Teaching Revelation in BSF Students

Why teach Revelation to students?

• To reveal Jesus Christ and proclaim His glory

• To teach the whole counsel of God in an age-appropriate manner
• To recognize the challenge from Revelation to live faithfully now
• To claim God’s promise: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy,
and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is
near” (Revelation 1:3).

What are the key messages in the Revelation study?

• The book of Revelation is more about Jesus than events, symbols, and timelines.
• The message of Revelation (and the Bible) is God is in control. He is the one who rights
wrongs and sets things straight. Jesus is the only King and Lord in the universe. He will
triumph over sin, death, and Satan.

How will we teach Revelation to students?

• All Scripture is equally true but not equally clear. BSF encourages questions but does not let
unclear details overshadow the majesty of Jesus.
• The Bible lesson your student hears will be in alignment with the adult lecture and notes.
BSF aims to equip adults in the spiritual training of their students.
• The lessons are presented with a high view of our loving heavenly Father. Our focus is on
Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life offered through His life, death, and resurrection.
• Revelation’s apocalyptic literature will be taught with age-appropriate sensitivity without
emphasis on prophetic symbols and timelines.

How can you help your student through the study of Revelation?

• Be excited! Students often grasp the impact of Revelation more quickly than most adults.
Affirm and let them know you are thrilled they are in BSF for such a wonderful time of
personal growth.
• Pray for your student to know God and love Him through this study. Encourage your student
to ask God for His help to read and understand His Word.
• Encourage your student that the study of Revelation is not too hard for them!

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• Student Discovery Guide questions sometimes encourage students to speak with their BSF
adult. Be available for discussion of these questions to help your student process and apply
the Bible.
• Be ready to debrief each lesson with your student and identify any confusion. Ask good
questions: What did you learn about _____ in class today? What was difficult to understand
in class today? What attribute of God was in the lesson? What Basic Truth of the Christian
Faith was discussed?
• Don’t be anxious about not having exact answers to the symbolism in Revelation. It is the
deliberate interaction with your student that will be helpful.
• Prioritize consistent attendance. It is easier to understand the current lesson in the context
of what was taught the week before. Expect struggles with priorities because of the spiritual
significance of the study. Help your student plan for daily study of God’s Word in addition to
the deadlines of school projects, homework, etc.
• Help your student show grace and understanding to those who interpret the Scriptures
differently. Students can be passionate about their particular end-time view.
• Be supportive when your student wants to witness to family and friends! Students often feel
the rising urgency to share the gospel with others when they study Revelation. Encourage
your student when they want to invite another student to BSF.
• Students may have questions about their salvation, be frightened, or wonder about their
friend who does not believe in Jesus. Be ready to talk with your student about the grace
of God extended to sinners through the gospel and let them know God is serious about
sin. Justice will be done for those who refuse to trust Jesus, but God gives so many
opportunities for people to receive grace. Help students understand those who reject God’s
grace choose to receive His judgment.