Understanding: This is the fourth in a five part series we are taking from the opening chapters of the book of Revelation. Believed to have been written by John the apostle - he had been exiled to Patmos for preaching about Jesus and was in the last years of his life. He is visited by an angel and told to write down everything he sees then distribute the writings to seven churches. It has always been recognised that the prophecies in this book extend until Jesus’ return. For some, the letters to the 7 churches chart seven phases of church history before Christ returns. For others, these are timely words addressed to real issues in the 7 churches mentioned. It is also true that the commendations, faults and exhortations listed can apply to churches down through the ages. Including us!
What is the Spirit saying to the churches? The New Testament nearly always addresses the collective community of believers and rarely the individuals directly. But we find it natural to read it and to look for personal application ... but here is a crucial dimension ... personal application and personal response to communal application are often very different things
Application: Sardis – This church had a reputation of being alive but was in fact dead. They were told to ‘Wake up!’ A few remained worthy ... and that was enough for Jesus to want to salvage the rest. Q. How can a church ensure that it does not fall into an attitude of ‘everything’s OK ... people like us’ when clearly all’s not well? Individually we might look to accountability and discipleship ... but what about the church as a community? What should we be doing if we think our cell group, or the church itself is becoming unhealthy? [Pray! Seek God. Talk to leaders within the church. Talk to leaders outside the church].
Philadelphia – This church seemed to have problems. They had little strength and were enduring patiently ... yet Jesus was commending them and saying to ‘keep going’.
Q. Which church would you prefer to be in, Sardis or Philadelphia? Problems and trials do not mean that a church is in a bad place. Feeling OK or at least having a reputation of being alive (like Sardis) does not mean you are doing great. Either way, Jesus wants the church to rely on Him.
Laodicea – This church was warned that there were real consequences to abusing the God’s grace.
Q. Does our view of God’s grace change having read His potential judgment of Laodicea? It is very easy for us to default to feeling OK when our surroundings, both material and physical are good. Being told you are naked and blind when you think you are dressed and have great vision can come as a nasty shock! Jesus shows his love for the church in a range of ways that includes rebuke and discipline!
Have you noticed the theme that emerges ... in spite of the serious failings in the 7 churches and the real consequences that would follow if no action were taken ... Jesus’ desire was for their repentance and restoration. How do you deal with frustrations in church life given that grumbling is not a good option?
