Week of January 4, 2026
Celebrate the Triumph of God: The Book of Revelation | Week 1
“And Those Who Had Conquered”: Anticipating Victory
Monday | Revelation 11:7-11
Revelation doesn’t hold back on how bad things can get for the followers of Jesus … in this case, the two witnesses likely represent the entire church boldly proclaiming God’s Word as did the prophets Moses and Elijah (and the apostles Peter and Paul). Satan (the beast from the abyss) has the power to make war on the church, at least temporarily killing the witnesses (yet resurrection follows!). As you look at the church in America, around the world, and your own life, what are examples of Satan going to war against us? How can we best respond when it seems like Satan is winning? What is our bottom-line hope?
Tuesday | Revelation 5:1-5, 9-10
The Book of Revelation is clear that Jesus has won the victory over the powers of darkness … not as we would have anticipated, but by serving as the sacrificial Lamb on the cross. One scholar comments: “In the two visions that have most to do with the redemption and salvation of God’s people and with the resulting triumphal reign of Christ, an elder attends John, not an angel. Who better than an elevated saint, who himself has gone through the suffering but now is at peace before God’s holy presence, to tell John to stop weeping by urging him to look at the Lamb of God?” Why was Jesus worthy to open the scroll of God’s revelation of judgment and salvation? How does it matter to you that Jesus gave his life on the cross? As a result of Jesus’ work, what is now your status before God and the world (see verse 10)?
Wednesday | Revelation 2:7,10-11, 17; 12:9-12
The challenge to the churches addressed in chapter 2 is to overcome … to gain an eternal victory. What does Revelation 12:11 tell us about how we gain such a victory? How is it that we receive and participate in the victory of Jesus? How does Satan attack us to block our path to victory? How do we best engage in the battle? When, if at all, do you feel like a winner through Jesus?
Thursday | 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
This is one of the great passages of confident hope in the New Testament. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, “death has been swallowed up victory” (v.54) and we will share in the eternal triumph of Jesus. How does this portion of God’s Word impact our view of death? … our own eternal destiny? … motivation and courage to live a life devoted to God’s work?
Friday | Romans 8:31-39
Throughout this week, the language of victory, triumph, overcoming, and conquering has as its root word nike (that’s right, the name of the athletic apparel company). In 8:37, the Apostle Paul chooses the word hyper-nike: ours is not just a win through Jesus but a total dismantling of the powers of darkness. What is your emotional response to these verses? v.31 That God is for you? v.32 That he gave you Jesus? v.33 That Satan the accuser has no charge to bring against you? v.34 That Jesus himself intercedes for you? v.37 That you are a super-conqueror? v.38 That nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ?
