Letters to the Churches

Revelation 2:1 – 3:22

Is it possible that these letters, which were to be read and heeded by each church, form a composite for what is needed in the body (any local church) to face and overcome persecution?

Each letter follows a similar pattern

To the angel of the church in  . . .

Jesus says . . .

I know . . . often followed by praise

But . . . followed by reproof if applicable

The one who has ears must pay attention to what the Spirit says

An eschatological promise

                                                Recognition                           

Reproof

Rubric

Reward

Letter to Ephesus:

Recognition    Hard work & perseverance     don’t tolerate wicked men      tested and found false apostles            endured hardship        have not grown weary                        hate the Nicolaitans

Reproof          You have forsaken your first love

                        What was their first love?    Probably love for one another and for the church.  I believe that they have become so good at doctrine and theology that they have forgotten how to love one another.  They look at one another first to bring correction and conformity rather than with love, compassion and service.

Rubric = restoration of love

Reward          You will eat from the tree of life – remember the garden is guarded so they cannot eat from the tree of life.

Letter to Smyrna

Recognition                Jesus knows their affliction and poverty – yet they are rich

Reproof          here there is no rebuke.

Rubric = Be faithful to the point of death

Reward          The crown of life        Those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death

Letter to Church at Pergamum

Recognition    They hold fast in a horrible environment (Temple for Imperial Cult)

Reproof          Some hold teaching of Balaam  & the Nicolaitans

They eat sacrificial meat & commit immorality b/c of bad teaching

           

Rubric            Repent

Reward          Manna, new name written on a white stone

Letter to Church at Thyatira

Recognition    increased Love, Faith, Service & Perseverance

Reproof          Tolerate Jezebel who leads people to immorality & sacrifices to idols

Rubric            Repent  if you’re involved, b/c the wrath of God is about to descend

                        If you don’t hold her teachings, Hold Fast

Reward          Authority over the nations & the morning star

Letter to the Church at Sardis

Recognition    You have a name

Reproof          You are dead

Rubric            WAKE UP, strengthen what remains, complete what is lacking

Reward          Walk with God, be clothed in white, not erase name, Jesus will confess him before the Father and angels.

Letter to Church at Philadelphia

Recognition    A little power, Kept God’s Word, Have not Denied Name of Christ

Reproof          nothing negative here

Rubric            Just Hold Fast – keep living faithfully

Reward          You will be pillar in the temple of God, The name of God & God’s city will be written on him, & Christ’s new name

Letter to Church at Laodicea          They are materialistic & indistinct from culture

Recognition    Nothing to see here

Reproof          You are lukewarm = nondescript, You think you have need of nothing, but you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked

Rubric            Be zealous & Repent – Invite God into your life and commune with Him

Reward          To sit with Christ on His throne

--John Overmyer