In this series, we have studied the letters to the seven churches of Asia found at the beginning of the book of Revelation. Each of these churches faced different challenges, yet they were given the same basic message – to remember that they belonged to Christ and that He would reward them if they remained faithful.
While this basic message can be found in each of the seven letters, we noticed different lessons that are relevant for us today. No matter what the condition of the local church we are members of, there are admonitions and warnings that we must heed.
- Like the church in Ephesus, we need to remember why we do what we do in service to God. It is not enough to simply “go through the motions” if our heart is not right. If we do the right thing with the wrong motivation, we will fail to please the Lord. Everything we do must be motivated by our love for Christ.
- Like the church in Smyrna, we need to be willing to face whatever persecutions come against us, knowing that these tribulations are only temporary. Even if we must die for our faith, we have a “crown of life” awaiting us.
- Like the church in Pergamum, we must not accept false teachers. As the world becomes increasingly hostile toward Christ and His church, it will be more tempting to ignore error that creeps in among us. Yet false teachers must be marked and avoided so they do not lead us into sin.
- Like the church in Thyatira, we must not be tolerant of sin. It may help us avoid persecution if we live like the world, yet the Lord wants His people to be different. If our brethren are caught up in sin, we must try to restore them to repentance. However, if they refuse to repent, we cannot continue in fellowship with them, lest the sinful influence spreads like leaven through the church.
- Like the church in Sardis, we need to maintain our reputation of faithfulness. It is good to have developed a reputation for the good works we have done and the stands we have made for the truth in the past. Yet we must not become complacent and rest upon what we have done before. We need to keep our good name by continuing to faithfully serve the Lord.
- Like the church in Philadelphia, we need to use our opportunities for good. Even if we are part of a smaller congregation, we can still have a big impact for the Lord. Rather than focusing on our limitations, we need to use the time, resources, and opportunities we have been blessed with to the glory of God.
- Like the church in Laodicea, we need to recognize our dependence upon the Lord. God has richly blessed us in this life. Yet Satan tries to use our prosperity against us by tempting us to put our trust in physical things rather than in God, who blesses us with all things (physical and spiritual). Instead of becoming “lukewarm” in our spiritual lives, we need to be zealous in the Lord’s service.
The Lord concluded each of the seven letters with this phrase: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). Though these letters were addressed to individual congregations, they were shared among them and with all who read these words today.
We need to pay attention to what the Lord said to these churches. We need to follow their example in the ways they were commended. We need to avoid doing those things for which they were condemned. We must never forget that we belong to Christ and have a responsibility to faithfully serve Him – individually and collectively – as we go through life, no matter what challenges come before us.
As we close this study, let us briefly notice a few reminders from the end of the book of Revelation that relate to what we have discussed in these lessons:
- Continue to obey the Lord – “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14, NKJV).
- Do not change His word – “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19).
- Eagerly await His coming – “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
The Lord has given us His word to guide us in this life and show us how to please Him. Let us not change His word to suit our preferences; instead, let us humbly submit to His will as we look forward to His return, knowing that He will keep His promise to reward the faithful.
