Letters To the 7 Churches in Revelation - Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea

 

Letters To the 7 Churches in Revelation

Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea

 

Review:
The Book of Revelation was written by John while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos.  He was placed on the Isle for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus instructed John to write letters unto the 7 Churches of Asia. 

The first letter was written to THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS. 

They were reprimanded for leaving their first love. 

They were told to REPENT and DO THE FIRST WORKS.

The second letter was to THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA….

Christians in Smyrna were persecuted for their faith. Laws in Smyrna required people to worship the Emperor.  When Christ followers refused to worship a man, they were in danger of being executed if found out.

Jesus saw everything the Christians in Smyrna were going through and instructed John to write them a letter to encourage and strengthen them.

This Church did not receive any rebuke from the Lord. 

The 3^rd letter was to THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS

The city of Pergamos was an evil, wicked place and Jesus said they were dwelling where satan’s seat was.  He commended them for continuing to stand for Jesus despite intense persecution and the death of their friend, Antipas.

However, they were rebuked for allowing those with false doctrines and doctrines of devils to intermingle in the Church, masquerading as ‘Christians’ who ‘just saw things a little differently’.  He reprimanded them for tolerating these false Christians within the Church in the name of ‘love’ and ‘tolerance’ but these false Christians were spreading abominable doctrines such the false teachings of the Nicolaitans (compromise) and that of Balaam (who taught Balac to teach the Israelites to commit fornication and sin before God).

He warned them to REPENT!!! OR ELSE He will come quickly and will fight against them with the Sword of His Mouth.

The 4^th letter was written to the CHURCH OF THYATIRA

They were commended for being loving, working for the Lord, serving others, full of faith, and having patience.  And He commends their works twice, the last being more than the first. 

Yet, they were rebuked for tolerating and allowing a false prophetess who had the spirit of Jezebel to teach and seduce God’s people to sin.  She used her influence to seduce and draw others into committing fornication and partaking in idolatrous ways.  The Jezebel spirit is a dominating spirit that does not want anyone to tell them what to do and will not receive instruction or correction.

Not everyone in that Church followed her yet they tolerated her and her false teachings. Jesus admonished them to not let down or give in to that deceptive, preacher killing spirit despite the pressure, despite how someone will try to reason and excuse the behavior away.  HOLD FAST until Jesus comes!  There’s a reward for those who do.

 

The 5^th letter was written to the CHURCH OF SARDIS

(Information taken from Word Aflame SS Curriculum Spring 2021)……………..
The City of Sardis had a history of not watching as carefully as it should for the enemy.  Enemies spied on the city of Sardis 2 times during its history – once in 546 BC and again in 214BC.  The spies both times noticed the guards of the city were not watching carefully so they climbed up a crevice I the cliffs below the city, crashed through the gates, and conquered the people.

Many years later, they were warned again by the letter from John to WATCH!
(end exerpt)

Jesus told John to write unto Sardis….

Rev 3:1 – And unto the angel (pastor) of the church in Sardis write; these things saith He that that hath the 7 Spirits of God, and the 7 stars.....

*We know that the 7 stars represent the 7 angels (which are the pastors) of the 7 churches in Asia (Rev 1:16,20)  When you look at Strong’s Concordance, we see the word ‘angels’ means ‘messenger or pastor’ (G32).

 

What are the 7 Spirits of God?

Without realizing this is what this weeks lesson was about, I happened upon Bro Dave Robbins’ recent lesson at Endtime Ministries concerning what the meaning of the 7 Spirits of God may possibly be.

We know that God is a Spirit and there is only ONE GOD (Deut 6:4).
Revelation 4:2 reveals there is a throne set in Heaven and ONE sat upon the Throne.

Revelation 4:5 – And out of the Throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were SEVEN LAMPS of FIRE burning before the Throne, which are the SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD.

These are synonymous with the SEVEN HORNS and SEVEN EYES of God which run to and fro through the whole earth (Zech 4:10 + Rev 5:6).

When you look up the meaning of the word “Spirit” you find that it means “current of air or breath” (G4151) so they are what God breaths out.

So, what does the Bible mean when it talks about the 7 Spirits of God?

Isaiah 11:2 talks about the Spirit of the Lord….. 
                     1.  The spirit of wisdom and understanding
                     2.  The spirit of counsel and might
                     3.  The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord
                     4.  The Spirit of Truth - John 14:17
                     5.  The spirit of Faith - 2 Cor 4:13
                     6.  The Spirit of Holiness - Rom 1:4
                     7.  The Spirit of Prophecy - Rev 19:10

These are what could possibly be what the Scripture is referring to. 

Let’s continue looking at the letter to Sardis….

Rev 3:1 – I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

          They claimed to be alive yet inside they were dead spiritually.

Therefore, they were warned…..

Vs 2 – BE WATCHFUL and STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN, THAT ARE READY TO DIE: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

Little by little, worldliness was creeping in and choking out the things of God.  They appeared to have life and to have the Spirit moving, yet this was only on the surface.

Just as a tree that appears to be healthy and flourishing on the outside but inside it rotten and decaying.  (Jude 1:12) 

They were becoming like the 5 foolish virgins – the oil was getting low in their lamps and they were unaware.  Jesus was warning them to WATCH, WAKE UP, Be aware of what’s happening inside spiritually before it’s too late! 

He warned them they’re about to die spiritually!  Wake up, pray more, fast more, read their Bible more to STRENGTHEN the things that remain!

He reminded them…

Vs 3 – Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and HOLD FAST, and REPENT. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

But Jesus found some good….

Vs 4 – Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.

There were some in Sardis that were praying, fasting, reading their Bible, and doing what they should.  They were found worthy!  I want to be found worthy, don’t you?

Then He concluded with….

Vs 5 – He that overcometh the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name before my Father, and before His angels.

I do not want my name to be blotted out.  We need to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches….

Vs 6 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

The 6^th letter was written to the CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA

*From WAP Spring 2021 SS curriculum: The members of this Church had faced economic and social disaster, along with many difficult circumstances, including earthquakes.  In the midst of the fear and chaos, they kept their eyes on Jesus and endeavored to please Him. *

Rev 3:7 – and unto the angel (pastor) of the Church in Philadelphia write; these things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth and no man shutteth; and shutteth and no man openeth.

*Jesus is saying to the Church (to us) that He can open doors that no man can shut, and He can shut doors that no man can open - no matter how hard they try.  He holds the keys!

Vs 8 – I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast no denied My name.

*He’s saying to the Church because they had kept His Word and not denied His name He has opened a door for them to walk through that no man can shut.  They may be weary, but keep pressing forward.  Don’t give up! 

Vs 9 – Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

*Reminder: This is the same issue as was addressed in the letter to Smyrna. 
These are the ones who claimed to be Jews, claimed to love and serve God,
yet they did not know who He was nor were they doing the Lord’s work by
persecuting the Christians.  They did not discern what spirit they were of.

Vs 10 – Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION, which shall come upon ALL the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

*Some use this to support a pre-tribulation Rapture.  We’re not going to delve into that right now because it would take too much time.  You have to look at several other Scriptures and compare Scripture to Scripture.

*What Jesus is saying to this Church is that He will guard and protect them during the Hour of Temptation that is coming to try the whole earth.

Luke 21:36 – Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Vs 11 – Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

*When Jesus said He’s coming quickly, we need to keep in mind that His time is not our time.  For with the Lord, a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years are as a day.  So, to the Lord, only a few days have passed since Jesus warned of the things to come.  (2 Peter 3:8)

Vs 12 – Him that overcometh will I make a pillar (a support) in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the Name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name.

Vs 13 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.

There’s a new name written down in Glory and it’s mine, oh yes, it’s mine!
What a Promise!

 

The 7^th and Final Letter was written to THE CHURCH OF LAODICEA

Rev 3:14 – And unto the angel (pastor) of the Church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen (meaning the One who is Firm and Sure), the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the Creation of God;

Vs 15 – I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Vs 16 – so then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth.

*Jesus is warning the Church not to just go through the motions….. they wanted to serve God, but they were more-so a Sunday Christian. They came to Church to ease their conscious but the rest of the week was choked out by the cares of life….thinking about God at times but not truly spending time with Him until they arrived back at Church again. 

*They thought they were fine, but you can’t be half-hearted in living for God.  Jesus said He would spue these lukewarm Christians out of His mouth like you would something that tastes disgusting.  He hates lukewarmness!

Vs 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:

*Laodicea was known for their wool and eye salve by which its inhabitants became very rich.   The members of this Church saw themselves as prosperous and thriving, but God was trying to show them that although they may have been financially, they were spiritually destitute. 

They didn’t realize there was just a small flame of the Holy Ghost flickering within them that was ready to die out.  They were like the 5 Foolish virgins whose oil was running out yet they were unaware because there was a little flame there.

Vs 18 – I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that hou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

*Jesus compared this lukewarmness to being naked.  They were spiritually naked and did not realize it. They were going spiritually blind yet they were unaware of their condition…thus the reference to anointing their eyes with eye salve so they could see. 

He admonished them to buy of Him gold tried in the Fire.  To get on fire for God, it’s going to cost you something….it doesn’t come cheap or easy!  You’re going to go through a refining fire, you’re going to face incomparable trials and tribulations that you never faced when just going through the motions of patty caking with Jesus.

Jesus said “Take up your cross and follow Me”.  He didn’t promise a rose bed of peace and prosperity that some seem to think signifies the blessings of God.  No, the way of Jesus is a way of sacrifice, suffering, and tribulation.  Are you willing to pay the price to buy of Him gold tried in the Fire?

Vs 19 – as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

**This church did not receive any compliments.  But Jesus let them know it was BECAUSE He loved them that He was issuing this warning of correction. 
THAT’S true love!

Vs 20 – Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me.

*Jesus is knocking and calling to us.  Will we hear what He has to say?  Will we listen? Will we open the door?  Or harden our heart and try to excuse and reason away the things that God is warning and admonishing us against?

If we listen and obey and open the door to our hearts, He said He will come and sup with us and we will sup with Him.  He’ll feed us with spiritual manna.

Jesus is knocking on our hearts door….will we listen? and obey? 

Human nature craves to receive praise, affirmation, and adoration from others and God….that’s why social media is plagued with people posting selfies and other posts trying to get likes and become popular.  It’s not pleasant to receive criticism.

But if we receive a rebuke from Jesus while there is still life and breath in our body, we can be assured it is BECAUSE of His great love and mercy toward us.  We do well to listen and heed what the Spirit is saying to us as a Church and individually. 

I’ve received rebukes from the Lord – it’s not pleasant – but I thank God for them because it was His mercy trying to lead and guide me back on the straight and narrow path.  If He’s rebuking and chastening us, it’s because He loves us!

 

Vs 21 – To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne.

Vs 22 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

Our goal is to make heaven our home.  Obviously, Jesus wants that for us as well and the reason WHY He had John write these letters to the Churches (which are still applicable to us today). 

There are many lessons, both positive and negative, contained within these 7 letters that we are to learn from.  Will we hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches?

 

Letters To the 7 Churches in Revelation - Letter to Thyatira

 

Letters To the 7 Churches in Revelation

Letter to Thyatira

 

Review:
The Book of Revelation was written by John while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos.  He was placed on the Isle for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jesus instructed John to write letters unto the 7 Churches of Asia. 

The first letter was written to THE CHURCH OF EPHESUS. 

He commended them saying….

In Rev 2:2 - I KNOW THY WORKS, and thy LABOUR, and thy PATIENCE, and how thou CANST NOT BEAR THEM WHICH ARE EVIL:

He commended them for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans (the spirit of compromise) which God said He hated as well.

The only reprimand they received was because they had left their first love.  They had everything else right but despite all that, they had put Jesus on the backburner in their lives without even realizing it.  

They were so busy doing things FOR Jesus that they were not spending quality time in prayer WITH Jesus like they once did.

They were told to REPENT and DO THE FIRST WORKS.

 

The second letter was to THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA….

Christians in Smyrna were persecuted for their faith. Laws in Smyrna required people to worship the Emperor.  When Christ followers refused to worship a man, they were in danger of being executed if found out.

In addition, the Church members were also persecuted by non-Christian Jews because of their belief and following of Jesus. The Christians in Smyrna were fearful, stressed, and poor.                        

Jesus saw everything the Christians in Smyrna were going through and instructed John to write them a letter to encourage and strengthen them.

He warned they would face intense persecution, torture, and be put to death.  He comforted them saying there was a reward waiting for those who remain faithful unto death….they will never have to worry about dying or facing such pain again.  They would not have to fear being cast into hell which is the second death (Rev 2:11).   What a comfort! 

Notice this Church did not receive any rebuke from the Lord. 

The 3^rd letter was to THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS

The city of Pergamos was an evil, wicked place and Jesus said they were dwelling where satan’s seat was.  He commended them that despite being surrounded by such wickedness, they had not denied His Name. They continued to stand for Jesus despite intense persecution and the death of their friend, Antipas.

Jesus was pleased with that! YET, He said He had a few things against them. 

They allowed those with false doctrines and doctrines of devils to intermingle in the Church, masquerading as ‘Christians’ who ‘just saw things a little differently’. 

He reprimanded them for tolerating these false Christians within the Church in the name of ‘love’ and ‘tolerance’ but these false Christians were spreading the abominable doctrine that ‘it’s ok to fornicate’, ‘Jesus knows you’re human and won’t hold that against you.’ Or whatever other excuse they used to condone and excuse away sin just as Balaam taught to Balac to cause the Children of Israel to sin.

Their conscious is seared!

They also had those within their midst that held and spread the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (the spirit of compromise) WHICH THING GOD HATES.

They tried to blend the ways of the world in to the Church. They taught and encouraged people to sin while excusing away sinful things that are blatantly warned against in the Word of God. Jesus said He hates these things!

H warned them to REPENT!!! OR ELSE I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the Sword of My Mouth.

*Scary and fearful thing to have Jesus come and fight against you. 
Compromising and encouraging of others to sin will bring God’s wrath upon a person.

 

The 4^th letter was written to the CHURCH OF THYATIRA

History of the city: (source:Wikipedia)

Thyatira was the name of an ancient Greek city in Asia Minor, which is now the modern Turkish city of Akhisar (“white castle”).  It lies in the far west of Turkey, south of Istanbul and due east of Athens.

It was formerly known as the Greek city called Pelopia and Semiramos before being renamed to Thyatira (meaning “daughter”) in 290BC.

During the Roman era, it was famous for its dyeing facilities and was the center of the purple cloth trade.   (End Wikipedia info)

 

We find the Church in this city addressed in Rev 2:18-29

Vs 19 – I know THY WORKS, and CHARITY (love), and SERVICE, and FAITH, and thy PATIENCE, and THY WORKS; and the last to be more than the first.

These were all commendable things they were doing….being loving, working for the Lord, serving others, full of faith, and having patience.  And He commends their works twice, the last being more than the first.  Yet, He warned…

Vs 20 – Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman JEZEBEL, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Vs 21 – And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

The woman’s name was most likely not Jezebel but is used to reveal what spirit this so called prophetess in their church was of.  This Church was rebuked because they were tolerating and allowing this woman to teach and influence others to commit fornication and other sinful practices because she called herself a prophetess and claimed to hear from God. 

This woman claimed superior wisdom and authority over the ministers of the Church.  She used her influence to seduce and draw others into committing fornication and partaking in idolatrous ways.  And no one withstood her.  They were tolerating it within the Church and souls were being deceived which would cause them to be lost eternally.

 

SIGNS OF A JEZEBEL SPIRIT:

We are dealing with a culture of Jezebel….
          It began in the 1920’s with the Flapper era where women began to wear
                   short short dresses and short short hair.
           They became brazen and began to wear swimwear and other skimpy outfits
                   in public, discarding the former modest clothing for ‘freedom’. 
           It continued to grow as women donned pants to work in the factories while
                   the men were at war…something they didn’t do before.
           Some women began to wear men’s suitpant outfits, socks, ties, and manly
                   shoes.  There was a spirit at work to blur the distinction between men
                   and women.   And look where we are today!
          That rebellious Jezebel spirit is still at work today and is taught, trained,   
                  and cultivated to our young impressionable children/teens/young
                  adults through:  Music, dolls, clothing, makeup, movies, etc

You can see this spirit is either beginning to be at work or in complete control of a person when they exhibit these behaviors….
*In love with self
*Rebellious – insubordinate – dominant – unsubmissive
         *Warning: Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft
*This spirit wants to be in control without anyone telling them what they can or
  can not do.
*The spirit of Jezebel is an unmarried spirit (even if married) that will not allow
   anyone, especially a man, to tell them what to do.
          ****Men haters club – I’ve been approached by that spirit which tried to
                  lure me in but I would not take the bait. 
          ***Guard your hearts, Ladies***
          *That’s not saying women are to be washwomen and treated as a slave
          *We were taken out of man’s ribs and are by his side.  There is a beauty in
            Godly order if followed by both men and women as God ordained.
          *The discord and division between men and women first began in the
            Garden of Eden and was sown by the devil.  “Did God REALLY say?”  “Did
            your husband REALLY hear God correctly?  You know he sometimes get
            things confused and mixed up.” That sly subtle seed of discord was sown.
          *I’ve seen too many homes where the woman ruled the house and ruled the
            husband.  It’s not God’s order, no matter how we try to justify it.

*Looks for loopholes to twist Scripture
         *Whether it is concerning makeup, immodest clothes, jewelry, drinking,
            lying, etc…even attacking a man of God (which we’ll discuss in a minute)
         *Will commit fornication and excuse it away by twisting Scripture
            I’ve heard someone twist to excuse fornication:
            1 Cor 7:36 – if a man behave uncomely toward his virgin if she’s past the
                  flower of her age…
            THE BIBLE NEVER CONTRADICTS ITSELF! 
            That is NOT excusing fornication!  Paul is not going to tell the Corinthian
            church it’s ok in one chapter 7 after telling them in Chapter 6 verse 9 not
            to be deceived – fornicators, amongst others, will NOT inherit the
            Kingdom of God. 

*This spirit fosters carnality in a Church
*Shameless – act innocent and as if they’ve done nothing wrong
     

The woman with the Jezebel spirit in the Church of Thyatira made use of the Name of God to oppose the Truth of the Doctrine.  This woman had a lying, deceiving spirit that was convincing the people that there was nothing wrong or sinful about what they were doing all under the guise of “grace” and “mercy”. (same thing is happening today) They were not discerning what spirit she was of! 

That same spirit is working even now within the Churches as a whole to excuse and condone away sexual sins.  You love them, but you don’t condone it.  This Church was reprimanded because they TOLERATED the sexual immorality and other sinful practices that were happening, being condoned and even excused as ok within the Church by this false prophetess.

These are the excuses I have heard used to excuse sexual sins…..
“She’s/He’s not happy with him/her”
“He/She doesn’t treat her/him right”
“He/She is happier now than when they were married to so-and-so before”
“Every baby is to be celebrated” (even if wife left hubby to be with another man who left his wife to be with her and she ended up pregnant so they divorced their spouses to marry each other – true story unfortunately)
“God wants you to be happy.” 

No, God wants you to be HOLY. Human excuses and reasons do not override God’s Word….ever.

I’m not being harsh. I’m trying to warn what God’s Word says. Hosea 4:6 warned “My people perish for lack of knowledge…” There is a dire deficit of the full knowledge of God’s Word today because the main focus is ‘grace’ and ‘mercy’ which we desperately pray for yet we can not ignore God’s Word and deliberately disobey.

“The sin of the Church in Thyatira was the tolerance of sin,
and it is the greatest sin among pastors today. 
There is so much pressure today to tolerate sin in our churches.”
- Missionary Eugene Dominguez

Pastors who stand a little stronger and try to lead as they see in God’s Word are accused of being ‘too strict’, ‘not loving enough’, and the list goes on.  When really, they are trying to walk reverently in the fear of the Lord and actually love a person so much that they’re willing to risk losing them as a member in order to warn them where their sin will lead.

The spirit of Jezebel is a dominating spirit….she does not want anyone telling her what to do.  (This spirit can also be on a man).   

*This spirit is the most cunning, deceptive, and manipulative spirit when full grown within a person.

***This spirit is a PREACHER KILLER***

The Jezebel spirit’s goal is to bring a Man of God under subjection to her will, wants, and desires or she’ll go after his ministry to destroy it and destroy him.

This spirit will work through a person subtly at first, exerting pressure little by little on the pastor to allow a little sin here and then a little more sin there until the Pastor loosens up and begins to excuse and allow make-up and hair dye (it starts out as just a little here or there to ‘cover up’ blemishes and then progresses little by little until it is evident and no longer ‘hidden’).

The clothing becomes more immodest and excused.  Blouses get lower, exposing what ‘God gave us’ and excused away with ‘well, God gave it to us. Why should we have to hide it?’ and skirts get tighter and higher (and if pastor says anything then he is accused of battling lust in order to get the pastor to back away from the subject).  That’s a spirit of Jezebel.

With men, it’s now the pressure to allow skinny jeans, knee shorts, and facial hair.

Pray for Pastors. 
They really are under a lot of pressure to tolerate and allow sin.

When you see these things allowed on the platform and in other ministries,
it is a sign Jezebel has conquered the pastor and his team.

Jesus said He tried to deal with this woman in the Thyatira Church and bring her to repentance but she hardened her heart, excused away her sin, and would not repent (vs 21).  Her conscious was seared!  Jesus is still giving space to repent to anyone battling with the lust of the flesh and committing fornication or adultery.  But the key is to repent and not make excuses for the sin.   

 

Jesus issued a dire warning of what would happen to her and anyone who followed these abominable teachings…

Vs 22 – Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, EXCEPT they repent of their deeds. 

Vs 23 – And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto everyone of you according to your works.

Judgment is coming to those who will not repent.

 

Vs 24 – But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of satan, as they speak; I will put upon you non other burden.

*For those who were not practicing this wickedness; those who were not following and tolerating and making excuses for these false teachings, then this judgment did not apply to them.

“The pastors of the Church must take the responsibility to defend
and rid the Church of Jezebel’s pressure and force.”
- Missionary Eugene Dominguez

When Pastors are attacked, we must rise up like Jehu, not rebuttal or argue with that spirit, but call for others who refuse to bow to that spirit and cast it down.  (That’s those who operate in spiritual warfare… through prayer and fasting!)  That spirit can cripple a pastor (as its fierceness did Elijah) but we can stand in the gap!

Jesus admonished them…

Vs 25 – But that which ye have already HOLD FAST till I come.

Don’t let down or give into that deceptive, preacher killing spirit despite the pressure, despite how someone will try to reason and excuse the behavior away.  HOLD FAST until Jesus comes!  There’s a reward for those who do…

Vs 26 – And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:  (in the millennial reign)

Vs 27 – And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Vs 28 – And I will give him the morning star.

Vs 29 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.

 

Every letter written to these 7 churches was not just written to them back then.  They are applicable to us today…that’s why we’re studying them.  We need to pay attention to the things Jesus compliments them concerning, and, most of all, take heed to the admonitions and dire warnings He issued. 

We are getting closer and closer to the coming of Jesus.  He’s warning us to repent. Our robes need to be white without spot or wrinkle.  Jesus is trying to get His Bride ready. 

Vs 29 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.

 

 

Letters To the 7 Churches in Revelation - Letters to Smyrna and Pergamos

 As taught in Bible study on 7_26_21

Letters To the 7 Churches in Revelation

Letters to Smyrna and Pergamos

 

Review:
The Book of Revelation was written by John while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos.  He was placed on the Isle for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

John had a lot of time on his hands since he couldn’t go anywhere and basically there wasn’t much else to do on that island, so he spent a lot of time in prayer.

As was the Jews’ custom on the Lord’s Day, John was praying and devoting time to God.  He went into a deep place in the Spirit as he prayed….we see that in Rev. 1:10-16.

Many people avoid reading the book of Revelation because it is difficult to understand.  It’s a mystery.  But the Bible says….

Rev 1:3  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. (meaning: it’s coming quickly)

 

The second letter John wrote was to THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA….

**The following history of Smyrna came from the Spring 2021 Word Aflame Sunday School Curriculum….

Smyrna was located in the area of the current city of Izmir, Turkey.  It was a bustling trade city where a lot of money was exchanged. 

The people of Smyrna were known for their advanced study of science and medicine.

Because it was located on the coast, fish was most likely a frequent meal.

Christians in Smyrna were persecuted for their faith. Laws in Smyrna required people to worship the Emperor.  When Christ followers refused to worship a man, they were in danger of being executed if found out.

In addition, the Church members were also persecuted by non-Christian Jews because of their belief and following of Jesus. The Christians in Smyrna were fearful, stressed, and poor.                        

Persecute means: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically: to cause to suffer because of belief.  To annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (such as attacks, pleas, or importunities)

 **end of excerpt from SS Material**

Jesus saw everything the Christians in Smyrna were going through and instructed John to write them a letter to encourage and strengthen them.

Revelation 2

Vs 8 – And unto the angel [Pastor] of the Church in Smyrna write; These things saith the First and the Last, which was dead, and is alive;    [**That’s JESUS!!!**]

Vs 9 – I know thy WORKS, and TRIBULATION, and POVERTY, (but thou art rich) [**They may be poor in this world, but they were rich in the things of God! The most important of all!**] and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of satan. [**they claimed to be Jews who love and serve God, yet they did not know who He was nor were they doing the Lord’s work by persecuting the Christians.  They did not discern what spirit they were of.]

Vs 10 – Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried;

[**Notice who is going to cast them into prison – the devil!  We are not
           wrestling against flesh and blood!  We need to remember that when we face persecution and attacks from others whether it’s family, friends, or foes.  Pray for them for they know not what they do. 

**Notice also that He admonished them not to fear the things they were going to suffer – Jesus said in Matt 10:28, “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both
soul and body in hell.”  Fear not man – only God! For if you’re faithful to the
           end, the pain and suffering ends at death but life eternal begins with God
           where there is peace forevermore! ]

Continuing vs 10 – and ye shall have tribulation 10 days [*He warned they were going to suffer for 10 days BUT….] BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, and I will give thee a crown of Life. 

Vs 11 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt in the second death.

*If you remain faithful to God despite intense persecution, torture, and being put to death, you will never have to worry about dying or facing such pain again.  You won’t have to fear being cast into hell which is the second death. 

What a comfort!  Jesus, help us to remain faithful unto death!

Notice this Church did not receive any rebuke from the Lord. 

LETTER TO PERGAMOS

**The following history of Pergamos came from the Spring 2021 Word Aflame Sunday School Curriculum….

Pergamos was located in present-day Turkey.  The country of Turkey straddles the continental line between Asia and Europe.  A small area of the country extends into Eastern Europe. 

Pergamos was surrounded by mountains and hills.  The Caicus River broke through the landscape to provide and area for residents to build.  Archaeological evidence shows that people resided at Pergamos as early as 800 B.C. 

The people of Pergamos were inventors and innovators.  They created parchment with calfskin, and they built hospitals. A large theater seated ten thousand people.  It’s excellent acoustics made it possible for a whisper on the stage to be heard by someone all the way in the top row.  Pergamos also had the second largest library in the ancient world.

Although the city was famous and beautiful, Jesus referred to it as the city of satan’s throne.  The citizens built three temples dedicated to their false gods.  They also worshiped the emperor of Pergamos.

The majority of Christians in Pergamos (like Smyrna) refused to worship a man and false gods. Because of this, they were persecuted. Unfortunately, some people in the Pergamos Church followed these false religious ideas (perhaps some did it out of fear of persecution? Others followed a spirit of strong delusion…mixing the world with the things of God. The spirit of Compromise!).

Their evil ideas were influencing others within the church.  People were eating food offered to false gods and they were encouraging immoral behaviors. God rebuked their actions and told them to REPENT!          **End of excerpt from SS Material**

Rev 2:12 - And to the angel [Pastor] of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges [That is the Word of God – Heb 4:12]

Vs 13 – I know thy WORKS, and where thou dwellest, even where satan’s seat is: [*They were living in a very evil and wicked place where satan had rule] and thou HOLDEST FAST MY NAME, and HAST NOT DENIED MY FAITH, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where satan dwelleth. [*stayed faithful despite persecution and seeing friends killed]

Vs 14 – BUT I HAVE A FEW THINGS AGAINST THEE, BECAUSE thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

[*Balaam taught Balac to entice the Israelites to sin though sexual immorality
with Midianite women. (Num 31 + 2 Peter 2:15)  They convinced them there was nothing wrong with it.  They were committing and excusing fornication which the Bible warns against.  Shockingly, there are those today who claim to be Christian and even Holy Ghost filled yet they are committing fornication and partaking in worldly things while still thinking they’re saved and Heaven Bound.  They are not reading their Bible!  The Bible warns in Galatians 5:19-21 that those who do these things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God! Their conscious is seared! ]

Vs 15 – So hast thou them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans WHICH THING I HATE.

[*See notes for the Letter to the Church of Ephesus.  The Nicolaitains and
those who held the doctrine of Balaam were compromisers. They tried to blend the ways of the world in to the Church. They taught and encouraged people to sin while excusing away sinful things that are blatantly warned against in the Word of God. Jesus said He hates these things!]

Vs 16 – REPENT!!! OR ELSE I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the Sword of My Mouth.

[*Scary and fearful thing to have Jesus come and fight against you. 
Compromising and encouraging of others to sin will bring God’s wrath upon a person.]

Vs 17 – He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Hidden Manna, and I will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saveth he that receiveth it.

 

HIDDEN MANNA – Manna is food for the soul and is only found in the Secret Places of God.

Isaiah 45:3 – And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches
of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

That Hidden Manna, the Treasures of Darkness, and Hidden Riches can only be found when you enter those deep places in the Spirit through prayer and fasting. 

Hidden Manna is not the surface spiritual milk that many partake of because they are not willing to sacrifice and consecrate their self to go deeper in the things of God. 

Hidden manna will only be found through sacrifice and denying the flesh through sincere deep intense prayer and fasting that will get this flesh under subjection so God can reveal the Treasures of Darkness and feed you with the Hidden Manna.  But be warned: Trials and tribulations come with it.  That’s why not many are willing to suffer to find it.

WHITE STONE – Jewish history reveals that when a verdict of ‘not guilty’ was given, the accused would receive a White Stone.  One day, when we stand before Jesus and we hear Him say ‘well done thou good and faithful servant! Enter in!’ we will receive a WHITE STONE. 

Our sins have been blotted out through His precious atoning blood and a NEW NAME is given to us and written down in Glory after we have repented of our sins, been baptized and took on that precious HOLY NAME OF JESUS, and He fills us with the Holy Ghost which is the Spirit of Adoption whereby we cry “Abba, Father!” (Romans 8:15-16)  We now belong to Jesus!  (Romans 8:9)

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.