Seven Churches – Four Levels of Application:
1.
To the angel of the church
2.
Hear what the spirit says to the churches.
3.
He who has an ear, let him hear…
4.
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. – Revelation 1:3 (NKJV)
For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse (distort, misinterpret) things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. – Acts 20:26-32 (NKJV)
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
– Ephesians 4:14 (NASB)
(v.1) Ephesus: Desirable (Hitchcock’s)
Apostolic Age to About 100 AD
His Title is a Reminder: (v.1)
…who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: – Revelation 2:1 (NKJV)
Commendation: (What they got right) (vv.2-3)
They made God a priority
They had Perseverance/Steadfastness
Their was impeccable
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. – 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NKJV)
Criticism: (v.4)
Love: agape
Question: Am I in ?
Exhortation: (v.5)
Jesus Paraphrased: If you don’t change this, I’ll !!! (v.5)
… and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. – Revelation 1:20
Remember: God the deeds of the Nicolaitans
Nicolaitans: (v.6)
Nikos: a conquest (by implication) triumph (KJV) – Victory (Strong’s)
Laos: a people (English: Laity)
Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm. – 2 Corinthians 1:24 (NASB)
Ultimately, the church didn’t get it, so Jesus appeals to the (v.7)