Going Forward Developing Disciples on Purpose for the Glory of God Theme: Edification

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Going Forward Developing Disciples on Purpose for the Glory of God 2017 Theme: Edification

The Seven Churches of Revelation

GOAL For these next several weeks, as we undertake the biblical study of the seven (7) churches in Revelations, it is our desire to achieve the goal of having the participants become more knowledgeable about what are both the advantageous and the disadvantageous characteristics of the body of Christ, both corporately and individually, in the hopes that we will become the kind of church that God is looking for in these last days.

In this day and time, it is incumbent upon those of us who are the people of God to have a definitive understanding of the church s role in our contemporary human society. It is for this reason that we are endeavoring to plum the wisdom found in the well of the book of Revelations. God has spoken through the writer of this work and afforded us the blessed privilege of being privy to His will for His church from this day in time until the time of the world without end.

The Book of Revelations: Background

The Book of Revelations: Background Authorship: St. John/ Apostle John

The Book of Revelations: Background Authorship: St. John/ Apostle John Date: Approximately 96 A.D.

The Book of Revelations: Background Authorship: St. John/ Apostle John Date: Approximately 96 A.D. Place: Island of Patmos

The Book of Revelations: Background Authorship: St. John/ Apostle John Date: Approximately 96 A.D. Place: Island of Patmos Audience: Churches of Asia Minor (i.e. Turkey) Emperor: Domitian

There are seven (7) churches discussed in Revelations by the Apostle John. They are:

There are seven (7) churches discussed in Revelations by the Apostle John. They are: 1. Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7)

There are seven (7) churches discussed in Revelations by the Apostle John. They are: 1. Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7) 2. Smyrna (Rev. 2: 8-11 )

There are seven (7) churches discussed in Revelations by the Apostle John. They are: 1. Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7) 2. Smyrna (Rev. 2: 8-11 ) 3. Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17)

There are seven (7) churches discussed in Revelations by the Apostle John. They are: 1. Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7) 2. Smyrna (Rev. 2: 8-11 ) 3. Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17) 4. Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29)

There are seven (7) churches discussed in Revelations by the Apostle John. They are: 1. Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7) 2. Smyrna (Rev. 2: 8-11 ) 3. Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17) 4. Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29) 5. Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6)

The first (1 st ) Church of Revelations is the church of Ephesus: Rev. 2: 1-7

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 2-3, 6

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 2-3, 6 - Productive

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 2-3, 6 - Productive - Patient

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 2-3, 6 - Productive -Patient - Perseverance

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 2-3, 6 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil:

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 2-3, 6 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: - Productive

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 2-3, 6 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: -Productive - Patient

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 2-3, 6 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: -Productive -Patient - By Identifying the Pretenders

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 2-3, 6 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: -Identifying Ministerial Pretenders

II. One thing that was worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2: 4 -

II. One thing that was worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2: 4 - Left/ Forsaken their First Love (i.e. God)

II. One thing that was worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2: 4 - Left/ Forsaken their First Love (i.e. God) Point: For all of there Godly works, they had inadvertently left/ forsaken the God of their Godly works

III. One means of reconciliation: Rev. 2: 5

III. One means of reconciliation: Rev. 2: 5 Repentance

III. One means of reconciliation: Rev. 2: 5 Repentance Examples - 2 Chronicles 12: 1-8

III. One means of reconciliation: Rev. 2: 5 Repentance Examples - 2 Chronicles 12: 1-8 -2 Peter 3:9

III. One means of reconciliation: Rev. 2: 5 Repentance Examples - 2 Chronicles 12: 1-8 -2 Peter 3:9-1 John 1: 8-9

Q & A

The second (2 nd ) Church of Revelations is the church of Smyrna: Rev. 2: 8-11

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 9

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 9 - Productive

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 9 - Productive Amid: Pressures

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 9 - Productive Amid: Pressures Poverty

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 9 - Productive Amid: Pressures Poverty Persecution

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 9 - I know thy works, - Productive

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 9 - I know thy works, and tribulation, - Productive Amid: Pressures

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 9 - I know thy works, and tribulation, - Productive Amid: Pressures (i.e. Tribulation means to crush, press, compress, squeeze, which is from thláō to break. Tribulation, trouble, affliction. )

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 9 - I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) - Productive Amid: Pressures (i.e. Tribulation) Poverty/ Persistence (cf. James 2:5, Mt 5:3)

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 9 - I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. - Productive Amid: Pressures (i.e. Tribulation) Poverty/ Persistence (cf. James 2:5; Mt.5:3) Persecution (Christianity -v-imperialism)

II. Words of Encouragement for future Aggravation Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer:

II. Words of Encouragement for future Aggravation Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: - When Your flesh is Confined

II. Words of Encouragement for future Aggravation Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: - When Your flesh is Confined - When Your faith is Contested/ Confirmed

II. Words of Encouragement for future Aggravation Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison - When Your flesh is Confined

II. Words of Encouragement for future Aggravation Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried - When You Confined - When Your faith is Contested/ Confirmed

II. Words of Encouragement for future Aggravation Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: - When Your flesh is Confined - When Your faith is Contested/ Confirmed - Duration

III. A Word of Compensation for future Reward Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Q & A

The third (3 rd ) Church of Revelations is the church of Pergamos: Rev. 2: 12-17

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2:13 -

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2:13 - Productive

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2:13 - Productive - In Context

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2:13 - Productive - In Context - In Commitment

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2:13 - I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan s seat is: Productive

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2:13 - I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan s seat is: Productive In Context:

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2:13 - I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan s seat is: Productive In Context: - Imperialism/ Civil Religion

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2:13 - I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan s seat is: Productive In Context: - Imperialism/ Civil Religion Center of Emperor cult worship

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: (continued) Rev. 2:13 - I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan s seat is: Productive In Context: - Above all mentioned, most importantly it was a Roman providential seat of judgement & a place of Great Christian persecution

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2:13 - I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, In Commitment: - Profession

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2:13 - Productive In Context: - Imperialism/ Civil Religion Center of Emperor cult worship - Zeus, or Pagan Temple in gen., - Roman Prov. Seat of Judgement In Commitment: - Profession - Faithful

II. Things that were worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2:14 15 Compromised:

II. Things that were worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2:14 15 Compromised: - with the teachings of Balaam (2:14). - with the teachings of the Nicolaitans (2:15).

II. Things that were worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2:14 15 - But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

II. Things that were worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2:14 15 Compromised: - with the teachings of Balaam (2:14). - with the teachings of the Nicolaitans (2:15). (both practiced idolatry, eating meat sacrificed to idols, and sexual immorality)

III. Words of Consequence: Rev 2:16 - Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. Repent or be punished.

IV. Things that were worthy of Compensation: Rev. 2:17 To partake of the hidden manna (2:17a) Cf. John 6:35 40. Jewish expositors had already often used manna as a symbol for spiritual food, God s law, or Torah/Wisdom/Word. The dead would be raised to eternal life on the last day, the day of the Lord, when God would transform the world and inaugurate his eternal kingdom.

IV. Things that were worthy of Compensation: Rev. 2:17 To be given a white stone with a new name (2:17b) Pebbles of various colors were used for admission to public celebrations; a black stone was the sacred symbol of the infamous Asian goddess Cybele; white stones used for medical purposes were associated with Judea; and perhaps most significant, jurors used black stones to vote for a person s guilt but white ones to vote for innocence. The Old Testament associated change of name with a promise (e.g., Gen 17:5, 15).

Q & A

The fourth (4 th ) Church of Revelations is the church of Thyatira: Rev. 2: 18-29

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 19

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 19 - Productive

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 19 - Productive - Progressive

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 19 - Productive: Love (Agape)

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 19 - Productive: Love (Agape) Service (Diakonia/ Deacon; Ministry

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 19 - Productive: Love (Agape) Service (Diakonia/ Deacon; Ministry Faith

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 19 - Productive: Love (Agape) Service (Diakonia/ Deacon; Ministry Faith Preserver/ Endure ( to bear up under )

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 19 - I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. - Productive:

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 19 - I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. - Productive: Love (Agape)

I. Things that were worthy of commendation: Rev. 2: 19 - I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. - Progressive

II. Things that were worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2: 20 -

II. Things that were worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2: 20 - Sexual Immorality

II. Things that were worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2: 20 - Sexual Immorality - Sacrilege

II. Things that were worthy of condemnation: Rev. 2: 20 - Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. - Sexual Immorality

III. Words of Consequence: Rev. 2: 21 -

III. Words of Consequence: Rev. 2: 21 - And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Also see Msg. Translation)

III. Words of Exhortation: Rev. 2: 24-25: But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

IV. Words of Compensation: Rev.2: 26-29: And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And she shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Q & A

5.The Church Of Sardis

The fifth (5 th ) Church of Revelations is the church of Sardis: Rev. 3: 1-6

I. Thing that was worthy of commendation: Rev. 3: 1

I. Thing that was worthy of commendation: Rev. 3: 1 - - Productive:

I. Thing that was worthy of commendation: Rev. 3: 1 - - Productive: Designation of Life

I. Thing that was worthy of commendation: Rev. 3: 1 - And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. - Productive:

II. Thing that was worthy of condemnation: Rev. 3: 1 - And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Identification of Death

III. Words of Exhortation A. Rev. 3: 2 B. Rev. 3: 3a

III. Words of Exhortation A. Rev. 3: 2 -

III. Words of Exhortation A. Rev. 3: 2 - Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

III. Words of Exhortation A. Rev. 3: 2 - Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Imperative to be :

III. Words of Exhortation A. Rev. 3: 2 - Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Imperative to be : Attentive

III. Words of Exhortation A. Rev. 3: 2 - Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Imperative to be : Attentive Supportive

III. Words of Exhortation A. Rev. 3: 2 - Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Why?

III. Words of Exhortation A. Rev. 3: 2 - Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Why? Your work is not full/ filled, complete

III. Words of Exhortation B. Rev. 3:3a -Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. 1. Remember What you have Received

III. Words of Exhortation B. Rev. 3:3a -Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. 1. Remember What you have Received 2. Retain what you have Received

III. Words of Exhortation B. Rev. 3:3a -Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. 1. Remember What you have Received 2. Retain what you have Received 3. Repent because of what you have Remember and Received

III. Words of Exhortation B. Rev. 3:3a -Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. 1. Remember What you have Received Ephesians 2: 11-20

III. Words of Exhortation B. Rev. 3:3a -Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. 1. Remember What you have Received Ephesians 2: 11-20, 2 Timothy 2:8

III. Words of Exhortation B. Rev. 3:3a -Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. 1. Remember What you have Received Ephesians 2: 11-20, 2 Timothy 2:8, Rev. 2:5

III. Words of Exhortation B. Rev. 3:3a Remember and hold fast and heard, and hold fast, and repent.

III. Words of Exhortation B. Rev. 3:3a -Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. 2. Retain what you have Received hold fast gen. meaning, to guard what s received Jn. 8:51

III. Words of Exhortation B. Rev. 3:3a -Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. 2. Retain what you have Received Being Kept by the word you Keep. Obedience to God results in him guarding us: Jn. 17:11 12

III. Words of Exhortation B. Rev. 3:3a -Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. 3. Repent because of what you have Remember and Received (See previous Bible Study notes on repentance)

IV. Words of Consequence: Rev.3:3b

IV. Words of Consequence: Rev.3:3b - If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. there appear to be two types of coming involved, a coming in judgment, which has negative connotations (2:5, 16; 3:3), which is apparently distinct from the return of Christ, which has positive connotations (2:25; 3:11). This saying has a close parallel in Rev 16:15

V. Words of Compensation: Rev.4:4-6

V. Words of Compensation: Rev.4:4-6 - Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

V. Words of Compensation: Rev.4:4 - Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. The term ὀνόματα, lit. names, is used here in a figurative sense for people, persons, very likely with an emphasis on their individuality (Louw-Nida, 9.19). The same idiom also occurs in Rev 11:13; Acts 1:15

V. Words of Compensation: Rev.4:4 - Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. Inscriptions in Asia Minor indicate that many temples barred worshipers with soiled garments, whose entry would insult the deity. White robes were worn by priests (and purportedly other worshipers) in the Jerusalem temple, worshipers of most deities (e.g., Isis, Apollo, Artemis), celebrants in cult festivals for the emperor and so on.

V. Words of Compensation: Rev.4:5- He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. All Greek and Roman cities had official rolls of citizens, to which new citizens could be added and from which expelled citizens would be removed. The book of life appears in the Old Testament and figures prominently in Jewish apocalyptic; see comment on Philippians 4:3. On confessing the believer s name before God s judgment tribunal, cf. Matthew 10:32 and Luke 12:8.

Q & A