The Seven Churches of Asia

Jesus Speaks to the 7 Churches I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” (Rev. 1:10-11)

Jesus Speaks to the 7 Churches 2 received no rebukes  Smyrna, Philadelphia 4 received commendations and rebukes  Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis 1 received only rebukes  Laodicea All were individual churches as signified by the 7 lampstands (1:20) Each could have its lampstand removed signifying it was no longer a congregation of God’s people (2:5)

Some things common to all 7 All recognized as “the church” Jesus stood in the midst of them signifying that He knew them personally (1:13) – He stated to all 7 “I know your works” (2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15) Each individual church was to hear the message to all the churches (2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22) Lesson: Jesus knows us in the same way. Lesson: Nothing wrong with knowing what’s going on in other churches; either good or bad. Lesson: We can wear the right name and be going in the wrong direction.

Some things Jesus knew Jesus knew the churches 1.Ephesus stood for the truth, but had left their first love (1 Cor. 13:1-3; Mt. 22:37). 2.Smyrna was severely persecuted, but held firm (Matt. 5:11-12). 3.Pergamos had compromised with error and allowed false teachers to dwell in their midst (2 Jn. 9-11). 4.Thyatira allowed Jezebel to teach her false doctrine &cause some to fall (Eph. 5:11; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:6). 5.Sardis appeared alive, but was dead (Eph. 2:1-6). 6.Philadelphia persevered through trials (Jn. 15:18-20). 7.Laodicea was lukewarm (Heb. 6:10-12).

Some things Jesus knew Jesus knew the individual Christians in each of the churches – Knew some members were faithful – Knew others were not faithful – Some so far gone he called them “dead” (2 Pet. 2:20) – Some in the midst of the “dead” had not defiled their garments (Jas. 1:27; 2 Cor. 5:10). – Some lukewarm, made him sick (Eph. 2:10) – Not too late for any to make needed corrections (2 Pet. 3:9)

What Does Jesus Know About Us? As a church? – Zealously doing his will? – Enduring affliction? – Have we left our first love? – Are we lukewarm? Dead??? As Individual Christians? – Do we have unstained garments? – Have we been seduced by Jezebel? – Willing to die for Christ like Antipas?