The LORD instructs the apostle John to write
concerning the things which were (those things which he had seen and recorded in
Chapters 1 and 2); the things that are (in his day, the seven churches of Asia
Minor as recorded in Chapters 3 and 4); and the things that shall be
“hereafter” (which involves the remaining chapters 5 through 22). We focused on
chapters 3 and 4, and prayerfully what I hope to do, LORD willing is to do a
full study on the book of REVELATION on The
TRUTH Under FIRE.
In summary, what have we learned (from the introduction of this series and) as the main lessons
that the LORD is instructing these seven churches, and what must be done to
correct the problems and issues that they faced? Let’s go over them briefly
before we conclude this series with a brief treatment of the doctrine of the
rapture of the church.
1) From the church of EPHESUS, we learned that their
problems/issues were:
Ephesus
(REV 2:1-7; which was “desirable, or
darling, one who is greatly beloved”) – the Apostolic
church – they were faithful in exposing false apostles teaching lies, while
clinging to the words of the apostle Paul who warns the elders of the church of
Ephesus about wolves (false teachers) in ACTS
20:17,29-30 but they were guilty of neglecting their relationship with the
LORD, their “first (best, ultimate) love” (REV
2:4). Though the LORD walks in their midst – He is not remote, He is not
distant or unapproachable. He is accessible to us, who are born of His Spirit,
and we can spend time in getting to know and love Him. Let’s not fail the LORD
on this point as Ephesus failed.
And
the solution to these, according to the LORD is as follows:
Let us hold fast to our first and best love: the LORD
Jesus Christ Himself – experience His love for us, to study His Word
devotionally as well as practically, and as we bask in His love, we return that
love in response to Him (1 JOHN 4:29).
This is the best and only
motivator where works done in His Name are accomplished!
REV
2:1
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks…
He is in the midst of these saints, and yet they have left their first love. “If you find that God is distant from you, someone moved – and it wasn’t God.” That is often true!
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks…
He is in the midst of these saints, and yet they have left their first love. “If you find that God is distant from you, someone moved – and it wasn’t God.” That is often true!
The Ephesians didn’t realize their condition;
it took the LORD to expose it to them. He admonished them to remember
where they once stood, where they had fallen. To repent of their neglect
of their Beloved Savior, “and do the first works” – again, ‘the best’ works:
So, let us all labor to enter into the rest of the
LORD (HEB 4:11), to rest from their
own works and find satisfaction in RELATIONSHIP with the only One Who can bring
such satisfaction (JOHN 7:37) and
allow Him to produce “good works/fruit” by the Spirit, not by our own effort.
HEB
4:10-11
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
2) From the church of SMYRNA, we learned that there were no
essential problems/issues (this and Philadelphia are exempt of any correction
and counsel to repent of anything:
There are admonitions and encouragements to these, that the LORD gave to them:
The LORD gave to Smyrna – the suffering church only
four verses. Let us bear in mind, that in times of sorrow and suffering, fewer
words of comfort are often better than many words of counsel.
REV
2:8
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
This church, whose city is based on the word myrrh – used
for embalming the dead, is given the revelation of the LORD as He Who is the
First and the Last, the Alpha and Omega, the One Who dwells outside of time,
and in eternity (ISAIAH 57:15). He
Who was dead but is alive with victorious resurrection power!
For this church that is suffering and enduring persecution and death, He is the Eternal One, the Resurrection and the Life (JOHN 11:25)!
The admonition is therefore:
REV 2:10
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
So, let us remain faithful in our trust in the LORD Who
alone enable us to remain faithful in the midst of attacks from Satan, from the
world, in persecution or tribulation or trial; even to death – death to self as
well as martyrdom if it comes to that.
2
COR 4:9-11
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
3) From the church of PERGAMOS, we learned that their problems/issues were as follows:
REV
2:14-15
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
Pergamos is known as the compromised church; it was a
church of ‘mixed multitude’ or literally ‘per’
“mixed or corrupted” and ‘gamy’
marriage: “a mixed marriage” (between the church and the world, much like the
children of Israel back in the days of the Exodus); they were a mix of
believers and non-believers. There was a mix of true faith, with false religion,
false doctrine: leaven.
And despite all of this, there were those among this
mixed multitude, those faithful ones who did NOT deny the Name of the LORD, and
who remained FAITHFUL – they did “not deny My faith” the LORD said – that is,
they held to their biblical integrity, holding on to and following the Word of
God, rather than the philosophies and beliefs that were precious to the
citizens of pagan Pergamos.
And the solution to these, according to the LORD were
as follows:
Worship of God in Spirit and Truth, unadulterated and
unmixed with religious beliefs, practices, and or influences. Live a life of
godly purity by the power of the Spirit and not partake of the sinful things of
this fallen world.
1
PETER 2:11
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
2
COR 6:16-18
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
4) From the church of THYATIRA, we learned that their problems/issues were these:
REV
2:20-21
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
The mixed corruption that began in Pergamos was
elevated, expanded upon and exalted in the church of Thyatira – spiritual
fornication in sacrifices to idols and more false doctrines. There was a mixed
multitude here as well because others did not “have this doctrine” and for them
the LORD had different counsel.
And
the solution to these, according to the LORD were as follows:
21
And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into
great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill
her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which
searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according
to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
Regarding fornication of the spiritual sort, the same
counsel applies to the sin of fornication that was committed in the Corinthian
church:
1 COR 5:6-11
6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
5) From the church of SARDIS, we learned that their problems/issues were:
In every church we have seen so far, the LORD
introduces Himself to the saints there with a title, a characteristic or an
attribute that the church needs. Here He speaks of the very Spirit of God, He
who holds the pastors in His hand.
But how can a church ever be in need of the Spirit of
God?? Let’s look at the second half of verse 1:
“. . . I know thy works, that thou hast a name that
thou livest, and art dead.” The Greek word for “name” is onoma, from which we get the term nomenclature – it may refer to
classification, or denomination interestingly enough. The LORD tells them that
they have a name – or an “identity” or “reputation” that they live but are
dead.
And
the solution to these, according to the LORD were as follows:
REV
3:2-3
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect [complete] before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect [complete] before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.
All is not hopeless
however – the LORD tells them to be watchful and strengthen the things “which
remain, that are ready to die . . .” Which means there are things yet remaining
that aren’t dead, yet! There are times in our lives as Christians when our
appetite for the Word of God seems to die off, when we no longer have a passion
for prayer, no conviction of sin, nor care for the spiritually lost. The fire
of the Holy Spirit seems only to smolder in our hearts – and yet there is still
hope! Our spiritual lives are bruised and broken; we are not on fire as we once
were: just smoldering –
ISAIAH
42:3
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
6) From the church of PHILADELPHIA, we learned that there were no
essential problems/issues (Again, both Philadelphia and Smyrna are exempt of
any correction and counsel to repent of anything,
There
are admonitions and encouragements to these, that the LORD gave to them:
REV 3:8-11
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
The available open door is an encouragement and
reminder to us that we do not belong to this world, that we are going to make an
exit of this fallen, sinful creation under the domain of Satan and are going
home, and so there is the directive to “hold fast” and remaining faithful in
watching and praying for the LORD’s return:
2
PETER 3:11-13
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
TITUS
2:13-14
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
7) From the church of LAODICEA, we learned that their problems/issues were:
REV
3:15-17
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
So, we see here a complacency, a compromise between
zealous love for the LORD and a cold indifference for the LORD and His Word.
This compromise of lukewarm-ness leads to captivity as well as deception and
defeat at the hands of our enemy Satan and a love for and friendship with this
fallen world.
And
the solution to these, according to the LORD were as follows:
REV 3:18-19
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Gold speaking of purity from refinement tried by fire;
white raiment speaks of the righteousness of the saints and eye salve speaks of
spiritual understanding and discernment.
The church of Laodicea needed, as do we, to abstain from loving this world and its friendship (JAMES 4:4) – not that we don’t show Christ’s compassion and love for unredeemed sinners, but the things that belong to Satan’s domain, those things which are sinful and commanded by our LORD to keep ourselves pure from.
Given that the Laodicean age, in which we now live, is
the preceding period prior to the revelation of the Beast and that time of
utter spiritual darkness, we must safeguard our hearts from getting too deeply
involved in the things of this world – to not rest in a spiritual slumber of
laziness regarding our relationship with the LORD and our devotion in loving
and serving Him. To keep ourselves stirred up and excited, our hearts focused
on our GOD!
ROMANS
13:11-14
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Let us not fear persecution and sufferings and attacks by the enemy and be faithful to the LORD even if it means physical death, yet surely becoming 'dead to self' daily - and we shall receive a crown of life as Smyrna was promised.
Let us keep ourselves pure of worldliness, false doctrine and religion, and spiritual fornication as Pergamos, Thyatira and Laodicea were stained with.
Let us be sure that we are truly born again of the Spirit and not relying upon religion, reputation or Christian traditions as a foundation for our salvation as did Sardis.
Let us be watchful, prayerful and ready for the LORD Who will soon greet us at the Door He has opened for us; may we be prepared to meet our LORD as the chaste virgin, keeping our garments clean and presentable for our Beloved, as did Philadelphia.
This concludes the study of the seven churches - LORD willing, this will commence a full, detailed study on the Book of REVELATION to be published on The TRUTH Under FIRE, upon completion of the current study in the Gospel of Matthew (To view the first article in this series, click on the preceding link).
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