The Message to the Churches
Chapter 6
Seven Churches
It is with great trepidation that I begin this discussion of this final book of the Holy Scripture. The Bible is the most read and discussed book to ever exist, and for good reasons. It has been studied, analyzed, and dissected. It has been translated into almost every language on earth. No other book has come under such scrutiny, criticism, and praise. It is the most hated and the most loved book on the planet. It is a diverse book containing, history, poetry, and prophesies under numerous subcategories. It was recorded by several different authors over a large span of years. Yet, in spite of all these facts, it contains a continuous theme and a harmony that blends itself into revealing the story of Mankind and insights into the Creator of all things. In the final chapter, “The Revelation,” we are given a glimpse into the end of Man’s rule on earth and the redemption of the planet under the Lordship of The Man Christ Jesus.
Much of Revelation is presented in figurative language and because of this, it has been interpreted in a multitude of different ways. It has been dissected and the fragments have been scrambled and rearranged to create building blocks for a host of stories. Often it seems as if the fundamental rules of interpretation have been discarded as scholars spin their personal interpretations. If the rest of Scripture was as loosely interpreted as some have done with this book we would have no idea what Christ had intended for His Church, or how we could receive salvation.
I am going to begin by focusing my attention on the introduction and the letters to the Churches. Much of this book is prophetic, and it was more so in John’s day, for some of these prophesies have already been fulfilled. Those who claim to understand these prophesies and how they will unfold easily attract people’s attention. By nature, we are curious, especially about what is going to happen in our future. But God did not give us this revelation just so we would know what was going to happen and when. This revelation is about God, Jesus Christ, and our standing or relationship to Him. It is about righteousness and sin, redemption and punishment. This book brings us to the end of the age and presents the beginning of a new age, but most importantly it is about where we personally fit in. Will we be recipients of the wrath of the Lamb, or recipients of salvation and glorious rewards?
So, we need to start with the introduction to lay the foundation for what is being revealed. Later these words will be repeated: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and believe that these words are a message from Him will be able to hear, for they have an ear to hear. These words need to be heeded seriously for the time of Christ’s return is near, much nearer than when the words were first penned.
Introduction
“1 ¶ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must shortly take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.” (Re 1:1-2 NAS)
This is a revelation that is from God to Jesus Christ and then via messenger to John the Apostle and recorded for us. This is a revelation of things that began to take place in John’s day and as of yet, these things have not finished taking place.
“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; 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood, 6 and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Re 1:4-6 NAS)
As we continue in the introduction we are reminded of the lofty status of the author. This is a message from the eternal God, the creator of all things. It has come through His Son, who was the revelation of God in human flesh, the first born of the dead, and king of kings, ruler of all. This message is from the one who loved us so much that He suffered and died that we might live and become a kingdom of priests in an everlasting kingdom.
“BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen.” (Re 1:7 NAS)
The importance of the revelation that John is sharing with the churches is summarized in this verse. Jesus is coming back to the earth in the same manner that He left. But this time His entrance will be witnessed by every living soul. He is coming in power and glory to restore righteousness under His reign as King.
As John is confronted with the Lord’s presence he falls as a dead man. The Lord lays His hand on John calming his fears and He charges John to record what is being revealed. The mystery of the seven stars and seven lampstands is then explained.
The glorious figure that John has seen among the seven lampstands is our Lord Jesus Christ. The seven stars in His hand are the seven messengers to the churches. The seven lampstands are the seven churches of Asia.
The Messages to the Churches
“17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?” (1Pe 4:17-18 NAS)
We should pay close attention to these messages to these seven churches. The judgments of these churches come as a means of correction. 1Corinthians 11:32 tells us that when we are judged we are disciplined or corrected so that we will not be condemned with the world. As we are presented with a view of these churches from God’s perspective, we are able to apply these lessons to ourselves. We are able to get insight into those things that please Him and those things that need correction. We would do well to spend time studying these messages. We may find we need correction. Far better, we may be able to avoid making the same mistakes and failures of these seven churches. Discipline is not pleasant, but afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (Heb. 12:11)
It is our tendency to be drawn toward revelation about the mysteries that lie ahead in our future. This book is filled with mysterious prophesies. But the knowledge and understanding of what lies in our future does not save us from the consequences of our sin. Our first concern needs to be focused on our present condition and our relationship with Christ. Now is the day of salvation and soon the day of salvation will be coming to a close. Whether it closes with our death or with the return of our Lord, the result will be the same. Either we will receive praise and honor or we will be the recipients of God’s wrath. With that in mind let us pay close attention to Christ’s messages to the churches.
Church Ages?
I feel compelled to address those who have proposed that these seven churches represent seven church ages. Those that do so seem to have an ulterior motive. They have a tendency to cherry pick the things that help bolster their theories and interpretations of the events described in Revelation. I have suggested that they have an ulterior motive because these seven churches do not neatly represent the Church at differing time periods. To start with, these were actual churches that existed in John’s day, and they all existed in the same time period. Likewise, if we examined churches around the world in our day, we would see a variety of situations similar to John’s day. Even in America, we could probably find churches that fit most of the described spiritual conditions that we see here in the book of Revelation.
What is relevant is that God’s dealings with these churches are applicable for us today. For this reason, we need to take heed. Whatever our situation is, God knows the challenges that we may be facing. By looking at these seven differing situations from God’s perspective we can glean the wisdom and understanding to face our own particular situations. We need to strengthen those things that are beneficial, and repent of our sins and lack of faith. Then as the future unfolds in front of us we can face it with the calm assurance that He is with us, comforting and guiding.
The Church at Ephesus
“1 ¶ “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: 2 ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; 3 and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. 4 ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 ‘Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place — unless you repent. 6 ‘Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Re 2:1-6 NAS)
Jesus starts by commending the church at Ephesus. He knows what they have accomplished and the effort and perseverance involved. He commends them for not putting up with evil men. They have been careful to test those who have claimed to be apostles, and they have discerned properly that they were false. They have stood firm against opposition in the name of Jesus and been tireless. They have also hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans, as does Jesus.
But Jesus had this one thing against them, for they had left their first love. If you are like me, you are wondering what it means that they have left their first love. Considering the list of commendations they received it would seem as if they did love Jesus. What does it mean for Jesus to be your first love? Obviously, we are not talking about what they loved first, because at first, they loved themselves. First love in this context would be that love you hold in esteem higher than anything else. This love would be the foundation of your priorities and actions.
So, how do we know if we love Jesus? Judging from the serious way in which this is addressed I think it would be prudent that we found out so that we would not find ourselves lacking in this area. I am certain if we asked everyone in our church if they loved Jesus, that most if not all would respond, “Yes I love Jesus.” Obviously, words are not enough. Jesus is saying that this church did not love Him as they had done before.
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place — unless you repent.” (Re 2:5 NAS)
From the correction given, we can see that Jesus is telling them to remember from where they have fallen. They need to repent and do the things that they had done before. But what are those things? I looked through the Scripture to find ways to love God. I found three ways in which we must show our love for Him. Most prevalent was this statement: “If you love me keep my commandments.”
What are Jesus’ commandments? In our modern evangelical circles, there are some that would say that since we are under grace and not under law that there is only one commandment that we need to follow. That commandment is that we Love. Jesus said that the all of Law and the Prophet hang on this command that you love the Lord your God and that you love your neighbor as yourself. Sounds pretty simple and it is, but the problem is we do not know how to do that. By nature (our sinful nature) our preference was to love ourselves and often we did not even do a good job at that. That is why God gave us the Law and the Prophets, so He could teach us to love God and our fellow humans. So, a good place to start would be with the Ten Commandments. If we find we are not in compliance with these commandments, then we know we know that we do not love as we ought.
Secondly, there were many references to the fact that if we love Him we will love the brethren. You cannot love God and hate your brother. Why? Because you cannot hate what God loves. I need to remind you that this is “agape” love. It is not founded on emotions or what pleasure it brings for you. It is founded on the value that God has placed upon each person. This is an intentional and committed love that cares for a person. This love is unconditional and is not bound by time or circumstances. Often emotions and pleasure may result from this love, but they are not the foundation of this love.
“14 ¶ We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1Jo 3:14-18 NAS)
The third thing was a little more personal. If we love our Lord we will fulfill those personal requests he has asked of us. As Jesus is leading us to be about our Father’s business He will instruct us to fulfill our particular calling.
“6 And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Ro 12:6-8 NAS)
The best way to show the connection between the fulfillment of our gifts and calling and our love for Jesus is found in the encounter that Peter had with Jesus after the resurrection. After Jesus had been resurrected He appeared many times to the disciples. It may have been because of uncertainty for their future that Peter decided one day to go fishing and many of the disciples went with him. After fishing all night and catching nothing, Jesus showed up and told them to try casting their net on the right side of the boat. Then their nets were full of fish and they knew it was Jesus. Later as Jesus walked with Peter, He posed this Question, “Peter, do you love me?” Peter’s answer was the affirmative. “You know all things, yes I love you.” Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my lambs.” This was repeated three times to the exasperation of Peter. Again, Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”
There are those things that each of us is asked to do as an individual. In Peter’s case, it was to tend to Jesus’ sheep. If we love Jesus, we will be doing what He asks us to do. Looking back at our text we are told to do those things that we did at first. Jesus is not looking for lip service. If we love Him we will be following His commands. We will love our fellow believers in tangible ways. And we will be doing what He has asked us to do, whether it is preaching, teaching, or serving in any of the variety of capacities. If we are no longer doing these things, then Jesus is no longer our first love.
Remember, repent, and do, or I will remove your lampstand.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.” (Re 2:7 NAS)
This message was to the Church at Ephesus, but the final appeal is to us as individuals. To the one who overcomes is granted access to the tree of life, in the Paradise of God.
The Church in Smyrna
8 ¶ “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: 9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Re 2:8-10 NAS)
As each church is addressed there is a focus on certain characteristics of Jesus that pertains to their situation. To Smyrna Jesus identifies Himself as eternal, the first and the last, and as the One who was crucified, died, and was resurrected to life. It is comforting for them to know that Jesus has faced what they are facing in Smyrna. Jesus says that He knows their tribulation and poverty, and blasphemy from false brethren. He not only is aware of what they are going through, but He has experienced these things himself.
“For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” (Heb 2:18 NAS)
It was with a true understanding of what Jesus had experienced that those in Smyrna could be strengthened and comforted as Jesus said: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer.” Because the future that Jesus was about to reveal to them was not a pleasant one. What was about to happen to them was from Satan. Some of them were going to be thrown in prison and some of them would die. Their faith was about to be tested to the point of death. There may have been a little comfort in the fact that this time of tribulation would be limited and not go on and on, for they would have tribulation for ten days.
Can you imagine the response from churches in America if God gave this message to us today? Many of them have been told that they will not have to suffer, let alone to the point of death. Our first response when we are faced with persecution or tribulation, is to pray for rescue, is it not? But what if God’s response to our prayer is to say: “Do not fear what you are suffering.” Then if we trust God, knowing He does not allow His children to suffer needlessly, we will pray for strength and courage.
“15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:15-16 NAS)
Jesus was tested as He was facing crucifixion, knowing He was facing extreme suffering and shame. As our example to follow, we can draw courage and inspiration from His response. As a man, He did not want to suffer any more than we do, but He recognized that there was a purpose for His suffering. The will of His Father to bring salvation could not be accomplished any other way. Jesus prayed and God sent angels to minister to Him, strengthening Him for the task ahead. And likewise, God has ministered to His servants that have had to face great suffering for the cause of Christ.
“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:2 NAS)
We will not know the effect that our testimony is going to have on those around us. But if we keep our eyes on Jesus, knowing that there is a purpose for our suffering, we will have the faith and courage to do what we have been asked to do. The church has been commissioned to share the gospel and testify of the love of God. In some cases that requires suffering.
The admonition for the church in Smyrna was simple: “Be faithful unto death.” The promise was that their faithfulness would be rewarded with the “crown of life.” Just as Christ now sits at the right hand of the Father, so they also would be amply rewarded with honor and the crown of life.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” (Re 2:11 NAS)
Those who lived in Smyrna were facing a time of tribulation because they were Christians living at a particular time and place. We live in a different time and place. Our church may not be like the church at Smyrna. Nevertheless this message is presented to us also and we would be wise to heed it. No matter which time or place we live in, we need to be faithful unto death, and if we are, we will be presented with a crown of life.
The Church at Pergamum
“12 ¶ “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: 13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 ‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality. 15 ‘Thus you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 ‘Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.” (Re 2:12-16 NAS)
Jesus’ address to the Church at Pergamum begins with a focus on His identity as the one who has the sharp two-edged sword. The significance of this becomes apparent as we consider the message He has for this church.
“I know where you live, where Satan’s throne is”. By the acknowledgment of where they lived and the cultural setting, weight was added to the commendation that Jesus gave for this church. If they had lived in a place like twentieth century America, then holding fast to His name and not denying His faith would not have been as impressive. But they had stood firm in their faith and held fast to His name in a culture where the throne of Satan sat central to the culture and worship of those around them.
In the late nineteenth century, an altar was excavated in Pergamum and the stones were shipped to Germany. Later this Pergamum alter was reconstructed and sits today in Berlin. It obviously was created for the worship of the Gods, probably Zeus, a place where sacrifices were made. It is in this setting that Antipas was killed for his faith. This is where Satan dwells. Antipas was a faithful witness of Jesus Christ and in spite of his martyrdom the Church in Pergamum stood firm in their faith.
It was on the site of this rebuilt alter that Hitler held his ceremonial assemblies. Again this symbol of satanic influence became the setting for the tribulation of Jews and Christians. Many were martyred for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ, where Satan was allowed to dwell. The true church of Germany held fast to His name and did not deny His faith. But they were a minority, for most who claimed to be Christian did not stand firmly on God’s Word.
But Jesus had a few things against the church at Pergamum. Some of those who were part of the Church in Pergamum held to the doctrine of Balaam. Balaam taught Balak how to cause Israel to stumble by eating things sacrificed to idols and by enticing them to commit acts of sexual immorality. Balaam’s motivation was greed and for that, he was willing to bring a curse upon Israel. It would seem that there were those in Pergamum who were teaching people to accept sexual immorality and acceptance of those things that were tainted by the cultural worship of the gods (satanic worship). More than likely they were motivated by money or prestige, as Balaam was.
Could there be those in churches today that hold to the doctrine of Balaam? We do not have to go very far to see this is indeed the case in some churches today. As the Word of God is neglected gradually the people embrace the idolatrous culture around them. Sinful behavior has become common among those who attended church. Divorce, adultery, disobedient children, lying, and stealing, to name a few of the things that now were present even among those who claimed to be Christian. To list the sins that have been openly embraced by some congregations would reveal the obvious. Some in our churches have embraced the doctrine of Balaam shamelessly guilty of sexual immorality and idolatry.
There were also those in Pergamum who followed the teachings of the Nicolaitans. The teachings of this sect had pretty much the same effect as those who held to the teachings of Balaam, some were eating things sacrificed to idols and some were involved in sexual immorality. That was the effect because they were taught that they were no longer required to follow the Law. By tolerating this teaching and those who taught it, the Church was rendered ineffective in sharing the Gospel.
True salvation produces those who have a faith in Christ as Antipas did, and they live a life of uncompromised righteousness. They will be faithful unto death because their life is founded on the Word of God and they are empowered by God’s Spirit within. Faith in Christ requires discipleship, living according to the teachings of Christ.
But there are teachings within our churches today that do not produce people of faith of this caliber. These teachings focus on simply believing. According to these teachings, Christ’s death on the cross made the Law null and void. They teach that since we are saved by faith and not by works the commandments are not relevant for Christians. They correctly teach that we are commanded to love, but are ignorant of how to do this because they neglect the Law and the prophets. By ignoring the law and the teachings of Christ concerning righteous living, followers of this teaching end up Christian in name only.
The spirit behind the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicholaitans is alive and well in our church circles today. We need to be wary of these false doctrines that are easily spread when people lack knowledge of what the Scripture teaches. Jesus hates these doctrines and so should we.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.” (Re 2:17 NAS)
Again we are addressed on an individual level. This message is to the churches and it is also for anyone who is inclined to listen. The issues facing this church are the same issues that are still relevant in churches today and God’s response will not be any different for us today. There are wonderful and glorious promises for those who overcome. These things that we need to overcome are the results of sin and the influence of Satan. The promises are from a loving Heavenly Father who desires only the best for us.
The rewards of our perseverance revealed here are of a very personal nature. Hidden manna, is reserved for those who overcome. And we are given a white stone, God’s personal reference to us alone, so personal that it is just between God and me, or God and you.
The Church of Thyatira
18 ¶ “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this: 19 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. 20 ‘But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray, so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 ‘And I gave her time to repent; and she does not want to repent of her immorality. 22 ‘Behold, I will cast her upon a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 ‘And I will kill her children with pestilence; and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 24 ‘But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them — I place no other burden on you. 25 ‘Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.” (Re 2:18-25 NAS)
Jesus addresses the church in Thyatira as the Son of God whose eyes are like flames of fire and His feet are of burnished bronze. Immediately you are struck with the intense seriousness of this matter and an indication that Jesus is about to take action. Eyes like flames of fire speak of an intense gaze with burning penetration. He said, “I know your deeds,” for nothing is hidden from His gaze. He is fully aware of their love, faith, service, and perseverance. In addition, He commends them because their deeds are greater now than they were in the past. But He has this against them that they continue to tolerate this woman, Jezebel.
Jezebel is a self-proclaimed prophetess. Her teachings are leading those who were once committed to Christ astray so that they commit immoral acts and eat things sacrificed to idols. Jesus is upset at the church because they tolerate this woman and her teachings. Because of their apathy and failure to renounce this false prophetess and her teachings, God’s children are being lured back into sin.
God has given this woman time to repent, but she does not want to. Judgment is going to come on her, and those that commit adultery with her are facing tribulation if they do not repent. And Jesus is going to kill her children with pestilence.
What is being described here is not simply an act of sexual immorality, although that is involved here too. There is adultery going on that is on a higher level, a spiritual level in which those who were servants of God are now violating their commitment to Christ. By embracing the teachings of this false prophetess they are giving to the god of this world what belongs to Christ. This is adultery on a spiritual level, and most grievous in God’s eyes. Even more alarming is that there are children that result from this relationship, children of the devil, and their end is destruction.
and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
Jesus is not waiting until the end of the age to deal with this, but judgment is poured out as a lesson to all churches that we all will be judged according to our deeds. Those eyes as flames of fire penetrate as He searches the minds and the hearts. There is nothing hidden from Him.
Obviously, He is searching our soul and our spirit, not the physical organs in our fleshly body. Our deeds merely reflect who we are. If we have become a new creature in Christ through the new birth, our heart and mind have been transformed. Our heart represents who we are, or our very soul. This is where our desires lie. This is what motivates us to be who we are and what we do. Where we once had sinful desires we now desire to be like Christ in righteousness. Man can only judge what he sees, but God searches our hearts and know not only what we did, but why we did it.
God also searches the mind, not our brain, but our consciousness, our spirit. Before Christ, we were only conscious of the physical world around us, but the new man gains consciousness of the spiritual. We receive a connection with God. The mind then receives information from both the physical and the spiritual. As we mature spiritually our mind develops to discern between good and evil. I touched on this concept in my section on spiritual growth. The mind then works as a filter and is intended to guard our hearts against evil and evil desires.
“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.” (Re 2:23 AV)
I call your attention to the word reins that is used in the King James Version of the Bible. This is an old English term that literally means “kidneys.” It is used as a figure of speech referring to the mind. The newer translations use the word mind (which is technically correct) but in the process, we lose an element that helps us understand one important function of the mind. The mind is like the kidneys in the sense that it works to filter out poisons. If our minds are working correctly it will filter out those things that could poison the heart and cause heart failure. Think about all the information that we are bombarded with daily. The lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life tempt us, trying to draw us aside from joy and freedom that we have found in Jesus Christ. If we fail to filter this garbage out it will contaminate the purity of our regenerated souls. That is why we need to allow an examination of our minds and hearts, so we can keep them free of contamination. A sound mind and a pure heart ensure that we will indeed be overcomers.
The spirit of Jezebel is active through many people in our churches today. In a very real way, the teachings of these people lead others astray who were once “bond servants” of Jesus. By claiming to be prophets they entice those who are weak in the faith. Their teachings are what form the foundations of the many cults we see come and go. As people are drawn into their web they forsake their commitment to Christ and become committed to their cult leader or his teachings. This is spiritual adultery. The offspring of this adulterous affair become children of the devil.
We presently live in a culture that preaches tolerance. In this atmosphere, many churches are reluctant to call out these false prophets who entice people to sin. Jesus holds it against us if we tolerate sin and those who teach tolerance of sin.
Jezebel and her teachings are an extreme example of sinfulness that was tolerated by this church. Tolerance of sin begins subtly in the church. Little by little churches tolerated divorce in the Church. God said that He hates divorce. Soon it was not uncommon for our children to be dating non-Christians, school dances, etc. etc. Then there were more cases of unwed mothers in our midst. Then churches became more tolerant of people living together before marriage. “Careful, we don’t want to offend anyone.” Then churches became tolerant of homosexuality, gay marriage, and finally transsexual and everything in between.
Some churches actually went as far to the extreme as to install pastors and leaders who were living these sinful lifestyles. But some churches just tolerated these things without saying a word of correction. This is what Jesus had against the church at Thyatira, that they tolerated this self-proclaimed prophet and her teachings. The consequences of silence are huge, as we have seen in our generation. Many congregations are aging as we have lost two generation to the world. Many congregations of younger people have deluded themselves into thinking the morality of the past is outdated. But Jesus is looking for a bride that is pure and clean.
As Jesus is concluding His message to this church He sends a message of encouragement to those who have not succumbed to tolerance. He acknowledges the burden they have and says He will not burden them further. The advice he gives to them is crucial for all of us. “Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.”
“26 And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; 27 AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Re 2:26-29 NAS)
Hold fast to your love, faith, service, and perseverance, and may your deeds increase. Those who overcome are promised positions in the kingdom of heaven when Jesus establishes it here on earth. We can only imagine what He is referring to when says He will give us the morning star. Our future is bright in Jesus Christ if we overcome.
To the Church at Sardis
1 ¶ “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 ‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 3 ‘Remember therefore what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. If therefore you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you. 4 ‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.” (Re 3:1-4 NAS)
Jesus identifies Himself to this church as the one who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars. From the vision of John, we know that there was a lampstand that was associated with this church, but it appears like their light had gone out. They have a name that identifies them as being alive, but they are in fact dead. Life has left them, as a church they were dead. What happened? Why did they die?
“Wake up.” This church obviously did not know that they were dead. They are instructed first to strengthen those things that remain but are deteriorating. Their deeds are not complete in the sight of God. If there was ever a church that needed revival it would be this church. They were dead and fading away. God’s message to them is a final wake up call. If they do not heed this call it will be all over for them
In today’s evangelical world there are many dead or dying churches that are simply fading away. It is often proposed that they need something new. This church needs a new way of doing things, revival meetings with charismatic speakers, new programs, or new music. But you can do all these things and yet God may still say, “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”
First, they need to wake up and acknowledge their spiritual condition. Then their instructions are to remember what they have received and heard. These are people who had once been alive. They had by faith repented of their sins and received God’s Holy Spirit. They had been instructed in righteousness. They simply needed to remember from where they had fallen and repent.
If we continue reading, we have another clue as to what had led to their spiritual death. Jesus recognized that there were a few people in Sardis who had not soiled their garments. The inference here is that most of them had soiled their garments. “Soiled garments” is a way of saying that they were defiled with the filth of sin and unrighteous practices. If your vessel is full of sin the Holy Spirit can no longer live there. Without the Spirit of God, we are dead. For those who had not soiled their garments, they could walk with Christ, because they were worthy.
It appears like this indeed was their last wake up call. For Jesus tells them that if they do not wake up that He will come upon them without warning, like a thief in the night, judgment will come on those who are not watching.
“5 He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. 6 ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Re 3:5-6 NAS)
There are people who have been deluded into thinking that once you get your name in the Lambs Book of Life that you are secure, regardless of your behavior. God’s Word tells us otherwise. Unlike our voting roles here in the States, God purges His Book of the deceased. This is serious business because if your name is not in the Lambs Book of Life you will experience the second death in which you will be cast into the lake of fire. Jesus has already made the declaration that these people are not spiritually alive anymore. Yet He hesitates to remove their names until they respond to His final appeal. If they will wake up and repent of their sin and fulfill their commitment to the Lord, then He will not erase their name out of His Book.
For those today who find themselves in the same condition as these people the answer is the same today. If we remember from where we have come from, repent of our sins, and establish Jesus as Lord of our lives, He will not erase our name, and He will confess it before God and His angels.
The Church at Philadelphia
“7 ¶ “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: 8 ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 ‘Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews, and are not, but lie — behold, I will make them to come and bow down at your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 ‘Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth. 11 ‘I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown.” (Re 3:7-11 NAS)
Jesus introduces Himself to this church as the one who is holy, true and has the key of David. What He opens no one can shut and what He shuts no one can open. With such an introduction we are reminded of His authority, unchecked by anyone. He has placed an open door before them. He has established this open door because of their faithfulness, they have kept his word and have not denied Jesus’ name.
As we have seen in the address to Smyrna, there are those that claim to be Jews but are not. Jesus says that they are of the synagogue of Satan. He is going to make these people bow down at the feet of the Philadelphia church to let them know who He loves.
What I am seeing here is Jesus taking people who claim to be God’s people and bowing them down before people that are indeed the people of God. The judgment of God is to bring the arrogant buffoons to the feet of God’s humble servants. Those same elements exist today, those who claim to be God’s people and those who are God’s people. When the two are brought side by side, the distinction is dramatic.
God was also pleased with this church because they kept His Word of perseverance. From all that is recorded here in God’s Word, it appears like they were faithful and had proven themselves as they had endured the trials of their day. It was because of this that Jesus told them that He was going to keep them from an hour of testing that was going to come upon the whole world. I do not know what that time of testing was and neither do I know how God was going to keep them from this hour of testing. What we do know is that they had proven themselves and because of this He saw no further need for them to be subjected to the hour of testing.
There are prophetic speculators that have attempted to use these verses as a prophetic example of the Church being raptured prior to the time of great tribulation. There is no evidence of this possibility in Scripture. Rather it is an extreme stretch of the imagination that is without merit.
The final concern that Jesus leaves with this church is that they hold fast to what they have. They have an open door ahead of them and they need to continue to do those works that they have been commended for. Perseverance is the key to the continued blessings of God.
“12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Re 3:12-13 NAS)
To those who have the characteristics of those in this church and hold fast to what they have, Jesus will reward. They will be made pillars in the temple of God. I take this to mean that they are examples of the makeup of those who inhabit the New Jerusalem. A name is written upon them identifying them as the people of God and inhabitants of the New Jerusalem.
Whosoever has an ear let him hear!
The Church in Laodicea
14 ¶ “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: 15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. 16 ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 17 ‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. 19 ‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent.” (Re 3:14-19 NAS)
Jesus identifies Himself as the Amen (firm or established one), the faithful and true witness, and the one who was in the beginning of the creation of God. He is reminding them that it is from this position that He has observed them and is now addressing them. Jesus knows what they do, their deeds, and accomplishments. He also knows their spiritual condition and why and how they do what they do. He describes them as being neither hot nor cold. Since we are not given details about their deeds and their attitudes we will never know precisely how this metaphor is applied to those at Laodicea. Those in Laodicea would have known though.
When Jesus says that He will spit them out because they are neither hot nor cold we know what He is talking about. Most of us do not like lukewarm ice cream or lukewarm coffee. Apathetic, unconcerned, lethargic, listless, and lazy are words that may describe this lukewarm position. They could not be described as loyal, faithful, trustworthy, devoted, or zealous. A lukewarm position comes about through neglect as you lose sight of your purpose and goals. In essence, it is a state of being that has devolved from a position of being alive and vibrant. This is a state of being that could be described as comatose. It would explain why they are totally unaware of their spiritual condition.
Physically this church is alive and has enough material goods to be considered wealthy, hence they think that they have everything that they need. But Jesus says they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. We are struck with the stark difference between this church’s perceived condition and the reality of their condition as revealed by our Lord. They have totally lost the ability to recognize their own spiritual condition. So, Jesus comes and simply describes their condition and the status of their relationship to Him.
What are they lacking that they are described as being wretched, miserable, and poor? What is the gold refined by fire that Jesus councils them to buy from Him? Is not that gold the eternal riches that cannot be corrupted or destroyed by fire? What Jesus had come to restore was eternal life and fellowship with God in His eternal kingdom. Without that inheritance, they were wretched, miserable, and poor. They also stood shamefully naked and were unaware of it for they were blinded by the world and the things in the world.
Jesus has come to them because of His love for them. He has revealed their condition and offered the means of restoration. He offers to heal them of their blindness so that they might see. He offers to cleanse them of their sin and shame and cover them with a garment of white or righteousness. And His offer includes the riches of heaven, purged by fire, incorruptible and eternal. These are the riches that come only through Christ and are not obtained from this world.
It would not be fair to categorize all of the churches in America in one mold, but of the seven churches, this one probably would be most similar to the majority of churches in America today. Many of those similarities have come about in my lifetime. There are still those small struggling churches that are not rich in worldly goods, but we now have large affluent churches that are wealthy and have need of nothing. Their pastors and staff live comfortably. Their outreaches into their communities are often very impressive, with the latest music and technology. They are active in feeding the poor and responding to a humanitarian crises. They might even consider themselves to be faithful, devoted, and zealous of good works. But are they?
They can be all of the things that I just mentioned and still be seen by Jesus as wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.
What does Jesus mean when He says they are naked? God sees us as we are, nothing is hidden from Him. They have sinned and feel no shame. They walk about like nothing is wrong because they have a lukewarm view of sin. They may not condone sin, but neither do they condemn it. Jesus offers them a white garment, which is a garment of righteousness to cover the shame of their nakedness.
Why are they unaware of their own nakedness? Jesus says that they are blind. Of course, this is a spiritual blindness and that is why they see themselves as good people. If they looked at themselves through the lens of Scripture their nakedness and shame would be obvious. Without the insight of God’s Word people are unaware of the effects of sin on us and those around us. Jesus’ solution to their blindness is healing that comes through the healing touch of the Great Physician. Jesus said He can anoint our eyes with eye salve that we might see.
Jesus sees them as poor because all they have is earthly riches, things that are temporary and superficial. What Jesus offers are eternal riches that cannot rust and decay. Having your eyes open really is the key to having the realistic perspective that is necessary to perceive our spiritual condition.
Sad as it seems people can be wretched and miserable and not know it. How could you not know it? Jesus said that they do not know it because they say: “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.” When sin creeps into the church and people become spiritually blind, they have a tendency to forget what it was like when they had a zeal for God and His Word. As time goes on they forget the peace, joy, and contentment that they once had.
Understanding this concept has become a lot easier as we have faced the draconian measures governments have taken because of COVID-19. Lockdowns, restrictions, masks, and mandates have left us in a wretched and miserable state. As some of these measures are being relaxed, joy is not returning. For two years people have longed for things to return to normal, but they have not. Subtly the thought was planted into people’s minds that there would be a new normal. Any improvement for some people allowed them to feel like it is going to be alright now. But it is not alright because our freedoms have been stripped from us and we as a nation are deep in dept in more ways than one.
For me, this was an eye opener of how churches could have accepted a new normal and be oblivious that they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. But there is a solution and Jesus is the answer.
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent.” (Re 3:19 NAS)
Being lukewarm will never get us to where we need to be though. We must receive the reproof and discipline of the Lord and be zealous and repent. Jesus has been patient standing at the door, but time is running short.
“20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21 He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Re 3:20-22 NAS)
To each individual that overcomes Christ offers a position with Him on His throne. These people needed to overcome their apathetic state of being. The first step they needed to take is to listen to His voice and open the door of their heart to let Christ speak into their lives. Christ has come to reprove and correct them because of His love for them. If they will dine with Him, He will heal their blindness so that they might become aware of their sorry state. If they will repent He will clothe them with righteousness and give unto them the true riches of eternal value.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Re 3:22 NAS)
We cannot ignore what the Spirit says to the churches to overcome the temptations and pitfalls that are intended to separate us from the love of God. Jesus stands at the door knocking, calling for us to open the door and invite Him in. If we will allow Him, He will heal us, cleanse us, and clothe us. By His grace, we too can be overcomers and recipients of the glories of the kingdom of heaven. As we walk through the revelation of things to come we will see that faith in God produces overcomers.
“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.” (Re 12:11 NAS)