Revelation chapter 20 1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time.

Revelation chapter 20 What is significant about the key and chain in verse 1? Lends to the imagery of the concept that the person in possession of the items have authority and power to use them. They are instruments of security. Is there any doubt as to the identity of the being that is bound? The dragon, serpent, devil and Satan Why such a vivid description?

Revelation chapter 20 Where and what is the bottomless pit? What purpose do you think it serves to lock Satan away and then release him? Do you think that Satan is bound in the bottomless pit right now? Can you think of anyone else in scripture who was bound or locked away and continued to function? Paul was jailed and continued to worship and evangelize as well as pen letters to churches. John confined to the Island of Patmos.

Revelation chapter 20 Is Satan’s power over mankind as strong as it ever was or is it limited now? I think limited because: Matthew 16:18 won’t overcome the church Matthew 24:35, 1 Peter 1:25 won’t overcome the Word God will not burden us with more than we can bear When was Satan’s power limited? The resurrection Beware: Although Satan has limited power, and he’s destined for hell; he still prowls about looking for souls to devour!

Revelation chapter 20 4 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

Revelation chapter 20 What happened to those who had been faithful until death? What do you think about John seeing the souls of the martyrs saints and they came to life? What do you think about the martyrs reigning with Christ for 1000 years? Literal or figurative?

Revelation chapter 20 What do you think about the first resurrection mentioned in verse 5? In context of verses 5 and 6 it appears to be the new spiritual life one obtains after obeying the gospel. What are your thoughts about the second death mentioned in verse 6? See verse 14

Revelation chapter 20 7 When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, 8 and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. 9 And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Revelation chapter 20 What is the purpose for Satan being paroled for a short time? WHY? To test mankind, look to Job for that example See Luke 18:8 Jesus will have difficulty finding faith on the earth See 1 Peter 5:8 keep your guard up How much sand is on the seashore? Better yet, how much sand can I shovel into a bushel basket?

Revelation chapter 20 What is the emphases on the imagery of fire coming down and devouring the army of Satan? Speaks to the awesome power of God! When Satan’s parole is revoked, is there any doubt about him not being paroled again?

Revelation chapter Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation chapter 20 What is significant about the throne in verse 11? Remember chapter 4 Color Who occupies it Its location What are your thoughts regarding the books mentioned in verse 12? Are they literal or figurative?

Revelation chapter 20 What imagery comes to mind with the sea giving up its dead? Some believe regardless of where man dies, God will find them Some believe this shows no sinner can hide from judgment No one escapes God’s judgment What is meant in verse 14 that death and hades are thrown into the lake of fire?