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Lessons Learned From Studying the Seven Churches of Asia So far in our study of Revelation, we have completed the first three chapters. Of course the majority of those chapters deal with the issues confronting the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Here are some things I have noticed in our studies: The importance of a good introduction. To each church Jesus identified Himself in descriptive terms. This served to establish His authority, His knowledge of their circumstances, and what was about to happen to them. Jesus did not merely know what they were doing but He was "in the midst" of those churches, Rev. 2.1. He is the "First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life," Rev. 2.8. He overcame death so we can have everlasting life. He has preeminence in the church. His mouth contains the word of God and is a "sharp two edged sword", Rev. 2.12. He has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like fine brass, Rev. 2.18. He sees all and shows His displeasure at the tolerance of Jezebel in Thyatira. His knowledge is that of the seven Spirits of God, Rev. 3.1. Perhaps meaning He has complete knowledge of their works and their tribulation. He does not merely possess a key or one of many keys but "the key of David", Rev. 3.7. He rules on the throne of David in heaven. His power and authority is over all the earth. No one can change what He says. Jesus is the "Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God,” Rev. 3.14. John says that without the word there would have been no creation for He was instrumental in the creation, John 1.1-3. We should always pay attention to the introduction. Church problems are a reflection of societal problems. The church at Ephesus was not facing immediate persecution, which may have been the result of a city with a laid back attitude toward religion. They hated false doctrine but they did not love the Lord as they should have, Rev. 2.4. Emperor worship was practiced in many of the cities as was other forms of idolatry, resulting in Christians being lead away by the false deities and teachings. Those who remained faithful were in danger or persecution and death. Compromise was tempting because if allows one to think they are standing for the truth without being dogmatic. The same can be said for churches today. The attitudes and sins of those around us have an effect on our attitudes and practices. You live in an area with lots of hot weather and water, I dare say modesty is a problem. Perhaps you live in an area where smoking and drinking of alcohol is widely practiced, I dare say it will be a problem in the church. We live in a time of lose morality and churches are having to face members living with their boyfriends or girlfriends outside of marriage. Every church has problems. I used to think that Smyrna and Philadelphia were prefect because they were not chastised by Jesus. While they did not have any internal spiritual problems, they did have problems. They were facing persecution from Rome, false teachers, Jewish contempt, and even death. Most of us would like to go to the "perfect congregation." A congregation where everyone got along with one another all the time. A congregation where the truth is always taught. A congregation busy in reaching the lost and edifying its members. In order to be such a congregation, we have to work at growing in those areas. Thus, Smyrna and Philadelphia were not perfect but they were growing in perfection. The best instruction will do no good if we do not pay attention. Jesus tells the churches to listen up and repent. It is one thing to hear something, it is another to pay attention to what has been said. Listening is essential in learning but it does no good if we do not think about what we have heard. Even Jesus could not make the churches listen and repent. No one can listen for us and no one can render obedience to God on our behalf. On numerous occasions Jesus concluded His teachings by saying, take heed. More taking heed needs to be done today. Finally, the battle is real and so is its outcome. Some of these Christians would be killed. They were fed to lions, burned at the stake, sawn into, etc. But they were on the winning side. Jesus and His church would overcome Satan and the world. He would be victorious therefore He promised the tree of life, Rev. 2.7; protection from the second death, Rev. 2.11; hidden manna, and a white stone, Rev. 2.17; power over the nations, Rev. 2.26ff; clothing His subjects with a white robe and writing their names in the Book of Life, Rev. 3.5; making them a pillar in the temple of God, Rev. 3.12; and places to sit on His throne, Rev.21. Only the victorious enjoy the fruits of the battle. Those who are faithful will enjoy the outcome of this battle. We today must remain faithful and battle to forces of Satan if we want to be victorious. -- Dennis Tucker |