Conclusion on the Seven Churches

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The Problem in Laodicea: Laodicea was a city of affluence and luxury. The church was not suffering persecution. The church was on “easy street” and the absence of threat or danger induced security and lethargy. Christians in Laodicea were physically comfortable. Their zeal for winning souls was nominal – throw a little money at the preacher, and just be happy!

 

The Laodiceans were so busy taking care of personal business and recreation that they had little time for God’s work. The thing that bothered Jesus most about Laodicea was its indifference to the mission and objectives of His church. The church of Jesus only has two objectives:

 

1.   Soul wining

2.   Soul building

 

Any church committed to these two objectives will grow and prosper because Jesus will ensure its success! The church at Laodicea meet together, they socialized together, they did things together, but they did nothing to reach out for lost souls. They had little interest in evangelism and even less interest in sanctification.

 

Revelation 3:17   You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

 

Revelation 3:18   I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

 

Revelation 3:19   Those whom I love I rebuke and disciple. So be earnest, and repent.      

 

The church at Laodicea had a lot of money. But Jesus warned them to buy gold from Him. What does this mean? It means that Jesus wants His followers to constantly set up faith objectives, and through prayer and endeavor, do our best to reach that objective. This is how a church “buys pure gold” from Jesus. This is how we “purchase” faith tried in the fire as we set out to accomplish things for God that are bigger than we thought possible.

 

For example, suppose the church at Laodicea had set a faith objective to win ten people to Jesus through three different endeavors in one year. That would have been a “soul winning” endeavor. Soul winning is the first work of the Christian church. Show me a church that puts forth little or no effort to win souls, and I will show you a stagnant church – a church in decline – a church full of dead wood.

 

Soul winning is the first work of the church of Christ for three reasons:

   

1.   When the basic doctrines are presented for the benefit of new people, members benefit as they are led to reexamine their core beliefs. What is new and exciting for those hearing the gospel for the first time is new and refreshing for those hearing the gospel for the tenth time! The gospel story never grows old to those that love Jesus!

2.   Soul winning is the first work of the church because new people joining the church bring talent, energy and vitality to the church. More people, more joy, more talents, more love, more of everything!

3.   Soul winning is the first work of the church because members need to adopt and love those who are struggling with problems created by sin. When members confess their trials and failures with new converts, everyone is encouraged and blessed. Members learn to love and help new converts in their struggle to apply the teachings of Jesus. This sharing between experienced members and babes in Christ is endearing and it is called fellowship: two or more people in the same boat.

Three reasons for soul winning:

1.   Basic doctrines refreshed

2.   New people = new dynamics

3.   Fellowship

 

Laodicea was not focused on soul winning. It was content with being lukewarm, and Jesus was disgusted with His church. He knew this church would eventually wither for lack of spiritual commitment and direction.

This is why He said, “I’m telling you… buy from me gold refined in the fire (a faith experience), so you can become rich (through loving people giving to them); and white clothes to wear (wedding garment), so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see (what is important).”

 

Revelation 3:19   Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent (of your indifference). (Get with a soul winning outreach and soul building experience and you will be blessed!)

 

Revelation 3:20   Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Fellowship with me!)

 

Revelation 3:21   To him who over comes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

 

Revelation 3:22   He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

 

The authority and glory given to over comers will be awesome! Words cannot begin to describe the glories that Jesus has prepared for over comers.

 

This completes our study on the seven churches.

 

Summary statements:

 

Jesus described seven times:

 

1.      Ephesus:   Jesus describes as holding the seven stars in his right hand and walking among the seven golden lamp stands.   

2.      Smyrna:   Jesus described as the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.

3.      Pergamum:   Jesus described as the One who has the sharp, double-edged sword.

4.      Thyatira:   Jesus described as having eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

5.      Sardis:   Jesus described as holding the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

6.      Philadelphia:   These are the words of Jesus: who is holy and true, who holds the key of David – what He opens no one can shut….

7.      Laodicea:   These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.

 

 

Seven problems identified:

 

1.      Ephesus:   Endured many hardships… Lost their first love / (but hated the teachings of Nicholas)

2.      Smyrna:   Persecuted and poor – but rich! Be faithful to death / Ignore the slander of the synagogue of Satan

3.      Pergamum:   Throne of Satan / Holding to teaching of Balaam…. / Accepted the teaching of Nicholas

4.      Pergamum:   Perseverance…. But Jezebel was tolerated / Religious bamboozle

5.      Sardis:   Reputation for being alive, but dead inside…

6.      Philadelphia:   Dealing with the synagogue of Satan

7.      Laodicea:   Rich but lukewarm

 

Seven promises to over comers:

 

1.      Ephesus:   eat from the tree of life

2.      Smyrna:   Not hurt by the second death

3.      Pergamum:   Hidden manna  / white rock

4.      Thyatira:   Authority over the nations

5.      Sardis:   Name never blotted out

6.      Philadelphia: Pillar in the temple

7.      Laodicea:   Sit on the throne with Jesus

 

Remember, the seven churches do not represent seven time periods since the ascension of Jesus. They are not prophetic they are didactic. The seven churches represent the experience and conditions of the whole of Christianity.  Your current spiritual condition or experience determines which church you are in. The messages and promises given to the seven churches are timeless and universal.

 

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