LESSONS FROM THE LETTERS
“HE WANTS A STEADFAST CHURCH”
(REVELATION 2: 1-7)
Intro:
There was once a king who wanted to teach his subjects a lesson. So, he called for a large rock to be placed in the main road going through town. For days he waited and watched to see who would take the time to move the rock and find the prize which he had hidden under it. He stood amazed as he watched person after person grumble and complain about the rock, but none stopped to move it.
Finally, at the end of the week, he called a meeting at the rock. He had all of his subjects stand and watch as he rolled the rock aside. Once it was moved, he stooped and picked up the pouch which he had placed under it. As everyone watched, he reached in, and pulled out both the hand full of gold coins, as well as a note. On the note was written, “A reward for the one who takes the time to look under the rock. In order to find a wonderful gift, all the men and women of the village had to do was look under the rock. They just had to take a little time, and give a little effort, and the reward would have been amazing!
I want to submit to you today that the same thing is true for you and me. There is a rock which has been placed at the end of our Bibles, which though large, contains many wonderful gifts and lessons for us.
I’m speaking of the book of Revelation. Written by the apostle John while he was in exile on the Isle of Patmos, it has been long discussed and debated throughout the years. In the Church today, we tend to avoid the book of Revelation. We see it as being to full of incomprehensible jargon for us to gain any value from. However, the bible makes it clear to us in 2Timothy 3: 16, that: “All scripture is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” This would indicate to us that the book of Revelation isn’t to be overlooked, but is instead to be probed for the lessons which it contains.
Beginning this morning, and for the next six weeks, I want to share with you the lessons from the letters in Revelation. In Revelation 1: 10, Paul is instructed to write to the seven churches in Asia. Those churches were Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Found within these seven letters, we find valuable lessons which are still applicable to the church today.
The first letter which John sends is to the Church in Ephesus. This is most likely the second letter which was sent to this congregation. The first was penned by the apostle Paul. The city of Ephesus was the largest and most important of all seven cities. All that remains of it today is a small Turkish village a mile north of the former metropolis. I think we can safely say that the advice which Christ offered through his servant John wasn’t accepted, because the Church at Ephesus indeed lost its candlestick.
If we are to avoid that same fait, then we need to see what that letter said, and take to heart the lessons which we find.
I. THE WELL DONE
1. Christ begins this letter to the Church of Ephesus in the same way that he begins all the letters, by commending them on the things they are doing good.
A. Rev 2: 2a well done in terms of your work.
B. Rev 2: 2b well done in terms of endurance.
C. Rev 2: 2-3 well done in terms of vigilance.
2. First, consider the works of the Church at Ephesus.
A. In truth, we are not provided with a list of their works.
B. However, according to Coffman’s Commentary on Revelation, the word Labor could also be translated toil, which refers to: “arduous, sweat-producing labor.”
C. In other words, they were active in the work of the Lord.
D. Gal 6: 9-10 they, much like you and I today, took seriously the command to not grow weary in well-doing, but to constantly seek opportunity to help all whom we come into contact with!
3. Also, they are given a well done on their endurance.
A. Rev 2: 2b “I know thy patients.”
B. The word “Patients,” is the Greek word Hupomone.”
C. This word carries with it the idea of sufferings being endured and overcome.
D. James 1: 2 they, much like you and I, discovered a way to find joy in the midst of sufferings.
4. Finally, Ephesus is told well done in terms of your vigilance.
A. The word “vigilance”, means: “Alert, watchful, especially for danger.”
B. Here we see Christ congratulating the church of Ephesus for staying alert for things which might come and harm the congregation.
C. 1Pet 5: 8 you see, they were, as we should be today, sober, vigilant, ever watchful for the devils progress into their lives.
D. 1John 4: 1 as the modern day church let us continue to try the spirits, that we may remain ever vigilant!
II. THE WARNING
1. Here in the warning, we find two things.
A. First, the Church of Ephesus is told what they are doing wrong.
B. Second, they are told the punishment which will come if they don’t make a change.
2. If we are to avoid making their mistakes, we should take a moment to study those mistakes.
A. Rev 2: 4-5 first, it isn’t just a problem, what they have done is sin; otherwise Christ wouldn’t have said that they needed to repent.
B. You see, they were great at working, enduring, and remaining vigilant, but they had forgotten to Love God above all else.
C. There work, suffering, and watchfulness had superseded their love of God.
D. Jer 2: 13 they had become like the people of Jeremiah’s time, in that they abandoned God, and then looked for joy and happiness in other places.
E. They did so well in work, endurance, and vigilance, yet they forgot to keep the Love of God as their first priority.
F. Rev 2: 5 let’s make sure to repent, when we put Christ in any position than first, and then let all other works flow from this central theme!
3. However, it is also important that we see what will happen if we fail to heed the warning.
A. Rev 2: 5 “or else I will come unto thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
B. By removing the candlestick, the church will no longer be a church.
C. The spirit will be gone, and the light will go out, and a church with no spirit and no light isn’t a church at all.
D. Rev 2: 6-7 for those who hear and overcome, they will experience eternal life in the presents of God, for those who don’t, they will not.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
L.I.F.E
LIFE
JAMES 4: 13 – 17
13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Life is important to us. When the doctor says you have cancer many react by asking how long will I live? If we do not ask it we often think it. To some life is cheap and to others life is sacred. To some it is a bowl of cherries and to others it is the pits. To some life is more than money, eating and drinking and to others they say eat, drink, and be marry. What is life to you?
I. Jesus said about life:
A John 10: 10 - 11 He came that we might have life.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
The devil is a thief, coming to steal, kill and destroy our life and soul. Jesus came that we might have life now and forever.
B. Luke 12: 15 Jesus says life is more than stuff, or possessions.
15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Jesus told the parable of the rich man. We live in a material world. We can not take it with us, but we can sure miss heaven because of it. Covetousness is greedy desire of possessions or others possessions. Putting this greed before God.
C. John 6: 53 – 58 Jesus explained that the Lord’s supper was for those that had eternal life.
53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
The letters of the word LIFE suggest some things that will make our lives satisfying, successful and more abundant in a christians life today.
II. Let us look at an acrostic of LIFE.
A. L = LOVE. John 13: 34 – 35 Jesus gives a New commandment.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
How do people see us?
1. 1 Cor. 13: 13 Love never fails. True love is perfect.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Charity here is also translated love. Love is the greatest because it never fails. Christ says for our life to be fulfilling we must have love. True love.
2. Romans 8: 38 – 39 Paul writes to the Church in Rome about the love of God.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul was persuaded, how about us? In Christ Jesus nothing has the power to separate us from the love of God against our will. The love of God will save us if we will obey him.
B. I = Influence Gal. 5: 7 - 9 We all have an influence on someone.
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Christ does not hinder us from obeying him. Do we hinder others by our influence? Here leaven represents sin. There is no little sin.
1. Acts 9: 39 they showed the things Dorcas had made.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
They were influenced by the good work of Dorcas. They missed her. Are we doing for others that we might have a good influence?
2. Heb. 11: 4 Abel’s influence lived on in his example obeying God.
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
We will be remembered for that which we have done, both good and evil. Which will we influence others with more? Good or evil?
C. F = Friendship Gen. 2: 18 God saw that Adam was alone.
18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
In marriage our mate should be our best friend to strengthen a marriage. Friends are a must to survive this life. No one can stand alone. No matter how strong, you need a friend.
1. John 15: 12 – 15 You are a friend of the Lord if you obey him.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
We are to be friends in the Lord. We are to love one another and in doing so we are a friend to Jesus. We have friends out of the church so for sure we should be friends to one another in Christ.
2. Luke 10: 36 – 37 Jesus told the parable of the good Samaritan.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
A friend will show mercy. Will help in time of need.
D. E = Eternity 2 Tim 1: 9 – 10 Christ brought us eternity through the gospel.
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
A christian should have no fear of death for eternity is a continuation of life. This life is a preparation for eternity. What we do now is recorded for eternity, but we can repent and wipe the record clean. God forgives.
1. James 4: 13 – 15 If the Lord will, we shall live…
13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
It is God’s will that all will be saved.
2, 2 Peter 3: 9 Christ is long suffering for us to repent and obey Him
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Are we preparing for eternity? God has provided the way through Jesus Christ that all might be saved, but not all will obey God. Will you?
James 4: 14 Life is shot compared to eternity.
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
LIFE,
Love, Influence, Friends, and Eternity.
Are you living your life to its fullest in Christ Jesus?
Have you been baptized into Christ for the remission of your past sins?
This is the beginning of the christian life. The only life eternal with God and Christ.
Once you are in Christ you can not be lost unless you willingly turn from Christ back into willful sin.
In Christ we have nothing to fear.
In Christ we put off the fear of death and put on the joy of salvation in eternal life in heaven.
What is your life?
Do you need to come to Christ and obey him in baptism?
Do you need to repent and get back on the christion road to heaven?
What is your need? Christ is the answer. Will you come?
JAMES 4: 13 – 17
13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Life is important to us. When the doctor says you have cancer many react by asking how long will I live? If we do not ask it we often think it. To some life is cheap and to others life is sacred. To some it is a bowl of cherries and to others it is the pits. To some life is more than money, eating and drinking and to others they say eat, drink, and be marry. What is life to you?
I. Jesus said about life:
A John 10: 10 - 11 He came that we might have life.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
The devil is a thief, coming to steal, kill and destroy our life and soul. Jesus came that we might have life now and forever.
B. Luke 12: 15 Jesus says life is more than stuff, or possessions.
15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Jesus told the parable of the rich man. We live in a material world. We can not take it with us, but we can sure miss heaven because of it. Covetousness is greedy desire of possessions or others possessions. Putting this greed before God.
C. John 6: 53 – 58 Jesus explained that the Lord’s supper was for those that had eternal life.
53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
The letters of the word LIFE suggest some things that will make our lives satisfying, successful and more abundant in a christians life today.
II. Let us look at an acrostic of LIFE.
A. L = LOVE. John 13: 34 – 35 Jesus gives a New commandment.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
How do people see us?
1. 1 Cor. 13: 13 Love never fails. True love is perfect.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Charity here is also translated love. Love is the greatest because it never fails. Christ says for our life to be fulfilling we must have love. True love.
2. Romans 8: 38 – 39 Paul writes to the Church in Rome about the love of God.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul was persuaded, how about us? In Christ Jesus nothing has the power to separate us from the love of God against our will. The love of God will save us if we will obey him.
B. I = Influence Gal. 5: 7 - 9 We all have an influence on someone.
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Christ does not hinder us from obeying him. Do we hinder others by our influence? Here leaven represents sin. There is no little sin.
1. Acts 9: 39 they showed the things Dorcas had made.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
They were influenced by the good work of Dorcas. They missed her. Are we doing for others that we might have a good influence?
2. Heb. 11: 4 Abel’s influence lived on in his example obeying God.
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
We will be remembered for that which we have done, both good and evil. Which will we influence others with more? Good or evil?
C. F = Friendship Gen. 2: 18 God saw that Adam was alone.
18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
In marriage our mate should be our best friend to strengthen a marriage. Friends are a must to survive this life. No one can stand alone. No matter how strong, you need a friend.
1. John 15: 12 – 15 You are a friend of the Lord if you obey him.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
We are to be friends in the Lord. We are to love one another and in doing so we are a friend to Jesus. We have friends out of the church so for sure we should be friends to one another in Christ.
2. Luke 10: 36 – 37 Jesus told the parable of the good Samaritan.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
A friend will show mercy. Will help in time of need.
D. E = Eternity 2 Tim 1: 9 – 10 Christ brought us eternity through the gospel.
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
A christian should have no fear of death for eternity is a continuation of life. This life is a preparation for eternity. What we do now is recorded for eternity, but we can repent and wipe the record clean. God forgives.
1. James 4: 13 – 15 If the Lord will, we shall live…
13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
It is God’s will that all will be saved.
2, 2 Peter 3: 9 Christ is long suffering for us to repent and obey Him
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Are we preparing for eternity? God has provided the way through Jesus Christ that all might be saved, but not all will obey God. Will you?
James 4: 14 Life is shot compared to eternity.
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
LIFE,
Love, Influence, Friends, and Eternity.
Are you living your life to its fullest in Christ Jesus?
Have you been baptized into Christ for the remission of your past sins?
This is the beginning of the christian life. The only life eternal with God and Christ.
Once you are in Christ you can not be lost unless you willingly turn from Christ back into willful sin.
In Christ we have nothing to fear.
In Christ we put off the fear of death and put on the joy of salvation in eternal life in heaven.
What is your life?
Do you need to come to Christ and obey him in baptism?
Do you need to repent and get back on the christion road to heaven?
What is your need? Christ is the answer. Will you come?
OUR MISSION
Our Mission
Mt. 28:18-20
I. Authority is speaking
A. He was from the beginning (Gen.1:26)
B. He is was recognized by the Spirit and Father (Mt. 3:13-17)
C. “I” means authority is speaking
II. Our Orders
A. To whom were the orders given?
1. Apostles (Mt. 28:18-20, Mk. 16:15-16)
2. 1st century Christians, Titus (Titus 1:1-4, 2 Cor. 7:13-16)
3. For us today (2 Tim. 4:1-2, warning 2 Tim. 4:3-5) Just as Paul encourages Timothy, The word is for us today.
B. Where were They/Us to go?
1. Locally (Our friends and family)
2. Nationally (Just as Bryan, Richard, and Christian)
3. To the world (1 Jn. 2:1-2) Propitiation (key word)
C. Make disciples of all nations, Baptizing
1. disciples- Latin root means pupil or learner “Hollman pocket dictionary pg. 83
2. Baptize them
a. salvation (Mk. 16:16)
b. remisson of sins (Acts 2:38)
c. Receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
III. Teaching them to observe all things “I” have commanded you
A. We must know what to teach
1. How do we know (2 Tim. 2:15) Study
2. All scripture is given by the inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:15-17)
B. We must be willing to give all our effort (Mt. 19:28-30)
C. Teach them true service (Mt. 20:25-28)
D. Correction of the erring brother or sister (Jas. 5:19-20)
IV. Conclusion with a promise
A. I am with you till the end of the age.
1. Just as he was with Paul through his ministry (2 Tim. 4:17-18)
2. Noah in the time of the flood (Gen. 6-7)
3. The Isrealites in the desert (Exd. 16, manna and quail), (Exd. 17, water from the rock)
B. Will we be able to say as Paul did? (2 Tim. 4:6-8)
Mt. 28:18-20
I. Authority is speaking
A. He was from the beginning (Gen.1:26)
B. He is was recognized by the Spirit and Father (Mt. 3:13-17)
C. “I” means authority is speaking
II. Our Orders
A. To whom were the orders given?
1. Apostles (Mt. 28:18-20, Mk. 16:15-16)
2. 1st century Christians, Titus (Titus 1:1-4, 2 Cor. 7:13-16)
3. For us today (2 Tim. 4:1-2, warning 2 Tim. 4:3-5) Just as Paul encourages Timothy, The word is for us today.
B. Where were They/Us to go?
1. Locally (Our friends and family)
2. Nationally (Just as Bryan, Richard, and Christian)
3. To the world (1 Jn. 2:1-2) Propitiation (key word)
C. Make disciples of all nations, Baptizing
1. disciples- Latin root means pupil or learner “Hollman pocket dictionary pg. 83
2. Baptize them
a. salvation (Mk. 16:16)
b. remisson of sins (Acts 2:38)
c. Receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
III. Teaching them to observe all things “I” have commanded you
A. We must know what to teach
1. How do we know (2 Tim. 2:15) Study
2. All scripture is given by the inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:15-17)
B. We must be willing to give all our effort (Mt. 19:28-30)
C. Teach them true service (Mt. 20:25-28)
D. Correction of the erring brother or sister (Jas. 5:19-20)
IV. Conclusion with a promise
A. I am with you till the end of the age.
1. Just as he was with Paul through his ministry (2 Tim. 4:17-18)
2. Noah in the time of the flood (Gen. 6-7)
3. The Isrealites in the desert (Exd. 16, manna and quail), (Exd. 17, water from the rock)
B. Will we be able to say as Paul did? (2 Tim. 4:6-8)
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