The Seven Churches Of The Revelation

The Loveless Church in Ephesus

(Revelation 2:1-7)

I. Christ’s Characteristics to the Loveless Church (v.1)

A. He that holds the seven stars in His right hand [Master of the messengers to the Church]

B. Who walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks [Omnipresent Lord of the Church]

II. Christ’s Commendation to the Loveless Church (v.2, 3)

A. I know thy works

B. I know thy labor

C. I know thy patience

D. I know thou can not bear them which are evil

E. I know thou has tried them which say they are apostles and are not and has found them liars

F. I know thou has borne, and had patience

G. I know thou has labored for My name’s sake

H. I know thou has not fainted

III. Christ’s Condemnation to the Loveless Church (v.4)

A. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee

B. Because thou has left thy first love

IV. Christ’s Commands to the Loveless Church (v.5)

A. Remember from whence thou art fallen

B. Repent

C. Do the first works

D. Or else I will come unto thee quickly

E. And will remove thy candlestick out of thy place

F. Except thou repent

V. Christ’s Commendation to the Loveless Church (v.6)

A. But this thou hast that thou hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans

B. Which I also hate

VI. Christ’s Counsel to the Loveless Church (v.7)

A. He that has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

B. To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God

The Persecuted Church in Smyrna

(Revelation 2:8-11)

I. Christ’s Characteristics to the Persecuted Church (v.8) Satan Instigating Persecution

A. The First and Last [Sovereign of Time]

B. Which was dead and is alive [Lord of Death/Last Enemy]

II. Christ’s Commendation to the Persecuted Church (v.9)

A. I know thy works [Efforts, Energy Expended-Ergos]

B. I know thy tribulation [Thlipsis-Pressure,Trouble, Persecution/Beleiver-38 of 45 times in N.T.]

C. I know thy poverty [Destitute of Riches]

D. But thou art rich [In Faith]

E. I know the blasphemy …Jews [Religious Persecutors]

III. Christ’s Counsel to the Persecuted Church (v.10)

A. Fear none of those things…you are about to suffer [It’s God’s Plan-He is in complete control]

B. Behold the devil [Is about to cast some of you into prison-limiting spiritual freedom for a time]

C. That ye may be tried [Purpose is to perfect your faith-In your patience possess ye your souls-Luke 21:19]

D. Ye shall have tribulation (10) days [Period predetermined by the Lord!!-It is necessary and good for you]

E. Be thou faithful unto death [Give God the Maximum Glory with your life!! Be just like Jesus]

F. I will give thee a crown of life [Give the Max/Die for Me and I will reward thee openly and eternally]

IV. Christ’s Conclusion to the Persecuted Church (v.11)

A. He that hath an ear [Blessed is the man that endures temptn, for when he is tried he will receive… Js 1:12]

B. He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the 2nd death [God rewards the one who gets the victory!!]

The Compromising Church in Pergamos

(Revelation 2:12-17)

I. Christ’s Characteristic to the Compromising Church (v.12) Satan Influencing Principles

A. He which hath the sharp two-edged sword [Word of God-Life or Death-Two Edges]

B. He which hath the instrument of war/death [Romphia-Used specifically as a killing instrument]

II. Christ’s Commendation of the Compromising Church (v.13)

A. I know thy works [Efforts-Energy Expended-Ergos]

B. Where thou dwells [Difficult Place-Official Seat/Throne of Satan]

C. Even where Satan’s Seat is [Intense opposition to the Truth-13:2, 16:10]

D. Thou holds fast My name [Continued to grasp/hang on to the name of the Lord]

E. Thou hast not denied My faith, even in those days…martyr [Antipas: Against all odds/obstacles]

III. Christ’s Condemnation of the Compromising Church (v.14,15)

A. Doctrine of Baalam (Jude 11; II Pet 2:15-Money Motivated)

1. Stumbling Block [Trap/Bird/Snare]

2. Eat Sacrifice/Idols [Compromise Num 25:1,2-24k Leaders killed by Moses-Spirit’l Defilement]

3. Commit Fornication [Played harlot w/daughters/Moab Num 31:16-Physical Defilement]

B. Doctrine of Nicolaitans [People Conquerors]

1. Tolerated by some [Breaking of 1st Commandment-Submit to Pressure instead of Principle]

2. Compromise w/religious culture [Beginning of Priest/People/Roman Catholic Prototype]

IV. Christ’s Command to the Compromising Church (v.16)

A. Repent: *Recognize Sin against Holy God *Confession/Contrition/Cleansing *Return to the Lord

B. Or Else: *I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the Sword of My Mouth!

V. Christ’s Counsel to the Compromising Church (v.17)

A. He that hath an ear [Warning: 13:9, Mt 11:15]

B. He that overcomes [Promise/Reward]

1. Give to eat of the hidden manna [Eternal Provision s/a Ex 16:4ff Manna/Ark]

2. Give white stone [Special Vote/Opportunity for Reward]

3. Give new name [Fitting of the Faithful/Victorious]