Rev 2-3 (Which Church Are We?)

INTRO: Ten Really Strange Things That Happen At Church Business Meetings (Thom Rainer)

Transition: The church has seen a great many trivialities pass through its doors over time, as well as many serious matters. However, when it comes to the purpose of the church, our love and unity are of utmost importance. As we will learn in , there can be serious consequences if our priorities are out of line.

The Seven Churches

BODY

The Book of Revelation is Addressed to the 7 Churches

Revelation 1:4 ESV

4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,

These churches are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea

The Letters are from Christ

From Christ

Through John

To the Church

For All Who Hear

Revelation 2:1 ESV

1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

Revelation 2:8 ESV

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

Rev

Revelation 2:12 ESV

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

Rev 2

Revelation 2:18 ESV

18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

Revelation 3:1 ESV

1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

Rev 2:

Revelation 3:7 ESV

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

Rev

Revelation 3:14 ESV

14 “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.

Rev

The Letters are for All Who Hear

Revelation 2:7 ESV

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

Revelation 2:7a ESV

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

Rev 2

Ephesus and Smyrna were covered last week with Bro. John so I am going to pick up with Pergamum.

(2:12-17) Pergamum

Roman city where the proconsul (governor, deputy emperor) resided. He possessed the power to put people to death and his representative symbol is a “sword”

Satan’s throne, Asclepius symbols everywhere. Represented healing to the Pergamenes, but evil to Christians.

PROBLEM: Teaching of Balaam

PROBLEM: Teaching of Nicolatians

COMMAND: Needed to repent for bad theology.

(2:18-28) Thyatira

Longest of the 7 letters, written to the smallest and least important town.

Thyatira was position between two valleys, making it nestled along a trade route. It was conducive for business and was used as a commercial centre. They were known for trade guilds.

Lydia (Philippians) is from Thyatira. It was famous for wool dyeing, which may explain Lydia’s occupation.

Not much else is known about it.

PROBLEM: Tolerated Jezebel. Leaders allowed a divisive, sinful person to enter their ranks and lead others into sin. Others in the church stayed true to the faith.

COMMAND: Hold fast until I come.

(3:1-6) Sardis

A wealthy town, booming with commercial markets. The city’s riches made it slack in its protection and it was overtaken by Cyrus the Persian and Antiochus.

PROBLEM: Dead church that they thought was alive.

Command: Wake, strengthen, remember, keep, repent.

(3:7-13) Philadelphia

The gateway of the east.

Floruishing, prosperous region, relied in its grape growing for business. Centre for Dionysus worship and had many temples and idols.

PROBLEM: Nothing specific. Commended for keeping God’s word and not denying his name.

COMMAND: Hold Fast, so that no one may seize your crown.

(3:14-22) Laodicea

One of the richest commercial centres in the world. The church was nestled in an affluent society.

Colony of over 7,000 Jewish men granted the right to preserve their customs

Established by Epaphrus. Paul’s letter to the Colossians was also written to the Laodicean’s

PROBLEM: Lukewarm. Neither hot nor cold.

COMMAND: Be zealous and repent.