REVELATION 2 3 The Epistles to the 7 Churches The faithful Church June 2012 The lukewarm Church
Introduction Hot Mocha 1
Introduction Ice-cold Frappuccino 2
Philadelphia Description of the City Founded by King Attalus II (159 138 BC) to honor his brother Town named after Attalus nickname Philadelphus (brother lover) City was founded to spread the Greek language, culture, and manners throughout the Asian provinces Youngest of the seven churches City still survives today as the town of Alasehir 3
Philadelphia Description of the City Wine producing city Located in a region of volcanoes and earthquakes Earthquake in AD 17 destroyed most of the city City was rebuilt by Emperor Tiberius Ruins of Philadelphia 4
Philadelphia Description of the Church Probably founded during Paul s ministry at Ephesus (Acts 19:10) Philadelphia resisted Muslim influence in the Middle Ages Remained Christian until the mid 14 th century Today there are 5 churches and 1 bishop with approximately 1000 Christians in the city Ruins of a Philadelphia Church 5
Philadelphia Description of Christ (7) (not from Revelation 1) He who is holy Only God is holy (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 15:4) Therefore Jesus is God (Mark 1:24) He who is true Revelation 6:10, John 14:6 6
Philadelphia Description of Christ (7) (not from Revelation 1) He who has the key of David Quote from Isaiah 22:22 Refers to the keys to the treasuries of the kings of Judah and access to the king The government was upon Christ s shoulder (Isaiah 9:6 7) who holds all the keys Death and Hades (1:18) 7
Philadelphia Description of Christ (7) (not from Revelation 1) He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens (the door of heaven) Christ s omnipotence (power) No one can overturn what Christ does 8
Philadelphia Commendation (8, 10a) 5 areas to commend 1. I know your (good) works Set before you an open door and no one can shut it A missionary challenge?» Philadelphians were located in a strategic city, a gateway to many areas of the ancient world An entrance into the Messianic kingdom» Correlates to the keys as described in Isaiah 22:22» Your salvation is secure and guaranteed 9
5 areas to commend 2. You have a little strength You depend upon the Lord s strength Small in number but strong though they have little power 3. You have kept my word Sign of their love for Christ John 14:21 4. You have not denied my name Devoted to Christ I John 2:22 23, 4:2 3 5. Endured patiently through trials and difficulties (10a) Philadelphia Commendation (8, 10a) 10
None Philadelphia Rebuke 11
Philadelphia Promises (9 11a, 12) 1. Their Jewish antagonists would eventually acknowledge that the Christians were the true followers of God, not the Jews who rejected Christ They will Come Bow down at your feet Will occur someday at Christ s 2 nd Coming Learn that I have loved you 12
Philadelphia Promises (9 11a, 12) 2. I will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world (Revelation 6 19) to test those who dwell on the earth Future trial The hour of trial involves the whole world, not just a local area A test for unbelievers so that they will repent Those who dwell upon the earth are unbelievers in Revelation 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8, 12, 14; 14:6; 17:2, 8 from is the Greek word ek which means out of, from (see John 17:15) All Christians are promised deliverance from God s wrath (I Thessalonians 1:10) A promise of comfort, not a challenge to be faithful 13
Philadelphia Promises (9 11a, 12) 3. Behold I come soon Christ could come at any time, suddenly and unexpectedly (imminently) Be ready Not a reference to His 2 nd coming because the events of the Tribulation in Revelation 6 19 must occur first Reference to the rapture, to take His church home 14
Philadelphia Promises (9 11a, 12) 4. I will make the overcomer a pillar in the temple of God and he shall go out no more Christians will be eternal pillars in the spiritual temple of God, the New Jerusalem (dwelling place of God) There will be a temple during the Millennium (Ezekiel 40 48), but not afterwards in the New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:22) A place of permanence, security, and identity with God forever We shall go out no more We will never be separated from God, but dwell in the house of the Lord forever Psalm 23:6 15
5. I will write on him 1. The name of my God Philadelphia Promises (9 11a, 12) All Christians belong to God 2. The name of the city of my God We have eternal citizenship in heaven 3. My new name Fresh in quality or meaning, unique 16
Philadelphia Exhortation (11b) Hold fast what you have that no one may take your crown Remain faithful so that you do not lose those things you have worked for so that you obtain your full reward II John 8 Remain committed to God s word Applicable to all believers We will receive the Crown of Life (2:10) Final victory: living forever with the Lord 17
Philadelphia Application To Philadelphia and to all the churches Stay committed and bold for Christ Continue doing good works Hold fast and do not be ashamed When pressured to deny Him: proclaim Him When pressured to remain silent: speak of Him One day it will all be worth our pain and suffering: when we see Jesus We belong to the Lord with no way out! 18
Laodicea Description of the City Located on a plateau several hundred feet high Laodicea was part of a tri-city metropolitan area which included the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae Had to pipe in its own water for several miles through aqueducts Many Jews lived here Jewish Talmud said that they lived a life of ease Modern day Eski-hisar (the old fortress) 19
Laodicea Description of the City Laodicea was known for its Wealth Commercial city ideally located at the crossroads of two major highways Banking center Soft, black wool it produced Made into clothes and carpets School of medicine Developed an eye salve at the medical school Exported the eye salve all over the Roman Empire 20
Laodicea Description of the Church Epaphras was once the founder or pastor of the church in Laodicea (Colossians 1:6 7, 4:12 13) Very zealous pastor who Paul commends The church started with a good history Laodicea was quite possibly very familiar with Paul s letter to the Colossians Ruins of the Laodicean Theater 21
Laodicea Description of Christ (14) (not from Revelation 1) The Amen (So be it) The God of Certainty He is unchangeable Jesus confirms all of God s promises (II Corinthians 1:20) The Faithful and True Witness Testimony to Christ s ability to reliably produce what He predicts (Isaiah 65:16) His trustworthy testimony is contrary to what was going on in Laodicea Everything He speaks is true and reliable (John 14:6) 22
Laodicea Description of Christ (14) (not from Revelation 1) The Beginning of the Creation of God Christ was not the first created, but the firstborn of all created, the Source of all created First in priority and position because He is the Creator (πρωτότοκος ) (Colossians 1:15) He has the authority and power to judge His creation He is the beginning and the end: He preceded all things as their source 23
Laodicea Commendation The only church of the Seven to receive no commendation 24
Laodicea Rebuke (15-17) The works of the church matched their heart attitude Neither cold nor hot in their love for God Lukewarm (compromising) Christ would rather have us hot or cold for him than lukewarm (apathetic) The city drinking water of Laodicea came from a hot spring six miles to the south at Hierapolis over an aqueduct Hierapolis had hot mineral springs that people thought had healing powers Colosse had cool water springs that provided refreshment The water arrived in Laodicea disgustingly lukewarm useless The water that was piped to Laodicea was rich with calcium which over time would cause the pipes to clog. The engineers designed the aqueduct with vents covered with stones that could be removed periodically for cleaning. Colossae stream of cold water 25
Laodicea Rebuke (15-17) The works of the church matched their heart attitude Christ was about to vomit His people out of His mouth He does not mean that He would rather have us be spiritually cold than lukewarm Why would God prefer us to be cold than lukewarm? He meant that He would rather us be spiritually refreshing as cold water, or healthful, as hot water, rather than we be spiritually bland as lukewarm water They saw themselves as rich and prosperous, not needing anything, but they were wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked! 26
$3 Worth of God I would like to buy $3.00 worth of God, please. Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don t want enough of Him to make me love a black man or pick beets with a migrant. I want ecstasy, not transformation; I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack. I would like to buy $3.00 worth of God, please. Wilbur Rees, from When I Relax I Feel Guilty by Tim Hansel 27
Laodicea Rebuke (15-17) Were the lukewarm people of Laodicea Christians? Our works for God reveal whether we are Christians (Matthew 7:16) They were lacking They could have been Christians but living a lousy life for Christ They could have been professing Christians but really were not al all (unsaved) Attended church Claimed to know the Lord Unwilling to recognize their real condition Lukewarm churches like this are common today 28
Laodicea Exhortation (18 19) 29
Laodicea Exhortation (18 19) Buy the things that you really need Spiritual riches for their spiritual poverty Gold refined by fire instead of ordinary gold Purified faith tested by fire» I Peter 1:7 That which cannot be bought with money They have a spiritual need You have Wealth. Buy Spiritual Gold! 30
Laodicea Exhortation (18 19) Solution: Buy the things that you really need Righteousness, holiness, and purity to cover their spiritual nakedness (19:8) White garments instead of the the black garments popular in Laodicea You have Wool. Buy Spiritual Clothes! 31
Laodicea Exhortation (18 19) Solution: Buy the things that you really need Spiritual sight to see life realistically over their pride and intellectualism Instead of the eye salve the Laodiceans produced and sold Anointed with the Holy Spirit, who teaches you the truth I John 2:20, 24 27 You have Eye Salve. Buy Spiritual Sight! 32
Laodicea Exhortation (18 19) Jesus tells them what they need because He loved them For whom the Lord loves (His sons), He chastens Hebrews 12:5-6 Be zealous Current lack of enthusiasm Satisfied with what they are and what they profess Repent to become healingly hot or refreshingly cold for the Lord 33
Laodicea Promise (20 22) Christ knocks on the door to the indifferent Christian s heart Appeal to lukewarm Christians His rebuke and chastening are like a knock at one s door His knock also comes through His Word Christ does not force the door open Christ knocks for intimate fellowship To give vast riches Appeal to lukewarm non-christians Come for repentance Open your heart to Jesus before it is too late Jesus desires intimate fellowship with all people Mark 10:45, Luke 19:10, John 10:10, I Timothy 4:10 One day Christ will dine with us at the great marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:19) 34
Laodicea Promise (20 22) To the overcomer, To reign with Christ on His throne next to the Father s throne Two thrones in heaven Invitation is given to all to rule and reign with Him on the Messianic throne, the throne of His father David 35
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Laodicea Promise (20 22) This letter and the other 6 letters are all applicable to all the churches, not just to the Laodicean church (22) What about our church? 37
Laodicea Application To Laodicea and all the churches Do not let your financial prosperity take away your dependency to Christ Recognize your physical and spiritual need of God Your poverty without Him Put away your pride from what God has blessed you with Do not let compromise take you over Stay righteous and holy Be hot or cold, but not lukewarm Be healing or refreshing Know Christ Laodicean corroded waterworks 38
Backup Charts
The 7 Churches of Asia Minor Asia Minor is modern western Turkey Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea 40
Outline for the Epistles To the angel of the city Description of the city Description of the church Description of Christ Commendation Rebuke Exhortation Application 41
To the Angel of... Angels were assigned to the churches for their guidance and watchful care Hebrews 1:14, Ephesians 3:10, I Peter 1:12 Somehow they are transmitted through their angels Permanent fixture of the church even as the pastors, teachers, and members change over time We cannot communicate with them Angels are protecting and ministering As a source of encouragement to the church The letters are addressed to the Churches (all of Jesus churches plural) (11) Members Ministers 42
Philadelphia Description of Christ (7) (not from Revelation 1) He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens Quote from Isaiah 22:22 This promise was given to Eliakim, the high official and faithful servant of King Hezekiah Isaiah 22:20-21 Eliakim s predecessor Shebna was unfaithful, so God promised to give the key to His faithful servant Eliakim Refers to the keys to the treasuries of the kings of Judah and access to the king Equivalent to the governmental position of the prime minister The government was to be upon him, on his shoulder (Isaiah 22:22) The government was upon Christ s shoulder (Isaiah 9:6 7) who holds all the keys Death and Hades (1:18) Kingdoms of the earth Eliakim (means God raising up) was a type of Christ 43
Laodicea Rebuke (15-17) The works of the church matched their heart attitude The Laodicean s material prosperity led them to a false sense of pride, security, and independence: without dependence upon the Lord, in need of nothing In spiritually poverty, they had great needs (danger for us today) Since they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked Perhaps material prosperity overshadowed their fire for Christ and let to compromise or neutralness on such important doctrines as the inerrancy of Scripture, the deity of Christ, and the Christ s substitutionary atonement 44
The Letters to the Seven Churches Church Christ Commendation Rebuke Exhortation Promise Ephesus (2:1-7) Neglected Priorities Smyrna (2:8-11) Persecution Pergamos (2:12-17) Compromise Thyatira (2:18-29) Immorality Sardis (3:1-6) Apathy Philadelphia (3:7-13) Security Laodicea (3:14-22) Luk ewarm John Walvoord, Revelation Holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands The first and the last, who died and came to life again Has the sharp, doubleedged sword The Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished brass Holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars Holy and true, holds the key of David The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Ruler of God's creation Deeds, hard work, perseverance. Does not tolerate wicked men. Endures hardships. Hates the practices of the Nicolaitans Suffers persecution and poverty Remains true to Christ; does not renounce her faith Deeds, love, faith, service, perseverance, doing more than at first Has forsaken her first love People there hold the teachings of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans Tolerates Jezebel with her immorality and idolatry Remember; repent; do the things you did at first Do not be afraid. Be faithful, even to the point of death Repent Repent, hold on to what you have Deeds; reputation of being alive Dead Wake up! Strengthen what remains. Remember what you received, obey it, repent Deeds, keeps Christ's word and does not deny His name, endures patiently Lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. Wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked Hold on to what you have Buy from Christ refined gold, white clothes, and eye salve. Be earnest, and repent Will eat from the tree of life Will receive a crown of life; will not be hurt by the second death Will receive hidden manna and a white stone with a new name on it Will have authority over the nations; the morning star Will be dressed in white; will be acknowledged before My Father and His angels Those who overcome will be pillars in the temple; the name of God, of the New Jerusalem, and of Christ's new name, will be written on them Overcomers will eat with Christ; will rule with Christ 45
Conclusion The letters to the 7 churches are relevant to the problems that the church faces today Losing our first love (2:4) Being afraid of suffering (2:10) Doctrinal defection (2:14 15) Moral departure (2:20) Spiritual deadness (3:1 2) Not holding fast (3:11) Lukewarmness (3:15 16) These letters are God s final words of exhortation and warning to the church today Hear, listen, repent, return, and obey! All Christians are overcomers, faithful to Christ Jesus Christ loves and and cares for for His His churches 46