BaptistWay Bible Series for June 12: Christ examines the seven churches_53005

Posted: 6/01/05

BaptistWay Bible Series for June 12

Christ examines the seven churches

• Revelation 2:1-11; 3:14-21

By Wayne Smith

First Baptist Church, Lamesa

Last week’s introduction to the study of Revelation examined the vision John the Apostle had while exiled on the island of Patmos in A.D. 95. The risen Christ appeared to John and revealed messages to be sent to seven churches in Asia Minor—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamem, Thayatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The letters were to seven churches located in a circuitous route beginning at Ephesus.

This week’s lesson will examine the messages to Ephesus, Smyrna and Laodicea and look briefly at the messages to the remaining churches.

The seven letters follow a common format. After naming the church to be addressed, the risen Lord identified himself as the sender. Next is a section of either commendation or criticism. Christ charged the criticized churches to repent and change. He praised the churches not criticized.

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The church at Sardis received no praise. The churches at Smyrna and Philadelphia received no criticism.

The church in Ephesus (2:1-7)

The church at Ephesus was commended for hard work and perseverance. They had maintained doctrinal integrity by not tolerating false teaching. The church had endured persecution as Christians. But they had forsaken their “first love” and were no longer a congregation united in love of Christ and of one another. Christ admonishes them: “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” If they do not return to those practices, the church will die. However, no individual loss of final salvation is implied.

The Ephesian church was commended for not following the practices of the Nicolaitans—a sect which taught that pagan feasts and orgies were legitimate practices for the Christian church. The Nicolaitans have been linked to the heresy taught by Balaam (see Numbers 25:1-2 and 2 Peter 2:15).

The church in Smyrna (2:8-11)

Both Roman and Jewish forces opposed the church at Smyrna. The Romans demanded emperor worship. The Jews berated them for forsaking the true worship of God. The church at Smyrna received no reprimands. Faithful believers who were martyred will receive eternal life symbolized by a “crown of life” (2:10). Faithful followers of Christ will not endure the “second death” reserved for the wicked (Revelation 20:6, 14; 21:8).

The churches at Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia (2:12-3:13)

The church at Pergamum, the capital city of Asia, had remained faithful to Christ in the face of terrible persecution by the Romans. Even so, Pergamum was admonished to rid itself of the Nicolaitans among the congregation. To those who persevere, Christ promised eternal life, symbolized by “hidden manna” and a “white stone” (Isaiah 62:2 and Revelation 19:12)

The church at Thyatira was criticized for tolerating a church member called Jezebel, who claimed to be a prophetess (see 1 Kings 16:31) and taught that sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols were acceptable practices. Christ pronounced his judgment upon Jezebel and those who followed her false teaching.

The church at Sardis, which appeared to be alive, had lost its spiritual vitality and was spiritually dead. Christ admonished them to revive and complete the work of the church. The few faithful members of the church will be rewarded with eternal life with Christ.

Christ had no criticism for the church at Philadelphia, the youngest of the seven cities. He urged them to remain faithful and enter the “New Jerusalem,” the blessing of eternal life with Christ.

The church in Laodicea (3:14-21)

Laodicea was the only church to receive no commendation from Christ. Christ condemned the church for its self-deception. Church members were indifferent to their spiritual condition and believed their wealth and medical knowledge made them self-sufficient. Although they were wealthy and healthy, Christ pronounced them spiritually naked and blind. He offered hope by stating that he rebuked and disciplined those who he loved. If they heeded the warning of judgment and repented, Christ would welcome them into eternal life with him.

Application

The churches in the focal passages illustrate failures within the first century Christian churches that are applicable to churches today.

The church at Ephesus had reached a plateau. They were not actively pursuing their purpose as a church. Although they were rooted in sound doctrine and maintained stability, they had become stagnant. They were not pursuing the mission of the church to evangelize. Instead, they had become complacent and sought to maintain the status quo. They were right to deny the Nicolaitans the opportunity to spread their false doctrine but they offered nothing in its place. They had missed the opportunity to exercise their faith positively to combat a negative influence and had elected instead to merely “hold on.”

The church at Smyrna was a poor church as far as material possessions, but they were blessed with spiritual wealth. In the midst of persecution both from the Jews and the Romans, they had thrived. Even under the threat of more persecution, Christ pronounced them fit and able to withstand the suffering they were about to endure. Christ knew their motivation as Christians came from a desire to live worthily of the name. Therefore, their real wealth lay in the realization of eternal life with Christ.

The church at Laodicea had lost its enthusiasm. They had become lukewarm in their spiritual lives, something that Christ could not tolerate. He criticized them for an attitude of indifference toward their purpose as a church. They relied upon their own wealth to sustain them instead of the presence of Christ in their lives.

Discussion question

• Am I helping my church fulfill its purpose?