REVELATION: THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES Class 1. Foundation Of The Letters I. THE BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION

Transcription

1 REVELATION: THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES Class 1. Foundation Of The Letters I. THE BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION Rev 1:1-3 1:1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. NKJV A. The Blessing Of The Letter 1. Vs. 1 - Jesus sent this revelation to show His servants what was going to shortly take place. The key to this verse is that Jesus wants to shows us what s coming in the future. It s His desire to reveal and not hide these things from His servants. The problem is, if you are not one of His servants, they will remain hidden from you. Mark 4: And He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." 24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." NKJV 1 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

2 Luke 10: In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. (nepios (nay'-pee-os) NT:3516; an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian) Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." 23 Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; 24 for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it." NKJV 2. Vs. 3 This is one of the first beatitudes or blessings God pronounces to those who read, hear and who keep or obey the words of this prophecy. (The other six blessing are found in 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14) We will be blessed just for doing this study together. The fact that we must hear, keep and obey the words of this book makes it much more than a book of future events, but also an instruction book for us to follow as these events take place. We must learn and apply the great spiritual principles within this book as all scripture is given by inspiration by God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction that the man or woman of God may be thoroughly furnished unto every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16) B. John s Salutation From Jesus And Himself Rev 1:4-8 4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 2 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

3 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." 1. Vs. 4 Here we see a picture or description of God, Who has always been, and will always be God the Most High. John is describing a triune God Who exists as the Father and Creator of the universe; and His Spirit, which is perfect in wisdom and holiness as, represented by the seven Spirits being the Holy Spirit. The term seven spirits most likely refer to the sevenfold nature or virtues of the Holy Spirit as found in the Messiah according to Isaiah 11:2. Isa 11:2 2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. NKJV a. The spirit of the Lord the nature of Jesus b. The spirit of wisdom the ability to make the right decision, to rightly divide and judge or discern c. The spirit of understanding the ability to understand everything d. The spirit of counsel the ability to give sound advice e. The spirit of might the power to do what God wants done f. The spirit of knowledge the ability to know beyond human comprehension g. The spirit of the fear of the Lord the ability to respect God s will in everything 3 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

4 2. We learned in the Warfare, Intercession and Worship studies that in the Tabernacle of Moses, the lampstand represented the Holy Spirit and His revelation and that each of the seven lamps represented a work or operation of the Holy Spirit. Salvation through the regeneration of the human spirit. Manifestation of Spiritual Gifts. The sealing of believers until the day of redemption. The leading and guiding of believers in all truth, with revelation and insight. Helping in the renewal of the mind. Helps with the transformation process of the believer into the image of Christ. The empowerment of the believer for the work of the ministry. 3. Vs. 5 We now move from the Father to the Son and Jesus is identified. In this verse Jesus is called: a. The Faithful Witness Meaning He was faithful in everything God gave Him to do. He is the Word of God made flesh and as such, He is the faithful example of the very nature and character of the living God and the express image of God according to Hebrews. This is fulfilled in His first coming to earth through His physical birth and the life, which He experienced here. b. The Firstborn from the Dead Jesus is the first to die and rise again without dying again. Others were raised to life only to die again. Because of this, He alone has the power of life over death and because He is the firstborn, He precedes the rest of those God has called into this very life Jesus provides. (see Rom. 8:29-30; Heb. 12:18-24 below) c. The Prince (Ruler) of the Kings of the Earth Jesus now has power and authority over every ruler in this earth. The time will come shortly for Him to exercise this authority and 4 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

5 power in the eyes of all living things in this earth. He is also Ruler of those who He has called and empowered to be Kings and Priests alongside with Him. This event will be witnessed by everyone in His second coming and reign during the Millennium. (see Rev 5:8-10; 1 Peter 2:4-5; Rev. 20:6; 22:1-5 below) Rom 8: For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. NKJV Heb 12: For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore. 20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: "And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow." 21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.") 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. NKJV Rev 5: Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having 5 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

6 a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth." NKJV 1 Peter 2:4-5 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. NKJV Rev 20:6 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years. NKJV Rev 22:1-5 1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. NKJV 6 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

7 4. Vs. 6 & 7 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. It easy to see in the preceding scriptures that God has a calling and purpose for us in His Kingdom. But our training for that work is here on the earth in this present time as His representatives and ambassadors. He has used three different descriptive terms for us in this first chapter servants, kings and priests. In verse six we find that Jesus made us kings and priests to serve our Father God and to glorify Him. The Spirit filled life Study Bible says of this verse: We, through His glorious dominion, have been designated kings and priests to God also a present calling. Thus, these dual offices give perspective on our authority and duty and how we most effectively may advance the kingdom of God. First, we are said to be kings in the sense that under the King of kings we are the new breed the reborn, to whom God has delegated authority to extend and administrate the powers of His rule. Of course, this involves faithful witness to the gospel in the power of the Spirit and loving service to humanity in the love of God. But it also involves confrontation with dark powers of hell, assertive prayer warfare, and an expectation of the miraculous works of God (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:10-20; 1 Cor. 2:4.). However, this authority is only fully accomplished in the spirit of praiseful worship, as we exercise the office of priests. Some translations read, a kingdom of priests, which emphasizes that the rule is only effective when the priestly mission is faithfully attended. Worship is foundational to kingdom advance. The power of the believer before God s throne, worshiping the Lamb and exalting in the Holy Spirit of praise, is mightily confounding to the Adversary. (See Ex. 19:5-7 and Ps. 22:3)1 a. Jesus return in the clouds for all to see marks the coming of His Judgment, which He will personally deliver in the day of His vengeance. This is not the rapture of the 1Jack W. Hayford, general editor; consulting editors, Sam Middlebrook [et.al.], Spirit filled life study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

8 church, but rather the coming day of the Lord. Judgment will already be taking place in the earth and will have already been in process before His return. The key phrase is aimed at those who were responsible for rejecting Him who did so with the same spirit of those who rejected Him and crucified Him. Their mourning will be a product of the revelation of Who Jesus really is and the terrible tragedy of their reaction of the very truth they cried out for and desperately needed, but didn t accept. b. Jesus ascended into the clouds and angels appeared and said He would return that way. Acts 1: Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." NKJV c. Jesus prophesied about this in His teaching to His disciples in Matthew 24: Matt 24: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. NKJV Did you notice where Jesus gathers His elect? 8 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

9 5. Vs. 8 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Jesus says He is the Alpha and Omega or the beginning and the end of all things. He is everything from start to finish that can ever be said or attributed to God. As such, He is the promise made and the fulfillment of the very same promise. J Vernon McGee said; From the alphabet you make words, and Jesus is called The Word Of God the full revelation and communications of God. Jesus is the only alphabet you can use to reach God, my friend. The only language God speaks and understands is the language where Jesus is the Alpha and Omega and all the letters in between. II THE VISION OF THE SON OF MAN A. John And The Word Of God Rev 1: I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." NKJV 1. In vs. 9, John identifies with those whom he is writing to as a brother and companion in with them in the Lord. At this point, the church hadn t been given over to ecclesiasticism, or the division between clergy and laity which has brought so much harm to the church of Jesus Christ. John instead identifies himself as their brother, thereby avoiding the glamour of title and position, which are precursors to pride, and the possible 9 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

10 perversion of authority over others, which Jesus warned us about in His teachings. Mark 9: Then He came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them, "What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?" 34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. 35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." 36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." NKJV Mark 10: Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." 36 And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" 37 They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory." 38 But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Can you drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" 39 They said to Him, "We are able." So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared." 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 10 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

11 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." NKJV See John 13:1-17 a. John was imprisoned on a small Island called Patmos, which was only 10 miles long and 6 miles wide. The island was located 60 miles southwest of Ephesus in the Aegean Sea. Volcanic and treeless, the Romans used it as a penal colony, forcing prisoners to work in the granite quarries. b. John, who was about 90 years old at the time, was there because he refused the truth of the gospel and his personal witness of Jesus Christ. Therefore, during a time of persecution by the Roman Emperor Domitian, John was arrested and sent there to die. c. Becoming a servant of Jesus Christ will not keep the believer out of trouble. We are not going to slide through life without problems. We are in the process of winning crowns. However, there are crosses to bear (persecution) before we receive them. 2. The persecution of the early church. Emperor Date Info Nero A.D Paul Beheaded / Peter Crucified Domitian A.D John Exiled Trajan A.D Ignatius burned at the stake Marcus Aurelius A.D Justin Martyr killed Severus A.D Maximinius A.D Decius A.D Valerian A.D Aurelian A.D Diocletian A.D Vs 10 says: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet. The phrase 11 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

12 in the Spirit refers to being wholly in union with the Holy Spirit and yielded to Him. This is quite a testimony for John who had several attempts made on his life to kill him only to be placed on a barren rocky island to die do to harsh mistreatment provided by the Roman guard. Most Christians would be complaining about their circumstances and their attitude would not reflect Christ in any way. We should never allow adverse circumstances to affect our relationship with our heavenly Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or the company of believers. As believers, we can govern our circumstances rather than let them control us. John Realized that maintaining his spiritual relationship and proper attitude, he could remain above his circumstances. This is not exercising mind over matter or denying the problem. John acknowledged it as a fact but rather he denied its opportunity to torment him by enjoying the sweet fellowship of Jesus and the Holy Spirit instead. 4. The Lord s Day is the first day of the week pertaining to the day Jesus rose up from the dead. Early Christians used this day to celebrate the resurrected life offered to us by Jesus. The Romans used a day of the week to force everyone to worship the Emperor, which was called The Augustean Day. Therefore the Christians chose the day the Lord was raised up to honor Him. There has been much controversy surrounding worship on this day by many. There are many reasons why many worship on this day. a. There is no where in the New Testament are we are commanded to keep the Sabbath. The other nine commandments of Moses are mention by Jesus but not the keeping of the Sabbath. b. We are commanded to be careful of new moons and Sabbaths by Paul. 12 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

13 Col 2: And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. 16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. 18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. NKJV Matt 12: At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!" 3 But He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? 6 Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple. 13 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

14 7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." 9 Now when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"--that they might accuse Him. 11 Then He said to them, "What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? 12 Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." 13 Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. 14 Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. NKJV c. Christ met with the disciples the first day of the week both times appearing to them when they were locked away in hiding. John 20:19,26 d. The day of Pentecost came on the first day of the week when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. The Feast of Pentecost is the feast of leavened bread or raised bread. e. The word Sabbath and seventh do not come from the same original word. The Hebrew word for Sabbath is shabbath, meaning to repose; to desist from work or exertion; rest; and such rest does not have to be on the seventh day. It is the cessation from exertion or work that causes it to be a Sabbath or rest. f. Sabbaths have been observed on different days and at different lengths. 14 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

15 Different Days On the 1 st day = Lev. 23:39 On the 7 th day = Ex. 20:8 On the 8 th day = Lev. 23:39 Different Lengths 1 Day long = Ex. 16: Days long = Lev. 23:6-8; Year long = Lev. 25:4 70 Years long = 2 Chr. 36:21 Eternally = Heb. 4:9 5. Vs. 10 finishes with And I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet. It is the trumpet blast that calls the believer to meet with the most high God. As seen in the Old and New Testament, the trumpet was used to call the assembly. Ex 19: Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19 And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. NKJV Matt 24: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 15 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

16 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. NKJV 1 Cor 15: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." NKJV 1 Thess 4: For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. NKJV Heb 12: For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore. 16 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

17 20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: "And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow." 21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.") 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. NKJV 6. In Vs. 11, Jesus is saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, and, What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea. a. The voice told John to write on a scroll what he was about to see. That scroll would later become known as the book of Revelation. At this time in history, it is not known how many churches there were, but Jesus picked these seven, in this order, so they will need careful study as we get to them in chapters 2 and 3. b. These churches had their good and bad points and the problems they faced are ideal for instructing God s people. Those same problems and qualities have turned out to be revealing in as many as four major ways. The Seven Churches Of John s Day. These were churches John was familiar with as he ministered extensively through Asia. He was familiar with them most likely on a personal basis but now God was revealing the spiritual side of them that John may not have been fully aware of. 17 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

18 The Seven Basic Divisions Of Church History. A study of church history reveals that the church has gone through seven basic periods or stages. Some prophecy scholars believe they show a parallel to the same types of teachings of parables Jesus taught in Matthew 13, which may depict the church through the past 2000 years. The Seven Types Of Churches That Exist Today. We can see as we study these churches, a unique character and quality seen in the churches mentioned in this book. We might see some of these characteristics even in our church today. The Seven Characteristics That Can Exist In Any Church Or Christian. We will see that these same characteristics may indeed be in some of the believers we know today. Therefore, God can use this very powerful letter today to speak to local church bodies as well as individual believers. B. John s Description Of the Glorified Christ Jesus. Rev 1: Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. NKJV 1. The Seven Lamp Stands. These were not candles but oil filled lamps and they represented the seven churches. An important note to this would be that if the oil ran out, the light would 18 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

19 cease to burn and give of any illumination. The oil represents the Holy Spirit and His revelation in the churches. Zech 4:1-6 1 Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And he said to me, "What do you see?" So I said, "I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left." 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, "What are these, my lord?" 5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, "Do you not know what these are?" And I said, "No, my lord." 6 So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts. NKJV 2. 4:6 might, (cha-yeel); Strong s #2428: Strength, power, force, might (especially an army); valor, substance, wealth. occurs more than 230 times. Its basic meaning is force, especially military strength. It may refer to the power of accumulated goods, that is, wealth, as in Deut. 8:17. Occasionally is translated valor, especially when describing a military man (Judg. 3:29). It is translated army in such references as Deut. 11:4 and 2 Chr. 14:8. In the present reference, God informs the rebuilder of the temple that the task would not be accomplished through the force of an army ( ) nor through the muscular power or physical stamina of the workmen; rather, it would be accomplished by the empowering of the Spirit of God. As governor of Judah, Zerubbabel is ultimately responsible for rebuilding the temple, but he is forbidden to trust the resources of man to accomplish the task. So today God s holy temple, the church, must be built and sustained, not 19 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

20 by wealth, by members, by virtue, nor by sheer strength, but by My Spirit.2 Only if the Holy Spirit continues to govern and empower our lives will we accomplish God s will for us; this is why Jesus baptizes His followers on the power of the Holy Spirit. a. The lampstand had seven lights all on the same level, arranged under a reservoir bowl. Oil flowed from the bowl to keep the lamps full. The bowl of oil symbolizes God s inexhaustible supply of abundant power through the Holy Spirit. b. Each light had seven channels with wicks, thus giving 49 lights in all. These lamps represent God s people giving fullness of light to the world because of the abundant flow of the Holy Spirit. c. Therefore, Military might, political power or human strength cannot accomplish God s Work. We can only do this work if the Holy Spirit enables us. Just as Jesus entered His ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit when He was baptized in the Jordan River, as did the church when it was baptized on the day of Pentecost, so we must also be filled and empowered to do God s will. d. Gold here represents purity. Therefore, we must be pure in our hearts and motives to allow this light to shine through us. Though we give light, we do not originate the light; just as a lampstand originate the light but gets it light from the oil or electricity that helps generate it. The child of God is a means of light, but Christ is the light. 3. And in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. This is a description of Jesus as He is described as a King, a Priest and a Judge all in 2Jack W. Hayford, general editor; consulting editors, Sam Middlebrook [et.al.], Spirit filled life study Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

21 one! He was seen like this at another time and described by others. Lev 8:6-9 6 Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. 7 And he put the tunic on him, girded him with the sash, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him; and he girded him with the intricately woven band of the ephod, and with it tied the ephod on him. 8 Then he put the breastplate on him, and he put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastplate. 9 And he put the turban on his head. Also on the turban, on its front, he put the golden plate, the holy crown, as the LORD had commanded Moses. NKJV Heb 7: For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For He testifies: "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek." 18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath 21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "The LORD has sworn And will not relent, 'You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek' "), 21 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

22 22 by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. 23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. NKJV Heb 4: Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. NKJV 4. John uses the term that Jesus often called Himself; Like a Son of man. This phrase was used by others and denotes the humanity of Jesus. God the Father is the Ancient of Days and Jesus will be brought to Him to receive all power, authority and dominion. After this we will see Him in the revelation of John looking very much like the Father. Dan 7: "I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; 22 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

23 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. 11 "I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. 13 "I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed. NKJV 5. Clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. Jesus wore a robe that went all the down to His feet which is typical of a robe worn by priests. The band of gold around His chest refers to a symbol of strength and authority common in the ancient world. The average working man in those days wore loose fitting clothing and a tunic where as only those with authority and position wore the girdle, which identified them and their position. 6. In Vs. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire, reflecting the fact that now Jesus had become like God the Father. He already showed us an example in His earthly life and now shows us an example of the kingdom result. John 14: "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." 8 Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 23 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

24 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. NKJV John 12: Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. NKJV Phil 2: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. NKJV Col 1:15 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. NKJV Heb 1:1-4 1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, 24 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

25 when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. NKJV a. The whiteness of Jesus hair speaks of the righteousness of God, which is from everlasting to everlasting. Jesus has now been transformed into the image of the Ancient Of Days, a perfect reflection of the Father. b. We see that Jesus eyes were like a flame of fire. The Greek construction is literally, His eyes shot fire, indicating that Christ was angry or indignant of the indifference, and in some cases, of the apostate church. Again, we see the part of Jesus, which shall be as a judge. 7. In Vs. 15, the bible says; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters. This verse again reflects Christ as the supreme judge! a. His feet being made of fine brass or bronze glowing in a furnace is reminiscent of the brazen alter which was used to judge sin in the tabernacle of meeting in the wilderness. b. In Micah, God told the Hebrews to rise up and crush their enemies with hoofs of bronze. Micah 4:13 c. His voice was like the sound of many or rushing waters. Niagara Falls is a good example of what John is describing. Every spectrum of sound in every frequency is made at those falls. Because of the deafening nature of the sound, and because every frequency of sound is produced, no other sounds can be heard. Tim Lahaye says; Far too many cannot hear His voice today, but everyone will hear it at that time. The call of worldliness, materialism, science, philosophy, education, tradition, entertainment, and all other voices calling to the souls of human beings seem to take precedence over the voice of Jesus Christ today. In that day, all other voices will be stilled by the deafening, overpowering voice of the Son of God, to whom all 25 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

26 people will give heed, for they will be entering into the hour of judgment. Ps 33:6-9 6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. 9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. NKJV Heb 11:1-3 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. NKJV 2 Peter 3:5-7 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men. NKJV 2 Cor 5: Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. NKJV 26 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

27 8. Vs. 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. a. The seven stars have already been described to us by Jesus as being angels or messengers. Many believe these to be the Pastors over a church body. Many godly bible scholars also believe these to be angelic beings sent to guard the church body and to assist the church in spiritual warfare in much the same way as children who have guardian angels. Matt 18:10 10 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. NKJV Heb 13:1-2 1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. NKJV Heb 1: But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? NKJV Dr. J Vernon McGee, the radio bible teacher once said; I like to think that this refers to local pastors. It is good to hear a pastor being called an angel; sometimes we are called other things. Many say that these stars couldn t be angels because the churches weren t pure. We must remember that angels aren t divine and that God has given man a will that that cannot be superceded by angels and that God Himself will honor. Therefore, the people and pastors or leadership of these local churches are responsible for what has occurred and not God or 27 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

28 any angel. If a church has failed in it s mission, its because it has failed to yield to the Holy Spirit and rejected His help and guidance. b. The sharp, two-edged sword is the word of God. Notice it goes forth from Jesus mouth. Words can be very powerful in that they can bless us or curse us. They can bring death or life. Prov 18:21 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. NKJV Matt 12: But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." NKJV Heb 4: Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. NKJV The spoken words of Jesus will go forth as a sharp weapon of judgment in the Day of the Lord and there will be no defense against it. All who attempt to resist or reject Christ will be slain with this sword. Rev 19: Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 28 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1

29 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great." 19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. NKJV c. His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. This description suggests an indescribable glory and majesty that was once beheld by the closest disciples of Christ on the mountain during His earthly ministry. Matt 17:1-8 1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 29 R e v e l a t i o n C h u r c h e s L e s s o n 1