1. Who is addressing the church? He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
2. Their Deeds/works: Persevere, work hard, does not tolerate evil people, endure for Christ’s sake, never grows weary, maintained doctrinal integrity and exposed lying apostles (2:2-3). Hate the works of the Nicolaitans (2:6) (The Nicolaitans conformed with the then Roman culture of paganism and sacrifices to deities, ate food offered to idols and seduced other Christians to do the same.
3. Their Offenses: Lost the first love (2:4), upholding the truth but no longer being devoted to the Lord as before.
4. God’s Judgement: They will be removed from existence (2:5)
5. The Way Out: Identify where you fell; Repent; Return to first love (2:5). Listen to warnings (2:6)
6. Promises for the repentant: God will grant the right to eat from the tree of life (2:7)
7. Bible References? 2 Cor. 11:12-15; 1 John 4:1; Matt. 24:11-13;
8. Self-Examination: >>>>>>>>>>> Though we maintain sound doctrines, do we still love Jesus as I use to? Do we ensure our relationship is alive? Do we have time for fellowshipping with Him as before? Isn’t it absurd to keep doing all house chores and keep working to bring money home but having no more love for one’s spouse? What’s taking our attention now? Why are we losing closeness with Jesus, do we think He no longer loves us? No, He still loves us; we are the ones who need to come back and enjoy His companionship and embrace.
9. Comment: “Although the sect of the Nicolaitans seems to have disappeared into historical obscurity, ideologies of this group seem to persist today
In American culture, Christians now face a choice to blend in society or stand out in this culture of compromise. Many people in the church today, like Solomon, attempt to marry several wives in a spiritual sense. We serve both God and money and [insert idol here].
But we can only serve one master. Our culture is reaching a tipping point where we do have to choose who we will follow; it requires sacrifice. We can serve gods or God, and if we choose the latter, like the church of Ephesus, we resist the Nicolaitans and their attempts to drag us with them in acts of idolatry and immorality.”
Pray:
• Thank God who knows you and reveals yours state of affairs to you
• Ask Him to forgive you for the sin of backsliding which He finds in you
• Ask God to grant you the strength and grace to rekindle your love and commitment to Him
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1 “Who Were the Nicolaitans in Revelation? Why Did God Hate Their Practices so Much?” n.d. Christianity.com. Accessed June 23, 2021. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/people/who-were-the-nicolaitans-in-revelation-why-did-god-hate-their-practices-so-much.html.
