Sunday, May 13, 2018 am
NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
2017-18
A Study of Churches (4)
The Seven Churches of Asia – Intro
In this study, we are going to examine these 7 churches individually
over the course of 3-4 lessons.
We will notice their environment, as well as their strengths and
weaknesses. We will then ask
how we can see these qualities in churches today and take a spiritual
inventory of ourselves.
Today’s lesson will be introductory as we want to notice some facts
about the text as a whole, and some observations that apply to all 7
churches. These are
fundamental qualities to consider.
a.
The book of John is
apocalyptic – meaning a hidden message, with symbolic language (this is
the meaning of the word “Revelation”).
It is a book that deals with God’s judgment over all the earth.
It is a book addressed to “the seven churches of Asia” (Revelation 1:4)
b.
John is on the Isle of
Patmos (exiled “For the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus
Christ” on the Lord’s day and has a vision (Revelation 1:9-10)
c.
He hears a voice which
is clearly the Lord speaking to him and calling for him to write in a
book what he sees and send it to “The seven churches which are in Asia:
to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to
Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” (1:11)
d.
John’s vision of Christ
– 1:12-20. John sees:
i.
Seven golden lampstands (1:12) – these are identified as the seven churches in
Revelation 1:20.
ii.
In the midst of these
lampstands he sees
One like the Son of Man
(1:13) – a phrase Jesus often used to describe Himself – Matthew 9:6,
16:13, John 1:51, 5:27, etc. John
is seeing a vision of Jesus.
iii.
Clothed with a garment down to His feet
– possibly a priestly robe.
As Christ is our High priest – Hebrews 2:17, 4:14-15, etc.
iv.
His chest was girded with a golden band
– the exact meaning of
this is unknown, but it seems to imply authority
v.
His head and hair were white as wool, as white as snow
– white is the color of
purity.
vi.
Eyes like a flame of fire
– piercing and all seeing – cf. Hebrews 4:13
vii.
His feet like fine brass, refined in a furnace
– strong and tested, and
moves with power
viii.
His voice as the sound of many waters
– universal voice and
also powerful – cf. Hebrews 4:12.
ix.
In His right hand are 7 stars
– we are told in vs. 20 this is a reference to the “angels of
the seven churches” – which would be the messenger of God sent
individually to them.
x.
Out of His mouth goes a sharp two edged sword
– again see Hebrews 4:12
xi.
His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength
– Jesus is the source of
light, and it is VERY bright.
Jesus is “the light of the Lord” –
xii.
His message reveals Him
– Vs. 17-20 shows this is Jesus speaking.
He is giving instructions to John to write this letter and
address it to these 7 churches.
a.
The 7 churches to whom
this letter was written go in a circuit throughout the region of Asia.
In learning what we can about the history of the various cities
mentioned, we find that the churches often reflected the character of
those communities in one way or another (for good or bad).
That is why we noted last week how a church needs to be careful how it
is influenced by their surroundings.
b.
Why 7 churches?
There were more than 7 churches in Asia.
Scripture also records churches in Troas (Acts 20:5), Hierapolis
(Colossians 4:3) and Colossae (Colossians 1:2) – near Laodicea (cf.
Colossians 4:16).
In the book of Revelation and other places in scripture, the number 7 is
often symbolic for perfection or completeness.
It could be these 7 churches were selected because they symbolize
the completeness of the Lord’s body or “the Lord’s church as a whole”
(Harkrider, pg. 91). It is
because of this, I say that every congregation will fit in (at least)
one of the seven categories described.
We find in this list congregations that we ought to strive to be like
and others whose pitfalls we must seek to avoid.
c.
Each congregation was independent and thus had an individual letter
written to her
–
Each congregation had its own character, strengths and/or weaknesses.
A study of the seven congregations shows two with not faults
(Smyrna and Philadelphia), one with no complimentary things (Laodicea),
and 4 with mixed concerns at varying levels (Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira
and Sardis).
We are reminded in examining these letters that today each congregation
has its own character.
This fits with the pattern of autonomy with elders exercising ONLY local
oversight (cf. Acts 20:28).
They didn’t answer to some universal body of churches, or even a council
of Christians from varying places.
d.
Each congregation
answered directly to Christ –
continuing to develop
the thought of the previous point, we find we answer directly to the
Lord. This is borne out in
various letters to congregations.
Each letter begins with a
description of Christ – after identifying the congregation, we
find the message is from the Lord described in colorful terms, most of
which are taken directly from John’s vision as previously mentioned.
For example: Revelation 2:1 – to Ephesus –
He who holds the 7 stars and walks
midst the lampstands.
It is significant that we remember that the church belongs to Christ –
Ephesians 1:22-23. She is
His bride – Ephesians 5:25-27.
He purchased it with His own blood – Acts 20:28. Romans 16:16.
“I know your works” – said to each of the seven churches (Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19, 3:1, 8,
15). The Lord examines those
that wear His name. IF we,
claim to belong to Him, He will notice what we are doing in His name.
As the Lord’s church here, we need to be first and foremost concerned
about whether or not we are pleasing to the Lord, rather than other
congregations either locally or beyond.
e.
We will be judged
individually
- it is also worthy of
note that each individual will be judged based upon his/her
faithfulness. Scriptures
teach this – Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Among the 7 churches we find statements addressing individuals, even in
congregations that are acting contrary to His will - e.g. 3:4 – you have
a few names, 2:24 – to the rest at Thyatira, 3:19 – as many as I love I
rebuke…
“To him who overcomes”
– Revelation 2:7, 2:11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21 – spoken to all 7
congregations, whether they are dealing with ungodliness or
tribulations, they must overcome (which includes remaining faithful).
Whatever we are facing as the Lord’s body, we need to strive to
“overcome” and I might add to that, let us strive to help others
overcome as well.
f.
Each congregation was represented by a candlestick
– which holds light – THE light.
We have already noted that Jesus had a countenance like the sun
shining in its strength (Revelation 1:16).
We have also noted how Jesus is the light of the world – John 8:12, 9:5.
From this we are reminded what our work is – to proclaim Him and reflect
Him within our communities!
1 Corinthians 2:2 – Paul preached Christ, 15:1-4 – its what the gospel
is.
1 Timothy 3:15 – we are the pillar and ground of truth.
We ought to bring glory to Him.
The very first church was warned if they did not repent, their
candlestick would be removed.
g.
“He who has an ear…”
Revelations 2:7, 2:11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22 – recorded exactly the same
in each instance.
The point - the same source revealed the message to each congregation.
It is God’s word which applies to
all of us. Any congregation
of the Lord’s people needs to respect His standard and keep that.
Recall how Paul said he taught the same thing in every church – 1
Corinthians 4:17.
Peter in his teachings agreed with Paul – 2 Peter 3:15-16
Letters to churches were expected to be circulated – cf. Colossians
4:16.
This is why we can learn from these congregations and why the pattern
established in the first century is still important today.
Furthermore, whatever our circumstances might be, let us turn to His
word for our solution.
h.
Those churches with
error were called upon to repent
– there are 5 churches that had errors.
All 5 were called upon to repent – Revelation 2:5 – Ephesus; 2:16
– Pergamos; 2:21, 22 – Thyatira; 3:3 – Sardis; & 3:18-19 – Laodicea.
If as the Lord’s church we are teaching, practicing or tolerating error
– we need to be willing to repent of face consequences (all of these
congregations were warned of consequences if they didn’t change).
And
thus we have the 7 churches of Asia, examined as a whole.
The next few lessons will examine the unique qualities of each of
these churches AND examine where their character might apply to us.
As always, may we learn from the examples of scripture, and
strive to be the church we read of therein.
Think about it.