Introduction
There are 4 main interpretations of the Lord’s message to the 7 churches.
- To a specific church at a specific time.
- Can be applied to any church at any time.
- A standard of evaluation of an individual’s standing before the Lord.
- Prophetic of the spiritual history of the church
- Ephesus represents the 1st century church.
- Smyrna represents the period of great persecutions.
- Pergamos represents the church settled down and established in the world order, a synthesis of church and government, i.e. the conversion of Constantine.
- Thyatira represents the church under the papacy.
- Sardis represents the church in the Protestant Reformation.
- Philadelphia represents the church faithfully preaching the Word and serving the Lord in world-wife missions.
- Laodicea represents the church of the self-absorbed, status seeking religion.
The Character of the City
A. Ephesus was the Center of International Commerce through its harbor, serving as the gateway between the western world and the east.
B. Ephesus was the center of Immoral Religion
- The Temple of Artemis / Diana was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It had 127 pillars that were 60 feet tall, adorned with beautiful sculptures.
- It served as the Pagan Fertility Cult, with temple prostitutes.
- It was the Center of sorcery and esoteric arts.
The Claim of the Christ–He Is Sovereign
A. The Omnipotence of Christ in the Church–>He holds the 7 stars.
B. The Onmipresence of Christ in the Church–>He walks in the midst of the 7 golden menorahs.
C. The Omniscience of Christ in the Church–>He knows our works.
The Comprehension of Christ
A. He knows your Virtues.
- They have worked hard at being busy, productive.
- They have endured hardship.
B. He knows your Vices
- The difference between leaving and losing:
- One loses by accident.
- One leaves as a deliberate act, though not suddenly.
- When we lose something, we don’t know where to find it.
- When we leave something, we know where to find it.
2. They left their first love for the Lord.
- Ephesus was a working church.
- Ephesus was a doctrinally pure church.
- Ephesus was like Martha, busy about good things; whereas Mary spent time with the Lord!
3. They hate the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.
a. Nicolaitans is a compound of two Greek words. Nico = victory; laitos = people.
b. The Nicolaitans separated the church between the professional clergy and the people. The Lord hates this separation.
C. He admonishes them.
- Repent, turn back.
- Do the first works.
Christians will run after almost every new, strange method or program. Sometimes we do almost anything except the first works!
The Caution of Christ, v. 5
Repent, and do the first works, or He will remove their light and His presence.
It would be the Church of Ichabod, where the Glory has departed (see 1 Samuel 4:21).
The Challenge of Christ
A. We must hear what the Spirit says to the churches, not to man or denomination or popular doctrine or programs.
B. Be an overcomer. Overcome your coldness of heart and lack of love.
C. Eat from the Tree of Life. Judaism often refers to their Scroll of the Books of the Law as the tree of life and the paper as the leaves from the Tree of Life. We must internalize the Word of God.
D. The Word is where God lives–>it is the Paradise of God. He inhabits His Word.