He that Has an Ear
Rev 3:22
Rev 2:1-3:22
God cares for the church. Just as the Lord knew about each of these seven churches and their precise situation, the Lord knows and cares about you current spiritual state. In the second thru third chapter of the book of Revelation, Christ praised believers about their success and how to Correct their failures.
Just as God cared about each of these churches, He cares for you. He wants you to reach your greatest potential. This group of believers we call A Place of Mercy is Gods vehicle for Changing the world. We must take it seriously- God does.
Vs.2:1-7
Ephesus: The loveless church
• The Church at Ephesus was a Hard working Church.
• They did not compromise themselves with the World.
• They were able to discern those who were false prophets and teachers
• They had persevered and not become weary.
The definition of Persevere is: To persist steadily in an action of belief, over a long period of time and especially despite problems or difficulties.
But they lost their first Love:
Paul had once commented the church of Ephesus for their love for God and others, but by time of the letter in Revelation Many of the church founders had died and the second generation lost it’s zeal for God.
They were a busy Church, a Church of many works, doing many things for themselves and their community, but they were acting out of the wrong motives. The work of God must be motivated by Love for God or it will not last.
Vs. 5 I will come quickly and remove your lamp stand from you.
The lamp was used to give light and direction to the world.
Although the church of Ephesus was sound in doctrine and works, Christ warns that they would lose their effectiveness to be a witness to the world. If we are to be effective we must “love the Lord with all of our hearts strength and might and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Smyrna: The Persecuted Church.
Vs.9
The church at Smyrna was suffering persecution, not just from the world but from some of those who claimed to be of the household of God. The Jewish population in Smyrna was opposed to Christianity. How many times have you experienced criticism not just from those outside the faith, but by those who claim to be of the faith? To what lengths are you willing to endure persecution?
VS.10: You will endure tribulation 10 days.
God’s message to the church at Smyrna was to remain faithful during their suffering because God is in control and his promises are reliable.
• Jesus never said that by being faithful to him we would avoid troubles, suffering and persecution. Only in our suffering will our faithfulness be proven. “You will have tribulation 10 days”. God wants you to know that although you suffering may be severe, it has a beginning and an end ordained by God. Through trials and tribulation God is in complete control.
Pergamos: The Compromising Church.
The city of Pergamos was the center for heathen worship. Christ describes it as “where Satan’s throne is”. The church at Pergamos stood strong even to a point were some were martyred.
Even though the church was able to withstand the frontal attack of the enemy, Satan reformulated his plan and entered the back door. That back door is called compromise (Is your back door unlocked?).
Satan doesn’t have to get you to stop coming to church or deny your faith. He just has to get you to compromise.
The definition of compromise is: to undermine or devalue somebody or something by making concessions, or agreeing to accept less than was originally wanted.
Vs.15: The Nicolaitans.
The Nicolaitans where people who compromised their faith in order to enjoy some sinful practices of Ephesian society.
When we want to take part in activities that we know are wrong, we make excuses to justify our behavior; It’s not as bad as it seems, It’ doesn’t effect my walk with God or even worst; I don’t think it’s wrong. God’s Word says in Proverbs 14:12 “there is a way that seems right unto man but the end is the way of death”.
VS.16
Christ has Strong words for the Compromiser: “Repent or I will come quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth”
The sword is used for cutting and separating bodily members. Christ is saying to the compromiser that he will permanently separate them from the body of Christ.
Thyatira: The Corrupt Church
Vs. 18
The church at Thyatira was a church commended for growing in good works. However they not only allowed, but tolerated an evil person or persons who Christ calls Jezebel, to seduce the saints.
• Sex outside Marriage always hurts someone.
• It hurts God himself because it shows we choose to satisfy our desires our own way rather than following his word and waiting for His timing.
• It hurts others because It violates the commitment necessary to a proper marital relationship.
• It hurts us because it brings diseases to our bodies and affects our personality in a negative way.
• Sexual Immorality has tremendous power to destroy families, churches and communities because it destroys the integrity on which these relationships are built.
We are to have no part in sexual immorality even if our culture accepts it.
“Eat things sacrificed to idols”
In heathen temples meat was offered to idols. The meat that wasn’t burned was sold in the Marketplace.
• Eating meat offered to idols wasn’t wrong in itself, could offend. This violated the principle of sensitivity towards weaker brethren who would be bothered by it.
• The Jezebel described was more concerned about her own selfish pleasure and freedom than the needs and concerns of fellow believers.
Likewise God demands that we be sensitive to the convictions of others, even when we believe ourselves to be in the right (or within our rights).
God Gave Jezebel time to repent (tell your neighbor there’s still time), but she was unwilling.
• To repent means to change both our mind and direction from following our way to following Gods Way.
• Likewise God thru his mercy, has given us time to decide as to whether we will truly serve Him. Only our stubborn willfulness stands in the way.
Vs.3:1
Sardis: The Dead Church.
Not much is said to the Church of Sardis because they were dead. Christ had no words of accommodation for the Church that looked so good on the outside, but was dead on the inside. Object lesson as Holy as we would want to look and act, We cannot hide our Hearts from God.
Vs.3:7
Philadelphia: The faithful Church.
The church at Philadelphia found to be faithful. Even though they were characterized as having “a little Strength”(all you need is a little of Gods strength). They were faithful to keep Gods word and did not deny the name of Jesus. Because of their faithfulness God promises that not only will their critics bow before their feet, but will know that God loved them.
If you are a new believer or are just going thru some struggles and you feel that all you have is “a little strength”. Use that little strength to hold on to Jesus Christ and he will honor you.
Vs.3:14
Laodiceans: The Luke warm Church.
The city of Laodicea was a wealthy city, but always had a problem with its water supply. At one time an aqueduct was built to bring water from hot springs, but the water was neither hot, nor refreshingly cool, only lukewarm.
The Laodicean church had become as bland as the water that came into the city. Luke warm water makes a disgusting drink.
The believers didn’t stand for anything. By neglecting to do anything for Christ the Church had become self satisfied. They were wealthy and had lost interest in Serving God.
There’s nothing more disgusting to God than a half hearted, in name only Christian who is self sufficient.
Don’t settle for following God half way. Let the Holy Spirit fire up your faith and get you into the action.
Laodicea was know for it’s great wealth, but Christ told them to buy their gold from Him (real Spiritual treasure). Christ was telling the Laodicean church that the value was not in material possessions, but in the right relationship with God.
Vs.19
God will discipline his lukewarm church unless it turns from its lack of interest toward Him. God’s purpose in discipline is not to punish but to bring people back to him. Are you Luke warm in your devotion to God?
God may discipline you to help get you out of you uncaring attitude. You can avoid Gods discipline by drawing near to him again through confession, Service, Worship, Prayer, fasting and Studying His Word.
Vs.20
The Church at Laodicea was complacent, They felt self satisfied and content in their present state, but they lacked Christ presence in their daily lives. Jesus knocked at the door of their hearts, but they were so busy enjoying worldly wealth and pleasures that they didn’t notice that the King of Glory wanted in.
Conclusion:
Jesus is Knocking on the door of our hearts. He’d like to have fellowship with us. He’s patently trying to get through to us- not by breaking and entering, but by knocking.
He allows us to decide whether or not to open our lives to him. Are you intentionally keeping his life and presence on the other side of the door?
At the end of each letter to these seven churches believers were urged to listen and take heart to what was written to them.(“He that has ear let him hear”). Although a different message was given to each church, all of the messages contain principles and warning for each of us. “He that hath ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches”
