When the Bride Comes Down (Revelation 21:9-27; 1 Kings 6:19-22)

When the bride comes down
Revelation 21:9-27
1 Kings 6:19-22

God loves you more than you can ever imagine.

I.    The Bride is a Gift (21:9-14) 
    A.    Coming Down from Heaven (21:9-10; cf. Revelation 17:1, James 1:17)
    B.    Reflecting Glory (21:11; cf. Psalm 8:1, Exodus 34:29-35)
    C.    On Solid Foundations (21:12-14; cf. Ephesians 2:17-22, Hebrews 11:8-10)

II.    The Bride is Holy (21:15-21)
    A.    Her Measurements  (21:15-17; cf. 1 Kings 6:19-22)
    B.    Her Adornments (21:18-21; cf Genesis 2:12, Exodus 28:21, 1 Peter 2:4-5, Luke 14:21)

III.    The Bride is Loved (21:22-27)
    A.    Seeing No Temple (21:22; cf. Matthew 27:39-40)
    B.    Walking in the Light (21:23-26; cf. Isaiah 60:20, Psalm 119-105)
    C.    Keep it Clean (21:27)
    D.    The Groom’s Love (Jeremiah 2:32, Ephesians 5:32-33)
Discussion Starters
1.    Monday—Are you ever motivated by fear? What sorts of things are you tempted to do out of fear? 
2.    Tuesday—Why do you think John uses such extravagant language to tell what the glorified people of God will be like? What are some of the differences between the promiscuous harlot (Babylon) and the beautiful bride (New Jerusalem)? What’s the significance of the Bride of the Lamb coming down from heaven?  
3.    Wednesday—Why do you think the angel measures the city with a gold rod? The city turns out to be a perfect square—what does that correspond to? What does it say about the city?
4.    Thursday—Discuss the 12 precious jewels of the wall. Where else do we find 12 precious stone like these in Scripture? What does that tell us about the New Jerusalem? What’s the significance of having gold in the street of the city?
5.    Friday—Discuss why John doesn’t see a temple in the city. What does it mean when John refers to the Lamb as the lamp? What does it say about God, if there is no need for the sun and moon? How does this passage correspond with Ephesians 5:32-33? And how might that inform your marriage and our church should be like?