Jesus Inspects His Church Series

JESUS INSPECTS HIS CHURCH

REV. 2-3

WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT THE FUTURE 4

INTRODUCTION

A. HUMOR: FORGET THE EYE EXAM

1. It had been many years since my last eye exam and my wife was pestering me to make an appointment. The more she nagged, the more I procrastinated. Finally she made an appointment for me.

2. The day before I was to see the doctor, I was in an affectionate mood. After kissing and hugging her, I told her she really looked good to me.

3. “That does it,” she said. “I’m cancelling your appointment!”

B. TEXTS

2:1-5; “2 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people...3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”

3:1-2; “3 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.”

3:14-18; “14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are

neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” NIV 1984

C. THEME

1. THE TRUE DANGER OF CHRISTIANITY, NOT WITHOUT, BUT WITHIN

a. If Christianity could have been overthrown, it would have been long ago. The Caesars attempted to destroy it by swords, wild animals, burning gibbets, and crosses. The atheists and destructive critics attempted to destroy it by denouncing the Bible and the historicity of Christ. The Communists tried to grind it out by their totalitarian regimes and thought police. The scientists even lend a hand with their propaganda of evolutionary theory and unified denials of Intelligent Design.

b. But the Lord Jesus said, "The Gates of hell shall not prevail against" His church. The enemy may assail, but they shall never prevail.

c. Our danger is not from enemies without, but from compromise, ease, pleasure, & selfishness -- all within!

2. SUPERNATURAL GAZE OF JESUS searches our hearts and tests our motives. He inspected the churches and He's inspecting this church today. Yes, we’ll stand before the judgment seat of Christ someday, but we DO stand before it now!

3. Jesus saw 3 major problems in His church, and that’s our focus this morning. First of all, He saw...

I. FALSE REPUTATIONS/PERCEPTIONS OF OURSELVES

In Rev. 3:1 He said, “You have a REPUTATION of being alive, but you are dead.”

A. REPUTATION VS. REALITY

1. Many Christians used to be alive for God. WE USED TO BE: a. On fire, b. Hungry for God, c. Diligent in the things of God, d. So in love with God…But are you now?

2. For many Christians, there’s a big difference between what they USED TO BE and what they are right now. The Lord says, “Others are fooled; I’m not. I know exactly what your life looks like.”

3. Yes, you USED TO teach Sunday school, usher, visit the sick, serve in the church, to witness, etc., BUT WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR THE LORD NOW?

4. Jesus says to us, “I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.” He says, “Wake up! Strengthen what remains...” (3:2).

B. ILLUSTRATION

1. Alexander the Great had a soldier under him who also was named Alexander. The problem was, the soldier was cowardly.

2. After the younger was caught being running from battle, the great General summoned him and asked, “What’s your name?” (He asked him 3X and the younger answered.)

3. The great General said, “That’s MY name! Either live up to it or change your name!” That’s what the Lord Jesus says to us; “Either live up to My name of don’t call yourself a Christian!”