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The Seven Churches
I. Jesus, head of the church
A. The seven churches (Rev. 1:9)
1. Patmos was an island 90 miles from
Ephesus .
2. John had been pastor of
Ephesus but was now a prisoner.
3. He had a revelation of seven churches, all about 30 miles apart.
B. Seven qualities of Jesus (vv. 12–16)
1. Jesus is described as having a white robe, white hair, eyes of fire, feet of brass, a mighty voice, seven stars, and a sharp sword coming out of His mouth.
2. These qualities show His priesthood, eternity, purity, prophetic role, authority, and power.
II. Seven churches (Revelation 2–3 nkjv)
A.
Ephesus : First love (Rev. 2:1–7)
1.
Ephesus was a picture of responsibility without romance, program without passion, like a husband and wife who have grown apart and take each other for granted.
2. To return to your first love and do the first works (v. 5) is to do the things you did at first: church, prayer, Word, witnessing. The reward is the tree of life.
B.
Smyrna : Suffering (vv. 8–11)
1. Christ did not rebuke this church but encouraged them to remain faithful in their time of trial and suffering.
2. He said some would die, but they would not be hurt by the “second death.” Their reward would be the crown of life.
C.
Pergamum : Doctrine (vv. 12–17)
1. The doctrine of Balaam, using spiritual gifts to get money, was present in this church.
2. Jesus is the Word, and He has the sharp sword in His mouth.
3. Jesus hates doctrinal error. Hidden manna is the reward this time.
D. Thyatira: Morals (vv. 18–29)
1. Doctrinal error and moral impurity are the two big tools of Satan (he is mentioned four times).
2. Jesus said He would judge Jezebel, the woman prophetess who condoned sexual immorality. The morning star is the reward.
E. Sardis : Deadness (Rev. 3:1–6)
1. This church had reputation without reality. They were a spiritual “has been.”
2. They were asleep and admonished to wake up (niv). They had had a good start but were in great danger of not finishing right.
3. Some in the church were clean, but some were no longer saved. The overcomers receive a white robe.
F.
Philadelphia : Perseverance (vv. 7–13)
1. They were commended for soul-winning, and there would be a new open door for them.
2. Because they had kept the Word, they would be kept from tribulation (v. 10). As a reward, they will be pillars in God’s temple.
G.
Laodicea : Lukewarmness (vv. 14–22)
1. Blessings had beguiled them. What poverty could not do, prosperity did. They thought of themselves as rich, powerful, and influential.
2. Jesus loves us; that is why He corrects us (vv. 19–20).
3. He stands at the door of our heart and knocks, wanting us to become intimate with Him again. If we respond, we will have the great privilege of sitting with Him on His throne.
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