Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Ministry Devoted o Completely... Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matthew 22:37 Part I The Seven Churches of Asia Minor Revelation 2 & 3 This Homework Belongs To: Phone Number My Group Leader is: Group Number Homework Lesson # due next week.
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 1, The Church of Ephesus Revelation 2:1-7 Motivated by Love In the Book of Revelation seven churches receive letters from the Lord concerning their behavior. These letters were not just instructions for the early church they are a message to us today! The first of these churches is Ephesus. They were a serving church busy doing the works of the Lord, but they had abandoned their first love. The devotion that once characterized their walk and was openly displayed had somehow faded over time. If we re not careful this can happen to us too! Begin this year s study with a heartfelt prayer asking God to help you be Devoted So Completely to Him that you will never forfeit your fervent, personal, intimate love for Him. Pray, too, for a renewed commitment to the Lord so that your life will bring honor and glory to Him. Memorize This Hymn Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here s my heart, oh take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above. Read Revelation 2:1-7 before beginning your homework lesson. 1. Read verses 2 and 3. Jesus commends this church for certain good qualities they possess. What are these good things? 2. There are four words at the beginning of verse 2 that we will see repeated over and over in our study of the seven churches. What are those four words and what do they mean to you? 3. Not only does Jesus know their works, but He also knows their labor and their patience. Let s take a closer look at what patience means to us as women Devoted So Completely. Define the word patience from a dictionary. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. Read the Scriptures below and share any insight that the Holy Spirit gives you concerning patience. a. James 5:11 b. 2 Timothy 2:3 c. 1 Peter 2:19,20 5. As Jesus addressed the church at Ephesus, He also pointed out something that was wrong within the church. The problem was that they had left their first love. Describe this problem in your own words. 6. From the verses below, what characterizes those who ve lost their first love? a. Matthew 24:12 b. 2 Timothy 3:4 c. 2 Timothy 4:10 d. 1 John 2:15-17 7. How would you instruct someone who came to you and needed to re-ignite the flames of their love and devotion for Christ? Personal - Jeremiah 2:2 is a great description of what first love means. Carefully and prayerfully read this verse. In light of this, evaluate your own walk before the Lord. If there is any area of your life where your love for the Lord has diminished, stop right now and pray. 8. Read verses 5 and 6. The remedy when we leave our first love is to repent. If we ignore this command then we bring judgment upon ourselves! What do you think this judgment is? 9. Read verse 7. The Spirit of God had an urgent message for the church at Ephesus. What do you hear the Spirit saying to you in this verse? 10. There were a lot of instructions in this letter to the church at Ephesus. What one thing pierced your heart the deepest? Write Out The Hymn You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 2, The Church of Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11 Stand Up For Jesus! This week we will study the church of Smyrna. They were not having an easy time of it! The members of this church were being persecuted because they refused to compromise their beliefs. Part of this persecution meant that they were denied employment and lived in poverty. But Jesus reminded them that, despite their personal circumstances, they were rich! What a great reminder to us today. The world may call us poor but in God's sight we are rich! Before you begin your lesson this week, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember that it costs to be a dedicated Christian woman. Ask the Lord for grace to endure any suffering or trials that come your way and a devotion so deep that you will stand up for Jesus in the world today! Memorize This Hymn Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long; This day the noise of battle, the next the victor's song. To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be: He with the King of glory shall reign eternally. Read Revelation 2:8-11 before beginning your homework lesson. 1. In verse 8 notice the title Jesus give Himself. What does this mean to you? 2. Why do you think the title Jesus gives Himself is especially relevant to the church of Smyrna? 3. In verses 9 and 10 Jesus reassures the church of Smyrna. It must have been a tremendous encouragement for these believers, who were enduring enormous persecution and pressure, to receive this reassurance from the Lord. Today Jesus speaks to us through His Word. From the verses below what reassurance do you receive concerning the suffering and afflictions you face? a. Psalm 34:19 b. 1 Peter 4:12,13 c. 1 Peter 5:9,10 Personal: Pray for someone you know who is under persecution because of their faith in Christ. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. Although the church of Smyrna was a poor church in terms of the world's standard, they were rich in Christ. True riches are riches found within where the heart is filled with grace and the love of God. From Ephesians 3:16-20 describe our riches. 5. Notice in verses 9 and 10 who the real enemy of the church at Smyrna is! Although people may cause us problems, we must realize that our struggles are not with flesh and blood, but with the enemy. How will understanding this truth help you to better face situations that involve difficult people? 6. In verse 10 Jesus warns the church that the devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried. Key in specifically on the phrase that ye may be tried. What do you learn about the purposes of trials? 7. In verse 10 there are two specific commands that Jesus gives to this suffering church. What are they and why are they significant? 8. Following the commands in verse 10, Jesus promises them a crown of life. The crown of life refers to the winner's crown awarded at the annual athletic games. Since Smyrna was a key participant this promise was especially meaningful. They wouldn't receive a crown that perished, but one that lasted into eternity! How does this speak to you about living for what matters most? 9. The phrase he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith is a phrase you will see at the end of every letter to the seven churches. When something is repeated over and over in the Word of God, the Lord is telling us that it is very significant. Think about this phrase. What does it mean to you personally? 10. Never forget that although these letters were written to specific churches, they have a message for us today. From the church of Smyrna, what part of the message can you apply to your life? Write Out The Hymn You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 3, The Church of Pergamos Revelation 2:12-17 Compromise Costs! Pergamos was a center of emperor worship and the church there had become lax in their standards. The world's ways had crept into the church and they had begun to compromise. Believers today face this same temptation. Sometimes it's just easier to go along with the crowd then to take a stand. Pray right now and ask the Lord for strength to resist being so easily swayed by the world and its thinking. Ask Him to help you to stand firm in your convictions and to remain uncompromisingly devoted to His Word. Memorize This Scripture And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 Read Revelation 2:12-17 before beginning your homework lesson. 1. Even though Pergamos was a city full of idolatry, Jesus was still able to commend the church for two things. What were these two things? (v.13) 2. The Lord refers to Himself as He which hath the sharp sword with two edges. This refers to the Word of God. We know that the Word is powerful and effective when it comes to changing lives! From the Scriptures below what do you learn about the Word? a. Hebrews 4:12 b. 2 Timothy 2:15 c. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 3. What do you think Jesus means by calling Pergamos the place where Satan's seat (throne) is? (v.13) Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. Not much is said about Antipas but what is said is powerful and revealing. What do you learn about his character? (v.13) 5. Antipas refused to succumb to the evil that surrounded him. He counted his faith in the Lord so dear that even in the face of death he would not compromise. Why is compromise so deadly to our walk? Personal: Are there any temptations you are dealing with that are causing you to compromise your faith? Confess these and ask for strength today to overcome these! 6. There's no doubt that Antipas was completely devoted to the Lord. He was a powerful light in the midst of a dark and corrupted world. How can you be a light to the people you know? 7. Jesus definitely wanted to rebuke the church of Pergamos for some things they'd done. The first thing He mentions to them is about the doctrine of Balaam. This was a doctrine that allowed the worship of idols and sexual sins. The church was lured into all kinds of immorality! What temptations lure the church today? 8. Satan, the deceiver, had subtly crept into the church of Pergamos by convincing them to tolerate sin. Little by little the church bowed to the pressure to be open-minded. What dangers do you see in being openminded? How open-minded do you think you should be? 9. Jesus commanded these Christians to repent. This is more than just saying we're sorry. It means to completely change directions. Specifically what behaviors did this church need to change? 10. Record at least one specific detail that impacted you most about this church. Write Out The Scripture You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 4, The Church of Thyatira Revelation 2:18-29 Hold Fast to the Truth This week we will study the church of Thyatira. The apostle John had to deliver a message of severe warning and judgment to this congregation. Even though they were busy doing the work of the Lord, this did not compensate for the evil that they tolerated within the church. And not only was this church tolerant of evil, but it was proud and unwilling to repent. Jesus was speaking to them and giving them every opportunity to repent, but they weren't listening. Take time to pray right now before you begin your lesson. Ask the Lord to sharpen your listening skills so you can hear His voice amid the voices of pressure, success, and power. Pray especially for strength to say no to the world and to hold fast to the truth of His Word. Memorize This Scripture Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. 1 Peter 1:22 Read Revelation 2:18-29 before beginning your homework lesson. 1. This letter to the church of Thyatira contains an affirmation, a problem, a warning and a promise. Write what each of these is in your own words. a. Affirmation (v.19) b. Problem (vv.20-21) c. Warning (vv.22-23) d. Promise (vv.24-29) 2. In verse 18 how does Jesus describe Himself? 3. In verse 19 Jesus commends the church at Thyatira for several attributes that should be a part of every church and individual life. He first commends them for charity. Look up 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and share why charity is vital for every Christian to possess. Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
4. Next the church is commended for their service. Service is the visible sign of a heart full of love for God. Look up the Scriptures below to gain a greater insight into what service is and what it includes. a. Ephesians 6:7 b. Romans 12:1 5. Faith leads to perseverance (patience). If you have faith, you will persevere. Why do you think these attributes are so important for a Christian woman to possess today? 6. Biblically there were two significant women that we know about in Thyatira. One is Jezebel mentioned in verses 20-23 and the other is Lydia and she's mentioned in Acts 16:13-15. Contrast their characters by listing below anything you find significant about how they are or are not living. 7. In verse 23 the Lord reveals a powerful truth about Himself when He declares I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts In other words He knows all your thoughts and intentions! How does knowing this affect you? 8. The church at Thyatira worked hard, but they let a false teacher (Jezebel) slip in and because of this some members of the church were deceived. When we allow people or things to influence us, this affects our relationship with God. Think of your own life for a moment. Is there anything (television, friends, parents, etc.) that is having an influence on you that is weakening your walk? What is it about that influence that is so dangerous and what steps can you take to correct this? 9. Notice the phrase hold fast in verse 25. How would a believer obey this command? 10. What personal application have you received from the letter to the church of Thyatira? Write Out The Scripture You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 5, The Church of Sardis Revelation 3:1-6 Signs of Life We are still listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say to the churches. This week we will concentrate on the message to the church of Sardis. The problem in the Sardis church was spiritual death. In spite of its reputation for being active, Sardis was infested with sin. Though it looked good on the outside, it was corrupt on the inside. The church was urged to get back to the basics of their faith and obey the truths they had heard when they first believed in Christ. Take time now to begin your lesson with a prayer. Pray for an open heart to look at each of these letters to the churches as a mirror in which you can honestly see yourself. Ask the Lord to teach you more about Him and your relationship with Him through the study of His Word this week. Memorize This Scripture And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. I John 3:3 Read Revelation 3:1-6 before beginning your homework lesson. 1. The Lord's words to the church at Sardis are blunt and strong: you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead! What sort of image does that conjure up in your mind? 2. Missing in the church of Sardis was a living, jubilant, vibrant relationship with the Lord. How do you think a church can get in this condition? 3. As we stand under the hot glare of the Lord's letter to Sardis we have to look honestly within and ask ourselves the question, Can anyone tell if we are alive or dead? Describe the signs of life you would see in a Christian woman who is devoted completely to Christ. 4. The church at Sardis was outwardly prosperous and busy with the externals of religious activity, but they were devoid of spiritual life and power. What the church desperately needed was the Holy Spirit from whom all believers receive life. Study the verses below to gain a greater understanding of the vital work of the Holy Spirit in your life. A. Acts 1:8 b. John 14:16-17 c. John 14:26 Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
5. In verse 2 Jesus gives a warning to the sleeping church at Sardis. He tells them to be watchful and to wake up! The first need of a church that is dead or near death is to wake up to its desperate condition. Romans 13:11-14 could be called the believers wake-up call. From these verses what truths do we need to wake up to? 6. The first need of the church at Sardis was to rouse itself and wake up. The second need was to strengthen the things which remain. Why does Jesus tell the Christians at Sardis to strengthen what remains? 7. In verse 3 Jesus warns them that He will come to them like a thief in the night when they least expect Him. The same warning is relevant for us today. Jesus is coming and we must live ready for that moment. What do the following verses say about Jesus coming and the responsibility of the believer? a. Matthew 24:42-44 b. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 8. What promises does Jesus give to those which have not defiled their garments and to those that overcometh? (vv.4-5) 9. Ponder for a few minutes what it will be like when Jesus will confess your name before His Father and before His angels. What is your immediate reaction to this? 10. What have you heard the Spirit say to you through this lesson? Write Out The Scripture You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 6, The Church of Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13 Standing on the Promises! The church of Philadelphia was a church with lots of potential! Jesus had only good things to say about this church. The believers knew and obeyed God's Word and were not afraid to speak His name. They were exhorted to hold on to what they had and to walk through the open doors of opportunity that the Lord placed before them. Before you begin your homework take a moment to pray. Ask specifically that the Lord would help you to persevere in faithfulness in your walk with Him. Pray that when the Spirit sets before you any open doors you will boldly walk through these and when the doors are shut you will have the wisdom to wait. May the Lord personally encourage you through this lesson! Memorize This Hymn Standing on the promises I cannot fall, Listening every moment to the Spirit's call, Resting in my Saviour, as my all in all Read Revelation 3:7-13 before beginning your homework lesson. 1. In verse 7 Jesus vividly describes Himself using two titles. Note these below and share what they mean to you. a. He that is holy b. He that is true 2. Not only is He holy and true, but He has the authority to open and close doors. Open door speaks of opportunity for ministry. From the Scriptures below share what you learn about these open doors. a. Acts 14:27 b. 1 Corinthians 16:9 c. 2 Corinthians 2:12 d. Colossians 4:3 Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
3. Notice that Jesus didn't have any complaints against the church of Philadelphia. He did, however, have much to say about their faithfulness. Though they were a small church and lacked strength, this did not keep them from being faithful followers. From verses 8 and 10 why do you think they were considered faithful? 4. The church of Philadelphia was faithful to the teachings of the Lord. Why does the Lord value faithfulness in His people? 5. The Saviour gave several wonderful and encouraging promises to this church. First, He promised them He would take care of their enemies. If we take care of God's work, He will take care of our battles. From Colossians 2:13-15 how does Jesus take care of our enemies? 6. In verse 11 Jesus reminds them I come quickly. Why would this thought motivate you to be faithful to God? 7. Another amazing promise is given in verse 10. Jesus promises to keep them from the hour of temptation. This refers to the rapture of the church. From 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describe in your own words this glorious event. 8. The Amplified version of verse 11 says, hold fast what you have, so that no one may rob you and deprive you of your crown. What does this mean to you? 9. In a very real sense the church today is like the Philadelphian church. God has set before us many open doors of opportunity. Consider your own walk with the Lord. What open doors of opportunity has He placed before you today? 10. Choose a key word(s) or phrase from this lesson that especially presses you to a greater devotion to the Lord. Write Out The Hymn You Have Memorized
Calvary Chapel South Bay Women s Bible Study Devoted o Completely......love the Lord thy God with all thy heart...soul and...mind. Matthew 22:37 Lesson 7 The Church of Laodicea Revelation 3:14-22 Get Right or Get Left! This week we'll study the last of the letters to the churches. The only church Jesus has nothing good to say about is the church of Laodicea. The term He used to describe this church was lukewarm. There is nothing more disgusting to drink than lukewarm water, coke or coffee! The church in Laodicea had become lukewarm and thus distasteful. The believers didn't take a stand for anything and this had caused them to become hardened and self-satisfied. Stop right now and pray. Ask the Lord to fire up your faith and get you into the action so that you'll never find yourself in a place where you are half-heartedly serving Him. Thank Him for these timely messages that really are for the church today as they beckon us to get right with Him and return to our first love! Memorize This Scripture He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelation 3:22 Read Revelation 3:14-22 before beginning your homework lesson. 1. Christ accused the church of Laodicea of becoming lukewarm. How offensive was their condition to Jesus? 2. What is the cause of their lukewarm condition? 3. Share a few things that could contribute to a believer becoming lukewarm. 4. The Laodicean church was independent, self-satisfied, and secure (v.17). In other words they were materialistic and needed nothing. What do you personally see as the danger in materialism? Women s Ministry of Calvary Chapel South Bay, 19300 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena, CA 90248 (310) 352-3333
5. What three things does the Lord counsel this church, which had departed from the faith, to do? (v.18) 6. Jesus points to this church's need for eye salve to heal their spiritual blindness. From 2 Peter 1:4-9 list the things that will prevent spiritual blindness in our lives. 7. The list of things against this Laodicean church is long! They had lost their love for the Lord, they were worldly, they were materialistic and they had no need for God. Yet, with all these things against them, notice how Jesus addresses them in verse 19. How does that speak to you? 8. Loving but strong words are declared in verse 19. For greater insight into how the Lord deals with us, look at Hebrews 12:5-7,11 and share what you hear the Spirit saying. 9. Although Jesus is on the outside standing at the door, He makes a gracious offer to them. What conditions are there to this offer? (v.20) 10. Now that we have studied all seven of Jesus letters to the churches, which church spoke to you the most personally and why? Write Out The Scripture You Have Memorized