From 103431.240@compuserve.comTue Feb 6 12:20:47 1996 Date: Tue, 6 Feb 1996 09:48:22 -0600 From: Darrell Broking <103431.240@compuserve.com> Reply to: garyslist@jackson.freenet.org To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: 7 churches of Asia 1 of 2 Darrell Broking here. This material is part of a workbook I put together to use when I teach Revelation. Lesson 6, The Letters To The Seven Churches Of Asia In chapters two and three of Revelation we have an address from the Lord to the seven churches of Asia. These letters deal with the good, bad, and the ugly. Jesus is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34; Galatians 2:6; James 2:1). He deals with all of mankind righteously, according to His Word (John 12:48). In dealing with these seven churches, only two receive commendation, Smyrna and Philadelphia. Four of the remaining five receive both commendation and reprimand. The church in Laodicea receives only reprimand. Jesus is clear on the fact that repentance is required to overcome His reprimand. Only those who overcome will receive the blessing of eternal life with Him. I. To the church at Ephesus, Revelation 2:1-7. A. The inspired record relating to the beginning of this congregation is found in Acts 19. Verses 17-20 highlight the love the Ephesians had for truth and righteousness. B. Geographic information: 1. A coastal city located off of the Aegean Sea. 2. Great economic importance. a. Import and export. Three major trade routes came through Ephesus. b. Temple of Diana, or Artemis located here. One of the seven wonders of the world. This Temple was four hundred and twenty five feet long, two hundred and twenty five feet wide, and sixty feet high. It had a stairway made from solid vine from Cyprus. This was an elaborate Temple where the god Diana was worshiped. Idol worship was a great economic contributor (Acts 19:23-28). c. Free city. A miniature Rome, complete with self rule, and military might. d. Ephesus was an assize judicial center. Rome would try the major cases. e. Annual games were held here. C. The church in Ephesus was informed. 1. Paul spent many hours laboring with the brethren here (Acts 20:31). 2. Timothy the evangelist (2 Timothy 4:2,5), a great man of the faith, labored with this congregation as their preacher (1 Timothy 1:3). 3. Tradition says that John son of Zebedee spent many of his last years here. Ephesus was only between sixty to seventy miles from Patmos. 4. Verses 2 and 6, demonstrate the fact that the Ephesians knew the truth. They were a doctrinally sound congregation. D. Commendation: 1. They worked and toiled, v.2. The word toiled is discussing the fact that they labored until the point of exhaustion. 2. They were patient, v.2. Verse three defines their patience. 3. They would not bear evil men, v.2. The word bear means "to support as a burden, to pick up and to carry". They tried those who falsely called themselves apostles, and took the proper action when they proved that they were in error. a. Is it proper for us to question men of the faith today? All brethren, especially elders (Hebrews 13:17), need to be sure that those teaching in the church are teaching truth (1 John 4:1). b. Ezekiel 3:16-21 demonstrates the principle involved here. 4. They hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans, v.6. a. The word "Nicolaitans" is the product of combining the word "Laos" (people), with the word "Niklam" (to conquer). We will look further into their teaching when we study the letter to the church at Pergamum. b. It is not enough to love the things God loves. We must hate the things that God hates. c. Failure to hate what God hates is the sin of indifference. Consider Isaiah 5:20-21. E. The Lord's reprimand. 1. Their love had grown cold, v.4.1 Corinthians 16:22, and 1 John 4:8 reveal the bitter consequences of failing to keep the fires of love burning. Remember to know God is to be known by Him (Galatians 4:9). a. The type of love which pleases the Father is more than mere emotion. We are to love Him with our total being (Mark 12:29-30). We must give ourselves to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:5), because in Christ we are joined, or married to Him (Romans 7:4). b. Acts of worship must be rendered in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). They had the truth down, but without love their worship was in vain. c. From the outside this congregation probably looked like a good one to belong to. They were sound in the faith, yet they were lost in their present condition. Consider Ezekiel 3:20 in this vein of reasoning. F. The Lord's counsel. 1. Repent and do the first works, v.5. a. They were to remember where they once were and return to that place. Repentance is more that declaring ones error, it is a change in attitude and action. Repentance and heart felt sorrow work together in God's plan of salvation (2 Corinthians 7:9- 10). 2. Change or else! a. The Lord would remove their candlestick, or lampstand. In 1:20 we are informed that the candlesticks are the churches. Refusal to repent finally resulted in the end of their congregation. The same truth applies today. At times we might desire the Lord to hurry up and remove some candlesticks. We must however, trust Him for only He knows when it is time for removal. 3. Overcomers are invited to come over and eat of the tree of life. a. Paradise is lost in the book of beginnings, and regained in Christ. b. The tree of life offered eternal life (Genesis 3:22). In Revelation 2:7 the reference is relating to salvation. Remember that the lost will also live forever (Matthew 18:8; 25:30,41). Eternal life with God will be life in paradise. Heaven is only for individuals who desire to be there, for only the sincere will repent of error and walk in the light. c. This is a good place to righteously correct those who believe that paradise will be here on earth. The paradise of God in not on earth, but in the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:1-4). II. To the Church at Smyrna. A. Geographical and economic information. 1. The second most important city in Asia. A commercial metropolis with a population of 200,000 to 250,000 in John's day. Today it is a city of 2,000,000, named Izmar. 2. A center of Emperor worship. Emperor worship consisted of burning incense and calling Caesar Lord. An annual certificate was given to the worshipers. This certificate proved loyalty to the Roman government. 3. The city attracted a large Jewish population. B. Description of the author, v.8. 1. Referring to His eternal existence. 2. The Son of Man died and was resurrected from the dead. His resurrection proves His Deity (Romans 1:4), and guarantees life for everyone in Him (Revelation 1:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:20). 3. In Moscow you can see the body of Lenin encased in a crystal casket. A sign beside it says that Lenin WAS the Lord of new humanity. When we speak of Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, Zoroaster, or any other founder of world religions, we must speak of them in past tense. This is not the case with Jesus, He lives. (Hebrews 13:8). C. Church's condition evaluated, v. 9. 1. Tribulation: This word is not referring to the ordinary trials of life. The term is discussing intense suffering. 2. Poverty: These folks were at the very bottom of the financial scale in Smyrna. When they obeyed the gospel they lost their jobs, possessions, and earthly security. 3. Riches: In spite of their economic standing, they were rich (James 2:5; Ephesians 2:1- 7; 3:8; Luke 12:15). 4. Blasphemy: The Jewish population persecuted this congregation, along with the Romans. The true Jew is one who has obeyed the gospel (Galatians 3:27-29; 6:14-16). These Jewish troublemakers claimed to be of the synagogue of God. In reality they were of the synagogue of Satan. D.Promise of things to come, v.10. 1. Where do people get the idea that God will bless His people with financial increase as a general rule? If the suffering saints in Smyrna would have been evaluated on such a scale they would have been multimillionaires! 2. More suffering was on its way. Some of the brethren would be cast into prison, tried, and executed. 3. They were not to fear the thing they were about to suffer. Consider Matthew 10:28 and Hebrews 13:5-6. 4. "Unto death" here does not mean a natural death after a long and prosperous life. It means in the very face of death. History relates the account of Polycarp, a Smyrnean saint and a personal acquaintance of John the apostle. In the year 155 he was given a choice. If he would deny Jesus, and publicly avow that Caesar was Lord, his life would be spared. He would not deny his Lord. He reminded his enemies that he had served Jesus for 86 years and that Jesus had never done him any harm. He was not going to turn on Him now. As they prepared to burn him to death, the Jews of the city gathered the necessary wood. E. Rewards for the overcomers. 1. Crown. Stephanos refers to the victory crown, not a diadem. Consider James 1:12 and 1 Corinthians 9:25. 2. Would not be hurt in the second death. See page 1 under II E. III. To the church at Pergamos. Revelation 2:12-17. A. Geographical and economic information. 1. Capitol of the Roman province. a. Center of emperor worship. It bore the name "Thrice Neokoros", because of its three temples for emperor worship. 2. This city had a great library, second only to Alexandra. During a time in which Egypt denied them of papyrus for their books, they made parchment. The name "parchment" is derived from the name "Pergamos". 3. Great medical center. The famous physician of antiquity, Galen, lived and practiced medicine here. a. Aesculapius, the god of medicine was worshiped here. The sign of this god was a serpent wrapped around a cross. It is the same sign physicians use today. Consider verse 13, the serpent is a universal symbol for Satan. 4. This city mined white stones, which were used commercially. Usually they were presented to people with a name on it for the following reasons: a. Given to one tried and acquitted. b. Given to one freed from slavery, and made a citizen. c. Given to a winner of a contest, to show that he had overcome opposition. d. Given to warriors coming back from victory. 5. A city given to idolatry. The temple of Zeus was located here. It remains as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. B. Description of the author. 1. He that hath the sharp two-edged sword. When will the frail man whom He created learn that we cannot successfully oppose Him? No enemy can stand before Him. C. The one with the sharp two-edged sword knows all things. Hebrews 4:12. 1. He knew that they were dwelling in a corrupt city, v.13. This city did not have a great family atmosphere. 2. They held fast His name. a. We also must hold fast His name. 1 Peter 4:16. 3. They held fast His faith. a. Many today talk about "my faith", or "your faith". There are faiths of men, then there is "His faith". His faith is the only hope mankind has. D. Something changed in this congregation along the way. 1. They had some holding the doctrine of Balaam, v.14. a. We learn of Balaam's counsel in Numbers 22-24; 31:16. b. "Balaam" is derived from "Baal" meaning to conquer, and "aam" meaning people. c. Balaam's doctrine is defined in Scripture. Consider Micah 6:5; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11. d. Compromise takes place daily for various reasons. Loved ones involved in sin. Fear of offending people and running them off. Fear of a dwindling contribution. When churches of Christ compromise, they join ranks with the denominational world. 2. They had some holding the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. a. A distinction is made between these two groups. The former probably allowed sin to exist in the church, the later probably practiced it. E. They were to repent. Notice that the church was to repent! Failure to do so would result in meeting His sword in battle. John 12:48. IV. To the church at Thyatira. Revelation 2:18-29. A. Geographical and economic information. 1. This city was the home of Lydia (Acts 16:14). 2. Thyatira produced expensive dyes, and linens. 3. A city known for its trade guilds. 4. Apollo the sun god was worshiped here. B. Description of the author. 1. Verse 18 defines Him as the Son of God. He is the one to be worshiped, not Apollo. 2. See page 4 for more information concerning His eyes and feet. C. Commendation, verse 19. 1. Their works were increasing, unlike the church at Ephesus. This congregation was involved in loving, faithful, service. Christians must be motivated by love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). 2. Like Christ, our perfect example (1 Peter 2:21), we must be involved in service or ministry (Matthew 20:28). Also see 1 Corinthians 16:15; Ephesians 4:12; Galatians 6:10; Titus 3:1,8,14). 3. In pointing to their faith, Jesus was discussing fidelity to God and His Word. Without faith we cannot please Him (Hebrews 11:6). Our faith will be demonstrated in our works (Galatians 5:6; James 2:24,26). 4. The "patience" of these Christians was characterized by the increase of their works. D. Condemnation, verses 20-23. 1. They "suffered", that is permitted, a false teacher referred to as Jezebel, to teach and seduce the saints to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. 2. This woman was possibly involved with the trade guilds which practiced fornication and idolatry in their worship. She was probably teaching the brethren to compromise with the trade guilds in order to relieve the economic pressure the guilds placed on them. (See Revelation 6:5-6). 3. Her doctrine was sold under the pretenses that we cannot understand wrong unless we practice it ourselves (v. 24). 4. The church should have stood firm on 2 Timothy 2:12-15, 1 Corinthians 14:32, and 1 John 4:1. They needed the unyielding nature of the Ephesians, and the Ephesians needed their loving service. We must strive for the proper balance of the two. E. Christ gave Jezebel and her followers time to repent. 1. He is patient with all men (2 Peter 3:9,15). 2. His goodness leads man to repentance (Romans 2:4). 3. Man must repent or perish (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30-31). F. The word "bed" in verse 22 is used to describe a bed of sickness. It can also refer to a "banquet couch." Jezebel and her followers might have been struck down while feasting. 1. In verse 23 Christ said that He would kill her children with death. The word translated "death" can also be translated "pestilence". People have been punished by immediate physical death (Acts 5:1-5; 12:23). They were certain to meet the second death if their condition was not repented of (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 6:23; James 1:15). 2. Christ said that He would do this so that all the churches would know that He "searches" man's reins and hearts. a. "Reins" stands for kidneys. According to the Hebrews, this is where the emotions dwell. b. The heart refers to our center of intellect. c. Christ will give to each person according to his works. (See Galatians 6:7-8; Hosea 8:7; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Proverbs 22:8). G. Christ offers admonition, verses 24-25. 1. He addresses "the rest", that is those who do not hold this doctrine. 2. Christ said that He would put no other burden on them. In verse 20 we see that He held the church accountable for permitting the woman to teach her false doctrine. The burden placed on the church was to stop permitting false teachers from spreading their error. 3. In verse 25 He instructs them to hold fast. Literally He is instructing them to remain faithful at all cost. H. Promise of reward to the overcomers. 1. Verses 26-27 discuss the fact that we are reigning with Christ in our missionary efforts to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:44f) Right now Christ is the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings (Revelation 17:14). Christians share that reign with Him (Romans 5:17; 1 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:12). 2. Verse 28 discusses the "morning star". Revelation 22:16 reveals who the morning star is. We enter Christ now through baptism (Galatians 3:27), and thereby we hide our lives in Him (Colossians 3:3). In heaven we will be in Him forever (Revelation 21:22). V. To the church at Sardis. Revelation 3:1-6. A. Geographical and economic information. 1. One of the oldest and most important cities in Asia. 2. The city was built on the northern slope of Mt. Tmolus. Its acropolis occupied one of the spurs of the mountain, which was about 950 feet high. The city also had three walls around it. 3. Sardis was a wealthy city. Gold was mined here, and money was first minted here. 4. The city was located on an earthquake fault. In 17 A.D. the city was devastated by an earthquake. It was rebuilt by Tiberius, but never regained its former economic significance. 5. There was a temple of Cybele located here. Her worship resembled that of Diana of the Ephesians. B. They had a name that they were alive. 1. I wonder what it would have been like to visit this congregation? It might have been like many today with impressive social programs. Many go to great lengths to present themselves as a beautiful people, when in reality they are not. The Lord is not being fooled. C. They were instructed to be watchful. 1. It is interesting to point out the fact that in 546 B.C. and in 218 B.C., the cities acropolis was scaled, and the city was captured because they were not watching. 2. Faithfulness requires watchfulness. Christians must guard themselves against error (Ephesians 4:27; 6:11; 1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7). 3. Most of those in Sardis had fallen into the snare of the Devil. Our gracious Lord was providing them with a way of escape. Likewise today, a way of escape is provided. The faithful can be helpful in this by being gentle, apt to teach, forbearing, while correcting those who need such ( 2 Timothy 2:24-26). D. Their works were not perfected before the Lord. 1. It is often said that we cannot be perfect. Consider Jesus' teaching on this subject in Matthew 5:48. We can be made perfect in Christ (John 17:23). The Word of God was given for the perfection of man (Ephesians 4:8-16). Our works can only be perfected when we allow our faith to work with love (Galatians 5:6). E. The Lord's remedy, Verse 3. 1. "Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear". They received the Word at first with joy. They had the attitude that they would live according to the truth at any cost. 2. They were to repent and obey the truth as they once did. Repentance is always the step the child of God must take in order to remain in the grace of God. 3. Failure to repent would result in the Lord's judgment coming upon them with the same stealth that had previously overtaken their city. F. The faithful few, verse 4. 1. They were the human hope of this congregation. The unfaithful do not offer any hope. 2. These faithful few are not proof that the faithful can serve in a liberal congregation and still remain faithful. a. Where does one read of the church at Sardis compromising the truth? b. This congregation was correct in form. Notice from verse two, that they were to establish the things that remain. Their service and worship must have been void of spirit (John 4:24; Joshua 24:14). Without "spirit", ("the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of anyone; the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire, etc.", Thayer, p.523). our works cannot be perfected. 3. Anytime the unfaithful dominate a congregation it will eventually die. G. Promise to the overcomers, verses 5-6. 1. Arrayed in white garments. Equivalent to putting on Christ, and remaining faithful to Him (Galatians 3:27; Revelation 7:14). 2. Name will not be removed from the book of life. After this physical life, our probation period is over. This truth is also seen in the fact that "death" will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). 3. We will have our names confessed before the Father and His angels (Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-9). It will be wonderful to hear Him say, "well done thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21,23). The only way we will hear these words, is by doing well! VI. To the church at Philadelphia, Revelation 3:7-13. A. Geographical and economic information. 1. Located 20-30 miles southwest of Sardis. 2. Built in the second century B.C. by Attalus II. He named it Philadelphia in honor of his brother Eumenes II. Philadelphia means "brotherly love." 3. The city was referred to as "Little Athens" because it had many temples of idolatry there. Philadelphia was built to spread the Greek culture and language. 4. Located on a terrace 650 feet above sea level, with volcanoes behind her, and fertile vineyards to her side. a. The worship of Bacchus (Greek), or Dionysus (Roman), the god of wine, was very important here. 5. Hot springs with medicinal value were located here. 6. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 17 A.D. and rebuilt by Tiberius Caesar. He suspended their taxes, and provided financial aid. This action built a strong tie between the city and the Caesars. B. Description of Christ, verse 7. 1. He that is holy. The word holy means separated. The religious significance is separation from sin. Jesus is the absolute holy one (Hebrews 4:15). This great tribute to our King is noted in Hebrews 7:26. 2. He that is true. He is the "Logos" (John 1:1), or the Word personified. He is truth (John 14:6). Truth is essential to salvation (John 8:32; 1 Timothy 2:4). 3. He that hath the key of David. This is an allusion to Isaiah 22:22. Keys are symbolic of authority. Isaiah 22:22 places the key of David on His shoulder. This symbolizes His government as indicated in Isaiah 9:6. Jesus is the only one with the authority to establish His government (Matthew 28:18). 4. He is the one that openeth and none shall shut, and that shutteth and none openeth. This is the truth experience in the days of Noah. As the door to the ark was sealed, no one else could enter in. The false Jews from Satan's synagogue, were powerless against the authoritative head of the church! C. Jesus set an open door before them, verse 7. 1. Much like the door which was opened to Paul, mentioned in three of his epistles ( 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). Outside opposition is powerless against God's open doors. Are we praying daily for an open door to make disciples? 2. Philadelphia was built to spread the Greek culture. What a blessing this was for the church, since the New Testament was written in their language. D. No censure given to this congregation. They line up with Smyrna in the dedication department. 1. From verse 8 we determine that they were of little power. They might not have possessed big numbers and finances, yet they were powerful in Christ. 2. Their support for the cause of Christ did not grow weak, even though it was very unpopular. See Acts 4:12, 1 Peter 4:16, and Acts 5:41. E. The synagogue of Satan was going to worship before the feet of the Philadelphians, verse 9. 1. Premillennial doctrine assumes that the Jews are God's special people. >From this verse we quickly recognize this fallacy. A true Jew is one circumcised of the heart (Romans 2:28-29). The physical Jews today, as in John's day, hate Christ and His gospel. 2. The text does not say that these haters of truth were going to worship the saints. It simply points to the fact that they will bow down to the Christ in their presence. Everyone has opportunity to bow to the Christ now (Philippians 2:10-12). Those who choose not to do so, will be forced to do so in Judgment (Romans 14:11-12). F. They would be spared from the hour of trial, verse 10. 1. Because of their steadfast endurance (1 Corinthians 15:58). They had already been tried and found faithful. 2. It is interesting to point out the fact that Trajen did not want to go to Philadelphia because he was afraid of earthquakes. This was possibly God's providential care for His saints in this city. 3. We need to remember that the gospel does not promise Christians a life free from persecution. See Galatians 5:11, and 2 Timothy 3:12. 4. The statement of Jesus, "I come quickly", most likely ties into verse 10. His providential hand was promised to these brethren. G. Consider the admonition in verse 11. 1. We must hold on to the fidelity which bonds us to Christ. 2. We must hold on to that which is good ( 1 Thessalonians 5:21). 3. If we listen to what the Spirit (v.13) is saying, we will remain steadfast so that we will not loose our crown of life. H. Promise to the overcomers, verse 12. 1. Philadelphia was earthquake country. Becoming a pillar in the temple of God was significant to them. Brethren, this is a wonderful lesson concerning strength. Strength is not found in numbers and dollars, it is found in fidelity to God and His Word! Remember, we are the pillar of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). 2. When Philadelphia was destroyed in 17 A.D. and rebuilt, Tiberius changed its name to Nerocaesares. When we overcome, we are found worthy to wear Jesus' name. Please consider 2 Timothy 2:19. VII. To the church at Laodicea, Revelation 3:14-22. A. Geographical and economic information. 1. Laodicea was built on the same earthquake fault as Philadelphia. In 60 A.D. the city was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake. 2. The city was of little significance until 190 B.C. when the Roman province of Asia was formed. Then it became a great industrial center, especially famous for its black wool. Some have called this city the wall street of Asia. 3. Laodicea was also as a medical center. They were famous for their ear salve, and phrygian eye power. 4. Warm mineral springs in the area were turned into a health resort. 5. The people of Laodicea were so wealthy and proud that they refused the governments offer to rebuild their city after the earthquake in 60 A.D.. Here is a classic example of 1 Timothy 6:10. 6. The church here is mentioned in Colossians 2:1, and 4:16. B. Description of the author. 1. In verse 14 Jesus called Himself the "Amen." The word "amen" is transliterated from the Hebrew into both the Greek and English languages. When the word is spoken by Jehovah it means, "it is and shall be so." When the word is spoken by man it means, "so let it be." In Deuteronomy 7:9 the word "faithful" is the Hebrew word "amen." In Psalms 19:7 we learn that because God is faithful, His testimonies and precepts are sure (amen). In Hosea 5:9 we also learn that his judgments will surely (amen) come to pass. From all of this we need to learn that when Jehovah says something He means business, therefore Jesus is the Amen! 2. He is the faithful and true witness. The word translated "witness" here is from the Greek word "Martus" (Whence Eng., martyr, one who bears witness by his death), which denotes "one who can aver what he has seen or heard or knows". The assessment of our Lord is always right on the money. 3. He is the beginning of the creation of God. a. This is a real sugarstick passage for the Jehovah Witness denomination. They view Jesus as a created God, a lesser God. This view totally ignores John 1:1-3. If He was created, then He created Himself. Also consider Isaiah 44:8,45:5,6,14,18,21,22, and 46:9. The Godhead (KJ) or Divinity (ASV) (Romans 1:20) consists of three persons who are one. The Bible began to teach man this truth from the very beginning. In Genesis 1:1 the word "God" is plural in the Hebrew. b. This statement concerning Christ is relating to the creation of all there is. The Greek word translated beginning in verse 14 is the word "arche". This word is not dealing with the order of creation, but rather the cause of it. See also John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15- 17, Hebrews 1:1-2, and 1 Corinthians 8:6. c. Clearly, we see the Lord as creator. As creator He is the faithful and true witness, the Amen. C. This letter is the saddest of the seven letters in Christ's Revelation. Really, we are reading the obituary of a dead church. 1. In verse 15 the Lord addresses their lukewarm attitude. This statement is not referring to their standing with Christ, for there is no middle ground. We are simply looking at their view of the faith. 2. Why did Jesus say that He would prefer these brethren to be cold rather than lukewarm? Lukewarmness can do more damage to the church than complete separation from the church. Some profess to be Christians, yet by their fruit they bring reproach upon the church. If these would identify with their true state, it would be less injurious to the church. 3. Of all the sin mentioned in Scripture, lukewarmness is the only one we read of producing the results in verse 16. Lukewarmness is nauseating at best. D. In verse 17 Jesus illustrates the Laodicean's true colors. 1. They were living like the rest of their society. They had an attitude of self sufficiency, and self reliance. In reality they were self condemned. Instead of saying "I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13), they were saying, "I can do all things through myself." Like many today, they possessed the idea that the Lord needs to conform to my way of life. The Bible teaches us that we must conform to His way of life (1 Peter 2:21; Hebrews 5:9). 2. The Amen, the faithful and true one said that they were miserable, poor, blind, and naked. The Laodiceans were so proud of their wealth, eye powder, fine woolen products, and their health resort, that they forgot about the one who died for their sins. E. They needed the attitude of John (John 3:30). 1. Change can only come through true wealth. They needed to buy the Lord's gold which is refined by fire. Fire will do one of two things. It will either purify, or destroy. Our faith must be proved by fire (1 Peter 1:7; 4:12-13). 2. The Lord counseled them to purchase His white garments. White is symbolic of purity. The lukewarm Laodiceans must have looked nice in their fine purple linen. Inside they were clothed with the filthy rags of unrighteousness. The only way a Christian can continue to walk in purity, is by walking in the light of God's Word (1 John 1:7). 3. Laodicea was famous for its eyesalve. The saints here were suffering from blurred vision concerning the truth. The wisdom of the psalmist is in order here. "The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes" (Psalms 19:8). F. The Lord still loved these saints. 1. In verse 19 He called for the Laodiceans to repent. The severity of the rebuke was a sign of the Lord's love for His people. 2. He stands at the door and knocks, v.20. Compare verse 20 with Matthew 7:7. Jesus wants everyone to open the door. The door is only opened to those who want it opened. 3. Verse 21 runs concurrent with Revelation 2:27. Please review the discussion on page 13. 4. If we will listen to the Spirit (v.22), we will look for the areas within these seven churches that please the Lord, and we will pattern ourselves after them. This is the only way a church can be faithful to the Lord. ==end==