Jesus examines and evaluates Churches different than people
• The church we think is rich may be poor in God’s sight
Like the Church of Laodicea in Rev 3:17: Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
While the poor church is actually rich The Church of Smyrna in Rev 2:9: I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
ONLY THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH JESUS CHRIST CAN KNOW THE TRUE CONDITION OF THE BODY OF CHRIST AND HIS PEOPLE
• Jesus alone sees the inside and outside
Rev 2:23: ….and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
JESUS GIVES EACH OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN ASIA MINOR A LOOK FROM HIS PERSPECTIVE
• But Jesus intended for all “churches” to benefit from His messages
Rev 2:7: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;
Rev 2:11: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (The judgment of unbelievers) Rev 20:12-15
So, Jesus showed His approval for the Church at Ephesus’ work in Rev 2: 1-3 and vs 6
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. VS 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
• They were an active church
• They were a discerning church: could discern false ministers and prophets
• They were a sacrificing hard-working church the point of exhaustion
• They were a steadfast assembly: Had been tried by False ministers, the occult and demonic oppression and had not become weary
• Kept going when the going was tough
• They seemed to have everything going for them and had it all together
BUT IN VERSE 4 AND 5 CAME THE HEART ISSUE:
Rev 2:4-5 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
• They left their “first love”
• They sacrificed a relationship with Jesus Christ with “working for the Lord”
• They fell into a habit
• The light shines in the World as the light shines through His people
• THE ONLY POWER WE HAVE IS THROUGH THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
TRUST IN THE LORD. TRUST AND OBEY THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!
Obedience:
Rev 1:3: 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Rev 2: 25-26 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Trust in the Lord (Don’t Worry)
Jeremiah 17:7, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”
Psalms 4:5, “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.”
Psalms 5:11: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.”
Give your heart to Jesus today by saying this prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me. Come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Now, help me to live for you the rest of this life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.