Youth Sermon: Words from The One Who Knows Us

Introduction

Today we're diving into the third chapter of Revelation today. It's like we're on a road trip through seven ancient cities in Asia Minor, which is now Turkey. These cities form an upside-down "U" on the map, just like an old Roman mail route. It's like we're delivering God's mail, messages from Jesus, to these cities.

Imagine you're getting a letter from someone who knows everything about you, the good, the bad, and the ugly. That's what's happening here. Jesus is sending these letters to the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

Imagine you're getting a letter from someone who knows everything about you, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Messages to the Churches

"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.”

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”

“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.

Jesus knows us inside and out, and He's telling us that through Him, we can be victorious!

Interpretation and Application

Picture this: You're the captain of a ship, waiting for the perfect moment to sail into the harbor. That's what Jesus is telling the church in Philadelphia. He's opened a door for them that no one can shut. He's telling them to hold on, to keep going, and they'll be victorious.

But Jesus also has some tough love for the churches in Sardis and Laodicea. He's telling them they need to wake up, to stop being lukewarm. He's knocking on their door, waiting for them to let Him in.

It's like when your room is a mess, and your mom tells you to clean it up. You can ignore her, but eventually, you'll have to face the music. That's what Jesus is saying to these churches.

But there's hope. Jesus promises blessings to those who overcome. He's saying that even if we mess up, if we turn to Him, we can still be victorious.

So, what does this mean for us? It means that Jesus knows us, the good and the bad. He's calling us to wake up, to stop being lukewarm, to open the door and let Him in. And when we do, we can be victorious.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for knowing us and loving us. Help us to hear Your voice, to open the door and let You in. Give us the strength to overcome, to be victorious in You. Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How does Jesus' intimate knowledge of us impact our relationship with Him?

2. What does it mean to be victorious in Christ?

3. How can we apply the messages to the seven churches in our lives today?

4. What doors has Jesus opened or closed in your life recently?

5. How can we ensure we are ready to walk through the doors Jesus opens for us?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Mapping the Seven Churches
• Group Activity: Door of Opportunity
• Youth Challenge: Living Victoriously