Chapter 1145 of 1163

Revelation 2–3

Judgment begins at “the house of God” (1 Pet. 4:17), so Jesus deals with the seven churches before He deals with the lost world. These churches illustrate the good and the bad in churches everywhere and in every age. If you were looking for a church to join, which of these seven would you select and why?

Ephesus (2:1–7). There is so much good in this church that we are surprised to discover they had left (not lost) their first love. The honeymoon was over (Jer. 2:2)! No amount of separation, sacrifice, or service can make up for your lack of love toward the Lord. The word Nicolaitans means “conquer the people.” Apparently a group in the church lorded it over the people and promoted a separation of “clergy” and “laity.” (See Matt. 21:20–27; 23:1–12.)

Smyrna (2:8–11). The name Smyrna comes from “myrrh,” which is a bitter herb, a suitable name for a church facing persecution. Would the believers be fearful or faithful (v. 10)? Suffering can enrich us, even if we think we are poor; and what people think is riches might turn out to be poverty (3:17)! What difference does it make if people slander you so long as you have the Lord’s approval?

Pergamos (2:12–17). These believers held to the faith even when it might have cost them their lives. But they were too tolerant of false doctrine and were in danger of having the Lord declare war on the church. Balaam convinced Israel to compromise with their unbelieving neighbors, disobey the Lord, and indulge in immorality (Num. 22–24). Being willing to die for the faith is no substitute for living the faith.

Thyatira (2:18–29). Verse 19 gives you the impression that all is well in the church, but keep reading! Like the saints in Pergamos, the believers in Thyatira tolerated sin in the church. Idolatry and immorality usually go together, and Jezebel personifies both (1 Kings 16:29–34; 21; 2 Kings 9:30–37). Not everybody in the fellowship was guilty of sin, and the Lord did not warn them. Instead, He encouraged them to hold to the truth and be faithful.

Sardis (3:1–6). This church had a great reputation, but close examination showed that its ministry did not live up to its name. In fact, the church was ready to die! What was the cause? Many of the people were defiling themselves by compromising with sin (2 Cor. 6:14–18; James 1:27). The “Book of Life” contains the names of all living persons; and when a person dies without Christ, the name is blotted out. Believers have their names in the Lamb’s Book of Life and can never be blotted out.

Philadelphia (3:7–13). The name means “brotherly love,” and Jesus had a special love for these people (v. 9). Weak as they were, they were given an open door of service; and the Lord urged them to take advantage of it. When God opens a door for you, nobody can shut it; but you can ignore or neglect it.

Laodicea (3:14–22). This church did not know how bad off it was! It was a working church, but its service was lukewarm. The members lacked spiritual enthusiasm. It was a wealthy church, but it was really poor—and did not know its own sad condition. Worst of all, the Lord was outside the church trying to get in! If only one member would yield to Him, the church could be changed.

God’s people must be open and honest with the Lord and humbly submit to His spiritual diagnosis. No church or Christian is so far gone that He cannot bring renewal, but we must be willing to repent and return to Him.

To the Overcomers

Each of these messages to the churches ends with a promise to the overcomers. These overcomers are not an elite group in the church but true believers who have trusted Christ (1 John 5:1–5). No matter how unspiritual an assembly may become, Christ will always honor those who belong to Him if they are faithful to His Word. The promises to the overcomers follow Old Testament history, from the Garden of Eden (Rev. 2:7) to the kingdom throne (3:21).

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