Tag: Revelation 2

God Is Coming, pt. 2

by Laurin, posted in Sunday Message

In Terry’s continuing winter series on the Book of Revelation, he began teaching about the Seven Churches of Revelation (chapters 2 & 3). This message introduces the churches and takes us through the letter to the Church in Ephesus. To listen to this lesson, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes and links to Scriptures referenced.

God Is Coming, pt. 2

Introduction:

  • Revelation 1:13-17 – Jesus in His risen, glorified form
  • Romans 11:25-26 – When the fullness of the Gentiles…
  • Outline of Revelation (1:19)
    • Things you have seen (ch. 1)
    • Things which are (ch. 2 & 3)
    • Things to come (ch. 4-22)
  • 1 Peter 4:17-18 – the time of judgment begins with the Church – clearing out the chaff

The Seven Churches – Revelation 2 & 3

  • ecclesia – the Church (the ones called out by God)
  • The Seven Churches were historical churches in 1st century Asia Minor
    • God gives a “report card” for each of them (what they’re doing right and how they are missing the mark)
    • Also a model/warning for us today – emulate what they did right, turn away from what they did wrong.
    • The Church is a witness to the world.
  • The Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)
    • v. 1 – Christ is in the midst of the Church
    • v. 2-3 – Six Things the Church in Ephesus Did Right
      • deeds/toil – worked for the Lord
      • perseverance – didn’t give up
      • cannot endure evil
      • tested and found false apostles (wolves in sheep’s clothing – Matthew 7:15)
      • endured for My Name’s sake
      • have not grown weary
    • v. 4 – How They are Missing the Mark
      • Left your first love – letting your love for God wane
        • What is the motive for your work? To please God?
        • Time alone with God is key for this love relationship with Him.
        • Do works as unto the Lord, for the Lord, and WITH the Lord.
    • v. 5a – How to Get Right With Him Again
      • Remember – how it used to be when you first came to salvation
      • Repent – change your thinking/focus
        • Turn away from sin
        • Turn toward God
      • Do the things that are pleasing to the Lord
    • v. 5b – Judgment
      • God won’t allow situations where He is not the focus of the Church to go on forever.
      • He will take that church (lampstand) away
    • v. 6 – Another Good Deed
      • Hate what God hates.
      • Don’t love the world
      • The greatest among you is the servant of all.
    • v. 7 – Hear what the Spirit says to the individual within the Church.
      • Corporately there is judgment on the Church for unrepentance, but one can repent individually, overcome the obstacles individually, and be rewarded with eternal life in heaven.
    • The Christian focus needs to be on the Kingdom of God!