All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Chapter Four - The Problem - Part 1 - Biblical Record
In the last book of the Bible, Revelation chapters two and three, we find seven letters to seven churches. But these are not ordinary epistles, these were dictated to John by Jesus (see Revelation 1:19; 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14). Some have classified these letters as being essentially equivalent to what we would call a “report card” from a teacher in a school today. Understanding that none of the churches were likely older than 30 years, it is sobering to see how five of the seven churches did not receive a favorable report.
In these seven letters to the seven churches, Jesus uses a similar structure for each letter. He opens with a title or brief description of Himself that aligns with the letter’s theme followed by a commendation, something the church did well. If the church had an issue that needed to be addressed, He would explain the problem followed by how they should resolve it. Jesus would then close the letter with a promise.
The churches were all real and history has shown that each one indeed had the problems outlined in these two chapters. Why these seven? While often debated, no one knows for certain other than they are in the same region (in modern-day Turkey) and can be laid out in that order. Perhaps a greater question would be why are these letters in the book of Revelation? These two chapters appear to depict issues that churches had and will face prior to the start of chapter four. Jesus repeats the phrase, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches,” which identifies His audience to be everyone (all believers) and all churches (plural).
In Revelation 2:1-7, Jesus addresses the church in Ephesus, He tells them that He knows their works, their efforts and their endurance but in their diligence they lost sight of Jesus. The work has become more important than their relationship to God. Jesus tell them that they had abandoned their first love. He instructs them to return to where they fell and repent, doing the things they did back when they started. If they don’t, He warned them that He will abandon them.
The next church is in Smyrna. In Revelation 2:8-11, Jesus tells them that even though they think they are doing badly, He tells them that is not the case, they are doing well. Although they have suffered much, Jesus tells them to “hang on” as it might get worse before getting better. This is the first church of only two that Jesus did not find any fault.
The third church is in Pergamum. Recorded in Revelation 2:12-17, Jesus tells them that even though they dwell where Satan’s throne is they did not deny their faith in Him. But they follow the teachings of the false prophet Balaam (from the Old Testament) seeking those things that fulfill their lusts and greed. Allowing for the ways of God to be mixed with the ways of the world. He tells them they are to repent, or He will fight against them.
The church in Thyatira is the fourth church, in Revelation 2:18-28, Jesus tells them that He knows their works, love, faith, service, and patient endurance and that they are improving. But they allow Jezebel, a false prophetess to teach and seduce the people into sexual immorality. Resulting in the blending of Christianity and pagan religion. If they do not repent they will enter the great tribulation. Those that do not hold to that teaching are to “hold fast” until He returns.
The church in Sardis has no commendation, Jesus tells them in Revelation 3:1-6 that even though they have a reputation of being a church on fire for Him, they are dead! They are to remember what they received and repent. If they don’t, He will come against them.
Everyone knows this next church, and for obvious reasons everyone wants to relate to it or call it their own. The church in Philadelphia as recorded in Revelation 3:7-13 is the church of “Brotherly Love,” the second church that Jesus found no fault in. Jesus offers several commendations including them keeping His Word, and never denied His name witnessing to the world. Because they kept His Word regarding patient endurance, He will keep them from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world.
The seventh and last church is the church in Laodicea. In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus tells them that they are a lukewarm people, neither hot nor cold. He points out that they claim to be rich, prosperous and have no needs, but are actually poor, blind, naked, wretched and pitiable. Because they are lukewarm He will vomit them out of His mouth. He notes that those that He loves, He reprimands and disciplines, so they need to take the initiative and repent. Jesus offers the well-known statement, “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Verse 20) While rightfully considered a wonderful promise, it reveals a major problem. This is a door leading into a church, what is Jesus doing on the outside of a church?
Note the five churches that were not doing what God called them to do. Ephesus, lost their love of Jesus. Pergamum, mixed worldly values into their doctrine. Thyatira, blended pagan worship into their worship. Sardis, had the reputation of being a great church but was in fact dead. And Laodicea, pushed Jesus out of their church. Do any of them remind you of your own church? If so you have a problem. Why was reform needed so quickly after each of these churches were formed? Undoubtedly caused by a variety of issues, the biggest influence is Satan, his three-fold plan of 1) infiltrating churches; 2) plant false teachers within those churches; and 3) corrupt their inner-workings to promote Biblical ignorance, is working. That is why on-going efforts of reform need to be considered. When did Satan begin this insidious plan?
The short epistle of Jude (only having one chapter), offers an answer to that question. It is the last epistle before the book of Revelation. I believe it was placed there to serve as a final warning regarding false teaching. The purpose of this epistle is stated as, “For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4) The Greek word ‘pareisdúō’,[1] is found only this one time in Scripture. It means to enter secretly, without anyone noticing. What were they entering? Christian churches! The list of damages these ungodly people did are also listed by Jude as defiling the flesh pursuing unnatural sexual relations, living immorally, rejecting all authority, and blasphemed God’s angels, etc.
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[1] Strong’s Greek 3921.