2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for: Teaching, Reproof, Correction For training in righteousness

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and hears the words of the prophecy – and heeds the things which are written

Rev 2:2 church at Ephesus: I know your deeds, your toil and perseverance and that you cannot tolerate evil men – but I have this against you – that you have left your first love (motivation)

Rev 2:9,10 church at Smyrna: I know your tribulation and poverty (but you are rich). Do not fear what you are about to suffer – be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Jhn 14:2,3 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places and I will come again to receive you to my Myself – where I am, there you may be also.

Rev 2:12,13,17(modified) church at Pergamos: I know where you dwell and how you hold fast to MY name and did not deny My faith-to him who overcomes I will reward with manna and a new name.

Rev 2: 18,19 church at Thyatira: I know your deeds, & your love & faith & service & perseverance and that your deed of late are greater than at first. James 2:24 You see then how that by works a man is justified and not by faith only. Mtt 25:23 The 5 & 2 talent men: Well done, good & faithful servant; you were faithful with a few things, I will put in charge of many – enter into the joy of your master. Sower: 30,60,100

Summary: we are expected to do the best with what we have and we will be rewarded with eternal life with the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit

A few things I have against you: P. – there are some who hold the doctrine of Balaam and/or the doctrine of Nicolaitanes (same as Balaam or different but unknow specifics) T. – Allows Jezebel (calls herself a prophetess) to teaches error

Both: Eat things offered to idols and committing fornication Acts 15:20 To the converted Gentiles we write that they abstain from things contaminated by idols from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.

I Cor 8 (paraphrased) We know that there are no other gods, only one God, the Father, & one Lord, Jesus Christ. However not all men know this and are accustomed to idols for which eating the meat offered to them causes their conscience to be defiled. But in our wisdom we know that food will not commend us to God – it does not matter.

I Cor 8 cont. – But take care that this liberty does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble. Fornication is likewise connected to their societies worship of idols -

I Cor 6:15-20 (paraphrased) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? The one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with him. Flee immorality. Every other sin is outside the body but the immoral man sins against his own body. Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? We have been bought with a price – therefore glorify God in your body.

Rev 2:12, 16 The One who has a sharp two-edged sword says this: Therefore repent or else I am coming to you quickly and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Summary: The key positive factors are perseverance (loyalty), even in persecution, good deeds, testing the spirits, and being properly motivated (Spirit connected). The key mistakes are losing connection with the Lord and brothers and failing to put the world’s ways aside and living godly lives.

Results: a crown of life or weeping & gnashing of teeth (the 2nd death)