![[20240501-RevelationHeader.jpg]] ## Sardis: The Dead Church ![[The Dead Church 3.1-6#^cfc333|The Dead Church 3:1-6]] ***What is one important contrast between Jesus’ statement to the church in Sardis and the previous churches?*** In this letter, there is no commendation. By way of reminder, Jesus is speaking to the churches through their Pastors (cf. [[Revelation 1.20|Revelation 1:20]]). ***What was the opening criticism of Jesus?*** The church had a reputation that they were alive, but it was only a reputation. In His eyes, they were not alive but dead. To the church and to bystanders they appeared alive. But inwardly, and truthfully, they were not. ***What comparison do they draw with the Pharisees in the gospels?*** Jesus called the Pharisees “whitewashed tombs” (cf. [[Matthew 23.25-28|Matthew 23:25-28]]). ***What was Jesus’ response to their situation?*** He told them to be watchful. They needed to pay attention and be prepared. ***What did He say would happen if they weren’t watchful?*** He would come upon them as a thief, surprising them. ***What are the implications for the Christians in Sardis?*** Since they didn’t know when He was coming they needed to prepare and pay attention as if He could come at any time. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: A Thief in the Night > There are a number of additional places that Jesus and His coming is referred to as a Thief in the night ([[1 Thessalonians 5.2|1 Thessalonians 5:2]], [[2 Peter 3.10|2 Peter 3:10]], [[Revelation 16.15|Revelation 16:15]]). Additionally, Jesus used the conditions in Noah’s time to further illustrate this point ([[Matthew 24.36-44|Matthew 24:36-44]]). He then told a parable about a two servants. One who was found doing what he was supposed to do and the other not. Both were surprised when their master returned ([[Matthew 24.45-51|Matthew 24:45-51]]). > > *Based on these texts, what do you think the key lesson is? How does it apply to the church in Sardis?* Jesus knew what the people were doing; He *knew* their works. ***If He knew their works and their condition then what does that mean for us?*** It means that God knows what we are doing, or not doing. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Work and Purpose > Read Genesis chapters 1 through 3. Consider how purpose is connected to our work. Especially consider [[Genesis 1.26-28|Genesis 1:26-28]] and [[Genesis 2.8-15|Genesis 2:8-15]]. *What value do you think God places on work?* *What role does work play in God’s initial command or purpose for humanity?* They were advised to strengthen the things that remained. To take the things that were good and protect and preserve and continue in them. Additionally, they were told to remember how they had received and heard. ***What did He mean by this statement?*** They had received the gospel. They need to remember what they had been taught and remain in those things (cf. [[Hebrews 6.1-2|Hebrews 6:1-2]]). Practically it meant they needed to go back and practice the things they had been taught. > [!bible] **Revelation 3:2 NLT** > > Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Jesus said that their works, actions did not meet God’s standard. The Christians were not living up to the righteous requirements of God. Another interesting observation in Jesus saying that He would come as a thief is found in the differences between a thief and a robber. In the Greek, a thief is one who steals by force. ***What is the implication with Jesus using this word?*** When He comes, He is coming with power. Here is the warning with words. Then will be the discipline with force. He will hold us accountable. Jesus then offers encouragement: not everyone has defiled themselves and if they respond to His rebuke then those who do will be clothed in white, prevent their names from being removed from the Lamb’s book of Life, and He will confess their name before the Father. ***If their names are not going to be blotted out, what does that mean?*** It means that their names are already there. The consequence of disobedience would be removal from the book. The righteous remain. ***What are some takeaways from this letter?*** We need to go back to the things that we received and heard. Additionally, the idea of *it’s yours to lose* is important to consider. We already have God’s blessing. He doesn’t want us to lose them. But it is up to us. ## Philadelphia: The Faithful Church ![[The Faithful Church 3.7-13#^b490d4|The Faithful Church 3:7-13]] ***Why did Jesus refer to the key of David and what is the meaning of that statement?*** It’s a quote from the Old Testament. > [!bible] **Isaiah 22:20-22 NKJV** > > **20** ‘Then it shall be in that day, That I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah; **21** I will clothe him with your robe And strengthen him with your belt; I will commit your responsibility into his hand. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem And to the house of Judah. **22** The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open. In the message through the Prophet Isaiah, we have context to the quote. God was calling Eliakim and giving him the power and authority of the king. With that power and authority, he also received the responsibility for the people. Specifically, he was to be a father to them. The key was about access and control of access. Only Eliakim would have that power. ***What is the implication?*** A father uses his authority for the good of his children. He is responsible for them and gives them access to what is good and prevents access to what is bad. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Keys to the Kingdom > In the New Testament we see another parallel concept and hyperlink that speaks of authority and access. In [[Matthew 16.18-19|Matthew 16:18-19]], Jesus speaks of the keys of the kingdom to loose and bind or permit and forbid. How does this verse relate to the text in Revelation? Also, read [[Matthew 28.18-20|Matthew 28:18-20]] and [[John 14.6|John 14:6]]. How do these verses help us understand about authority and access in the kingdom of God? Therefore when Jesus opens the door to the church in Philadelphia and tells them that it was truly He who opened it and therefore no one can shut it, they should be encouraged. He tells them that although they are weak (“have little strength”) He knew that they used that strength to obey His word and not deny Him. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: “little strength” > The word for strength in this verse is [*dynamis*](https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1411/nkjv/tr/0-1/) in the Greek. It speaks of strength, power, and ability. Notably, this is the same word that Jesus chose when describing what would happen to the disciples when the Holy Spirit comes upon them in [[Acts 1.8|Acts 1:8]] – they would receive *dynamis*. This was not just natural ability but an endowment through God’s Spirit. Compare this with when Jesus observed people with ”little faith” or “great faith” (cf. [[Matthew 14.31|Matthew 14:31]], [[Matthew 15.28|Matthew 15:28]]). ***What was the setting that they kept their faith in?*** They were holding fast to the truth in the face of lies. ***What is the Synagogue of Satan and what does that have to do with the statement that it was made of Jews who were not Jews?*** This is likely a reference to something that Jesus had said prior regarding the Pharisees who were boasting in their position due to them being natural descendants of Abraham and saying that their father was God. Jesus responded to them in a shocking way: > [!bible] **John 8:37-44 NKJV** > > **37** “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. **38** I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” **39** They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. **40** But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. **41** You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” **42** Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. **43** Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. **44** You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. Satan is the father of lies and those who were not living according to the truth were his children. In this same sense, the Synagogue of Satan was a place where though in the natural Jews met together, they were spiritually the sons of Satan and not sons of God through faith in Jesus (cf. [[John 1.12|John 1:12]]). ***What was the open door that Jesus spoke of?*** It is possible that the open door was an opportunity to preach the gospel. Consider that the Apostle Paul often used this phrase when speaking of opportunities to preach (cf. [[Colossians 4.3|Colossians 4:3]], [[1 Corinthians 16.9|1 Corinthians 16:9]], [[2 Corinthians 2.12|2 Corinthians 2:12]]). It is also possible that this was an opportunity for growth and maturity. Their faithfulness and resilience in the face of persecution produced patience, perseverance, and character leading to hope (see [[James 1.2-4|James 1:2-4]], [[Romans 5.3-5|Romans 5:3-5]]). > [!todo]- For Further Study: Open Doors > Do a word study examining the times open doors were referenced. What was the subject? Who did it apply to? What were the purpose of open doors? Consider what we say or think about open doors. When we ask God for open doors are we asking for the same opportunities we see in Scripture? > > If you are using Logos Bible software, you can do a precise search with “open NEAR door” and selecting the New Testament as the scope. ***What is the “hour of trial” referring to?*** This is a reference to the Tribulation Period. The church in Philadelphia would not face that trial but would be with Jesus because they were faithful and held fast to the word with patience. Jesus’ encouragement to hold fast is not about judgment but about reward. He encourages them to hold on to what they have so that they don’t lose it. And if they do, they will receive the reward of faith. ***Where will the city of God, called the New Jerusalem be located?*** It will come down from heaven and be on the earth. God will be there, and we will be with Him not in heaven but on the new earth (cf. [[Ezekiel 48.35|Ezekiel 48:35]] and [[Isaiah 66.22|Isaiah 66:22]], [[2 Peter 3.13|2 Peter 3:13]], [[Revelation 21.1]]). ***What are some takeaways from this letter?*** We want to continue in patience and perseverance. Jesus is coming. Even when people lie about us and attack us. We stay strong by obeying His word, keeping His commands, and refusing to deny Him. We might have little power but we have big opportunity, especially for the sake of the gospel. ## Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church ![[The Lukewarm Church 3.14-22#^400de5]] One of the initial observations is that with the church in Laodicea the Lord has nothing positive to say. Most of the other churches received some form of praise. But not this one. ***What does being lukewarm imply?*** One implication is that they were hot at one point and then cooled off. ***Is there anything from the history or geography around Laodicea that can shed light on the letter?*** > [!quote] > “Three facts known throughout the Roman world about the city throw light on this letter: it was a banking centre, whose banks even Cicero recommended for exchanging money; it manufactured clothing and woollen carpets, made especially from the glossy black wool of sheep reared locally; and it had a medical school and produced medicines, notably an eye ointment made from a pulverized rock in the area….The terms _cold, hot_ and _lukewarm_ are likely to relate to waters around and in Laodicea. Nearby Hierapolis was famed for its hot springs; Colosse, also near at hand, was noted for a cold, clear stream of excellent drinking water. Since, however, the River Lycus dried up in summer, Laodicea had to use a long viaduct for its water, which was not only tepid but impure and sometimes foul, making people sick.” > > <cite>George R. Beasley-Murray, [“Revelation,”](https://ref.ly/logosres/nbc?ref=Bible.Re3.14-22&off=250&ctx=inistrative+centre.+~Three+facts+known+th) in _New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition_, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1432.</cite> Jesus describes Himself as “the Amen” and “the Faithful and True Witness” in this letter. ***How do those titles relate to His comments to the church?*** Jesus sees clearly and accurately. His judgment is trustworthy and consistent. It aligns to the truth and His evaluation is right and final. So when He is assessing the church, He is not inaccurate nor incorrect. His view is not skewed and it is not offered out of an emotional state (though it creates one). ***When He calls Himself the “Beginning of the creation of God,” what does He mean?*** In the Greek the word translated as beginning in this verse carries the meanings of source and authority. He is uncreated and eternal so this is not speaking about Him as a created being (see [[John 1.1-2|John 1:1-2]]). This means that He is the Source of creation ([[Colossians 1.17|Colossians 1:17]]). It also means that He has authority over creation ([[Matthew 28.18|Matthew 28:18]]). ***How should we describe or define the terms of hot, cold, and lukewarm?*** Relationally, we’d say hot is passionate or zealous. Cold we would say distant or withdrawn. Lukewarm we might call complacent or indifferent. ***Why would Jesus prefer that someone be cold over being lukewarm?*** A cold person is more likely to be able to recognize their condition as needing of repentance. A lukewarm person might be satisfied and not see the need for change or repentance. ***How does the judgment of lukewarm correspond to their self evaluation?*** They said that they were rich, had become wealthy, and needed nothing. They didn’t have any felt needs and they likely trusted in their money to solve their problems. They didn’t see that they needed God or His grace in their daily lives. They considered their material wealth as evidence of the blessing of God on their lives and by extension His approval of their lives. But Jesus saw them differently. In God’s eyes, they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus told them to buy from Him gold, white garments, and eye salve. **Remember the historical context** – their city was a banking center, known for manufacturing clothes (from the black wool of sheep), and a medical center. But the church needed to come to Jesus for their healing and covering and wealth. ***How do we buy these things from Jesus?*** Since our heart follows our treasures this exhortation is more about coming to Jesus. He is the one that offers us what we need. > [!bible] **Isaiah 55:1 NKJV** > > “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. The point is to come to Jesus. We get our righteousness from Him. He clothes our shame and nakedness. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Shame and Nakedness > Read [[Genesis 2.25-3.10|Genesis 2:25-3:10]]. Consider where this phrase is redirecting our focus to: the Garden. What does the circumstances in which shame and nakedness entered into the world, and in our lives, and what Jesus is offering to do through clothing us. Though Jesus was faithful and accurate in His description of the church, He still loved them. ***How do we know?*** He said that, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.” This idea is also presented by the writer of Hebrews. > [!bible] **Hebrews 12:3-11 NKJV** > > **3** For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. **4** You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. **5** And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; **6** For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” **7** If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? **8** But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. **9** Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? **10** For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. **11** Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. One of the main observations is that Jesus corrects or chastises us because He loves us. He confronts our sin and our condition so that we can repent and be restored in our relationship with Him. ***When Jesus says that He is standing at the door knocking, who is He talking to and what does He want?*** Since His audience is the church, He is talking to them. This is not primarily a message to unbelievers. It was given to the lukewarm believers in the church. Jesus was *outside* and not in their midst. He wanted to come into their midst and be a part of their lives but they had to open the door and invite Him in. This “anyone” is in the *singular* and not in the plural. Any one of the people could let Jesus into the church. ***What are the conditions of Jesus coming in?*** We need to hear His voice and respond in obedience. ***Is dining a transactional term or a relational one?*** It’s relational. Dining with Him is a reciprocal action. We share with God and God shares with us. ***What is the reward that is promised?*** It is to sit with Him and the Father. This is a relational promise. When He finished His work, He sat down next to the Father ([[Ephesians 1.20|Ephesians 1:20]], [[Hebrews 8.1|Hebrews 8:1]]). Now, He promises to those who overcome the same thing. ***Why does this matter?*** Because Jesus wants to share the glory He has with the Father with those who He loves and who love Him ([[John 17.20-24|John 17:20-24]]). But this shared glory is for those who hear His voice, open the door, and are passionate about our relationship with Him. ***What is our big takeaway from the letter to the Laodiceans?*** We are to avoid being lukewarm at all costs. We need to be authentic in our pursuit of God. We should serve, give, attend church, etc. passionately and not legalistically. We pursue love. --- [[Studies]] | [[Revelation]] | [[Revelation Chapter 2]] | [[Revelation Chapter 4]]