Revelation Lesson #4 Series

A thorough study of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show his servants things which must shortly come to pass. (Rev. 1:1)

Welcome to our study of the Revelation of Jesus Christ given unto Apostle John.

I am Phillip Smith, your host and fellow servant of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We have seen Jesus is in the midst of all congregations of the ‘church’; body of Christ. Each congregation and all members of the body are represented by the seven candles on the candlestick.

Now we will see the remaining three of the ‘seven churches’--the entire, whole body of Christ represented by one of these ‘churches’ or congregations. Each ‘church’ or congregation is identified by a given name for us to distinguish one personality or attitude from another.

Fifth Personality–Church #5–Sardis

Rev. 3:1-6. 3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Again, we see the one speaking:

The Son of God

who hath the seven Spirits of God, (Rev. 3:1)

and the seven stars; (Rev. 3:1)

Jesus knows of the behaviors and actions of the congregations, but He has a problem, even with this congregation's attitude and personality. Sardis has a name as if alive, but they are dead. They are to revive and strengthen those things that are dead before they die. They are imperfect–lacking; wanting–in their position before God. If they were to be called today, they would not be of the chosen or elect children of God. They are in need of repentance.

All members of God’s family are to watch and pray they do not fall into the snare of Satan. Sardis has done that. Noone is on watch for the tempter and the congregation will soon be overcome.

There are a few righteous members found in Sardis; but as a whole, they are unworthy of Jesus. This is the sign the congregation, not working, watching or warning others of impending doom, shall die and close its doors. This is a very sad condition of which we find many congregations, even today.

Sixth Personality–Church #6–Philadelphia

Rev. 3:7-13. 7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Again, we see the one speaking:

The Son of God, (Rev. 3:7)

he that is holy, (Rev. 3:7)

he that is true, (Rev. 3:7)