Scripture reading: Revelation 2:1-7.

Sermon text: Revelation 2:8-11.

Today, we begin to study the message of Christ to the 7 churches specifically addressed in the book of Revelation. You’ve probably heard all kind of interpretations for these churches. We’ll cover some of the major rumors about the churches addressed in the next 2 chapters.

Know that these are literal churches, not ages of the Church. The 7 churches mentioned actually existed. You can go to modern Turkey and visit the ruins of these cities, and in some places actually see the sanctuaries where the churches met in these cities.

I find it interesting that those who believe each “church” represents a certain age of Church history always place themselves in what they see as the best “church.” I’ve never met anyone with this belief who didn’t think they were a member of the Philadelphia church. I promise you’ll never hear anyone say, “I’m from the Laodicean church!” (Nor, I ‘ll wager, will you hear anyone claim to be from the church at Smyrna facing persecution.)

However, while no one can prove by Scripture that these churches represent Church history, we still see these types of churches today. Furthermore, you see Christians typified by these churches. For this reason, the messages to these churches still ring true to us. The messages call us to examine our own lives as well as the life of our congregation. Where do we find ourselves? Can we rightfully claim we belong in the best group, or do we see ourselves in a group we’d rather not? The call of Christ to these churches continues to resound throughout history to our time today.

 Jesus specifically chose 7 churches out of the churches of the Roman Empire for special messages. These messages applied to every believer and congregation, not only to the 7 specific churches.

We find similar words in each address: “I know.” Nothing in these churches escaped Jesus’ attention. He knew their works; He knew their patience; He knew their circumstances. And, as frightening as it may seem, He knew their faults. In each case, Jesus addressed their faults even as He praised their accomplishments. Jesus doesn’t sit in heaven waiting for us to sin so He can condemn us; rather, He intercedes for us in our sins and assists us in our works on His behalf.

Jesus first directed His attention to the church at Ephesus. St. Paul had founded a congregation at Ephesus on his third missionary journey from A.D. 53 to 57. Paul spent most of this time in Ephesus (Acts 19), with great results.

Jesus upheld the church at Ephesus because they could not “bear with those who are evil.” This church also “tested those who call themselves apostles and are not.” This church tested the credentials and doctrines of the traveling preachers of their time and refuted those who didn’t pass the tests. Ephesus passed the test of doctrinal purity. They had certainly maintained the tradition Paul established in his time there.

Ephesus also passed the test of working for Christ. Regardless of that they had to endure, regardless of what they had to bear, they did not “grow weary.” Ephesus was a working church!

Unfortunately, Ephesus had a major problem: Their work no longer sprung from their love of Christ or others. Ephesus worked hard and kept the faith, but they did so more out of habit than out of passion. They had lost their “first love.” Whatever passion they had for Christ had been lost in their busy schedule and their testing of false teachers.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed a certain tendency toward those who try to remain doctrinally pure. After a while, these people become skeptical of everyone around them. These people so fear doctrinal corruption they can no longer tolerate any deviation in any doctrine or disagreement in any discussion, regardless of whether the issue is worth the loss of fellowship. Don’t misunderstand me: We cannot agree with everyone for the sake of peace. Some doctrines are too important for compromise. However, we cannot afford to break fellowship over issues that are not pertinent to the core of our faith. Worship style doesn’t matter, as long as the worship is biblical. Teaching style doesn’t matter, as long as the teaching is Scripturally truthful. Buildings don’t matter. We can think of other issues over which congregations have divided that, in the long run, did no one any good. The broken relationships weren’t worth the fight.

Fortunately, Jesus saw something else good in the Ephesian church: They hated “the works of the Nicolaitans.” The Nicolaitans were a group that allowed sexual immorality in the congregation. Ephesus was the center of worship of the goddess Diana (Greek Artemis), the goddess of the hunt and moon. The worshipers often engaged in sexual practices at the temple to Artemis, a building so grand it is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the ancient world. Some people tried to bring these practices into Christianity, only to find themselves stymied by the Ephesians. Note that although Jesus called the Ephesians to return to their true love, He also praised them for their faithfulness.

Do you see yourself in the Ephesian church? Are you striving so hard to be doctrinally pure you’ve lost your love for Christ and the congregation? Jesus said that the one who “conquered” would receive fruit from the “tree of life.” Know that we can recover our love for Christ. Love motivated Jesus to die for us and face death for us. Only love can motivate us to serve Him as He expects.

Jesus also knew the work of Smyrna. Smyrna’s congregation was new compared to the Ephesian congregation; this congregation may have existed only a few years before St. John’s exile. A future bishop of this church, St. Polycarp, would face martyrdom in A.D. 153. Polycarp was a disciple of St. John, so John may have thought of Polycarp the youth as he recorded the words of Jesus to this church.

Anyone who’s participated in starting a new church knows why Jesus would say, “I know your tribulation and your poverty.” However, in this case, the tribulation wasn’t merely referring to the usual difficulties of a startup. This church faced real opposition from the “synagogue of Satan.” Most churches started as Jews came to believe Jesus was the Messiah; these Jews would then be forced to leave the synagogue. This split rarely proved an amicable departure, and in Smyrna the animosity to the new believers was especially bitter.

This trouble was nothing compared to what they faced. Jesus warned them, “do not fear what you are about to suffer,” and for good reason. This church would face “10 days” of tribulation. We don’t know how long this period actually lasted, whether for 10 intense days or for a longer period. Some persecutions lasted only a short time, while the Roman government occasionally extended the persecution far longer than most people would have thought. Regardless, this church faced serious difficulties. Many would suffer; some would die. Only the true believers would remain faithful.

However, those who remained “faithful unto death” would receive the “crown of life.” St. James, the brother of Christ, mentioned this crown in his epistle, saying, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” Notice that both apostles tied this crown to perseverance in trials. We cannot expect the blessings of God when we waver in our faith and in our obedience. Fortunately for us, St. Paul told Timothy, “if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 1:13). There is forgiveness when we falter, but the true believers will remain faithful until death, as Jesus remained faithful to God’s will even through His own death.

Where do you see yourself in these churches? Do you take comfort that Jesus knows everything about you? Do you see yourself as faithful? Do you see yourself as obedient? Do you see yourself as wavering under pressure?

Christians throughout history have found themselves resembling the believers of Ephesus and the Smyrna. Many have found themselves feeling like the Ephesians: doctrinally correct, but having lost their love for Christ and their fellow believers. Many have found themselves needing to repent for their attitude toward others, believing that Jesus treasures “correctness” over love. Remember what I wrote in the first sermon of this series? This book is about the love of God the Father for God the Son, and about God’s love for us.

Remember what Jesus told the church at Smyrna: “The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.”  When we conquer temptation and fear, we find ourselves overcoming that which the world fears most. When we stand firm in faith and love, we demonstrate Jesus’ strength and power to the world. Stand firm in your faith. Jesus knows your life and will help you overcome the world.