READ | SERMON NOTES
For sermon summary, please visit: https://tidings.wesleymc.org/sermon-reflection/the-church-in-the-world-traditional/
Seven Churches (Rev 2-3)
| Church | Affirmations | Rebuke | Instructions | Consequences |
| Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7) | Hard work and perseverance (v2, 3) Endured hardship for the sake of Christ (v3) Not tolerated wicked people and false apostles (v2) They hate the practices of the Nicolaitans (v6) (the teachings of the Nicolaitans were believed to have been similar to the that of Balaam – ate food for idols and committed sexual immorality) | Forsaken the love they once had (v4) | Reflect on how far they have fallen (v5) Repent and do the things they did at first (v6) Hear this message (v7) | Jesus will remove their lampstand (v5) -> no longer be a church (Rev 1:20 the seven churches are the seven lampstands) Right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (v7) |
| Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11) | Spiritually rich despite their material poverty (v9) Acknowledges their afflictions and their suffering under those who say they are Jews but are not (v9) | – | Do not be afraid of the suffering that will come and remain faithful despite the persecution (v10) Hear this message (v11) | Those who endure will be victorious and will be safe from death (v11) |
| Pergamum (Rev 2:12-17) | Remained faithful despite Satan’s presence & despite the martyring of Antipas (v13) | Some are holding to the teachings of Balaam and Nicolaitans (v14-15) | Repent (16) Hear this message (v17) | Judgment (‘sword of my mouth’) to those who do not repent (v16) Those who hear and obey will be rewarded (with eternal life) (v17) |
| Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29) | Love and faith, service and perseverance, doing more than before (v19) | Some tolerate Jezebel; tolerating and participating in sin (v20) | Repent of their ways (v22) Remain faithful and hold on until Jesus returns (v25) Hear this message (v29) | Jezebel and those who commit adultery with her will suffer and die (v22-23) Those who remain faithful will get to rule over the nations with Jesus (v26-28) |
| Sardis (Rev 3:1-6) | Some people in Sardis have remained pure / righteous / worthy (v4) | Spiritually dead / apathetic (v1) Unfinished deeds (v2) | Wake up, strengthen what remains and finish their unfinished deeds (v2) Be steadfast, holding onto Jesus’ teachings and repent; listen and obey (v3) Hear this message (v6) | Those who do not wake up will be judged (v3) Those who are victorious (‘dressed in white’) will be with Jesus forever (v4-5) |
| Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) | Remained faithful despite being weak; faithful throughout persecution from jews (v8-9) Obeyed and remained faithful (v10) | – | Jesus is coming, continue to endure (v11) Assurance that enduring is possible (‘open door that no one can shut’) despite their weakness (8) Hear this message (v13) | Eternal life with Jesus in the new creation (v12) Because they have endured patiently, they will not have to go through the hour of trial (v10) |
| Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22) | – | Lukewarm; apathetic (v15) Materially rich but spiritually poor; they do not realise that they are ‘wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked (v17) | Recognise their spiritual poverty and go to Jesus for spiritual sight and refining (v18) Be earnest and repent because Jesus rebukes and disciplines out of love (v19) Hear this message (v22) | Those who listen and repent will be with Jesus on His throne (v20-21) |
“This resource was thoughtfully prepared and graciously shared by the Youth Ministry’s Curriculum Team. Special thanks to them for this insightful summary of the 7 Churches in Revelation.“
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
- a. Read Revelation 1-3. What stands out to you?
- Recall Sermon
- How can we lose our first love for God? What can we do to return to this original love for God? Think of specific steps.
- How can tolerance and permissiveness lead us into deep spiritual decline?
- Why did the church in Laodicea assume that it had all it needed? How can we falsely depend on our wealth, health and attractiveness and not recognise our need for Christ?
- Reflect on the spiritual condition of Wesley, what would Jesus say to us?
- Which of the rewards outlined in the sermon really resonated with you? Why do you need that in this season of your discipleship?
- Relate Personally
- What about the message that really spoke to you?
- What is one discipleship lesson you have gleaned from the message?
- Commit to Action
- a. In what ways is God calling you to act in response to the message?
- b. What steps will you take this week to apply the lessons learned from the sermon?
