HOLDING FAST: Philadelphia
#233a HOLDING FAST
Philadelphia
Scripture Revelation 3:7-13 Orig. 2/20/1966
Rewr. 2-1982; 10/17/1986
Passage:
7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Purpose: Continuing the series from the Revelation letters, calling attention to the church at Philadelphia, her faithfulness, how they “held fast,” and how God blessed and used them.
Keywords: Christ as Mediator Salvation Mission of the Church Grace
Timeline/Series: Revelation letters Philadelphia
Introduction
Our series on the Revelation letters began, you remember, on Patmos, an island off the coast of Asia Minor. It was to that place that John, the beloved apostle, had been banished. The city fathers at Ephesus, where John was pastor, resented some turn of phrase, or some spoken word of rebuke.
Little did those enemies of the faith know that God would still use His servant, even though he had been consigned by fellow creatures to an isolated existence. On that windswept, almost treeless island, covering 25 square miles, [while] living in a cave John received the vision of what was yet to be.
The initial recipients of this vision would be the people of the church on mainland Asia Minor, out of sight to John but not out of mind. The first church named was John’s own charge at Ephesus and the nearest to where John was exiled. From Ephesus, the road north goes through the next major city on the coast which is Smyrna, continuing north, and a few miles inland, the road leads to Pergamum. Taking the major road eastward, the next city of note is Thyatira. From there, it is perhaps 30-35 miles to Sardis. All of the aforementioned cities were built on braces of hills affording some protection from attack. You recall that the letter to Sardis calls attention to this protection. History tells it us that when trouble came to Sardis, it came because the citizens took their protection for granted, which, of course, the church at Sardis was doing spiritually.
From Sardis, the road turns east-southeast and runs to Philadelphia. But the people here know nothing of these protective barriers. But here we find a church to whom rebuke is spoken. Rather, they are set forth as a church with an “open door.” As they “hold fast” they will be “held fast.” As they “keep” they will be “kept.”
I. First, Let’s Examine the Open Door. V8 “Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it.”
It is a door opened by God, Himself. Here is an example of the importance of verb forms—it is perfect passive participle—it is open, it will remain, like saying it has been removed from its hinges. Open doors are for trusted. Ours is the age of locked doors. Family members have keys. “Latchkey kids” AARP Seniors 10/86.
These doors are opened for the church’s ministry outside its walls. First, it is opportunity to serve God. Gibbon1, in his history of Roman Empire, says that Philadelphia is like a tall column in the midst of the rubble of a fallen city.
These doors are opened to launch an attack against entrenched evil. The church is not foremost a bastion of defense. There is defense—v11 “hold that fast which thou hast”; not the main thing, not the only thing; tragedy of churches and status quo. (I Corinthians 16:9, II Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3)
We are to major on bold outspokenness. Where we are is where we are needed. In the midst of a “day of trouble” (Isaiah 22:5), God has Isaiah to say of Eliakim “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so that he shall open and none shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open” (Isaiah 22:22). In this same context, the Holy Spirit responded to Peter’s outspoken faith (Matthew 16:18), “Upon this rock will I build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.”
Centuries ago Portuguese settlers built a great cathedral overlooking the harbor of Macao. Years later it was destroyed by a typhoon, except the façade with the cross still upstanding. Sometime later, John Bowring had been shipwrecked, and landfall finally brought him to this harbor where he saw the cross of the old church inspiring him to write a song we still sing.
In the cross of Christ I glory, towering o'er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story gathers round its head sublime.
Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure, by the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure, joys that through all time abide.
II. Next, Consider Overpowering Love. V9 “Behold, I will make them (the world) to know that I have loved thee.”
First mark of overpowering love is forgiveness. It is inspiration for seeking such forgiveness: Some never find it, others cheapen it. There are those who say the harlot (Luke 7) whom Jesus forgave went home to resume her trade. [These don’t] understand repentance and forgiveness. Once true forgiveness is experienced sin is an abomination to be dealt with: repentance, restoration. It is to grasp the realm of crucifixion: Jesus did not die for impersonal “sins,” He died for “my” sins.
The second mark of overpowering love is faith unto salvation. Problem between church and synagogue—Jews stated they were the “Israel”; Romans 2:28f “He is not a Jew who is one outwardly, [no a person is a Jew who is one] inwardly.” Revelation 12:10 Satan “the accuser of our brethren.” Jesus in John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil.” Now this faith unto salvation produces an orderly life and depends upon the power of God.
The final mark of this overpowering love is eternal life. Deuteronomy 5:29 “O that they had such a heart in them that they would fear me and always keep all my commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever.” Galatians 6:8 “. . . He who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
III. And, Finally, Consider Overcoming Grace. V10 “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will also keep thee.” V11 . . . Hold fast what thou hast.”
It is grace in the hour of crises. Is it deliverance from period of trial? Is it safekeeping through trial? John Vandercook may be a name unknown to you. He has labored for years in Seamans’ Service (faith). Name not even listed by the Seamans’ Service in Book of Reports. She just had surgery to support arthritic spine. He had to carry her on board many ships. She had wanted to be missionary. Says, “People of 140 nations come to us.”
It means also grace in temptation. 2 Peter 3:17 “Beware lest ye also, being led away by the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” Ephesians 6:13 “Take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day.”
It means also grace on the day of judgment. V12 “He shall go out thence no more.” One of the serious problems in Philadelphia was a problem with earthquakes. Remember Mexico City, more recently, Nicaragua. People went back and aftershock hit.
Conclusion
Many pagan temples in Philadelphia. Customarily, important people would have their names written on pillars of temples. God’s name is the name of consequence, but believers will become pillars of His true temple through faith.
God’s name means we are His true children.
New Jerusalem means that we are citizens of [that] city.
Christ’s new name—“Now we see through a glass, dimly.”
1 Gibbon, E. (1996). The history of the decline and fall of the Roman empire (D. Womersley, Ed.). Penguin Classics.
LAODICEA: THE WORLDLY CHURCH
#236b LAODICEA: THE WORLDLY CHURCH
Scripture Revelation 3:14-22, NIV Orig. 2/27/1966
Rewr. 3/15/1989
Passage: 14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Purpose: Teaching Revelation to adults in Church Training
Keywords: Judgment Indifference Worldliness
Timeline/Series: Revelation Letters Laodicea
Introduction
Story of little boy who had become a Christian and came to his pastor with a problem. Had been invited to a party, and wasn’t sure how he should act if he went at all. Parties were places to have fun and all that. Alright to go and alright to enjoy himself. “I had a good time, and nobody would have ever guessed that I was a Christian.”
So it was at Laodicea: the people wanted to have a good time, and were not really interested in the way others saw it.
I. The Worldly Church was Bankrupt. V17 “Because thou sayest, I am rich . . . and knowest not that thou art wretched, and . . . .”
Three pieces of information: What they thought of themselves; what God knew about them; what they could do to focus their energy. V18.
They perceived wrongly of themselves v17 “and knowest not that. . . .” Chief banking center of Asia Minor, glorious cosmopolitan city, indifferent to God.
God saw them for what they were. We still try to mask truth: Proverbs 16:25 “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Matthew 13:22 “deceitfulness of riches chokes the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” Our society is not different: TV evangelists, presidential candidate, Tower campaign—how would Ted Kennedy fare? For believers there is a way to forgiveness and repatriation. V18 “I counsel thee. . . .” Only the believer can invest. Riches are in God’s providence. I Peter 1:7 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory.”
II. The Worldly Church was Bare. V17 “poor, and blind, and naked.”
Had a strong clothing industry. Barclay (P181) says they were famous all over Mediterranean world. In this state of destitution, they were without honor. V18 “buy of me.” They had forgotten important things: Christ’s death; joy of seeking from the word; sustenance of Holy Spirit; neighbors lost without Christ. Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice. . . .”
Source of their garments was God. Purification through God. MacBeth (Act II, Sc. II) attempted to wash Duncan’s blood away. “All the water in Neptune’s oceans.” Such garments are personalized through faith. Begins with repentance. Repentance keeps us dealing honestly with the Lord. V19 “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous, therefore, and repent.”
Central to all of this is that Christ has been shut out of their fellowship. V20 “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Important verse of witness. Philadelphia of “open door”—door removed. These have shut themselves in. Christ is denied His bride. Yet, they are given option to repent.
III. The Worldly Church was Blind. V17 “and knowest not that thou . . . art blind.” Eyesalve industry. Trench: “The beginning of true amendment is to see ourselves as we are.” Blind but not sightless. V18 “anoint . . . that”: Surgical; special lenses (Arcadia); miracle.
Conclusion
Helen Keller “To have eyes and not be able to see.”
1 Barclay, W. (1960). The Revelation of John (2 volumes). (2nd edition.) London: The Westminster Press.
LAODICEA: THE WORLDLY CHURCH
#236a LAODICEA: THE WORLDLY CHURCH
Scripture Revelation 3:14-22, NIV Orig. 2/27/1966
Rewr. 3/1982; 10/23/1986
Passage: 14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Purpose: To complete the study of Revelation letters, calling attention to the church at Laodicea as a people who were caught up in the world, and were unfaithful.
Keywords: Judgment Indifference Worldliness
Timeline/Series: Revelation Letters Laodicea
Introduction
I read the story of a little boy who, at perhaps ten years of age had made his profession of faith, and had joined the church. It was a matter of some importance to him, and he began to concern himself with how he was to act in this new role. He knew that being a Christian was special, and he was to act accordingly. His pastor came by the home for a visit one day, and it was immediately obvious that something was bothering the lad. The wise pastored inquired of his young friend’s unhappiness.
The boy responded by sharing with his pastor of an invitation to a party, and that, now that he was a Christian, he was not quite sure how to act.
Well, of course the boy was reminded that a party was a place to have fun, that he and others would be there to have a good time, that he should join in the festivities, that it would be alright for him to have a good time like anyone else there.
Several days later the pastor encountered the boy at church. “Well, Billy, how was the party last week? Did you have a good time?” To which Billy answered, “I sure did Bro. Smith, and nobody there would have ever guessed that I was a Christian.”
The church at Laodicea had the same problem. They were so interested in having a good time, in being just like everybody else, that they lived in a way that was totally foreign to their stated Christian responsibility.
I. The Worldly Church was Bankrupt. V17 “Because thou sayest, I am rich, . . . and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor.”
We are given three vital pieces of information about this church: What they thought of themselves, what God knew about them, [and] what they could do to focus their energy.
They perceived of themselves wrongly. “Because thou sayest I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” The attitude of their surroundings had caved in on them. Laodicea was the chief banking center of Asia Minor. In 61 A.D., devastated by earthquake. Refused outside help to rebuild. A glorious, cosmopolitan city. So proud of achievements, were indifferent to God’s place in their lives.
But God saw through their self-esteem. “[Thou] knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” It is not difficult to mask reality. Proverbs 16:25 “There is a way that seemeth right unto man, by the end thereof . . . way of death.” Proverbs 20:17 “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” Matthew 13:22 (Sower) “The care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and [he becometh unfruitful].”
Our society is not different from Laodicea. Athletic Director of LSU on ethics charges has been forced to resign. Ethics of governors, and congressmen not subject to such scrutiny, Things going on in the lives of congressmembers that break the heart of God. Once you start punitive action, where stop?
But as believers, there is a way to forgiveness and repatriation. V18 “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich.” As in material things, the poor cannot invest, only those who have. Only those of faith can be restored. Riches are those of God’s providence. Revelation 2:9 Smyrna “I know thy . . . poverty” but I Peter 1:7 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
II. The Worldly Church was Bare. V17 “. . . poor, and blind, and naked.”
Laodicea prided itself on its clothing trade. Barclay (R19p181)—“The garments in Laodicea were famous all over the world, and the wool of the sheep of Laodicea was a luxury article which all men knew.”1
In their spiritual destitution, they were without honor. V18, “Buy of me, white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.” They had forgotten things important: Christ’s death, and of neighbors lost without Him; the joy of the mediating Word; gift of Holy Spirit and His sustenance. Romans 12:1-2b “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, . . . . And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. . . .”
The true and only source of spiritual garments was the Lord their God. Purification comes through God’s grace. Shakespeare’s Macbeth attempts in vain to wash the blood of Duncan off his hands. “All the water in Neptune’s ocean would not wash” it away. Such personal spiritual garments are personalized through repentance. For the lost, repentance brings grace to the level of reality. For the believer, keeps us at the level of openness with our Lord about our sin. V19 “And as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
The central teaching here, is that Christ has been shut out of their fellowship. V20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” We use this verse to advantage with the lost. But Jesus was left out and ignored. Philadelphia (3:8), “open door” door removed. Here at Laodicea, they shut themselves in. Christ is denied His bride. Contrast I Corinthians 11:20f divided factions: some ate sumptuously, others were hungry. The One who is shut away from the table here is Christ.
III. The Worldly Church was Blind. V17 “ . . . and knowest not that thou . . . art blind.” An important industry was an ointment that was used as a balm for the eyes. They could not assess their poverty. They could not perceive their nakedness. They were blind to the limitedness of their vision. I mentioned recently the “wellhouse” experience wherein Helen Keller began to perceive of the world around her.
R.C. Trench says “The beginning of true amendment is to see ourselves as we are.” (citation unknown)
Robert Burns “O what gift the giftie gie us, to see ourselves as others see us.”
There are two potential problems. We may deny our sin in the face of God’s pronouncement of its reality. We may doubt the gift of faith to do all that the eternal Word declares. Through that Word we have, we are, we see.
The church at Laodicea was blind but not sightless. V18 “. . . Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see.” Some have recovered sight through surgery. Others are legally blind, but become sighted through special lenses. Some are miraculously restored; friend in New Iberia, after two years of blindness, awoke one morning with his sight restored.
God offers to a rebellious church the restoration of vision. Too many churches continue to shoot their wounded veterans. We are all subject to the cardinal rules of: sin, punishment, forgiveness.
Conclusion
Helen Keller stood at the podium in the chapel of Southern Seminary some years ago. She addressed the student body, and afterward answered their questions. One asked, “Miss Keller, pardon this question, but isn’t about the worst thing that can happen to someone, to be born blind?” “No,” she replied, “the worst thing that can happen is to have eyes and not be able to see.”
1 Barclay, W. (1960). The Revelation of John (2 volumes). (2nd edition.) London: The Westminster Press.
THE VISION OF CHRIST, THE REDEEMING LAMB
#721 THE VISION OF CHRIST, THE REDEEMING LAMB
Scripture Revelation 1:9-20, NIV Orig. 9/3/1978
Rewr. 2/5/1989
Passage: 9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches:
to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” 12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[a] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels[b] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”
Purpose: Continuing a series of lessons for adults in Church Training, here showing John’s detailed description of the Christ.
Keywords: Christ, Authority Christ, Nature Christ, Suffering
Timeline/Series: Revelation
Introduction
I know of one preacher who makes it plain that his knowledge of Bible languages is limited. Because the scriptural material was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, however, there has to be some use of these languages to teach a Bible passage. The preacher then explained that he did know a little Hebrew and a little Greek. The little Hebrew has a dry goods store in Lake Providence, and the little Greek owns a hotdog stand in Delhi.
To know enough to know where to look is a major factor in interpreting Revelation. Whatever position millennially that we hold, the book was written in code, and we have to work at breaking this code.
A series of programs was on public television recently that had to do with governments and their secret communications. One program had to do with Germany during World War II. A major step toward victory was achieved when their military codes were broken and the Allies knew what the next moves would be. Another program addressed the crisis between the USA and Russia over compromised military information.
John wrote in a code known by the early church. He spoke in a language that was the major means of communication throughout the Roman world. Culturally, most of these people shared the same evolving cycle. The early history of the church was Jewish. But the last half of The Book of Acts clearly reveals a change to a gentile church. There were Jewish believers, the leaders were Jewish, but the largest numbers of the converts were coming from gentile or pagan backgrounds. The message given to John was with these multitudes in mind.
I. Last Major Reading in Lesson II was “The Christ John Knew.” V4 “From the One who is, . . . was, . . will be; . . . and from Jesus.”
V5a Who is: “faithful witness”
V5b Who was: “firstborn from the dead”
V5c Who will be: “prince of kings”
II. This Lesson Begins with the Christ John Heard. V10 “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.”
We must not be in too much hurry, and pass by such a significant truth. John was in the Spirit (pneumati). It was the Lord’s day. What happens in our measure of understanding—the awe of expectancy, the authenticity of divinity.
How John came to Patmos (Aegean Sea). Description: covers about 13 square miles of Dodecanese Islands (12), 70 miles southwest of Ephesus, 160 miles ESE of Athens. Circumstance: (a) by command of God; (b) in order to preach; (c) as punishment for preaching.
What John is to do with the revelation. He was to write it down. Then, it would be available to seven congregations: Ephesus (70 miles SE on coast of Asia Minor); Smyrna (40 miles north on coast); Pergamum (50 miles north, inland); Thyatira (30 miles ESE); Sardis (40 miles SSE—65 miles east of Smyrna); Philadelphia (60 miles ESE); Laodicea (30 miles ESE—100 miles east of Ephesus). Its circulation was not limited to these seven churches; they were not time warps of the church; they were churches manifesting the many problems needing confrontation. The word, write (graphon) is imperative—1:11/1:19/seven times in 2-3/14:13/19:9.
One thing more, John’s mention of tribulation (thilipsei)—pictures grindstone: 54-68 Nero—persecutions (fire), 81-96 Domitian—persecutions (Caesar is Lord). Issues with which John deals in letters—lukewarmness, wealth, backsliding, poverty, false doctrine.
III. The Next Lesson is the Christ John Saw. V12 “I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me.”
John shows us the posture of a learner. He turns as is necessary for fuller comprehension. The word: epistrepsas—to turn. Same word used by James 5:19, 20—“He which converteth the sinner from.” We must be careful with the application, but John intended to be in a learning posture.
What we can make of what John saw.
Seven golden candlesticks—v20 tells us: these are the churches, seven the mystic number of completeness. They, of course, represent light in darkness. “An unlighted candlestick is just something else to run over in the dark.”
· There are the symbols of royalty.
· The tribunal garments of the judge—“a robe reaching to his feet with a golden sash about his chest.” Lad in New Iberia leading music for Rod. The girdle encircles his heart as an expression of fidelity of love. Various factors of appearance. Hair: white (purity) eternality, similar to Daniel 7:9c.
· Eyes were as flame of fire: suggesting infallible knowledge. Matthew 6:22 “If thine eye be single”; Matthew 7:5 “Cast out the beam”; Matthew 18:9 “If thine eye offend.” Hebrews 4:13 (GNV) “There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes.”
· His feet: like brass which is symbol of judgment. Serpent John 3:14; see Revelation 19:15 “tread the winepress.”
· His voice: many waters—gentle rain/driven storm, brook/flood/hurricane season. Mississippi off Sullivan’s Island.
· There are symbolisms of deity; 1:8 “alpha and omega” (no v11) bounds of vocabulary/communication; the link with Jehovah God—Three times vv. 8, 17, 18; “I am” used for “being” not “becoming.” “Almighty” v8 equivalent “El Shaddai”: Genesis 17:1f “I am the Almighty.” Exodus 3:14 “I am hath sent me.”
IV. There Follows from This Christ His Message to the Churches. V17f “Fear not; I am the first and the last: . . . he that liveth, . . . having the keys of hell and death. Write what you have seen, . . . what is, . . . what will be.”
A reassuring statement of sovereignty. As John has perceived him. He is all that and more.
There is a reminder of his humanity and of his suffering. V18 “I am he that liveth, and was dead.” Gospel writers attest to that life. Foregleam of Suffering Servant—Isaiah 53.
An attestation of the ultimate victory that awaits the people of faith. “I am alive forevermore, . . . (I) have the keys of hell and of death.” V18
· Ephesus: “he that holdeth the seven stars. V16 “he had in right hand seven stars.”
· Smyrna: “the first and the last, dead but alive.” 17c/18a “I am the first/last.”
· Pergamum: “having the sharp two-edged sword.” V16 “Out of his mouth went the sharp two-edged sword.” The word both saves and slays. Emblem: Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12.
· Thyatira: “eyes as flaming fire, feet of bronze,” V14b-15a as above.
· Sardis: “Seven spirits and seven stars,” v16, 20; seven stars, v4, seven spirits.
· Philadelphia: “key of David,” v18 “keys of hell and of death.”
· Laodicea: “Faithful and true witness,” v5 “faithful witness.”
· a) 1:18, The living one with “keys” of hell and death.
· b) 3:7, The one with “the key of David.”
· c) 3:20, Must stand outside the church at Laodicea and knock to gain entrance.
Conclusion
The last verse gives us the promise of the revealed word. We are to search where not made plain.
SARDIS: ONE LAST CHANCE
#230b SARDIS: ONE LAST CHANCE
Scripture Revelation 3:1-6, NIV Orig. 2/13/1965
Rewr. 3/15/1989
Passage: “To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Purpose: Teaching Revelation to adults in Church Training
Keywords: Church Faithfulness Judgment Repentance
Timeline/Series: Revelation Letters Sardis
Introduction
Most of us do not take last chance messages very seriously. They refer to opportunities to buy gasoline before the price goes up. On a trip we are forewarned about the last “comfort” stop for 31 miles. Or, it is a message with which we cajole our children to do what we want them to do.
Reports from air disasters often contain such language. The Flight Florida crash in the tidal basin in Washington was one. The report indicated a point as the plane lumbered down the runway at which it had one final opportunity to abort the flight. A last chance for 75 people to live.
Sardis is given such a chance.
I. The Need for Watchfulness. V2 KJV “Be watchful!” NIV “Wake up!”
It was for spiritual “watchfulness”—schooling/nutrition/medical/work; what about unto the Lord?
Scripture compels
· Lamentations 3:40 “Let us search/try our ways.”
· Romans 13:11 “It is high time to wake”
· Philippians 3:8 “Whatsoever things are . . . think on these things.”
· Better starting than finishing
· Faith under stress was no fun. Enshrined organization/cemeteries
· Sardis history: 546 BC Cyrus siege, no guard on watchtower, Again following Alexander the Great.
Watchful morally.
· Cybele worship: deified sensuality.
· Church: what is its interest?
· Church in Gary, IN.
The danger of judgment. “As a thief.”
· Judgment based on knowledge “seven spirits of God” v1
· Second coming
· Matthew 24:42 “ye know not at what hour.”
· I Thessalonians 5:2 “day of the Lord cometh.”
II. They Were to Be Careful About Their Works. V2 “Establish the things that remain, which are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.”
What is our standard for measurement? Additions, money, program? Opportunities to help other people?
Their imperfect works were to be reviewed.
· Remember and repent.
· “Perfected” means they were failing to reach their potential.
· Priorities were “good” but unessential things.
The church of today: untroubled by heresy, undisturbed by persecution, unthreatened by personal losses.
The unchanged advice. Repent, v3. Renew, v2. Remain, v5.
III. Watchfulness and Works Result in a Worthy Walk. V4 “Thou hast a few . . . they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy.”
Clothed in white raiment—color of the apparel of heaven
· 4:4 elders wearing white
· 6:11 martyrs
· 7:4 redeemed multitudes before the lamb
· Luke 9:29 “his raiment was white and glistening.”
Leading industry was colorful cloths
Their names were to remain etched in book of life.
· Names there without substance to be removed.
· All trusting Christ have redeeming faith, some make more use of that faith than others.
· Difference between intellectual/saving faith.
· The believer is secure forever. Romans could have names removed from municipal rolls, left with no sense of community. Young Mennonite in Transylvania.
Conclusion
Bunyan’s story of one trying to extinguish the flame, but it continued to burn. Then he saw One, almost hidden, pouring oil on the flame. Likened to church: satan tries to put it out; God keeps it burning.
SARDIS: ONE LAST CHANCE
#230a SARDIS: ONE LAST CHANCE
Scripture Revelation 3:1-6, NIV Orig. 2/13/1965
Rewr. 2/1982, 10/1/1986
Passage: “To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Purpose: Continuing the series on Revelation letters, so that my people may consider the deeper vitality of a faith that does not falter amidst easy living.
Keywords: Church Faithfulness Judgment Repentance
Timeline/Series: Revelation Letters Sardis
Introduction
Many of us watched the news report with a rather detached concern. It drew as much interest as it did because it happened in our nation’s capital. Another air disaster had claimed its victims. You remember Flight Florida back in January of ’82, seventy-five people were killed, at least one an infant. As I recall, some deaths occurred among motorists who happened to be on their way home at the wrong time. Lives were snuffed out in an instant. Perhaps some were oblivious to the danger they were suddenly in. It was winter, the tidal basin was iced over. The people on the plane were on their way to Florida, sunny Florida. In a matter of three hours they would have been there.
We were given all the gory details. There were heroes: [Lenny] Skutnik (Jackson, Miss.) who went into the water to help some who were out of the plane. A passenger from Atlanta gave up a ride on the rescue chopper several times, and when it went back the last time, he could not be found.
One of the news reports told about the little black boxes, recovered from the plane. The reconstructed flight took two minutes. As the plane, with ice covered wings lumbered down the runway, the report indicated a point just before take-off “The last point at which the flight could be aborted.” This was their last chance. One foot farther, and this ice-covered coffin would be 200 miles per hour pell-mell to disaster.
We don’t take “last chances” seriously, you and I. To us, it means “thirty more miles before you can buy gasoline.” It threatens us with a protracted distance before we find a rest-room. Or maybe, it’s no more than an empty threat that we use to our children when our patience is exhausted. Rarely, in our lives is it used in any life-threatening way. But, at Sardis, it meant exactly that. “Last chance coming up!”
I. Their Last Chance Involved Watchfulness. V2 KJV “Be watchful”—NIV “Wake up!”
They were to be “watchful” spiritually. Interesting how careful we can be about some things—schooling/nutrition/workplace—while totally detached from others. Scripture compels.
· Lamentations 3:40 “Let us search and try our ways.”
· Romans 13:11 “It is high time to wake out of sleep.”
· Philippians 4:8 “Whatever things are true, . . . honest, . . . just, . . . pure, . . . lovely, . . . are of good report; if there be any virtue, . . . praise, think on these things.”
What was basically wrong was that they were better starting than finishing; talking than doing.
Faith under stress was not exciting to them. Thought God owed them something; church organized to serve, but they wanted to enshrine the organization. We do well to remember that there are few things any better organized than cemeteries. Faith under fire does not appeal to most Christians today, but extracts a far greater price from the devil.
There was a history lesson that citizens of Sardis should remember. In 546 BC (Ezra led Israel back to the homeland) Sardis came under siege to Cyrus of Persia. The city was so thoroughly protected by battlement and walls, that when an entry was found, the Persians found no guard on the watchtower. The same thing 200 years later after Alexander the Great’s death in battle over territory.
They were to be watchful morally. At Sardis was Cybele worship, deified sensuality. The church in any age will begin to reflect what captures its interest. [Ex.] church in Gary, Ind., with the penchant for fishing trips.
The danger was not only the loss of spiritual respectability, but also the threat of judgment. V3 “I will come on thee as a thief.” By the way, you have heard about the cross-eyed javelin thrower, he never won any meets, but he sure kept the crowd alert.
They will be judged by the One who knows. V1 “These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God.” Every church is unique unto itself. God’s will is similar, but set apart. His judgment reflects faith amidst fortune. God warns of His “coming” “as a thief.” Matthew 24:42 “Watch therefore for ye know not at what hour your Lord shall come.” I Thessalonians 5:2 “The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night . . . Ye are not in darkness that the day should overtake you as a thief.”
II. In Addition to Being Watchful, They Were to be Careful about Their Works. V2 “. . . Establish the things that remain, which were ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.”
What kind of standard of measurement do we select for ourselves? Everything human and social suggests we judge additions/money/program. But God’s standard is the human heart. How we feel about His Word, about His church, about opportunities to help. [Nathaniel] Hawthorne “No man can for any considerable time, wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without getting bewildered as to which one is the true one.”1
Their imperfect works are to be reconsidered. V3 “Remember what you have received and heard.” “Perfected: simply means that they are not fulfilling their potential. They have slipped their priorities to “good” but unessential things. A church untroubled by heresy, undisturbed by persecution, unthreatened by the loss of goods/skills. What they are instructed to do: “Repent” because you love Jesus; “renew” (v2), “remain” (v3). Micah 6:8, “What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before thy God.”
III. Finally, Then, Watchfulness and Works Result in a Worthy Walk of Faith. V4 “Thou has a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy.”
They were to be clothed in white raiment: The color of the apparel of heaven; the essence of the glorified body: Revelation 4:4 (24 elders wearing white), Revelation 6:11 (martyrs were wearing white), Revelation 7:4 (redeemed multitudes before the lamb in white robes). Luke 9:29 Transfiguration: “His raiment was white and glistening.” Special significance at Sardis—leading industry produced a bright-colored cloth.
Their names were to remain etched in the so-called Book of Life. Some to be removed, they were placed there without substance. Pretty easy to get name on roll. All who trust Christ have redeeming faith, some make more use of that faith than others. Great difference between intellectual and saving faith. Those names remaining suggest the true security of the believer, the one who truly “faithed” Christ is safe forever.
In these Roman states, it was possible to have one’s name removed from the municipal roll. It took away their sense of community, of who they were. But the believer could not be so torn. Young Mennonite in Transylvania.
Conclusion
In a vision, John Bunyan reported having seen a man standing over a flame trying to put out the fire by pouring water on it. It confused him that in spite of the man’s effort, the flame continued to burn. Then he saw, One almost hidden from view, pouring oil on the fire. Bunyan likened this to Satan’s effort to extinguish the flame that is the true symbol of the church in the world, but God’s never-ending grace keeps the flame burning strongly.
1Hawthorne, N. (1878) The Scarlet Letter. Boston, J.R. Osgood and Company.
REPENTING CHURCHES MUST BE FOUND FAITHFUL—Ephesus and Smyrna
#722 REPENTING CHURCHES MUST BE FOUND FAITHFUL—Ephesus and Smyrna
Scripture Orig. 9/7/1978
Revelation 2:1-11, NIV Rewr. 2/18/1989
Passage: “To the angel[a] of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
Purpose: In a Bible study series on Revelation call attention to the need within all churches for repentance and faithfulness.
Keywords: Bible Study Faithfulness Repentance Revelation
Timeline/Series: Revelation Ephesus and Smyrna
Introduction
One doesn’t have to be all that good at imagining to imagine the difficulties with which the early church had to deal. They were struggling against what we would take to be impossible odds. They had little, or no material resource. There was no political power base. In fact, the opposite was true. During the last 1/3 of the first century, Rome not only looked with a critical eye at the followers of Jesus, she persecuted these believers inside and outside of the law.
It is different for us today. How often, do you suppose, a man could be elected who outspokenly opposed traditional religious values? Too often we find such office seekers using these values under false pretenses.
We, today, have a political power base. We have resources. Never in the history of the world has the so-called Christian church had more to do with than we do today. But just as surely as inflation eats away at church ledger sheets, even to a greater degree, indifference eats away at the very soul of the church.
The discipleship crisis of the first century was having leaders to take the place of faithful witnesses sacrificed to Rome. Our discipleship crisis is having leaders who fall not before the on-slaughts of Satan, but of sin. They resume their places as if nothing had happened.
Discipleship begins with repentance, and from there it rushes pell-mell toward faithfulness to Christ. The altar of repentance is a regular spot of visitation for every believer.https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/2019/08/17/three-things-in-ephesus-timothy-likely-saw/
I. Ephesus: Eager but Indigent. “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write, . . . I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience . . . . Nevertheless . . . thou hast left thy first love.”
A look at background: Perhaps the chief city of Asia: “Lumen Asiae.” Harbor city: “market of Asia.” Temple of Artemis (Diana) Acts 19:28. This last one of seven wonders: [377x180’] with 120 columns 60’ high. Traded in religious amulets Acts 19:24. Steeped in immorality with sacred temple prostitutes.
Particulars about the church. It was nearest to Patmos. Paul probably started (at Ephesus on 2nd/3rd
missionary journey). John spent 25 years as pastor, itinerant evangelist. Place identified as quarters of Mary.
Considering the message to the church. It is unquestionably from the Lord. Ephesus represented by candlestand. Christ is referred to as “alpha and omega” Revelation 1:11; “Son of man” Revelation 1:13,
Acts 7:56 (by Stephen) and Psalm 8:4-5; “he that liveth and was dead” Revelation 1:18; the unpardonable sin, Matthew 12:31f. Stars are identified as angels of the seven churches.
How the message reaches the church—through John by means of this angel; angel may be pastor, messenger, some spiritual entity called to serve. Christ holds not just the star but “the seven stars” 2:1 in His hand: the whole of believers; individual churches of believers. John 10:27f “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish neither shall any pick them out of my hand.”
Kratov—here accusative “hold entirely”, genitive—“hold on to.” Have someone hold a chair, then a marble.
The message is one of declining love, v4. The message received is one of instruction. V4 “I have somewhat against thee . . . remember [the height from which you have fallen]”. Involving what has been: Diligence to duty—work-service rendered, labor-toil at the cost of pain, patience [----text lost----], Galatians 6:9 “Let us not be weary in well-doing”; Zealous against evil—v2 “cannot bear [evil] ones.” The Lord, in His omniscience, knows what they have left undone: Sins of commission, sins of omission; not in the sense of deserting cause as Demas “hath forsaken” 2 Timothy 4:10; as in neglect—they were busy, but not for Christ’s glory. Parable of seeds/soil—some spring up quickly, but without root, they died.
Leaving instruction, there is injunction. “Remember . . . or else.” Injunction to “remember” the glorious years of faithful service to Christ. Injunction to “repent”—resisting change. 2 Corinthians 7:9f “I rejoiced, . . . that ye sorrowed unto repentance. Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.” (Leaves no regret.) Injunction to return—“the first works do”—a restored mind/heart state; serve out of love for Christ.
The message Ephesus received is a simple one. The church’s charter is temporary, valid only with faithfulness to her Lord. The lampstand isn’t snatched away, it becomes a barrier to grace: kineo—to set in motion—cinema; churches, like people, slow to die.
II. Smyrna: Suffering but Secure. V8 “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna, write; . . . I know thy works . . . tribulation . . . poverty, . . . be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
First, a brief look at Smyrna’s surroundings. A city of great beauty: from 1000 BC/ destroyed 600 BC/ rebuilt 200 BC as a planned metropolis. Aristides: “a flower of beauty such as earth and sun had never showed to mankind.” Christians maligned for laying no store by such surroundings. On the Aegean: trade capital of Hermus Valley. Only one of the seven that survives, [Now known as the] Turkish city Izmir.
A look at the church. Believers who were losing everything because of their faith. Some, however, were renouncing their faith to keep their goods.
There is a five-part message. (a) Smyrna’s Saviour: (v8) myrrh—had to be crushed to emit fragrance; He knew all that was happening; their loyalty. (b) Smyrna’s loyalty: word for works does not appear—“I know you”; a church surviving in an antagonistic environment. (Places in the world today.) Penia—one who has nothing extra. Ptocheia—one who has nothing. (c) Smyrna’s satanic surroundings: v9 reverted to Jewish faith to keep their goods. Problems caused by Jews: Acts 13:50, 14:2,5,19; 17:5. Anti-semitism is still a sin.
Smyrna’s suffering: v10 Significance of ten (10) (a) literal, (b) ten imperial persecutions (Nero 64 to 312), (c) a brief period, (d) extreme. Church age from 170 to 312.
Smyrna’s Salvation: v10 (a) crown—not royal, but victor (stephanas), (b) Mt. Pagos—crown of Smyrna, (c) shall not, never, (d) Second death—rabbinic term for death of wicked in next world: physical death, final punishment, unpardonable sin.
Conclusion
Bettenson’s Documents of the Christian Church
Proconsul: Curse the Christ
Polycarp: Eighty and six years have I served.
Proconsul: Swear by the genius of Caesar.
Polycarp: I am a Christian.
Proconsul: I have wild beasts, repent or I will throw.
Polycarp: Send for them, repentance from better to worse is not a change permitted us.
Proconsul: I will make thee to be consumed by fire.
Polycarp: Thou threatenest the fire that burns [for an hour and in a little while is quenched; for thou knowest not the fire of judgment to come, and the fire of eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly.]1
1 Bettenson, H. (Ed.), (1967) Documents of the Christian Church (1st edition). Oxford: Oxford University.
THE BOOK OF REVELATION
#602 THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Scripture Revelation
Timeline/Series: Bible Study, Book of Revelation
Introduction
Preface 1:1-8
I. The Lamb 1:9-20
II. The Lamb and the Churches 2:1-3:22
A. Ephesus—Identification, Commendation, Complaint, Warning, Promise, Counsel, Judgment
B. Smyrna
C. Pergamum
D. Thyatira
E. Sardis
F. Philadelphia
G. Laodicea
III. The Lamb and the Sealed Book 4:1-5:14
A. The Sovereign 4:1-11
B. The Redeeming Lamb 5:1-14
1- Purchased for God v9
2- Through His blood
3- For all
4- Establishes a kingdom v10
IV. The Lamb Opens the Seals 6:1-11:19
A. The Title Deed to Souls
1- First Seal, White Horse: Conquest 6:1-2
2- Second Seal, Red Horse: W ar 6:3-4
3- Third Seal, Black Horse: Famine 6:5-6
4- Fourth Seal, Pale Horse: Pestilence 6:7-8
5- Fifth Seal, Martyred Saints: Persecution 6:9-11
6- Sixth Seal, Earthquake: Judgment 6:12-17
B. Provisions for the Redeemed 7:1-17
1- The Redeemed of Israel 7:1-8
2- The Redeemed of the Nations 7:9-17
C. The Final Seal, Incense: Victory 8:1-5
1- Interlude 8:1-2
2- Incense 8:3-5
a) First Trumpet/Woes upon land 8:7
b) The Second Trumpet/Upon the sea 8:8
c) The Third Trumpet/Upon fresh waters 8:1
d) The Fourth Trumpet/Upon the heavens 8:12
e) The Fifth Trumpet/The foes of God’s people face natural calamity, internal decadence 9:1-12
f) The Sixth Trumpet/External invasion 9:13-21 (See Gibbon, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire)
D. Announcement of Retribution 10:1-11:13
1- The angel and the seven thunders 10:1-7
a) The trumpets are warning enough
b) The time of the end has come
c) No more delay 10:6
2- The little book 10:8-11
3- Measuring the temple 11:1-2
4- The two witnesses 11:3-13
5- The Seventh Trumpet, Covenant 11:14-19
V. The Lamb and the Conflict 12:1 –20:10
A. The Radiant Woman and Her Children 12:1-2, 5-6, 14-17
B. The Red Dragon and his forces 12:3, 4, 7-9
C. Michael 12:7
1 Gibbon, E. (1996). The history of the decline and fall of the Roman empire (D. Womersley, Ed.). Penguin Classics.
THE PERSEVERING SAVIOUR Thyatira
#225 THE PERSEVERING SAVIOUR
Thyatira
Scripture Revelation 2:18-29, NIV Orig. 3/6/1989
Passage: 18 To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.’
26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’[a]—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Purpose: Teaching a Bible study for adults from this material
Keywords: Bible Study
Timeline/Series: Revelation Letters Thyatira
Introduction
We first encountered Thyatira as a small but important industrial city. It was known for works in clay, leather, bronze, and for its dyes and dyeing. I grew up in small, Southern, cotton-mill towns in Georgia, Alabama. There were even trade guilds in Thyatira for these labor groups.
We came upon this city in Acts 16:14. Paul was in Philippi. Lydia heard him preach. She believed, invited Paul [and] party, to her home, and this church may be the result. Lydia was the first recorded convert to Christianity on European soil.
I. Persevering Sovereignty. V18 “These things saith the son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.”
Qualifications of sovereignty. The Son of God: see Luke 1:35 (birth); see Mark 9:7 (Annunciation); see John 19:7 (crucifixion); see I John 4:15 (faith/link); omniscience: See Proverbs 15:3 (eyes of the Lord); see Acts 1:24 (knoweth the hearts); see Hebrews 4:13 (all things).
The message delivered out of sovereignty.
· He knows all the good being done.
· He knows all of their failures.
· He knows always when repentance is needed.
II. Persevering Repentance. V20f “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, . . . And I gave . . . space to repent . . . and she repented not.”
Repentance demands God’s view of sin. Uninitiated hear it sermonized, see sin in lives of loved ones, rationalize repentance. Come to see sin as sophistication, overzealousness.
We must understand that God’s sentence is on sin. Sin has within itself its own punishment. Jezebel: daughter of Ethbaal, Zidonian; married Ahab; I Kings 16:31f. II Kings 23: RG Lee “Payday Someday”; in any sexual deviation it is the family that hurts. Nothing shows God’s love like an offer to any Jezebel to repent. Only unbelief can not be forgiven. Rank heresies can be repented.
III. Persevering Truth. V23b “I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” “Reins”—nephros, kidney (nephritis)—seat of emotions, feelings.
He refutes errant doctrine. “You who do not hold her teaching, Satan’s depths”: Satanic influence, Failure to deal with error; No evidence of Lydia, name probably not Jezebel. Jezebel didn’t try to stop Jehovah worship, she just wanted to add Baal worship.
He refuses to add to their teaching. V24b “I will put upon you no other burden.” Báros. Acts 15:28 “For it seemed good . . . that we lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.”
Christ reaffirms His coming. V25 “That which you have, hold fast till I come.” They were to appraise the teaching. It will make a difference for us. I John 2:28, “. . . Abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”
He ratifies a coming day of judgment. V26 “He that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” Satan promised Jesus “power over the nations.” Matthew 4:8. It was a power not his to grant. It is in the power of Jesus.
Conclusion
Storm clouds are on the horizon. Those who are wise will recognize the dangers and prepare themselves for what is before them. People in Biloxi area threw “hurricane” parties.
THYATIRA AND HER PERSEVERING SAVIOUR
#225 THYATIRA AND HER PERSEVERING SAVIOUR
Scripture Revelation 2:18-29, NIV Orig. 2/6/1966 (10/1978)
Rewr. 9/25/1988
Passage: 18 To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.’
26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’[a]—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Purpose: Continuing the Revelation Letter series calling attention to the Holy Spirit reminding believers of their need to possess their possessions.
Keywords: Christian Life Judgment Perseverance
Timeline/Series: Revelation Letters Thyatira
Introduction
We encounter Thyatira early in the New Testament textual materials. It was a small city compared to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, but a very important one. Important for its industry and labor intensity. It was known for works in clay, for the tanning of skins, for artisanship in bronze, as well as for dyes and dyeing. It should not surprise us to discover that there were trade guilds for each of these industries.
The first mention of Thyatira is noted in Acts 16:14. Paul was in Philippi of Macedonia on the second missionary journey. While preaching there, he was heard by “Lydia, a seller of purple in Thyatira.” At this time, she believed, and she and her household were baptized. Paul and those with him were invited to her home. It is entirely appropriate to believe that the church in Thyatira was begun in her home. Lydia was the first recorded convert to Christianity on European soil.
Amidst the trappings of such success, the church had its beginnings in that place. But later, other things precipitated a lapse into spiritual lethargy. There must be a return to spiritual fervor. As things now stand the danger is that they will begin to judge themselves, not by spiritual standards, but by material ones.
Perhaps the couplet from Aurora Leigh (Elizabeth Barrett Browning) describes what is happening: “Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush aflame with God. But only those who see take off their shoes. The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries.” (Book 7.) 1
I. Persevering Sovereignty. V18 “These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.”
“What are the qualifications of such sovereignty? First He is called the Son of God. Identified at His birth. Luke 1:35 “Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. At the annunciation (disciples), Mark 9:7 “. . . And a voice came out of the cloud saying. ‘This is my beloved son, hear him.’” It was the basis for the crucifixion, John 19:7 “. . . We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the son of God.” It sustains a strong link to faith. 1 John 4:15 “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him and he in God.” He is all-knowing—“eyes like unto a flame of fire.” Genesis 16:13, Hagar [about] Ishmael “Thou God seest me!” Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good.” Acts 1:24 (selection) “Thou, Lord, which knoweth the hearts of all men.” Kardiognosta, [Greek for “heart-knower”]. Hebrews 4:13 “. . . All things are naked and open before the eyes of him [with] whom we have to do.”
As this Sovereignty relates to us today John 2:24 “He knew what was in man.” John 6:64 “Jesus knew who would believe not.” John 1:48 Nathaniel/He could read what was on people’s hearts. Also the woman of Samaria and Simon Peter (denial).
Consider the message that He speaks to them out of His sovereignty. He knows all the good things that they are doing. He knows the things that they are failing to do that they should. Some are believing. Others are driven from faith. They are to go to their knees in repentance.
II. We Come Next to Persevering Repentance. V20f “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, . . . and I gave . . . space to repent . . . and she repented not.”
True repentance requires God’s view of sin. We too often see it as unimportant. We rationalize by other’s sins.
Why youth has such difficulty. They hear it sermonized but see sin in those they love. Ideologized from lack of experience. Experienced mainly through media sophisticates. Conclude that sin isn’t all that bad.
But try to see it from God’s point of view. He sees beyond the drunk driver to the accident waiting to happen. Picture in Newsweek 9/23/1985 mangled car (2 dead). Passed the gaiety of cocktail party to the home crushed under oppression of alcoholic mother/father. He sees marijuana become cocaine become death. Greg Louganis testimonial. He sees the cigarette/cancer link when its purveyors deny it. He sees sex experimentation become dissolution.
Do you remember why revivals were so important a few years ago? W.E. Sangster used to tell his revival audiences what revival would do: “It would pay old debts; reduce sexual immorality; disinfect the theater; cut the divorce rate; reduce juvenile crime; lessen the prison population; improve the quality, and increase the output of work; restore to the nation a high sense of destiny; make the nation invincible in the war of ideas; give happiness and peace to the people.”
It is time again to understand God’s sentence on sin. Sin has within itself the seedpod of punishment. Jezebel—Old Testament counterpart, daughter of Ethbaal, king of Zidonians/married Ahab (II Kings 23). Josiah’s revival revived them from this/RG Lee Payday Someday. Revived from worship of sexual deviation. The family unit is what is hurt the most.
Nothing quite shows the love of God quite like the offer to Jezebel to repent. All sin save that of unbelief is forgivable. Rank heresies can be repented of. Moonies/Cults (Jim Jones)/Satanism.
III. Finally, Persevering Truth. V23b “I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: I will give unto every one of you according to your works.” Nephros—reins (mind, thoughts).
First, He refutes errant doctrine. It is satanic influence. It is congregational ineptitude in refusing to confront it. Interpreting the error. Not a shred of evidence that this is Lydia. Name probably not Jezebel. Her influence was like that of Old Testament Jezebel on Ahab of Israel. She didn’t try to stop Jehovah-worship, she just wanted to include Baal-worship. Innumerable ways the church can face corrupting influences.
Christ refuses to add to their teaching. 24b “I will put upon you no other burden.” Acts 15 leaders in Jerusalem sent instructions to Antioch, Syria, Cilicia/v28. “For it seemed good unto the Holy Ghost and to us, that we lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.”
Christ reaffirms His coming. V25 “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.” Nothing sets us to the task at hand like a reappraisal of His coming. I John 2:28 “. . . abide in Him that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”
And lastly, He ratifies a day of judgment. V26 “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my work unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” Satan promised Jesus “power over the nations.” Matthew 4:8. A power not his to grant, But within Jesus’ power to grant. The promise of “the morning star.”
Conclusion
Thus, the ending is the call to faithfulness. They are to perceive the Christian life as one of obedience. A storm is on the horizon. They are to prepare themselves through faith for that tempest. The wise person is the one who learns of the dangers fraught in the storm and who prepares for the struggle to come. All of us have heard of the hurricane parties held in the face of impending dangers when a storm is announced.
1Browning, E. B. (1890) Aurora Leigh, a poem. New York: Worthington Co.