Revelation 3:1-13 - Lesson Plan

Adult Bible Study Lesson Plan: Revelation 3:1-13 (Expositional Approach)

Objective: To understand the messages to the churches in Sardis and Philadelphia, applying their commendations, accusations, exhortations, and promises to the modern church.

Time: 60 minutes

Target Audience: Adults in a Reformed Presbyterian Church

Materials:

Bibles

Whiteboard or flip chart

Markers

Lesson Outline:

I. Introduction (5 minutes)

Begin with prayer.

Introduce the topic: The letters to the churches in Sardis and Philadelphia found in Revelation 3:1-13.

Briefly review the overall purpose of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation: To encourage, warn, and exhort churches to faithfulness in the midst of a pagan culture.

Note that the letters to the seven churches can be understood as one message, calling the church to be faithful and holy.

Emphasize the importance of studying these letters today: They offer insights into the common dangers facing churches in any age and provide guidance for faithful Christian living.

Explain that the class will move expositionally through the passage, beginning with Sardis and then Philadelphia.

II. The Church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) (25 minutes)

Read Revelation 3:1-6 aloud.

A. Contextual Background:

Geographic and Historical Context:Sardis was an ancient city in Asia Minor, known for its wealth and former glory.

It had a reputation for being self-sufficient but also prone to complacency and decline.

Literary Context:The letter to Sardis is part of a larger section in Revelation (chapters 2-3) containing messages to seven churches.

These messages are addressed to "angels" of the churches, likely representing their leaders.

B. Examining the Text:

1. Christ's Self-Identification (v.1):"These things says he who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars…"This identification emphasizes Christ's authority, power, and intimate knowledge of the churches.

The "seven spirits" represent the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and the "seven stars" symbolize the angels of the churches.

2. Commendation and Accusation (vv.1-2):Commendation: Christ acknowledges that Sardis has "a name that [it] lives," meaning it had a reputation for being a living church.

Accusation: However, Christ immediately contrasts this reputation with the reality that the church is "dead," meaning spiritually lifeless and lacking in genuine works.

Discussion Point: How can a church have a reputation for being alive while actually being spiritually dead? What are some signs of spiritual deadness in a church?

3. Exhortation and Warning (vv.2-3):Exhortation: Christ urges the church to "wake up," "strengthen what remains," and "remember" its former commitment to the faith.

Warning: He warns that if they do not repent, he will come upon them "like a thief," meaning unexpectedly and with judgment.

Discussion Point: What does it mean to "wake up" spiritually? How can we strengthen the things that remain in our own lives and churches?

4. The Faithful Remnant (vv.4-5):Despite the church's overall condition, Christ acknowledges that there are "a few names…who have not soiled their garments".

He promises these faithful individuals that they will "walk with [him] in white," symbolizing purity and victory.

Discussion Point: How does the presence of a faithful remnant within a struggling church encourage us? What can we learn from those who remain faithful in challenging times?

5. Promise and Call to Hear (vv.5-6):Promise: Those who overcome will be clothed in white garments and their names will not be blotted out of the Book of Life.

Call to Hear: The letter concludes with the familiar call to "hear what the Spirit says to the churches".

Discussion Point: What is the significance of the promise to be clothed in white garments and have our names in the Book of Life? Why is it important to listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches?

C. Application to the Modern Church:

Discussion Point: Where do we see the characteristics of Sardis in the modern church?

Churches may prioritize outward appearances or programs over genuine spiritual life.

There can be a lack of passion for the gospel and a failure to engage in meaningful outreach.

Individual Christians can become complacent, comfortable, and unmotivated in their faith.

Challenge: Encourage the class to reflect on their own lives and their local church. Are there areas where they need to "wake up," "remember," and return to their "first love" for Christ?

III. The Church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) (25 minutes)

Read Revelation 3:7-13 aloud.

A. Contextual Background:

Geographic and Historical Context:Philadelphia was a city located in a strategically important region of Asia Minor.

It was known for its loyalty to Rome and for its significant Jewish population.

Literary Context:The letter to Philadelphia is unique in that it contains no direct accusations against the church.

B. Examining the Text:

1. Christ's Self-Identification (v.7):"These things says the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one shuts, who shuts and no one opens…"This identification highlights Christ's holiness, faithfulness, and sovereign authority.

The "key of David" symbolizes his kingly rule and his power to grant access to God's kingdom.

2. Commendation (vv.8-9):Christ commends the Philadelphian church for:

Having "a little power" but remaining faithful despite their limited resources.

Keeping his word and not denying his name, indicating their steadfast commitment to Christ.

Discussion Point: How does the commendation of Philadelphia encourage us, even if we feel we have "little power"? What does it mean to "keep his word" and "not deny his name" in today's world?

3. Promise of Vindication (v.9):Christ promises to expose the hypocrisy of those who claim to be Jews but are actually "a synagogue of Satan".

He declares that these opponents will come and "worship" at the feet of the believers, acknowledging the truth of their faith.

Discussion Point: How does Christ's promise of vindication encourage those who face opposition for their faith? What are some ways that God can expose hypocrisy and bring truth to light?

4. Promise of Protection (vv.10-11):"Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth."Christ promises to protect his faithful followers during a coming time of global testing.

This "hour of trial" likely refers to a period of intense persecution and tribulation preceding Christ's return.

John 17:15 ESV

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

Discussion Point: How does Christ's promise of protection comfort us in the face of trials and suffering? How can we "keep his word about patient endurance"?

5. Promise of Eternal Fellowship (v.12):"I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name."This promise emphasizes the eternal security and intimate relationship that believers will have with God in the new creation.

Discussion Point: What is the significance of being made a "pillar in the temple of God"? How does this promise motivate us to remain faithful?

6. Call to Hear (v.13):The letter concludes with the call to "hear what the Spirit says to the churches.".

Discussion Point: Why is it essential to pay attention to the messages of the Spirit, both in Revelation and in our own lives?

C. Application to the Modern Church:

Discussion Point: Where do we see the characteristics of Philadelphia in the modern church?

Churches that faithfully proclaim the gospel, even in the face of opposition.

Christians who stand firm in their beliefs, despite cultural pressures to compromise.

Ministries that focus on sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.

Challenge: Encourage the class to consider how they can emulate the faithfulness and perseverance of Philadelphia. What are some practical ways they can support and encourage those who are actively spreading the gospel?

IV. Conclusion (5 minutes)

Summarize the key lessons from the letters to Sardis and Philadelphia.

Emphasize the importance of heeding these messages today:Avoiding spiritual apathy and complacency: The church in Sardis serves as a warning against becoming lukewarm in our faith.

Embracing faithfulness and perseverance: The church in Philadelphia provides an inspiring example of remaining true to Christ, even in difficult circumstances.

Close with prayer: Ask God to help us apply these lessons to our own lives and to the life of the church.