Understanding Revelation #3 Series

REVELATION CHAPTER 3: Seven Letters from Jesus Part #2:

QUESTION: What significance does what Jesus wrote to these churches in the first century have to our lives today?

The Church in Sardis

“1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ’These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but 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.” (Rev. 3:1-6).

City/Church: Sardis, a city of arrogant, over-confident people.

Commendation: Some of the believers have kept the faith (v.4).

Condemnation: They thought they were alive, but were actually a dead church.

Command: Be watchful, strength the things that remain, hold fast, repent.

Covenant Promise: Clothed in white garments (righteousness), name in the Book of Life.

The Church in Philadelphia

“7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ’These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.* 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on 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 I will write on him My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev. 3:7-13).

City/Church: Philadelphia (means brotherly love).

Commendation: They have kept God’s Word, and have not denied His name.

Condemnation: NONE. (Philadelphia was another lampstand – shining brightly for Jesus)

Command: Hold fast to what you have.

Covenant Promise: A pillar in God’s house (permanent), the name of God.

• Verse 9: “I have loved you.” The love of Jesus is a recurring theme in Revelation!

• Verse 11: Jesus reminds us that He is coming soon!

The Church in Laodicea

“14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ’These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ’I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 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 dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit 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.” (Rev. 3:14-22).