, integrity,trust, and faith—a “community”stronger than any church Doops hasexperienced. When one of the friends isarrested for murder, the other twomembers of “the neighborhood” stayby his side through thick and thin.

Glad River encompasses all the themesof Zechariah 12:1-10: communityconflict, faith, rejection, hope for abetter day. The churches that Doopsencounters have their sights on thefuture, far beyond the here and now.Doops’s needs are more immediate. Heneeds answers now—in the present.

Questions➤ Is it possible to experience a commu-

nity of faith outside the church?Explain.

➤ When have you felt like an outsiderin the church?

➤ When has the church been obliviousto your needs?

➤ Should people be held responsiblefor asking for what they need?Explain.

➤ How is the church to know of anindividual’s inner struggles?

QuestionsQuestions about Scripture➤ In Zechariah 12:1-10, God’s judgment is

coming against the sinful. Why and when?Who are the sinful?

➤ In 12:10 the NRSV says, “When they lookon the one whom they have pierced….” TheHebrew, on the other hand, reads, “Whenthey look on me whom they havepierced….” How does this subtle changealter the meaning of the text?

➤ What does the “cup” represent? (Conferwith Ps 75:8; Isa 11:6; 51:7; Jer 25:5; Mk14:36.)

Questions for All Adults➤ What parts of this passage do you have the

most difficulty understanding?➤ What images come to mind when you hear

the phrase “the Day of the LORD”?➤ How do you reconcile God’s judgment

with God’s “compassion” (10)?Questions for Mature Adults➤ In years past, many preachers predicted

that the world would never see the 21stcentury. Considering that their predictionshave not proven true, what advice do youhave for younger generations regardingthose who try to “prophesy”?

➤ The rift in Judah was serious. What other“rifts” can you recall from biblical stories?

Questions for Younger Adults➤ With “your whole life before you,” how do

you find meaning in a text like this one?➤ What symbols of your faith hold the most

meaning for you?➤ How do you perceive the role of the pastor

in modern culture? Questions for Adults with Children➤ How can a child’s perspective on living

provide hope for you during difficulttimes?

➤ How can you alleviate your child’s poten-tial fears about the end of the world?

➤ What examples can you use to talk to yourchildren about God’s judgment?

6 Lesson 1

Involve LearnersHow can I lead learners to explore the sessiontogether?

❍ The Relevancy of ApocalypticLiterature

Characteristically, apocalyptic literatureis full of symbols. For our culture, thesesymbols are very difficult to under-stand, but we, too, make good use ofmany symbols. Photocopy and enlargethe four symbols found on theResource Kit pages for this session.Place these symbols on a wall in yourclassroom. Then ask the group to list asmany other symbols as possible that weuse every day. For example, when chil-dren squeal in delight at seeing“Golden Arches” from the highway,there is little question as to where theywant to eat. Our garments, especiallythose manufactured in other countries,sport symbols instructing us on how tocare properly for the fabric. Not tomention the fact that all our currency isprinted with pictures to help us remem-ber their value. In addition, we’ve alllearned that a circle with a diagonal linethrough it means “no.”

When the list is complete, ask yourparticipants how these symbols came tomean what they do. Then remind themthat apocalyptic literature uses symbolscommon to the people of the era inwhich these books were written. Ourjob is to learn their symbolic languagebefore we begin trying to interpret thetext.

Questions➤ Why do we use symbolic language

rather than just saying what wemean?

➤ What symbols do we use in church toconvey meaning?

➤ How can we help people outside ourfaith communities understand oursymbols?

❍ What Does the Lord Require?In addition to offering hope during difficulttimes, apocalyptic literature is also veryclear about the demands of a Christianlifestyle. In fact, at times it seems as if thistype of literature reflects life as flowingthrough two streams: the way of God andall other ways.

Reread the passage for today (Zech 12:1-10). Ask group members to list some of thedemands found in this Scripture. Then askthe following questions.

Questions➤ What does the prophet call God’s people

to do?➤ How can following through on these

“demands” help us find the hope God hasfor us?

➤ In times of darkness and distress, howcan living up to God’s demands provideus assurance?

➤ If God’s grace is intended as a gift, whydoes God demand anything of us?

ClosureHow do I lead learners to respond?

❍ “DWJD”Zechariah 12:1-10 is not about the endtimes, but about living and “doing” in thepresent. But in today’s fast-food, fast-paced,consumerist society, it is tempting to just letthings go as they are. And in the wake ofour passivity, churches and denominationssplit because of poor communication andprideful egos, hunger rips through ourland, and the fear of violence gains a power-ful grip.

A man once asked Jesus, “What thenmust I do to inherit eternal life?” to whichJesus replied, “You know the command-ments.” In other words, “You know what todo.” The question we must ask ourselves is,“What would Jesus do?” But this is only partof the solution. Anyone can ask. The impor-tant part is to do what Jesus did.

Teaching Guide 7

2Find Relevance

Why do/should adults careabout this session? Many

people believe and some evenpreach that Daniel 7 is about the

end of the world. Whether we admit it ornot, we all have an interest in how theworld as we know it might end. Suchcuriosity fuels the fire—and in some cases,pays the salaries—of those who make suchpredictions. The temptation to supportsuch intriguing symbols is ever-present;however, we must remind ourselves thatthese apocalyptic texts are not about endtimes. Rather, they are about the presenttime of the original audience. Part of ourchallenge in teaching is to help othersunderstand how these texts have beenmisused and how they can be reinter-preted to have meaning for contemporarybelievers.

Daniel 7:14 is the key text from whichthe title “Son of Man” is derived. In orderto understand how the title fits Jesus, wemust start with Daniel’s usage of theterm.

Seek UnderstandingWhat do these Scripturesmean? Daniel is a two-part

book that came into existenceduring the Maccabean revolt

around 167-164 BC. Chapters 1-6 containstories about the prophet Daniel, wholived early in the sixth century whenJudah went into Exile in Babylon (see 2Kgs 18-25; Jeremiah). These first six chap-ters introduce Daniel and his threefriends (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego)to the reader through stories called“Court Tales,” which describe how theancient Israelites were to live in Exile.These accounts deal with matters of faith,diet, service, and endurance during timesof persecution.

Chapters 7-12 originated in thesecond century, when AntiochusEpiphanes IV (a Greek ruler) demandedcomplete allegiance to the Greekkingdom. He is referred to as the “littlehorn.” For the Greeks in the secondcentury, the horn represented power.When Antiochus demanded that a statueof Zeus be erected in the Temple and thatswine be sacrificed on the Jewish altar (thedesolating sacrilege), one family—theMaccabees—rebelled. The ensuing warwas horrible, but through God’s miracu-lous workings, the Jews prevailed. Thefeast of Hanukkah commemorates thisgreat victory even today. Apocalyptic liter-ature at its best, Daniel 7-12 addressesthis very situation.

Lesson Teaching Guide

THE BEASTS AND

THE HOLY ONES

Daniel 1:7-28

Teaching Guide 9

ResourcesPaul Boyer, When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Beliefin Modern American Culture (Cambridge MA: HarvardUniversity Press, 1992).

John J. Collins, Daniel, Hermeneia (Minneapolis:Fortress Press, 1993).

Robert P. Dugan, Jr., Winning the New Civil War:Recapturing America’s Values (Portland OR: Multnomah,1991) 183.

Watson Mills ed., Mercer Dictionary of the Bible (Macon:Mercer University Press, 1991).

Mitchell G. Reddish,“Daniel,” Mercer Commentary onthe Bible (Macon: Mercer University Press, 1996).

My Teaching Plan

Introduction: Daniel 7-12 contains apoca-lyptic visions surrounding the “end” ofGreek domain over the Jews in the secondcentury bc. Chapter 7 includes the vision ofthe Four Beasts, which represent the fourkingdoms of Babylon, Persia, Medea, andGreece. The little horn refers to AntiochusEpiphanes IV. The “Son of Man” will bringdeliverance to the “holy ones,” or the“saints.”

I. Setting and Vision: 7:1-3 A. In about 554 BC, Belshazzar became

regent, or viceroy, of Babylon in hisfather’s absence (he was never king).

B. Daniel has served as an interpreter ofdreams and visions.

C. Daniel receives his own vision, the visionof the Four Beasts, which he has to haveinterpreted for him (and his readers).

II. Four Kingdoms: 7:4-8A. The lion = the Babylonian empire

The bear = the MedesThe four-headed winged leopard = thePersiansThe dragon-like beast = the Greeks

B. After Alexander the Great, there were tenrulers in the Greek empire (ten horns).The “little horn” represents AntiochusEpiphanes IV.

III. The Greeks: 7:9-14A. God’s judgment on the four beasts/

kingdoms. B. The Greek Empire is signaled.C. God’s judgment would come with “one

like a human being,” probably Michael(see 10:13, 21; 12:1).

IV. What Does It Mean?: 7:15-28A. Daniel receives the interpretation of his

vision from one of the “attendants” (16). B. Antiochus Ephiphanes IV is the crude

and horrible ruler responsible for the“desolating sacrilege.”

C. Finally, those who are faithful and trueto God will inherit the Kingdom of God(27).


❍ Bloody Mary and the PuritansMary, Queen of Scots, was Queen ofEngland from 1553-1558. Her father,Henry VIII, previously had broken fromthe Church of Rome and declaredEngland a Protestant country. However,the new queen—known as “BloodyMary”—decided to convert England backinto a Catholic nation, rampantly killingProtestants one after another. In pulpitsthroughout the country, Puritan preach-ers rebelled, and despite the threat ofdeath, they proclaimed that Protestants inEngland were being persecuted—and theywere right. People were burned at thestake and even beheaded for living outtheir faith in God differently than theQueen.

These Puritan preachers found oneScripture text particularly interesting:Daniel 7. To them, the “little horn” signi-fied the Pope, who was using Mary tocarry out his wishes regarding statues andsacrifices. But the phrase that brought themost comfort to the people was found inDaniel 7:21-22: according to their inter-pretation, they were the “holy ones”(rendered “saints” in earlier translations).They truly believed that Daniel 7 was aprophecy surrounding their day and time,and that if they proved faithful to God—despite persecution—they would inheritthe Kingdom of God (27).

Questions➤ Can these texts from Daniel be inter-

preted specifically for certain timeperiods? Explain.

➤ How do we interpret these texts today?➤ In modern history, who might be repre-

sented by the “little horn”?

❍ “I Choose to Be Found Doing MyDuty”In his Winning the New Civil War, Robert P.Dugan, Jr., recalls a story about ColonelDavenport, the Speaker of theConnecticut House of Representatives.This particular account is a poignantreminder that, rather than fearing what isto come, we are to be faithful until Christreturns:

The time was the 19th of May,1780. The place was Hartford,Connecticut. The day has gonedown in New England history as aterrible foretaste of Judgment Day.For at noon the skies turned fromblue to gray and by mid-afternoonhad blackened over so denselythat, in that religious age, men fellon their knees and begged a finalblessing before the end came. TheConnecticut House ofRepresentatives was in session.And as some men fell down andothers clamored for an immediateadjournment, the Speaker of theHouse, one Colonel Davenport,came to his feet. He silenced themand said these words: “The Day ofJudgment is either approaching orit is not. If it is not, there is nocause for adjournment. If it is, Ichoose to be found doing my duty.I wish, therefore, that candles maybe brought.” (183)

Questions➤ What “candles” can we provide to light

the darkness?➤ What is your duty until Christ returns?➤ When Christ does return, what would

you like to be found doing?

10 Lesson 2

QuestionsQuestions about Scripture➤ Which four kingdoms are repre-

sented by the beasts in Daniel 7?➤ To whom does the designation

“Son of Man” most likely refer?➤ Who is the “little horn”?Questions for All Adults➤ How does this session’s interpre-

tation of Daniel 7 affect yourunderstanding of the book ofDaniel and “end-time” prophe-cies?

➤ What surprises you most inDaniel 7?

➤ Who are the “holy ones” or“saints”?

Questions for Mature Adults➤ What great evangelists have

focused their sermons on thesecond coming of Christ? Howhave you responded to theirpreaching?

➤ When have Christians been perse-cuted and in need of assurancethat God would remain withthem?

Questions for Younger Adults➤ What significance does this text

hold for people who are notpersecuted for their faith?

➤ How does our knowledge ofhistory enhance our understand-ing of today’s text?

➤ Why is serious, responsible Biblestudy continually necessary?

Questions for Adults withChildren➤ How do you raise your children to

anticipate the future but focus onthe present?

➤ When should children be exposedto apocalyptic literature?

➤ How do you think childrenperceive the second coming ofChrist?

Teaching Guide 11

DiscussionHow do I lead learners to dialogue about the session?

❍ Hope and AssuranceThe book of Daniel was written to provide hopeand assurance for a people undergoing deepsuffering. Tell your class the following story:

The citizens of Feldkirch, Austria, didn’tknow what to do. Napoleon’s massivearmy was preparing to attack. Soldiershad been spotted on the heights abovethe little town, which was situated onthe Austrian border. A council of citi-zens was hastily summoned to decidewhether they should try to defend them-selves or display the white flag ofsurrender. It happened to be EasterSunday, and the people had gathered inthe local church. The pastor rose andsaid, “Friends, we have been counting onour own strength, and apparently thathas failed. As this is the day of ourLord’s Resurrection, let us just ring thebells, have our services as usual, andleave the matter in His hands. We knowonly our weakness, and not the power ofGod to defend us.” The council acceptedhis plan and the church bells rang. Theenemy, hearing the sudden peal,concluded that the Austrian army hadarrived during the night to defend thetown. Before the service ended, theenemy broke camp and left.(“Salvation,” 23 Sept 1999)

Some might argue that the townspeople weremerely lucky, that a simple misunderstandingled to their salvation. On the other hand, otherswould argue that this event shows clearevidence of God’s hand of deliverance.

Questions➤ How do you understand God’s deliverance?➤ Has God ever delivered you? Explain.➤ In what ways do we need God’s deliverance?➤ In what ways do we need God’s deliverance in

this day and time?

12 Lesson 2

Involve LearnersHow can I lead learners to explore the session together?

❍ Faithful and True?Our text from Daniel concludes by sayingthat those who are “faithful and true” willinherit the Kingdom of God.

Ask your participants to form two smallgroups. Give each group a copy of theResource Kit page for this session. Assignone group the word “Faithful,” and theother “True.” Have both groups definetheir terms under the two headingsprinted on the page: “Being” and “Doing.”For example, the “Faithful” group willneed to list ways that we can both be faith-ful and do faithfulness. Help the groupunderstand that the difference liesbetween faith and works. Some peoplechoose to be faithful but never manifestany indication of that choice; in otherwords, they never act faithfully. Others actfaithfully, but never make a consciouschoice to follow Christ.

When the groups have finished, ask themto come together and share their findings.Record their responses on the boardbefore asking how they might change ifwe were living in a time of real persecu-tion. In other words, if dying—or at leastsuffering—for our faith were a real possi-bility, would our answers change? Is iteasier to be faithful and true in times ofreligious freedom than in times of perse-cution?

Depending on the group’s answers, youmight push a little harder and ask whyfaithfulness and being true are so difficultin these days of religious freedom.

❍ Faith and Truth in the BibleHave the group reflect on biblical charac-ters who exhibit both faithfulness andtruth in their relationships with God.Note their responses on the board.

When the list is complete, ask the groupto elaborate upon their choices. Then askthe following questions.

Questions➤ With all their experiences of being

faithful and true, were there timeswhen even these heroes faltered in theirrelationships with God? Whathappened and how did God respond?

➤ What can we learn from their experi-ences about how God might respond tous when we falter—or even fail—to be asfaithful as we intend?


❍ Having FaithOur lives are very hectic. When we go tochurch, we expect to hear the truth, andusually we do. But we must rememberthat blind faith has the potential to bemisleading. The Bible can teach us manyimportant lessons, but only if we taketime to study it for ourselves. Though wemay be busy, we should take time to readand study the Bible for what we can learnboth about biblical history and aboutGod. For example, Daniel 7 is not aboutthe second coming of Christ, but it doesteach us that having faith in God duringtimes of persecution is the truest test offaith.

End class time by reminding your groupof the importance of Bible study. Pray,asking God’s revelation for each person inyour group.

3Find Relevance

Why do/should adults careabout this session? The book

of Daniel affirms that dealingwith the apocalyptic vision is a

relevant and important pursuit for ourday and time. What initially seems fore-boding actually proves to offer hope.What at first reading might appear to be aprediction of the end of the world is actu-ally a historical account written forpeople of another era. God is indeedguiding the conclusion of human history,but Daniel does not provide a map for thefuture. When God chooses, time willcease. And although many have tried,none of us can accurately predict thefuture. But there is one thing for certain:just as God has been guiding the past,God is also guiding our future. There isno need to expend time and energy worry-ing about something we cannot control.Our responsibility is to remain faithful.

Another issue in today’s session thatis relevant for our lives is the promise ofresurrection. What is resurrection? Whendoes it happen? Most of us have beentaught that resurrection awaits us atdeath. The book of Daniel was the first tooffer that idea, but the question forChristians is, how do we lead a life thatends (or begins) in resurrection?

Seeking Understanding“Michael” is the “son of man”referred to in 7:28. Evidently,

once Michael comes with hisarmy and destroys the enemy,

truth and hope will win. Historically, theMaccabees championed the cause of theJews. They are the group that refused tolive by the blasphemous curse ofAntiochus Epiphanes IV. Because of theirrebellion, however, many Jews died at thehands of Antiochus. The question thatDaniel addresses is, “Did these righteousJews die for nothing?” The divineresponse is a resounding “no,” but theywould “awake…to everlasting life.”However, only the ones who had faith inGod, those who remained loyal to Godregardless of how severe the persecutionbecame, would experience resurrection.Others—both unfaithful Jews and, ofcourse, the enemies alike—would wake to“shame and everlasting contempt.”


FRETTING OVER

THE FUTURE

Daniel 12:1-13

14 Lesson 3

ResourcesPaul Boyer, When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Beliefin Modern American Culture (Cambridge MA: HarvardUniversity Press, 1992).

John J. Collins, Daniel, Hermeneia (Minneapolis: FortressPress, 1993).

Emmett W. Hamrick,“Resurrection in the OldTestament,” Mercer Dictionary of the Bible, ed.Watson E.Mills (Macon GA: Mercer University Press, 1991) 756.

Mitchell G. Reddish,“Daniel,” Mercer Commentary onthe Bible, ed.Watson E. Mills (Macon GA: MercerUniversity Press, 1996).

Richard F. Wilson,“Resurrection in the NewTestament,” Mercer Dictionary of the Bible, ed.Watson E. Mills (Macon GA: Mercer University Press, 1991)755-6.

My Teaching Plan

I. Apocalyptic Visions of the “End” of GreekDomain over the Jews in the SecondCentury bc (Dan 7-12)

II. The “Last Days” and the Resurrection ofthe Faithful: This section is a retelling in“coded language” of the historical periodleading up to the Maccabean revolt inthe second century (Dan 10-12).

III. Resurrection for the Faithful Who Die inGod’s Service (Dan 12)

A. Led by Michael, the victory is assuredand resurrection occurs. For some, itmeans new life with God, and for theunfaithful, shame and contempt. Thebook is sealed until the end (the era ofthe author), when the book is openedand understood by the Jews of thesecond century (1-4).

B. We are introduced to more divinebeings, each symbolic of God’s natureto help Daniel understand (5-7).

C. Daniel, who once was an interpreter ofvisions, now cannot understandwithout God’s intervention. Daniellived in the fifth century, so the charac-ter here must have the meaning hiddenfrom him until the appropriate time:some 400 years later when the book isactually written (167-164 bc). Thenthe secret will be made evident:Antiochus Epiphanes IV is the “littlehorn” who has been overthrown (8-10).

D. Two different calculations reveal theuncertainty of prior interpretations(11-12).

E. The end result is that “you, go yourway, and rest; you shall rise for yourreward at the end of the days.” “You”refers to Daniel, but it also addressesthe reader in 164 bc who was faithfulto God, for they will rise “at the end ofthe days” (13).

Conclusion: Apocalyptic literature bringshope of eternal life to those living in very

troubled times.

Offer IllustrationHow can I help learners think about the issues?

❍ Corrected and AmendedBenjamin Franklin did not professChristianity, but considering his self-penned epitaph, he must have believed inthe resurrection of the body:

The Body of B. Franklin,Printed Like the Cover of an oldBookIts contents torn out,And stript of its Lettering andGuilding, Lies here, Food forWorms,But the Work shall not be whollylost:For it will, as he believ’d,Appear once moreIn a new & more perfect Edition,Corrected and amended by theAuthor. (“Resurrection,” 24 Sept1999)

Questions➤ Do you believe that resurrection awaits

us upon our deaths? Explain.

➤ What would you tell someone who haslost a loved one about resurrection?

➤ What does the book of Daniel tell usabout resurrection?

➤ Is resurrection for everyone?

❍ The MilleritesIn 1818 William Miller, an Americanfarmer and preacher, insisted that therewere numerous biblical passages indicat-ing that “in about twenty-five years all theaffairs of our present state would bewound up.” In fact, Miller was so success-ful in convincing others that Jesus wouldreturn by the year 1843 that he generatedthe Millerite movement. The participantsof this movement were Adventists whoeagerly anticipated the “imminent” returnof Christ. After waiting in New York—shrouded in white robes—for “the End” tofinally come, they were disappointed tofind that the moment they waited fornever came. Miller then modified histheory, claiming that Christ would returnactually sometime between March 21,1843, and March 21, 1844. Again, he wasdisappointed, and even upon hisdeathbed insisted that he must have madesome slight error and that people couldexpect to see the end of the world verysoon (“Miller,” 12 May 1999).

Questions➤ What predictions about the future have

you heard people make?

➤ How do you think others perceived the“Millerites”?

➤ Before and even since the Millerites,people have tried to pinpoint the dateof Christ’s return. After so many failedattempts, why do you think people stilltry?

Teaching Guide 15


❍ Keep the Faith“Keep the Faith” is a slogan urging peopleto persevere, endure, be faithful. Daniel’swords say all of those things to a peoplefacing serious persecution. Using theangelic figure Michael is the writer’ssymbolic way of offering hope for thefuture. According to our text, whenMichael appears, the present age willcome to an end and those who haveremained faithful will find deliverance.With this imagery, the writer introducesthe concept of resurrection: “many…shallawake,” says Daniel. Yet the obvious ques-tion for those people in distress is, “Howlong must we wait” (12:6) (See also Ps 13)?According to the text, the restoration willbe established soon—good news for thosein despair.

This text is yet another indicator that evenin the worst of circumstances, Godrefuses to turn away from divine promisesor the community of faith. In fact, theseverses indicate that God is at work evennow, offering hope to those who “perse-vere.”

Questions➤ How is your faithfulness challenged

daily?

➤ When life is difficult and God seems faraway, what happens to your faithful-ness? Explain.

➤ How can difficult times actuallystrengthen our faithfulness? Butperhaps the first question is, can they?

QuestionsQuestions about Scripture➤ How did the first readers of the book of

Daniel understand resurrection? ➤ What is Michael’s role in this text?➤ What do divine beings and secret books

imply?

Questions for All Adults➤ What does resurrection mean to you?➤ In what area of your life is it most diffi-

cult to stay faithful?➤ When have you been persecuted for

something you believe in?

Questions for Mature Adults➤ Do you believe in resurrection?➤ What can you tell a younger generation

about the value of a long life?➤ Some people believe that age in itself is

a form of persecution. What is yourresponse to this viewpoint?

Questions for Younger Adults➤ What is your understanding of eternal

life?➤ When have you failed a test of faith?➤ How can your failures strengthen your

faith?

Questions for Adults with Children➤ How will you answer your child’s

inevitable question: “Why do peopledie?”

➤ How do we encourage children towardreceiving eternal life?

➤ Children endure bullies of all kinds.How can Daniel 12 help a child face theperils associated with growing up?

16 Lesson 3


❍ Faithfulness and SuccessIn modern America, people often confusefaithfulness with success. Is it possible tobe faithful but not successful? Or, moreimportantly for our context, can we besuccessful without being faithful?

Divide your participants into two groups,and give each group one half of theResource Kit page for this session. In lightof the statements they have just beengiven, ask each group to consider whetherwe can be faithful but not successful, orvice-versa.

(1) God our Father has made all thingsdepend on faith so that whoever has faithwill have everything, and whoever doesnot have faith will have nothing. (MartinLuther)

(2) The figure of the Crucified invalidatesall thought which takes success for itsstandard. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

After the groups have had ample time todiscuss their statements, come together asa large group to compare responses.

❍ What If...?Hope is central to our lives. It is whatoften motivates us to be creative andcarries us through the most tragic ofcircumstances. Ask your participants toform groups of three or four, and assigneach group to create a list of “hopes” thatmost people have today. Encourage thegroups to be as specific as possible.

Once the groups have completed theirlists, call them back together to play“What If…?” Ask, “If God were to helpyou attain this hope, how would it changeyour life?” For example, if God helpedyou earn a million dollars, how would it

change your life? After a few rounds, askthe group questions similar to the follow-ing.

Questions➤ Are hopes different from wishes?

Explain.

➤ What is the difference between thehopes we have listed and the hope thatGod offers us?

➤ What hope does resurrection offer?


❍ Death and TaxesAn old adage reminds us that only twothings are certain in life: death and taxes.The truth is that one (taxes) you mustlearn to live with, and the other (death)cannot be avoided. Even if you couldfigure out how to avoid taxes, you cannever avoid death. But it can be overcome.An enduring faith in God leads to eternallife with God. Close with a prayer ofthanksgiving that we need not fear thefuture, because we have the assurance thatwe can live with God.

Teaching Guide 17

Find RelevanceWhy do/should adults care about this session? Like the previous sessionsin this unit, this one also concentrates on the end times. The difference in

today’s session, however, is that the words and actions come straight from theLord Jesus Christ. Jesus warns about “signs” of the “end” and even mentions the

coming of “false prophets.” More importantly, he offers instruction regarding theChristian agenda to be followed until his return.

Seek UnderstandingWhat do these Scriptures mean? Jesus’ response to the disciples’ questionabout the future of the Temple is startling: apparently, it will be destroyed.

The disciples continue their interrogation, wanting to know more about the“end of the age.” First, Jesus cautions them, “Beware that no one leads you

astray.” The rest of the chapter builds on this warning. And though the Lord reveals thesigns of the end, wars, earthquakes, famines, and the like are present with every genera-tion. Therefore, the “end” could be any time. The “desolating sacrilege” (15) refers to thestatue of the Roman Emperor that would—and that finally did—rise in the Temple. ButJesus continues to warn the disciples against listening to pretenders and false messiahs.

The fig tree is actually the object lesson for the disciples in this Scripture, for Jesusassures them that just as the fig tree can be trusted to produce fruit at its appointedtime, so can the words of Jesus be trusted in the same way. The disciples push him forthe exact time, but Jesus responds by saying that even he does not know when it will be(36). Verses 37-41 refer to the Romans, who—without rhyme or reason—dragged anumber of Christians away to be tortured while leaving others where they stood. Jesus,therefore, urges the disciples to be ready at any time.

How are we to be always ready? Jesus encourages us to be ready like faithful slaves(45-51). Though the slave metaphor may not seem ideal for us, it was for them, and infact, can be for us. If we ignore Jesus’ commandments and live as if he is never comingback, then his return will be horrible. However, if we live as though our owner mayreturn any moment, we will be found living according to his will. It is important toremember that doing the will of God does not involve wasting one’s life away trying tofigure out when Jesus will return. Instead, emulate the faithful slave: feed the hungry,clothe the naked, bring release to the captive, and take care of the widow and orphan.


LIVING IN THE

MEANTIME

Matthew 24:1-514

Teaching Guide 19

ResourcesDennis Duling,“The Gospel According to Matthew,”HarperCollins Study Bible, ed.Wayne A. Meeks (NewYork: HarperCollins, 1993) 1901-6.

“End of the World” <www.sermonillustrations.com/endoftheworld.htm> (24 Sept 1999).

Stephenson Humphries-Brooks,“Matthew,” MercerCommentary on the Bible, ed.Watson Mills (Macon:Mercer University Press, 1994) 939-74.

Lyle Lovett,“Church,” Joshua Judges Ruth,1992 CurbMusic Company/MCA Records, produced by GeorgeMassenburg, Billy Williams, and Lyle Lovett. Lyrics byLyle Lovett.

Dr. Suess, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (New York: RandomHouse, 1990).

James D.Tabor and Eugene V. Gallagher, Why Waco?Cults and the Battle for Religious Freedom in America(Berkeley: University of California Press, 1995).

My Teaching Plan

Introduction: Jesus enters Jerusalem and“cleanses” the Temple, curses a fig tree asan object lesson, speaks about authority,and relays a parable about a vineyard. Hecompares a marriage feast to the Kingdomof heaven, gives advice about paying taxesto Caesar, and speaks of resurrection. In22:34-40 he answers the question aboutthe greatest commandment, followed by aserious speech to the religious leaders. Helaments over Jerusalem (23:37-39), for it isher fate that is the concern of today’slesson. In this context, Jesus tells his disci-ples what is to become of the city and theTemple.

I. Temple about to Fall: 24:1-3

II. The End of the Ages: 24:4-51A. Watch for False Messiahs (4-31)

1. Everyday occurrences (4-8) 2. Be faithful (9)3. Bad teaching (10-11)

B. Many will grow cold; those whoendure will be saved (13-14).1. God demands faithfulness, the only

means to survival (13).2. God asks for a critical faith. Be criti-

cal of Bible teachers and pretenderswho are self-serving, and pointbelievers in a direction away fromGod (15-31).

C. Like the fig tree that produces in itsseason, disciples should watch for thesigns of the end (32-35).

1. Not even Jesus knows the day andtime of the end (36-44).

2. The faithful slave works withoutconcern for when the work will end;so, too, should the believer (45-51).

Conclusion: Bridesmaids, talents, and thefinal judgment—the goal of the Christian isto stand before God in total humility, whileGod acknowledges their fidelity to Godexpressed through their care of the outcastand poor.

Offer IllustrationHow can I help learners think about the issues?

The following illustrations are purposelysimilar in nature. Use the questions at theend of the page to encourage discussionfor either.

❍ False MessiahsIn the spring of 1993, David Koresh (born“Vernon Howell”) and his “church”locked themselves in a compound outsideWaco, Texas. Koresh (Hebrew for “Cyrus,”meaning “the anointed of God” [Isa 45:1])was a self-proclaimed teacher of the endtimes. People believed in him and histeachings. He insisted that the world wasliving among the last days before thereturn of Christ. The confrontationbetween the Davidians and the ATFresulted in tragedy. Regardless of one’sopinion concerning the ATF’s actions,David Koresh had misled many peopleinto believing lies about himself and thereturn of Christ.

Koresh and his followers made a hugemistake. They had withdrawn from theworld to live only for themselves. Koreshwas obsessed with studying the Scripturessurrounding end times, and he had beenable to convince many that his predictionswere true, leading them head-on intotragedy.

❍ The End Is October 1988In August of 1988, the small Indianacongregation I pastored while in seminaryreceived a book. Indeed, the entire associ-ation had received the same book.According to the material, after intensivestudy and prayer, an evangelist had“figured out” that on a particular day inOctober of 1988, the world would end.The first three months of my ministrythere was spent trying to teach and preachabout the futility of this kind of forecast-

ing. When I first denounced it, notingthat Matthew’s Gospel records that evenJesus did not know when the world wouldend—and, therefore, certainly no humanwould ever figure it out—some peoplesneered. However, on the first Sunday ofNovember 1988, it were as if a cloud hadlifted. We can rest assured that no humancan predict the end of time. That is God’schoice and God’s alone.

Questions➤ Many believed that Jesus was a false

prophet. How can we discern falseprophets?

➤ Jesus calls us to be ready at any time forthe Master’s return. Is living with thatexpectation more difficult than believ-ing you actually can determine the dateof Christ’s return? Explain.

➤ Is fear concerning the end of the worldan indication of the condition of ourfaith?

20 Lesson 4


❍ Judgment DayIn Lyle Lovett’s song “Church,” oneparticular verse cautions that we hadbetter remember the impending JudgmentDay:

You know the preacher he keptpreaching.

He told us, “I have one more thing tosay:

Children, before you think of leaving,You better think about the Judgment

Day.”

Ask your group what comes to mind whenthey hear the phrase “Judgment Day.” Ourtext today reminds us that even thoughGod is the only one who knows when timewill end, this is not some event so fantasy-like that it will never occur. The questionis, what must we do to be ready?

Questions➤ Do you think that time will ever end?

Explain.➤ What are we to do to prepare for

Christ’s return?➤ What does Jesus teach about

“Judgment Day”?➤ What does Matthew 25 reveal about the

judgment of God?

QuestionsQuestions about Scripture➤ According to today’s text, what are the

signs of the “end of the age”?➤ What does Jesus instruct the disciples

to do “in the meantime”?➤ How does the image of the “faithful

slave” help us better understand ourrelationship to God?

Questions for All Adults➤ How can we identify false messiahs?➤ In what trying situations have you

remained faithful? ➤ How does this text instruct us to live?

Questions for Mature Adults➤ What famous evangelists have

preached about the end of the world?➤ Why does Jesus emphasize that even he

doesn’t know when he will return?➤ Whom do you either know or know of

that has suffered for their faith?

Questions for Younger Adults➤ What does your church teach about the

second coming of Christ?➤ Authority is a very important factor

involved in establishing truth. How canyou know when a minister or teacherhas authentic authority?

➤ By what criteria do you establish who isdishonest in God’s name?

Questions for Adults with Children➤ What lesson from this text can children

understand?➤ How might this text aid your children

with relationships they form at school?

Teaching Guide 21

22 Lesson 4


❍ True or False TeachersMost of us have a difficult time waiting.Even Dr. Suess does not write fondly ofwaiting. In Oh, the Places You’ll Go, he illus-trates “The Waiting Place”:

…You can get so confusedthat you’ll start in to racedown long wiggled roads at abreak-necking pace and grind on for miles acrossweirdish wild space,headed, I fear, toward a mostuseless place.The Waiting Place……for people just waiting.

Give each person a copy of the ResourceKit page for this session and ask thegroup to complete the statements. Thenask volunteers to share their responsesbefore asking these questions.

Questions➤ When have you waited expectantly for

something, only to be disappointedwith the actual experience?

➤ What are your reactions to and atti-tudes toward waiting?

➤ Someone has said, “Good things cometo those who wait.” What supports thisstatement and what disputes it?

❍ The End?Offer your group the following illustra-tion:The Danish philosopher, Kierkegaard,recounts a parable involving a theater inwhich a variety show is proceeding. Eachshow is more fantastic than the last, andthe applause from the audience gets moreraucous. Suddenly the manager comesforward. He apologizes for the interrup-

tion, but says that the theater is on fire,and he begs his patrons to leave in anorderly fashion. The audience thinks thisis the most amusing turn of the evening,and hence, cheers thunderously. Themanager again implores them to leave theburning building, yet again he isapplauded vigorously. At last he can do nomore. The fire races through the wholebuilding and takes the fun-loving audi-ence with it. “And so,” concludesKierkegaard, “will our age, I sometimesthink, go down in fiery destruction to theapplause of a crowded house of cheeringspectators” (“End of the World,” 24 Sept1999).

Questions➤ Have the many contemporary

“prophets” helped or hurt the messageof Christ?

➤ Is religion today in danger of becomingjust another form of entertainment?Explain.


❍ The End of the AgeWars, earthquakes, famines, false messi-ahs— these are the signs of the end of theage. However, these are also the signs ofevery generation. Considering that, weneed not be concerned with when the Lordwill return, but rather, with what we willbe found doing when he returns. Be thefaithful slave, persistently hard at work.Read Matthew 25:31-46 aloud for yourgroup as a reminder of what Jesus calls usto do. Close with a prayer, thanking Godfor the future and for the ability to do thework of the Kingdom.

Find RelevanceWhy do/should adults careabout this session? There is

an old saying which claims,“All’s well that ends well.” The less

optimistic version, on the other hand,insists that, “all’s well that ends.”Regardless of your outlook, believe it ornot, Revelation is a very optimistic work.Too often people look into the deep,murky waters of this book and shrinkback from its wonderfully creative imagesand symbols. Televangelists and wanna-be-prophets find fodder abundant inRevelation’s secretive codes. But the truthis that Revelation was and still remains abook of hope, hope that is not based onwarm fuzzy feelings of what might be orwhat ought to be in a “perfect” world, buthope founded on a deep relational beliefthat this world belongs to God, that Godis in control—that God will ultimatelyhave the last word.

That is the promise of this Scripture:God will have the last word. Not death.Not Hades or the sea. Not anguish, fear,or even despair will have the last word.According to Revelation, when all formerthings have passed away, there will beGod and God’s new Kingdom. Above allother truths, Revelation asserts that Godis with us, God is for us, and therefore, wehave nothing to fear. All’s well, saysRevelation, because we know how “well”it will end.

Seek UnderstandingWhat do these Scripturesmean? As is the case in Daniel

and other examples of Jewishapocalyptic literature, the events

of Revelation had already taken place bythe time of its composition.

James Blevins believes that the bookof Revelation was intended as a drama tobe performed on the great stage atEphesus. If his interpretation is correct,then it was originally meant to bewatched. While this is not the only inter-pretation, it does illustrate that“watching” the events of this book as aplay eliminates some of the questionsabout when the end will come as well asquestions about the beast. The closing actwould reveal that the one who is faithfulwill stand before God in judgment, be“forgiven,” and then be allowed throughthe Gates of Heaven.

The Scripture describes a whitethrone, like a judge’s bench. In this vision,people are standing before the throne andthe books are opened. John sees a newheaven and new earth, and indeed, a newJerusalem as well. Christ is acting as adefense attorney on behalf of the thosewho have followed him, and as a prosecu-tor to those who have denied him.Judgment is handed down, and each soulgoes to the appropriate place.


GIVING AN

ACCOUNT

Reveletion 20:11–21:85

24 Lesson 5

ResourcesDavid Aune,“Revelation, Introduction and Notes,”HarperCollins Study Bible, ed.Wayne A. Meeks (NewYork: HarperCollins, 1993).

James Blevins,“Revelation, Book of,” Mercer Dictionaryof the Bible, ed.Watson Mills (Macon: Mercer UniversityPress, 1991) 759-61.

Paul Boyer, When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Beliefin Modern American Culture (Cambridge MA: HarvardUniversity Press, 1992).

My Teaching Plan

Introduction: Christians at the end of thefirst century were under persecution by theRoman Empire, which had spread its tenta-cled arms all through Asia-minor andSyria-Palestine. How was this new religionto stand up to such a time of crisis? Like allapocalyptic literature, this book waswritten to reveal that God would win overthe enemy, but not everyone would live tosee the victory. Suffering and death wouldensue, but those who have remained faith-ful will see God.

I. The Final Judgment: 20:11-15 Books are opened as the dead gatherfrom all over the world—even from Hadesitself. Death and Hades are thrown intothe Lake of Fire, along with those whosenames are not in the Book of Life.

II. The Renewal of Creation: 21:1-4A new heaven and a new earth arecreated. The new Jerusalem comes downfrom heaven. God now lives amonghumans, relieving all tears, death,mourning, crying, and pain.

III. God as Judge: 21:5-8God makes all things new. As judge,God erases the slate, so that no one hasa record. It is a new beginning for all.


❍ Finding HopeShare the following story with the group:

The school system in a large city had aprogram to help children with theirschoolwork during stays in the city’shospitals. One day, a teacher assigned tothe program received a routine call askingher to visit a particular child. She took thechild’s name and room number andtalked briefly with his regular classteacher. “We’re studying nouns andadverbs in his class now,” the regularteacher said, “and I’d be grateful if youcould help him understand them so hedoesn’t fall too far behind.” The hospitalprogram teacher went to see the boy thatafternoon. No one had told her that hehad been badly burned and was in greatpain. Upset at the sight of him, she stam-mered, “I’ve been sent by your school tohelp you with nouns and adverbs.” Whenshe left, she didn’t believe she had accom-plished much. But the next day, a nurseasked her, “What did you do to that boy?”The teacher felt she must have done some-thing wrong and began to apologize. “No,no,” said the nurse. “You don’t know whatI mean. We’ve been worried about thatlittle boy, but since yesterday, his wholeattitude has changed. He’s fighting backand responding to treatment. It’s asthough he’s decided to live.” Two weekslater the boy explained that he hadcompletely given up hope until theteacher arrived. Everything changed whenhe came to a simple realization. Heexpressed it this way: “They wouldn’t senda teacher to work on nouns and adverbswith a dying boy, would they” (Bits andPieces, 1991)?

Questions➤ How can hope make a difference in our

outlook on life?➤ How can the hope of Christians be

beneficial to non-Christians?➤ As communities of faith, what is our

role in providing hope?

❍ Humor Me Many people never read the book ofRevelation, because its images seemfrightening. Share the following anecdotewith the group:

Two explorers were on a jungle safariwhen suddenly a ferocious lion jumped infront of them. “Keep calm,” the firstexplorer whispered. “Remember what weread in that book on wild animals? If youstand perfectly still and look the lion inthe eye, he will turn and run.” “Sure,”replied his companion. “You’ve read thebook, and I’ve read the book. But has thelion read the book?”

Questions➤ Which of the two explorers are you

most like, the optimist or thepessimist? Explain.

➤ How does your optimism or pessimismaffect how you view the future?

➤ How do you feel about trusting Godwith the future?

➤ Is giving your trust over to God a deci-sion once made or an ongoingstruggle? Explain.

➤ Do you ever speak openly of your diffi-culty trusting God? Why or why not?

➤ What role can our congregations playin deepening our capacity to trust?

Teaching Guide 25

DiscussionHow do I lead learners to dialogue about thesession?

❍ Worst-Case ScenarioToday’s Scripture describes some ofthe most feared aspects of humanlife in the ancient world. For ancientHebrews, “the sea” evoked great fearand intimidation. Sailors left homenever to be seen again. Perhaps theydid just drop off the face of theearth, but legends about great seamonsters abounded. It is no wonderthat Revelation includes “the sea” inthe list of things God will conquerin the new Kingdom. Have thegroup brainstorm a list of theirworst fears. Compile their answerson a sheet of paper or newsprint.

Next, ask the group to discuss howour faith in God can help us over-come these fears. Encourage specificresponses. For example, if people arefearful of death, ask how God’spromises can help us overcome thatfear. If people are fearful of war, askwhat God has offered us to help usovercome that fear? Once you haveworked through the list of fears,reread the Revelation text for todayand remind the group that thispassage tells us that this world is inGod’s control. God is working toredeem creation and will bringabout a new day and a newKingdom where we are promised tolive without “fear.” Conclude bypraying for the faith to believe thatthis promise is true.

QuestionsQuestions about Scripture➤ What happens before the White Throne?➤ How is the visual image of heaven described

in Revelation 21:1-4?➤ What does the idea of a “new Jerusalem”

suggest?

Questions for All Adults➤ What warrants getting one’s name recorded

in the “Book of Life”? ➤ What words or symbols in the Revelation of

John give you assurance and hope?➤ What is your understanding of the judgment

seat of God?

Questions for Mature Adults➤ What is the difference between reading a

story and having it portrayed visually?➤ If John’s original purpose was to comfort

Christians, how might someone approachingthe end of life find comfort in Revelation?

➤ When have you been held accountable foryour actions and decisions?

Questions for Younger Adults➤ “What would Jesus do?” is a popular

question. How would our lives be different ifwe were to do what Jesus did?

➤ Considering this text, how do you view yourfuture?

➤ Remembering the parable of the faithful andunfaithful slaves in Matthew 24, which onewill receive eternal life at the judgment seat:the one who looked forward to it but did notprepare, or the one who thought nothingabout it but worked towards it anyway?

Questions for Adults with Children➤ Many popular movies depict the scenes

literally from the book of Revelation. How doyou calm a child’s fears concerning what theyhear about these movies?

➤ How can you model faithfulness for yourchild?

➤ How can you model God’s grace for yourchildren?

26 Lesson 5


❍ Offering HopeMany people suffer either because theyhave lost hope or because fear has over-come their faith. Ask your participants toform two groups, and assign both groupsthe task of creating a ministry of hope inyour congregation. Encourage the groupsto:

➤ Target specific needs or people.➤ Plan small group activities that will

allow people to share their fears andneeds.

➤ Plan a means of offering prayer forthose who need hope or are fearful.

Finally, ask both groups to share theirideas with the larger group. Combine listsand ask the class whether they are willingto take this idea on as a class project.

❍ Trust BuildingRead the following anecdote to the classand discuss the questions below:

I remember a time when ourdaughter Chris broke our trust bylying to her mother and me. Onenight she wanted to go to a partywithout permission and told usshe was at her friend’s house.When we found out the truth,there was a real scene between us.She had violated our trust. In theconfrontation, I took a paper cupand filled it with water. Then Ipoked a hole in the bottom and lether watch as the water drainedout. I gave her the cup and saidthat in order to restore our trust,she would have to be able to refillthe cup, but that every incidentlike this one would put anotherhole in the cup. At that point, hereyes welled with tears as she ques-tioned whether or not the cup

could be filled at all as long as ithad a hole in it. And I replied, “Itis very hard to build trust again.”Chris learned a very importantlesson that evening.

Questions➤ What lesson did Chris learn through

this experience?➤ How do we work to build trust?➤ How do we show that we value trust in

our relationships?➤ Are we as trustworthy as we expect

others to be?➤ How trustworthy do you think God

finds us?


❍ We’ll Work till Jesus Comes“Going to the throne of God” is anotherway of saying that we are accountable foreverything we do. With millennial fervorrunning rampant for the last two years, ithas been easy to forget our primary task:actually living out Jesus’ teachings.

In the early 19th century, Elizabeth Millswrote a hymn titled “We’ll Work till JesusComes.” These are the words of the firstverse and the refrain:

O land of rest, for thee I sigh!When will the moment comeWhen I shall lay my armor byAnd dwell in peace at home?

RefrainWe’ll work till Jesus comes,We’ll work till Jesus comes,We’ll work till Jesus comes,And we’ll be gathered home.

If your class knows the tune, sing therefrain together. If not, read the refrainaloud before asking the class to repeat itwith you as a closing affirmation of God’spromise of eternal life for the faithful.

Teaching Guide 27

Faithful TrueBeing Doing Being Doing

FAITHFUL AND TRUE?

God our Father has made all things depend on faith sothat whoever has faith will have everything, and whoeverdoes not have faith will have nothing. (Martin Luther)

The figure of the Crucified invalidates all thought whichtakes success for its standard. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

FAITHFUL VS. SUCCESSFUL

Complete the following sentences.

As a child, I remember having to wait for…

As a teenager, I couldn’t wait to…

As an adult, I can hardly wait for…

I cannot bear waiting for…

When I’m waiting, I pass the time by…

When it comes to waiting, one of the things I’ve noticed about myself is…

THE WAITING PLACE

apocalyptic literature tg - helwys · reader god’s requirements of those who choose also to serve...

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