The theme of worship and singing is not one we immediately associate with the Book of Revelation, yet it is a major theme. Besides Chapters 4-5, where else does worship and singing appear in Revelation? What is the context for each?

• Read Revelation 20:4. What are the characteristics of those who are resurrected and reign with Christ? Keeping in mind that the Israelites were to have the Torah on their hands and foreheads (Deut 6:6-8, 11:18; Exodus 13:9), what does this tell you about one’s devotion through worship and word?

The Greek word, ‘nikao’ means ‘to conquer’. In the context of the Roman Empire of John’s writing, it was closely associated with military might. But even though John hears “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered” (5:5), he sees “a lamb standing as if it had been butchered” (5:6) John is intentionally redefining what it means to ‘nikao’.

• a. Read Revelation 7:1-17. Again, John hears about a military census (cf. Numbers 1) of the 144,000 , but what he sees is a great multitude that proclaim the butchered lamb as king (7:9) and who have come out of the great ordeal with their robes washed in the blood of the lamb (7:14).

• b. How does Revelation invert our understanding of what it means to ‘conquer’?

What demands most of your attention and commitment in your life right now? What do you give ultimate significance to in life? Why?

• a. Do your commitments fall in line with the worship of the lamb? Or the worship of the powers of the age?

What is one way that God is calling you to live counter-culturally? What are your struggles in living that out?