Rev - Ch3: Letter to - Laodicea

What we cover tonight

Chapter 3: letter of Jesus to: Laodicea

Welcome

(Opener for each class ) who am I: Ken Geer

Thanks for visiting our church. If your a member of another church, you remain a member of that church, and we bless your church, and thank you for joining us for this study. We look foreword to more unity in the body of Jesus.. each church of Jesus is a candle in the dark and we are praying that we may all grow brighter, in these end times. we must all work together.

Other churches may have slightly different perspectives on Revelation . That is just fine. I am comfortable with that . It is OK to have differences. I will give you my view, and why I hold my view. I will do my best to accurately represent other major views. we are looking to study the Bible, not confirm our bias. so we must be willing to study.

Our desire is to be like the good Bereans. they were challenged with a strange new teaching that Jesus was the messiah and had been crucified. they had to deal with a pretty unsettling set of thoughts. but they got through it.

If you do have corrections for me. you may briefly state you concern in the class in the form of a question, but it would be best for others if we hold our discussion/or disagreements on these things till after class. - I am happy to learn and grow. I am not the final authority on revelation. For that I refer you to Jesus.

Pray

Invite the Holy spirit, ask him to give us a spirit of humility unity and love. Make us more like Jesus.

Jesus let us know and LOVE with our whole heart: “Your word, your Will and your Ways”

Intro (Read this)

In the study of Revelation many are in a hurry to get into the “future things” but this section of the letters of Jesus to the Churches may be among the most important for us to understand clearly.

As we read each of these letters to the 7 churches, we are being asked to hear, (if we have ears to hear), what the spirit is saying to the churches. (plural). Not just saying to the 7 churches of revelation, but to all churches. Ours included. We are learning what it means to be Overcomers, and Conqueres in our time in our place.

We are being challenged with issues, both alike and different to what the Churches in Revelation are facing. But we have the same savior and the same spirit. And we have an angel(s) over our church. The overcomer messages are all designed to show us how Jesus will help us in our weakness. Provide for us what we need in our testing. It is important that that we listen carefully with the ears that we have. Let us not be deaf to his messages.

Summary: 7 Letters to 7 churches.

We are at the start of revelation inside the first vision described in Revelation. Jesus among the 7 lampstands (churches) dictating his letters to the 7 angles of the 7 churches, who bear their 7 lamps. The messages are both specific to the church, and general to all churches, just like the other letters to the churches in the New Testament.

Seven is for completeness of God’s work. On the seventh day he rested.

See Chart on page 3 of Jack Hayford’s handout. https://www.jackhayford.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Studies-in-the-Book-of-Revelation.pdf

Summary: church in Pergamum Rev 2:12–17

City: Pergamum

Video Pergamum: Where Satan Dwells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2ND_5JBnIw

Called “the most famous place of Asia” by the Roman historian Pliny the Elder (AD 23–79) (Pliny, Natural History, 5.126). Before the capital was moved to Ephesus.

The Temple of Athena was filled with Prostitution

The Temple of Zeus was constructed to look like a giant throne. And perhaps this was called Stan’s Throne? Hitler thought so and had it move to Berlin.

The Temple of Dionysius (DI-OH-NEES-IUS)- the god of Wine and festivity. and fertility and again sexual sin.

The Temple of Asclepius (ASS-KLEEP-IUS) - A god who heals with the use of snakes.

Plus Many more temples!

Christ’s Person: sharp two-edged sword. sharp two-edged sword. Penetrating sou & spirit. dicerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Heb 4:12

Christ’s Commendation: They live where Satan's throne is at. But have not denied Jesus

Christ’s Accusation & Approval: They are falling into the trap of Balaam Num 22 - 24 allowing themselves to continue to be exposed to stumbling blocks of of sexual temptation and eating food sacrificed to idols, perhaps even getting some financial benefit to this compromise. This allows unsteady souls to be enticed into sin. (see 2 Peter 2:14–16)

Nicolaitans (skip) They are also holding to the teaching of Nicolaitans. We cover them in the letter to the Church Ephesus.will get to them soon And lean more about who they are.

Christ’s Consequence(Rev2:16): Therefore repent. If not, Jesus will come and the words of his mouth (the sharp double edged sword), will war against them.

Christ’s Promise to overcomers: To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’

Overcomers will receive some of the hidden manna - It will be Jesus, who is the hidden manna. As in the passover seder, The hidden matzah is the greater part. The promise of the future time with Jesus. Were he will be our Manna. He will be the WORD that is our sustenance, and our Life.

White Stone with a secret name.

Summary: church in Smyrna Rev 2:8–11

City: Smyrna

Video Smyrna | The 7 Churches of Revelation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlLRxFlnLo8

Famous beautiful pubic buildings on the hill, Population of 100K people!, Temple to emperors, Many guilds and membership required sacrificing to a pagan god

Christ’s Person Rev 2:8: The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

Christ’s Commendation Rev 2:9-10: they are in Tribulation & Poor, but He calls them “rich”!

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. We do not like suffering! Jesus was willing to suffer out of love for us, because it accomplished a greater purpose. It was painful and heart wrenching not just for Him, but for His mother and all his followers.

The devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. What is clear is that this life is not the important thing. The important thing is exiting this life as Overcommers! This message is repeated for us in James. James 1:12.

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Some of them may indeed die. But this message is preparing all of us for that day of the first death. For it is appointed once for man to die, and then the judgement. Heb 9:27.

No need to multiply crowns. simplest explanation is often best. I feel there is only 1 crown because we only have one head. The simplest explanation is that we will receive an imperishable crown of Life, Glory, and Righteousness indicating our Righteousness and Glory in Jesus our Messiah. It will be a crown that somehow connects to our works of love don in and for Jesus that resulted in the Salvation and Growth of others in God’s kingdom.

Jesus tell us that there are reward (fruit) in heaven. And we can loose them, when we have wrong motives. The hypocrites who act religious in order to be seen publicly; have their reward already, but the Father will reward those who act in secret, or are not looking for an earthy reward or advantage (Matt 6:1–18). They were disqualified for their reward and crown.

Christ’s Accusation: What there is no accusation. (like church in Philadelphia) This church is doing well, other than going through tribulation, poverty and slander.

Christ’s Promise to overcomers: (Rev 2:11) Not be hurt by the second death. the one that happens at judgement (the lake of fire - glad we miss that one!) see Rev 20:14-15

Summary: church in Ephesus Rev 2:1–7

City of Ephesus - 250K people

video: Ephesus | The 7 Churches of Revelation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpJ-IWw5_Mc

Video: What would Ancient Ephesus have looked like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcemMtXm9Ns

The formre most city of the roman empire, major trade route thriving city. But its harbor was filling with silt. It’s days were numbered.

Christ’s Person: Walking among the lampstands (churches)

Christ’s Commendation: Working and not grown weary

Christ’s Accusation & Approval: This against You, you have Lost first love

This is a hazard of the last days: one of the signs of the last days. Matt 24:12, “the love of most will grow cold. BECAUSE of Lawlessness. It is happening Now to us. we must be willing to sacrifice to love others.

Christ’s Call to Repentance and Action: repent, and do the works you did at first. OR I will remove your lampstand from its place.

It the Church is loosing the culture war, (and it is in America) it is because we are No longer in love with Jesus.

TO be in love with Jesus like Jesus described, with all our heart, all our soul, and all our Mind can be best described by studying the Shema in … Deut 6:4-5

Every morning and night Israelites will say. “Hear O Israel, the LORD is our God, the Lord is one. and as for you, you shall LOVE the Lord your God, with all of your HEART “Lev”, with all of your SOUL “Nephesh”, and with all your STRENGTH “Me’od”.

The best thing God has to say is that they are HATING you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. AND THIS IS IMPORTANT. Nicolaitans promoted a class structure in the church. God hates this. It is OK to have love and respect for your apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers and those that help you in the Lord. - But they are not your overlords, not closer to God.

Christ’s Promise to overcomers. Paradise of God & the Tree of Life! Those who overcome will get to gain the intent of the original garden state were we can eat of the tree of life. The future paradise is particularly important for Ephesus to know. This world, as amazing as Ephesus was as the center-point of much of the known world the pinnacle of civilization at that time, was passing away, and the real world is with God. will we also receive this same reward if we overcome? Yes we will.

1 John 2:15–17 ESV

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Summary: church in Thyatira

Read out loud Rev 2:18–29 The Message to Thyatira

Video Thyatira & Philadelphia | The 7 Churches of Revelation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUsm9dZPrcY

a smaller city, but longest message. Many Guilds required people to worship the patron greek& roman gods to be members often with sexually imoral acts. This left Christians either compromise their faith, on the outside of society and struggling to feed their families

The principal deities worshiped at Thyatira were Apollo and Artemis.

Christ’s Person: Rev 2:18: eyes like a flame of fire! Eyes are the lamp of the body: Luke 11:33–36. if your eyes are bad, your whole body is full of darkness. Jesus’ Eyes are flames of fire because there is no darkness in Him at all. He is altogether Holy. Feet like burnished bronze indicates extreme Holiness Clean, Pure, Refined, Valuable, Holy, without blemish. Both Daniel’s reaction to Jesus in Dan 10, and John’s reaction in Rev 1:17 when seeing God reviled with this description is to be “slain in the spirit” (fall at his feet as though dead) - and must be strengthened by God to get up and not fear. The Christians at Sardis are in dreadful danger and are being seduced into deadly sin. They need to sense the incredible holiness of God and repent.

Christ’s Commendation: Your love & faith & service are growing!

Christ’s Accusation: In contrast to Ephesus that has lost it’s first Love in Jesus, yet can still hate false teaching, in Thyatira they Love well, but are unable to take a strong stand against an evil woman who like Jezebel of 1 & 2 Kings is leading them into sexual sin and destruction. TOLERANCE is not a Virtue! Her deep sounding prophetic words are making people think it is ok to sin sexually.

READ 2 Peter!

God had given her time to repent, and time for the church to remove her out — if neither happen God will intervene and throw her and those who listen to her prophetic words (her children) her onto a “sickbed”. and “great tribulation” (“ (megas), ADJ., ADV. great; loud” “Affliction, distress, oppression) same as Rev 7:14, and Matt 24:21. Few times do we see God say He will strike someone dead. Rev 2:23 Yet it happens Acts 5:1 to her children as an example to the churches.

Christ’s Promise to overcomers: Give authority over nations. Like Jesus Psa 2:9 who will rule with a “rod of iron” Rev 12:5 so will the Christian overcomers most likely during the Millennial reign of Christ in Rev 19:15. How Ironic for woke leftist deep state Overlords that think they have all the power. Finally those who overcome will receive the Morning Star, (which I believe is a a reference to being with Jesus in His new kingdom)

Revelation 2:29 ESV

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

why is this phrase is moved to the end of the chapter after the overcomming/conquering.

Summary: church in Sardis Rev 3:1–6

City: Sardis

Sardis was built on a mountain and had a virtually impregnable citadel on a spur of the mountain, But it had twice been taken because of unvigilant guards. The church also was being taken by Satan because the Christians were asleep. Sardis was worshiping many gods… and as long as your ok with that you wont be cast out. Christian shop keepers with Jewish shop keepers side by side. In Cities were Jesus was being boldy preached this would not happen because the Christians would be marginalized out of the culture because of the exclusive message of the Gospel.

Christ’s Person: Rev 3:1 who has the 7 spirits & 7 stars. 7 Spirits = “complete”Holy Spirit. The 7 spirits are before the throne of God as 7 torches of fire Rev 4:5. In Rev 5:6, the 7 spirits are now seen as 7 horns and 7 eyes on the Lamb. And they are sent out into all the earth. representing complete power and wisdom

Christ’s Accusation: they are Dead/asleep. They have a reputation for being alive. but like the Devil’s marketing department dead stuff is often presented as desireable. We judge by external appearances God judges the heart. Any church in any denomination can be dead/asleep. To judge the church Jesus asked us to look at the fruit. Matt 12:33-37. Jesus is judging by the words they speak. The work they produce. Jesus found this church’s works are incomplete. this means there FAITH is also incomplete. James 2:17-26.

Jesus is slow to make this judgement. Consider his parable He give both time and blessing But he expects us to be fruitful! Luke 13:6-9.

I believe some Christian denominations are dead But lets not them! Finger-pointing is not helpful, we must first check the log in our own eye first, corrections are to be made directly not by gossip. We must be careful lest we become arrogant and prideful. We should fear to raise an accusation against the Lord’s anointed unless instructed by God to do so. (a prophetic role). Jesus is the head of the church, and may be able to address it better. It is the Godly grief of the holy spirit that leads to repentance. We cannot produce that change without God. 2 Cor 7:10 We must be ever vigilant to be ALIVE in JESUS CHRIST.

Jesus will come like a thief to those that are not awake. 1 Thes 5:2-4. This language of a thief in the context of staying awake is specifically used by Jesus himself in Matt 24. Jesus is coming like a thief at an unknown hour so that we will stay awake and ready.

Approval to a few who have not soiled their garments. Let be like them. Do not compromise with the World/Devil.

Christ’s Promise to overcomers: white garments for those that come out of the great tribulation. & NOT blot his name out of the book of life (in OT and NT and Revelation) To those who have an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches!

Summary: church in Philadelphia

This letter form Jesus to the Church in Philadelphia shows how important it is to listen to God when we are attacked and under fire, and then obey with patient endurance and wait for God to bring about his deliverance and make a way for the very best outcome.

Christ’s Person:

Holy one, True one, genuine; with the Key of David showing his authority to open and close. this was first seen in Isa. 22:15–25 which contrasts 2 different leaders in Israel… The unfaithful leaders like Shebna, were thinking only of themselves and how to profit themselves. and Eliakim (“God will raise up”), called “My servant.” who, Instead of exploiting the people, he would be a father to them and use his “key” (authority) for the good of the nation. He would be like a dependable peg, hammered into the wall, on which you could hang many burdens. So we see in this description of Jesus coming to the Church of Philadelphia, a clear figure of authority who would father them and take care of them.

Setting before them on Open door who opens and no one will shut Jesus opened a new and living way through his body on the cross — a door opened to humanity to come and fellowship with God.

Jesus shuts and no one opens - like God shut the door of Noah's ark. Genesis 7:15–16. But before he did, God first made a way of salvation. and this salvation of the ark pointed to the resurrection of Jesus as both the landing of the Ark on the mountains of Ararat, and the resurrection of jesus were recorded in the Bible as being ion the same day of the calendar.

God shut the Ark’s door perhaps because of the temptation for Noah and his family to open it and try to save others after the rain had begun. There is a time were it is too late to be saved. (salvation was closed)

but god had held the door open till the end of the life of the godly man Methuselah allowing many a good long chance to repent.

“Methuselah’s life, was a symbol of God’s mercy in forestalling the coming judgment of the flood. Therefore, it is fitting that his lifetime is the oldest in the Bible, speaking of the extensiveness of God’s mercy. “ Chuck - Missler

Christ’s Approval:

Philadelphia has no accusation, instead they are supported strongly by Jesus.

The Synagogue of Satan (not jews) who had been attacking the Christians, was going to be humbled before them and realize that God love the Christians, and this door of salvation was opened by God, in response to their obedience to a word they had received from him to endure the difficulties with patience.

Christ’s Commendation: Open Door that is set before them. Based on previous meniond of a door in the NT it is almost certain that this Open Door given to the Christians at Philadelphia is a opportunity to share the Gospel. Remember that Philadelphia means “love the brethren...” this an important part of our faith.

The Hour of Trial. Because they kept Jesus word “about” patient endurance they are “kept” from the Hour of Trial. It is coming on the whole world.

Christ’s Promise to overcomers:

Make you Pillar in the Temple, with God’s name written on it. and the name of God’s city. - a powerful sign of full respect and full identification of the bride with Christ by getting his name.

To the angel of the church in Laodicea

Read out loud Rev 3:14–22 The Message to Laodicea

Revelation 3:14–22 ESV

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

City: Laodicea

Video : Laodicea | The 7 Churches of Revelation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaFWY2iaSZ0

Video : Laodicea: Neither Hot nor Cold: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN9mxm1vDJE

Christ’s Person:

Revelation 3:14 ESV

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

Amen

amen = yes, certainly , truly, firm and trust worth, it is so!

how perfect it is a name of Jesus!

2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Faithful & True witness

From chapter 1 Jesus was called the Faithful Witness rev 1:5

Revelation 1:5 ESV

and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

but now the name is paired with True. And “true” is often connected with Judgement in revelation.

But also a foreshadowing the name of God in Rev 19:11

Revelation 19:11 ESV

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

We see that this name of God is connected with His righteousness that is how he Judges, and comes against the ungodly in the violence of War. (for there is no other choice at the end of time, there is no more grace after the 200 years… the door to the ark has been shut.

This is is of particular importance to Laodician Christians that have compromised the faith and become of little value.

Beginning of God’s creation

Jesus is the beginning of God’s creation this title reminds us that he was with God in the beginning as the WORD. - he has full authority and creative power.

Christ’s Commendation: None.

While there was no condemnation for Philidelpha, this time there is no commentdaiton for christians in Laodicea

Christ’s Accusation:

Revelation 3:15–18 ESV

“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

I know your works

rev 3:15

Revelation 3:15 (ESV)

“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!

Once again we see that Jesus is judging the works. It is something that Jesus knows.

Ephesus: I know your Works: yoru toil and patien endurance, and cannot bear those who are evil. Rev 2:2-5 Rrepent and do the works you did at first - or loose you lampstand. Contrast with hoe god hates the work of the Nicolaitsns. God can hate our works - and we should hate what he hates if we know whats good for us.

Thyatira Rev 2:19 I know your works. your love and faith and service and patient endurance. Rev 2:22 - the church must repent of Jezeble’s works. Jesus will give to each of us according to our works. Rev 2:23.

Rev 2:26 - those who key Jesus’ works, until the end will get the overcomer’s reward.

Sardis Rev 3:1 I know you works your reputation of being alive, but really dead. Rev 3:2 I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God!

Philadelphia Rev 3:8. I know you works. I have set before you an open door to work!

Jesus known and is evaluating our works too! He is a faithful and true witness. he will not tell a lie.

YOU are Neither Hot nor Cold

rev 3:15

Revelation 3:15 (ESV)

“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!

It is so amazing to realize that the this accusation is so well tied into the culture and reality of this city.

Hot

hot water

Cold

cold water - ice.

warm

rev 3:16

Revelation 3:16 ESV

So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

This temperature is of no value.

Self-Deception

Revelation 3:17 ESV

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

How can this be? Christians this blind? is that our church?

Solution: Buy from Jesus

Not everything is free gift.?

Revelation 3:18 ESV

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

Three part cure. buy three things from Jesus:

let God refine you buy his pure gold. learn from your sin, and others and become pure. this refining requires fire. this will cost you so you must buy it.

buy white garments. thansk to jesus work on the cross these have been purchased, but true repentance is required.

Eye salve. to cure self-deception. see clearly.

Buy Refined Gold

so you may be rich… what is this gold… precious metals.

How do you get refined gold?

G through the fire the testing.

who makes refined gold? who do we buy it from?

A person who worked to separate pure metal from ore. This was done by reducing the metal to a fluid state by the application of heat, and by the aid of solvents (Isa 1:25; Jer 6:29).

Isaiah 1:25 ESV

I will turn my hand against you and will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy.

Jeremiah 6:29 ESV

The bellows blow fiercely; the lead is consumed by the fire; in vain the refining goes on, for the wicked are not removed.

Zechariah 13:9 ESV

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ”

Malachi 3:2–3 ESV

But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

Buy white Garments

cover shame and nakedness.

“No shame”

Shame is considered a bad word in our culture, and in our churches.

SHAME Feelings associated with (but not limited to) failure, public exposure, disgrace, embarrassment, social rejection, ridicule, and dishonor.

why is God mentioning shame?

Generally speaking, shame was a core value in the biblical world (Pilch, Introducing, 49). Greeks, Romans, and Judeans all considered shame to play a pivotal role in their cultures (Neyrey, “Shame of the Cross,” 115). This perspective can be difficult to understand in modern societies, where shame is largely regarded as a private problem. “Guilt” might better describe the corresponding modern value (Pilch, Introducing, 49).

The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Shame Served Several Important Social Functions)

Shame Served Several Important Social Functions

In the ancient world, shame was connected to one’s public reputation. It refers to a person’s internal experience of disgrace, fearing that others will see how he has dishonored him/herself, often resulting in a preventative attitude that one must remain out of sight in order to avoid being disgraced (Lemos, “Shame and Mutilation,” 227). If someone violated the societal expectations but was not discovered, there was no shame because the deed was not done before the eyes of the public. However, even if one remained out of public scrutiny, shame still followed when God’s law was disregarded (Hos 4:6–7). Shame was the result of sin, but it was removed on the day of liberty and restoration (Isa 61:7).

Shame was seen to play a healthy role in society, encouraging people to be sensitive to their honor in the eyes of others. Shame promoted positive behavior (Judg 3:24–25). Thus, an honorable individual always had a sense of shame (Pilch, Introducing, 53). Consequently, shame enabled dignified living among other people because it involved acceptance of and respect for the rules of human interaction (Malina, New Testament, 44). A shameless person disregarded these rules. With this in mind, shame is mentioned in Proverbs 10:5; 12:4; 13:5; 14:35; 17:2; 18:3; 19:26; 25:8; 25:9–10; 28:7; 29:15 (Pilch, Introducing, 61).

Shame was a key value in warfare. A warrior who fled from battle was viewed as a disgrace—out of fear of shame, a soldier would fight to the death rather than put his personal safety above the city’s safety (DeSilva, Honor, 25). However, once defeated, shame still could be present.

Techniques such as enemies being thrown at the feet of the victor were aimed at bringing dishonor or shame on the person. For example, Joshua orders his captains to “put [their] feet on the necks” of the defeated kings (Josh 10:24). This gesture provides a public display of physical dominance (Matthews, “Making Your Point,” 22) and dishonors the defeated kings. The Psalms contain numerous prayers requesting shame to come on the supplicant’s enemies (Pss 6:10; 35:4, 26; 40:14–15; 39:8).

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Key Terms for and Examples of Shame in the Bible

Shame factors into many passages throughout the Bible and can be indicated by a range of words. These include nouns such as “dishonor” and “disgrace,” as well as verbs like “scorn,” “despise,” “revile,” “reproach,” “rebuke,” “insult,” “blaspheme,” “deride,” and “mock.”

Shame was a significant factor in the crucifixion of Jesus. Although the Gospels record in varying degrees the physical torture of Jesus, they all emphsize the attempts to shame Him. These techniques include:

• spitting on Jesus (Matt 26:67; 27:30; Mark 10:33–34; 14:65; 15:19);

• striking Jesus in the face and head (Matt 26:67; 27:30; Mark 14:65; 15:19);

• stripping off Jesus’ clothes (Matt 27:28);

• ridiculing Jesus (Matt 27:28–29, 31, 41–43; Mark 15:18–20, 31; Luke 23:11, 35–37; John 19:2–3, 5);

• insulting Jesus (Matt 27:44; Mark 15:32, 36).

Who is right on this shame issue? Us or God?

Is there shame in our sin?

yes.

but once forgiven it is removed.

Isa 1:18

Isaiah 1:18 ESV

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

Eye Salve

To cure the self-deception. to see God (truth) clearly.

Discipline in Revelation

Revelation 3:19 ESV

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

This may be the key to unlocking all of revelation.

my story in College class.

Nature of God is to make us righteous,

Stand at the Door knocking

Revelation 3:20 ESV

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Eating with Jesus

Christ’s Promise to overcomers:

CONQUER, (Overcome): a description of devotion to God.

Do not succumb, Do not give in, stay in LOVE, and FAITH and HOPE. for there is great reward waiting for you.

What does the Christians at ____need to do to overcome?

Revelation 3:21 ESV

The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches:

Revelation 3:22 ESV

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

Next week

Review of the churches. - Dec 27?

Chapter 4 - the Throne of God in Heaven - / Jan 3

Basic approaches in interpreting Revelation

Chapter 5 - The lamb and the scroll - Jan 10

Outline of revelation

Intro

5 LESSONS: Bible is one unified story, Keys to eschatology 1,2,3,4 Matt 24, Daniel 9, Matt 25.

ch1 The Introduction: The revelation of Christ’s Person, Authority, and Presence

1 LESSON: Its all about Jesus

ch2, 3 The Epistles to the Churches: The revelation of Christ’s Administrating of His Church

7 LESSONS: Each of these Letters from Jesus are important! Dont speed past these.

ch4, 5 The Throne of God in Heaven: The revelation of Christ’s Right and Claim to Earth (The Lamb receives title to this planet.)

3 LESSONS: Basic approaches to Rev, Throne in heaven, Lamb of God,

ch6 The Breaking Open of Seals 1-6: The revelation of Christ’s Ministry as Savior and Judge (Savior, “going forth”; Judge, “great wrath”)

ch7 The 144,000–The Redeemed Host: The revelation of Christ’s Own: Sealed and Delivered (Both are the Church; on earth/in heaven)

ch8, 9 The 7th Seal–the first 6 trumpets : The revelation of Christ’s People Precipitating release Through Prayer (Opening a mighty concept)

??? NOTE: The 7th Trumpet–The Last Trump 1Cor. 15:52; 1Thess.4:16–appears as Revelation 11:15-19.

ch10 The Mighty Angel Announcing the End: The revelation of Christ as Consummator of History and as Commissioner of the End Times’ Message

ch 11, 13 Two Witnesses Christ’s, The Wonder Woman, The Beast: The revelation of Christ’s Church in Confrontation with Evil (In persecution, in spiritual warfare, and in conflict with the world-system)

ch 14 The 144,000 and Six Angelic Actions: Christ’s Own Redeemed in Triumph (Each angelic action indicating victory)

ch 15, 16 The 7 Vials of God’s Wrath: Christ’s Commission Unto Final Judgment (Set in an atmosphere of worship)

ch 17, 18 The Destruction of Babylon: Christ’s Sovereign Triumph Over Evil’s Spiritual and Economic Control of Mankind

ch 19, 20 The Two Last Battles: Christ’s Final Triumph Over and Banishment of All Evil (Pre- and post-millennial)

ch 21, 22 The New Heaven and New Earth: Christ’s Ultimate and Eternal Union With His Own Bride

Tribulation

Wrath

How long is the tribulation?

Is the Tribulation 7 yrs? or 3.5 years? or longer? Good teachers have decide there is a credible proposition that it could be much longer. (Jack Hayford). Jack thinks the tribulation started with Jesus leaving. In the World you have “tribulation” but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.

Come Quickly (for god it is quick)… and if you are upset about it that he has waited 2000 yr, it is not His fault. It is your fault for not recognizing that it could be up to him to decide what it means.

Rapture

Who will be taken when the Lord returns? Question Jack Hayford asked his mom as a young boy. His Mom came back with this after prayer. Those that are taken up with him now, will be taken up with him then.

Cessationism (distortion of scripture)

Often caused Christians to be filled with hate. Came up with the idea of Dispensation. Dispensationalism, is been given such a great spotlight, but not well defended by scripture. filmsy.???