Revelation 4-5

Revelation 4-5 Study Guide – to be discussed March 3
Day 1: Read Revelation 4:1-3, Revelation 5:6-7(with footnotes 6a,b), Ezekiel 1:26-28, Bible Dictionary entry, "Jasper"
1. What kind of voice did John hear after a door was opened in heaven? What did the voice say?


2. Read Revelation 5:6-7 (with footnotes 6a,b) with Revelation 4:2. Who sat on the heavenly throne in John’s vision?


3. Read Ezekiel 1:26-28, Bible Dictionary entry, “Jasper.” [Note: Sardine stone was a very hard, deep orange-red jewel. The jasper was the first stone and the sardine the last tone on the priestly “breastplate of judgment” described in Exodus 28:17-21. Each stone was inscribed with one of the names of the tribes of Israel.] What color was the Jasper stone?

Ezekiel had a vision similar to the Revelator’s. Taking Ezekiel 1:26-28 with Revelation 4:3, what might the rainbow represent? The jewels? How would you feel if you received this vision?



Day 2: Read Revelation 4:4-7 (with footnotes 4a,b, 5a), D&C 77:5, Exodus 20:18-21
4. Read D&C 77:5. Who were the 24 elders John saw in vision? How were they dressed?


5. Read Exodus 20:18-21. What might the “lightenings and thunderings” in Revelation 4:5 represent? How would this part of the vision make you feel?


6. Read the JST footnote to Revelation 4:5. Who were the seven Spirits of God, and where did they stand?


BONUS: Read Acts 1:10-11, 1 Nephi 8:5-6, JS-H 1:30-31. List the responsibilities of the men in white in each scripture passage.



Day 3: Read Revelation 4:6-8 (with footnote 6b), D&C 77:1-4, Ezekiel 1:9-14
7. Read D&C 77:1. What does the “sea of glass” in Revelation 4:6 represent?


8. Read D&C 77:2-3. What do the four beasts in John’s vision represent? Are they happy?


9. Read D&C 77:4. What do the eyes and wings on the beasts represent? What were the beasts in John’s vision doing?



BONUS: Read Ezekiel 1:9-14. Compare the beasts Ezekiel saw with John’s vision.



Day 4: Read Revelation 4:9-11 (with footnote 11b)
10. What three things did the elders do because of the beasts’ worship?


11. Why is the Lord worthy of glory, honor and power?


12. Give elements of worship or praise from each of the following verses:
a. 2 Nephi 25:29 b. D&C 59:9-12


c. D&C 93:19-20 d. Psalm 150


Day 5: Read Revelation 5:1-4, D&C 77:6-7
13. In John’s vision, in which hand did God hold the book with seven seals? What kind of angel asked for one worthy to open the book?


14. Read D&C 77:6-7. What do the book and its seals represent? (See also BD entry, “Scroll.”)


15. Why did John weep?


Day 6: Read Revelation 5:5-7 (with footnote 6b)
16. Who is the “Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David”? (See also Genesis 49:9, Revelation 22:16.)


17. What kind of marks might the Lamb have which could cause him to be described as, “as it had been slain”?


18. Read the JST footnote to Revelation 5:6b. [Note: horns are symbols of power and refuge.] What changes occur in the JST? Why?


Day 7: Read Revelation 5:8-14 (with footnote 8a), D&C 128:19-23
19: Note: There are three hymns of praise (or three parts of the same hymn) described in Revelation 5:8-14. Which group begins the chorus in vv. 8-10? What three reasons does the first group give for Christ’s worthiness to open the book?



20. Who comprises the second group, giving praise in Revelation 5:11-12? From verse 12, list qualities of Christ that qualify him as the only one worthy to open the book.


21. Who swells the worshipful chorus in Revelation 5:13-14? To whom is glory given? How has the “tune changed” from the mood in Revelation 5:2-4?

Revelation 2-3

Revelation 2-3 Study Guide – to be discussed February 24
[NOTE: Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation contain letters to leaders of seven wards or branches of the church in Asia Minor. Each letter begins with a descriptive phrase about the Savior, including images designed to aid in understanding the Lord’s nature and mission.]
Day 1: Read Revelation 2:1-7 (with footnote 1a), Bible Dictionary entries “Ephesus” and “Nicolaitans,” D&C 117:11
1. How did the Lord describe himself to the bishop or church leader in Ephesus?


2. List the Lord’s compliments and concerns regarding the church at Ephesus.



3. What promises did the Lord make to all who overcome the world?


BONUS: Who were the Nicolaitans? (See BD entry, “Nicolaitans” and D&C 117:11.)



Day 2: Read Revelation 2:8-11, 1 Nephi 14:10
4. How did the Lord describe himself in his letter to the church leader at Smyrna? How do Christ’s qualifications reinforce the promised blessings?


5. How might the saints at Smyrna have been in poverty, and yet rich?



6. Read 1 Nephi 14:10. What is the “synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9)? Why is persecution part of the doctrine of Satan’s church?



Day 3: Read Revelation 2:12-17, Jeremiah 3:8, Revelation 14:8, D&C 130:9-11
7. How did the Lord describe his credentials to the church leader in Pergamos (a center for Roman emperor worship)? What compliments did the Savior have for the saints in Pergamos?



8. List concerns regarding the branch at Pergamos. (Note: The doctrine of Balaam includes the ideas of priestcraft and apostasy. See Numbers 22. Also, see Jeremiah 3:8 and Revelation 14:8 regarding “fornication.”)


9. Read D&C 130:9-11. What does the “white stone” mentioned in Revelation 2:17 represent? Who gets one?


Day 4: Read Revelation 2:18-29 (with footnotes 22a, 23b), JST Revelation 2:26-27, Revelation 22:16
10. List the compliments and concerns expressed toward the saints at Thyatira. What was their main problem?



11. Read JST Revelation 2:26-27. How are those who overcome sin and keep the commandments supposed to rule their kingdoms? Can we apply these principles today?




12. Read Revelation 22:16 with Revelation 2:28. What is the promise to the faithful saints at Thyatira? What does it represent?


Day 5: Read Revelation 3:1-6 (with footnotes 1a, 2a), Ephesians 2:1-7, Revelation 16:15
13. How did Christ introduce himself to the church at Sardis?


14. Read Ephesians 2:1-7. What does it mean to have “a name that thou livest, and art dead”? What admonitions or warnings did the Lord give to prevent this kind of death?



15. Read Revelation 16:15. The Savior warned members at Sardis he will come “as a thief” (Rev. 3:3). According to Revelation 16:15, what might we lose if we are not watchful (faithful)? What are the promises to those who overcome?



Day 6: Read Revelation 3:7-13 (with footnote 7a)
16. How did Christ identify himself to the saints at Philadelphia? Use footnote 7a to tell what is indicated by “the key of David.”


17. The church at Philadelphia (city of brotherly love) received only compliments. Read Revelation 3:8 aloud to yourself and try to imagine how you would feel if the Lord sent you this message. What is the promise? Upon what is it based?


18. List the remaining blessings promised in Revelation 3:9-12.


BONUS: What is the function of a pillar in a building? What characteristics define a good or usable pillar?



Day 7: Read Revelation 3:14-22 (with footnotes 16b, 19a), Matthew 13:44-46, D&C 6:7
19. Did the Lord have any compliments for the Laodiceans? How did he feel about their apathy?


20. Read Matthew 13:44-46 and D&C 6:7. With what do we “buy… gold tried in the fire” (Revelation 3:18)? Why do we need white clothing and eye salve?


21. List promises to those who hear, open, sup, and overcome.

Revelation 1

Revelation 1 Study Guide – to be discussed February 10
Day 1: Read Bible Dictionary entry, “Revelation of John” (p.762; paragraphs 1-3), 1 Nephi 14:18-28, Ether 3:25-27, 4:15-17, Moses 1:24-29, 7:21-28
1. According to the Bible Dictionary entry, “Revelation of John,” what is the message of Revelation?


2. What are the two parts of the revelation?


3. Read 1 Nephi 14:18-28, Ether 3:25-27, 4:15-17, and Moses 1:24-29, 7:21-28. What common vision has been shared by prophets in various dispensations? What was unique about John’s stewardship in regard to this vision?


Day 2: Read Revelation 1:1-3, JST Revelation 1:1-3
4. What (or who) is revealed in John’s revelation?


5. Which phrases in Revelation 1:1-3 indicate urgency?


6. List the three verbs in Revelation 1:3 describing actions requisite to the blessing.


BONUS: What does the JST add to your understanding?



Day 3: Read Revelation 1:4-6, JST Revelation 1:4-6, D&C 76:50-60
7. To whom was John writing? (Check also the JST.) Who was the “faithful witness”?


8. According to JST Revelation 1:4-5, what was the angel’s assignment?


9. Read D&C 76:50-60. How might we qualify to be made “kings and priests” (or queens and priestesses) through Christ?


Day 4: Read Revelation 1:7-8, JST Revelation 1:7-8, Bible Dictionary entry “Cloud,” Acts 1:9-11,
Matthew 24:29-31
10. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Cloud,” and Acts 1:9-11. John confirms, in Revelation 1:7, Christ will come “with clouds.” What might the clouds represent? (See also Matthew 24:29-31.)



11. Who will see Christ when he comes with clouds?


12. In what way(s) is Christ “Alpha” (the beginning) and “Omega” (the end)? (See also D&C 19:1-5.)




Day 5: Read Revelation 1:9-11, Bible Dictionary entry “Patmos,” D&C 29:4, 1 Corinthians 14:8-9
13. Why was John sent to the Island of Patmos? From whom did he receive “patience to endure tribulation”?




14. Read D&C 29:4 and 1 Corinthians 14:8-9. Why do you think John compared the voice he heard (Rev. 1:10) to a trumpet?



15. On what day of the week did John’s vision begin?


BONUS: Use the above map to find the seven churches of Asia (modern Turkey) mentioned by John. Based on their locations, why might these cities have been listed in this order?



Day 6: Read Revelation 1:12-15, Bible Dictionary entry “Candlestick,” D&C 38:7, Revelation 1:20
16. According to Revelation 1:20, what do the seven candlesticks represent? Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Candlestick.” Were these candlesticks designed to generate light or to carry it?


17. Where did John see the Savior standing, in relation to the seven candlesticks? Read D&C 38:7. Where does he stand today?


18. List elements of Johns’ description of the glorified Lord from Revelation 1:13-15.




BONUS: Compare symbols in John’s vision (Rev. 1:13-15) with elements in the visions recorded in Daniel 10:2-7 and D&C 110:1-4. List similarities. Why do you think these details were included?



Day 7: Read Revelation 1:16-20 (with footnote 20b)
19. How do you interpret the “sharp two-edged sword” which appears to come out of the Savior’s mouth in John’s vision. (See also Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17.)


20. What are the seven stars the Lord holds in his hand? In which hand does he hold them? Which hand does he use to comfort John?



21. What keys are in the possession of the glorified Savior in John’s vision?

2 John, 3 John

2 John, 3 John Study Guide – to be discussed February 3
Day 1: Read 2 John 1:1-3, Bible Dictionary entry, “John, Epistles of” (p. 715), paragraph 3
1. How did John refer to himself in this epistle?


2. To whom is this letter addressed? What word is repeated three times in the first two verses of 2 John?


3. What three things did John desire to be with the recipients of this letter?



Day 2: Read 2 John 1:4-6
4. Why did John rejoice?


5. What commandment did John emphasize in this writing?


6. How do we best express love? What specific kind of love is indicated in footnote 6a?



Day 3: Read 2 John 1:7-8, with footnote 8a
7. Against what kind of anti-Christ did John issue warning?


8. How do we “look to ourselves”?



9. Read 2 John 1:8 with footnote 8a. How might early church members have lost what they had acquired? How might we do the same?



Day 4: Read 2 John 1:9-14
10. How can we “abide in the doctrine of Christ”? What is the promise if we do?



11. How might we let false doctrine into our homes? Do we do this knowingly?*



12. Why didn’t John want to put all his correspondence in this letter?



Day 5: Read 3 John 1:1-4, Bible Dictionary entry, “John, Epistles of,” paragraph 4
13. How did “the elder” (John) feel about Gaius?**



14. What was John’s desire toward Gaius? Why?




15. What brought John great joy? What brings you joy?



Day 6: Read 3 John 1:5-8, Deuteronomy 10:17-19, Matthew 25:35, Bible Dictionary entry, “Stranger”
16. Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19 and Matthew 25:35 with the footnote to 3 John 1:5b. To whom should we offer charity, or the pure love of Christ?



17. Define “stranger.” (See also Bible Dictionary entry, “Stranger.”)



18. What do you think it means to be “fellowhelpers to the truth”?



Day 7: Read 3 John 1:9-14 (with footnotes 9a, b, 12a)
19. For what was Diotrephes known?


20. List Diotrephes’ sins. How are these offenses described in the footnote to 3 John 1:9b?



21. How do we know Demetrius was a faithful follower of Christ?



From the Institute Manual:
*(53-7) 2 John 10, 11 . What Is So Serious About Bidding a Bearer of False Doctrine “Godspeed”?
“Godspeed” was a common form of greeting and of farewell in the 1600s when the King James Version was produced. It was, at that time, a good translation of the Greek. John was actually telling his readers to refrain from wishing prosperity and success to those whose lives and teachings were not in harmony with gospel truth. John is not suggesting that common courtesy cannot be extended to those who teach contrary doctrines. But in his time, the phrase he used also meant to welcome one into the home, to accept him as a guest. It was this kind of hospitality that enabled the itinerant preachers to exist and carry on their work. Thus, extending greeting was akin to supporting the work of these teachers. John is saying that saints should support only those who come teaching the gospel doctrine that Christ actually came in the flesh, suffered for mankind, brought about the Resurrection, and will judge each of us in the final day.
(53-8) 3 John 5–8 . For What Is Gaius Commended by John in These Verses?
Even as John urged his readers not to provide lodging for teachers of false doctrine, so he commends Gaius for his kindness to the true ministers of God’s word. It was a custom in the early church that members of the branch would take Christian missionaries into their homes and provide for their needs. Such an act, as formerly noted, implied acceptance of the missionaries and their message. Even if the inns of that day had not had the evil reputation that they did, it is unlikely that very many of the brethren would have been wealthy enough to stay in them. Gaius is praised for his unselfish devotion to the cause of Christ in providing accommodations for God’s traveling servants.

1 John 4-5

1 John 4-5 Study Guide – to be discussed January 27
Day 1: Read 1 John 4:1-6 (with footnote 1b), Moroni 7:16-17, Isaiah 54:17
1. Read Moroni 7:16-17 with 1 John 4:1-3. How can we “try the spirits” of those with whom we associate?



2. Read 1 John 4:4 with Isaiah 54:17. According to Isaiah, what is the heritage of the servants of the Lord? How can this heritage help us overcome the world?



3. How can we discern between truth and error?



Day 2: Read 1 John 4:7-11, 1 Nephi 11:20-23
4. What are the promises to those who love one another? What kind of love might be indicated?



5. What is the ultimate manifestation of God’s love for his children? (See also 1 Nephi 11:20-23.)



6. Why should we exercise unconditional love?



Day 3: Read 1 John 4:12-16 (with footnote 12a), D&C 124:18
7. What phrase in the JST footnote clarifies 1 John 4:12?



8. List more promises to those who love one another.



9. How does the bearing of testimony bring us closer to God? (See also D&C 124:18.)



Day 4: Read 1 John 4:17-21, 2 Timothy 1:7
10. How can we have confidence in the Day of Judgment?



11. How does perfect love cast out fear? (See also 2 Timothy 1:7.)



12. Why is it impossible to love God and hate our brothers and sisters?

Day 5: Read 1 John 5:1-5
13. What further reason does John give in 1 John 5:1 for us to love one another?



14. How is obedience related to love?



15. How can we overcome the world?



BONUS: List characteristics of love from 1 John 4:7 - 5:5.




Day 6: Read 1 John 5:6-12, Moses 6:58-60, D&C 6:23-24, Ether 5:4
16. How do the Spirit and the water and the blood bear witness of the Savior?* (See also Moses 6:58-60.)



17. What is “the witness of men”? What is “the witness of God”? (See also D&C 6:23-24.)



18. How can we use John’s record to establish the witness of Christ within ourselves? (See also Ether 5:4.)



Day 7: Read 1 John 5:13-21 (with footnotes 18b,c)
19. To whom did John write this letter? For what purpose(s) did he write?



20. List what we can have confidence in if we have a testimony of Christ’s divinity.



21. Using the JST footnotes to 1 John 5:18, how can we shield ourselves from evil and sin?

From the Institute Manual: (52-13) 1 John 4:8 . What Does John Mean by “God Is Love”?
“‘Our God is a consuming fire.’ ( Heb. 12:29 .) ‘God is light.’ ( 1 John 1:5 .) Similarly, God is also faith, hope, charity, righteousness, truth, virtue, temperance, patience, humility, and so forth. That is, God is the embodiment and personification of every good grace and godly attribute—all of which dwell in his person in perfection and in fulness.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:398.)

*See also (52-15) at http://institute.lds.org/manuals/new-testament-institute-student-manual/nt-in-11-11-52.asp

1 John 2-3 Study Guide – to be discussed January 20
Day 1: Read 1 John 2:1-6 (with footnotes 1a, 1b)
1. From 1 John 2:1, give a reason John wrote this epistle to the early church. How does the JST footnote clarify the meaning of this verse?



2. What is “propitiation”? Why is it effective for the sins of the whole world, not just for the repentant?



3. How do we come to “know” God?




Day 2: Read 1 John 2:7-14 (with footnotes 7a, 8a)
4. What was the “new” yet “old” commandment John wanted to emphasize?



5. What attitude causes spiritual blindness?


6. List who John addressed his remarks to and why




Day 3: Read 1 John 2:15-20 (with footnotes 16b, 20a), Bible Dictionary entry, “Antichrist”
7. If Jesus Christ is the creator of the world, why are we admonished NOT to love the world?



8. What will happen eventually to our love of the world? What will happen to our love of God?



9. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Antichrist” (p. 609). What is an “antichrist”? Are there antichrists in the world today? How can we recognize them?



Day 4: Read 1 John 2:21-29, John 14:7, 2 Nephi 32:3
10. What kinds of fellowship do those who deny Christ forfeit?


11. What does Christ promise those who follow him?


12. Read 2 Nephi 32:3 with 1 John 2:27. What is the “anointing” or gift John describes, that teaches us all truth?


Day 5: Read 1 John 3:1-6 (with footnote 6a), 1 Corinthians 13:12, Alma 5:14, D&C 88:68
13. How does God manifest his love for us?



14. Read 1 John 3:2-3 with 1 Corinthians 13:12, Alma 5:14 and D&C 88:68. How can we reflect the light of Christ?


15. How does the JST footnote for 1 John 3:6a aid your understanding of this passage?



Day 6: Read 1 John 3:7-18 (with footnotes 8a, 9b, 10a)
16. Whose are we if we continue in sin?


17. Using the JST footnote for 1 John 3:9b, how can we know we are born of God?



18. From 1 John 3:10, what two qualities should separate us from the world?



Day 7: Read 1 John 3:13-24 (with footnotes 16b, 18a)
19. How might those who exercise hate toward their brethren commit murder?



20. How might our hearts condemn us? Why is it important to have “confidence toward God”?



21. What does it mean to have the Lord abide in us?


From the Institute manual: Membership in the Church exists, in part, to further one’s spiritual condition. Fellowship is the principle means by which this is to be accomplished. Through fellowship, men and women with common goals and aspirations are given an opportunity to uplift and strengthen one another. This kind of fellowship far transcends that found in social groups or political parties. John knew that this fellowship is the distinguishing mark of the true Church, for it is not found anywhere else.
Do you understand the promise John is making to you? Can you see that as you determine to keep the commandments, you will receive power and love from God, and that he will readily cleanse you from all sin as you love and serve his children? Further, do you see that God’s power and love will be perfected in you until you become perfect and enjoy full fellowship in Christ and partake of his Spirit and blessings? God is offering you the power of eternity, and all he is asking in return is that you love and obey him and willingly serve his children. Can you make the offering of love so that you might be filled with his glory?

Introduction to 1 John

From "The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles" (Institute manual for the New Testament):
THEME Of 1 JOHN

Those who walk in the light receive the love of Christ and enjoy fellowship with the Father and the Son and with the children of God.

INTRODUCTION

Suppose you had lived in the days of Jesus and had actually spent time in his presence. Suppose that you had heard him teach, had seen the miracles he had performed, and had felt by the Spirit the power of the testimony he bore of himself—that he came into the world to do the will of the Father, which included giving his life. Further, suppose you were a witness to his resurrection and had been privileged and worthy enough to see and feel the wounds made during his sacrifice, in part, for your sins. How would you feel toward the Savior? How would you feel about a teaching spreading among some of your fellow Christians that Jesus didn’t really suffer for anyone’s sins but merely seemed to do so? Further, that he really wasn’t a partaker of mortality but only appeared to be, and that the physical body the Lord displayed after the resurrection was an illusion? This was the problem faced by the apostle John. It appears that some Christians had adopted an early form of Gnosticism and were teaching that Jesus could not have truly come in the flesh, for God is holy and could have nothing to do with contaminating matter. To explain the Savior’s presence on earth, the Gnostics set forth two arguments: either Christ was only apparently human or else the spirit which inhabited Jesus’ mortal body descended into the man Jesus at the time of his commitment to God in baptism and departed just prior to his suffering on the cross. Thus Christ did not really suffer for our sins; it was only the man Jesus who was crucified. The first of these philosophies was known as Docetism, so called from the Greek word dokeo, “to seem or appear,” and the latter was known as Cerinthianism, named for Cerinthus, its primary proponent in the first century.

John wrote, among other reasons, to dispel such notions. Note his insistence that he had personally seen and “handled” the “Word of life” ( 1 John 1:1, 2 ), a strike at Docetism. Notice also his vehement statement that whoever “denieth that Jesus is the Christ” is a liar ( 1 John 2:22 ), a slap at Cerinthianism. Finally, notice his declaration that “every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh” is not of God but is anti-Christ ( 1 John 4:2, 3 ).

As you turn your attention to the book of 1 John, consider the power of John’s testimony as an eyewitness of Jesus Christ’s appearance in the flesh. Consider also the meaning in your life as John teaches that you can come to know the true God and Christ and, more, have a fellowship with them. As you read, look for his instructions on how you can develop this fellowship and how you can know that another person has true fellowship with those members of the Godhead.

INTERPRETIVE COMMENTARY

(52-1) What Is the Theme of 1 John?

“Written by the Disciple whom Jesus loved, and who in turn had such great love for his Lord and his fellowmen that he gained permission to remain on earth and seek to save souls until the Second Coming—this Epistle has as its essential theme:

“That God is love;

“That love is the foundation upon which all personal righteousness rests;

“That all the purposes and plans of Deity are based on his infinite and eternal love; and

“That if men will personify that love in their lives, they will become like the Lord himself and have eternal life with him.

“The doctrines expounded include how to gain fellowship with God; how to know God and Christ; how to become the sons of God; how to abide in the light and love the brethren; how to dwell in God and have him dwell in us; how to be born again and gain eternal life.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:371.)

(52-2) Where and When Was It Written?

As with the other general epistles, so with 1 John: the letter provides us with little or no evidence on which to fix a place of writing. If the tradition regarding John’s long residence in Ephesus is correct, the letter could have been written from there. Although John spent the major portion of his life in the Holy Land, Christians as well as Jews were unwelcome there following the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in A.D. 70.

The letter seems to belong to a period in which the so-called Gnostic philosophy was on the rise. It also bears a close relationship to the fourth Gospel, which is dated about A.D. 90 or 95.

The book of 1 John was probably written sometime around A.D. 96 and almost certainly between A.D. 70 and 100.