[:en]SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 2
‘Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love” (Revelation 2:4)
“…Be faithful even to the point of death and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10)
“Repent therefore! Otherwise I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (Revelation 2:16)
“…I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (Revelation 2:23)
TO THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS (vs. 1-7)
Words From: Him who holds the 7 stars in his right hand and walks among the 7 golden lampstand
Strength: Good deeds, hard work, perseverance; cannot tolerate wicked men; know who to distinguish false teachers; endured hardship for my name; did not grow weary; and hated the practices of Nicolaitans.
Weakness: Forsaken your first love.
Remedy: Repent and do the things you did at first
Punishment: Lampstand removed
Overcomers: The right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God.
THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA (vs. 8-11)
Words From: Him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again
Strength: Rich despite affliction and poverty. Can withstand persecution and sufferings
Weakness: None
Rewards: Crown of life be given to faithful followers of Christ
Overcomers: Not be hurt at all by the second death
TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUM (vs. 12-17)
Words From: Him who has sharp double-edged sword
Strength: Remain true to my name, did not renounce your faith in me
Weakness: Hold the teaching of Balaam and Nicolaitans; eating food sacrificed to idols; and sexual immorality
Remedy: Repent
Punishment: I will fight you with the sword of my mouth
Overcomers: I will give some of the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.
TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA (vs. 18-29)
Words From: Son of God whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
Strength: Good deeds; love and faith; service and perseverance; doing more than you did at first.
Weakness: Tolerate Jezebel’s teaching; sexual immorality; and eating of food sacrificed to the idols
Remedy: Repent and hold on what you have
Punishment: Their children will be struck dead
Overcomers: I will give you authority over the nations and the morning star.
1. Ephesus – Backsliding Church
The city of Ephesus was a great commercial center which was called “Supreme Metropolis of Asia”. One of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the great temple of Diana was located in Ephesus. The church in Ephesus had works, labor and patience but no love for Christ. It seemed to be a successful church from the human point of view because they were so busy working for Christ but they have lost their love for Him. The church was commended for hating the deeds of Nicolaitans. “Nicolaus” means “conquer the people” which suggests the separation of clergy and laity in the church. It developed a priestly caste and lord it over the common believers.
2. Smyrna – Suffering Church
Smyrna means “bitter” and is related to the word “myrrh”. The church released fragrance when it was being persecuted and going through suffering. God has no criticism of the church. The persecution made the church stronger in their faith in Christ.
3. Pergamum – Carnal Church
Pergamus means “married”. This church was wedded to wrong doctrines and practices. Among them were:
A. Satan’s throne (v. 13) – The “mystery cults” of Babylon was set up in the headquarters of Pergamus which included emperor worship.
B. The Doctrine of Balaam (v. 14) – Balaam was a prophet who led the people of Israel into sin in return for wealth and prestige. He encouraged Israel to worship heathen idols and indulge in fornication. The church was worldly because they want to get worldly advantage.
C. The Doctrine of Nicolaitans (v. 15) – The church was divided into “priests” and “people”, and the priest took control of the church.
4. Thyatira – Sinful Church
The church showed works, service and patience but it was filled with sin. Jezebel was the wife of Ahab, and the daughter of a priest of Baal. She promoted Baal worship in Israel and practise whoredom, witchcraft, idolatry, murder and deceit. The church at Thyatira was following her leadership.
LESSON:
Judgment begins at the house of God. The church here can give us precautions and lessons to learn:
Ephesus – No amount of sacrifice or service can substitute our loss or lack of love towards the Lord. God appreciates more of devotion to Him than your service to Him.
Smyrna – Suffering can enrich us and make us stronger in faith. Believers need not to be afraid of persecution because the enemy may kill the body but the saints will not face the second death.
Pergamum – Do not adhere to false doctrines. Do not compromise your faith with the world.
Thyatira – Never tolerate sin in the church. Beware of idolatry and immorality. Hold on to the truth.
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