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REVELATION - Behold, I am Coming Soon
Studies in the Book of Revelation
BOOK 1 - BEHOLD, I AM COMING QUICKLY! (REVELATION 1:1 - 3:22)
PART 1.2 THE FIRST VISION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES ON EARTH: THE APPEARING OF THE SON OF MAN TO SANCTIFY HIS CHURCHES (REVELATION 1:9 - 3:22)
PART 1.2.3 HE WHO HAS AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES (REVELATION 3:22)

Introduction: Read the Book of Revelation Prayerfully


3. Jesus’ Diagnosis of the Seven Church Leaders and Their Churches

Jesus searches for the fruits of the Holy Spirit in us. In the light of His appearing everything hidden in man will become visible. At the last judgment, Jesus will not ask first ask about faith, the second birth, prayers and spiritual activities, but about works of love (Matthew 25:31-45).

Jesus made an inventory of the church leaders in Asia Minor. One by one He ascertained the things that the Holy Spirit had done in and through each of them. He assured them five times that He would know exactly of their works. Thereupon He gave a positive diagnosis to five of the church leaders:

  • He spoke four times about work and effort, of the bearing of burdens, and of real service and deeds for the Lord (Revelation 2:2-3, 19; 3:8).
  • The Lord testified five times of His servant's patience and perseverance and of their not becoming weary (Revelation 2:2-3, 19; 3:10).
  • He testified five times of servants that did not deny their faith in Him, but held fast to His name in spite of violent attacks, while also keeping His word (Revelation 2:13, 19; 3:10).
  • Only once did the Lord speak about a church leader’s love or the little strength of another. He described the poverty of a third preacher as being his spiritual riches (Revelation 2:9, 19; 3:8). The faith of each individual pastor was the prerequisite for the Son of God's evaluation. Where there is no faith there is also no fruit. Where spiritual life is not zealous there is little sacrifice.

Jesus also spoke about the works of the church leaders in Sardis and Laodicea. But they were incomplete, insufficient and worthless. Were the fruits of the love of God do not ripen, faith is stunted. True faith remains the supposition for all good deeds. It is faith and not our works that justifies and saves us. Yet the fruits of the Spirit are an indication of true faith. Faith that does not result in works is dead (James 2:17, 26).

The Lord did not speak about the works of the churches in Smyrna and Pergamos, but about tribulation, sorrow, blasphemy, martyrdom and about Satan’s throne (Revelation 2:9-10, 13). For these two men faith meant faithfulness and continuance in loving enemies, while testifying to the truth at the same time. Love and truth should never be separated. Love without truth would be a lie, but truth without love is like killing. Therefore, truth told in love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Opposes False Developments in His Churches: In the midst of the positive appraisals of Jesus we also hear from Him many penetrating negative diagnoses. He openly said to each one of the church leaders:

“Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love”, to the church leader in Ephesus (Revelation 2:4).

“But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who mix with other religions”, to the leader of the church in Pergamos (Revelation 2:14).

“Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you did not discern that the evil-spiritism and feminism, connected with whoredom, represented satanic entrance into your church; instead, you endured them with a false, superficial love”, to the minister of the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:20).

Jesus was not satisfied with addressing two church leaders with just the statement “Nevertheless I have this against you”, because with them the damage was already too great. Only an urgent resuscitation effort administered through the seven Spirits of God (Sardis; Revelation 3:1) or a shocking threat (Laodicea; Revelation 3:16) could help.

Jesus found no fault with two of His church leaders, who were a cause of joy to Him. We should thoroughly study this positive diagnosis of Jesus regarding these two church leaders, so that we might recognize what is missing in us (Smyrna; Revelation 2:10); (Philadelphia; Revelation 3:11).

How Does it Look With Jesus' Diagnosis of us? In the appraisal of Jesus, our words, diplomas, bank accounts, intelligence, beauty, position or knowledge count for as good as nothing. What is required is holy love, perseverance in faith, preparedness for sacrifice, and continuance in hope. We should not superficially note the Son of God’s diagnosis and then hastily forget it, for Jesus appeared for the very sake of our spiritual fruit. He wants a kingdom built upon His holy love. Are we living in harmony with His plan and with His concept? Or are we an offence, shame or cause for anger? What sort of church leaders or members are we? Should we not learn to repent?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we magnify You because your Son Jesus knows the details of our positive and negatives acts. Forgive us if our services were insufficient, and sanctify us so that our Savior will find in us the fruit of His toil.

QUESTION:

  1. How many times did Jesus mention His servants' acts, toil, and patience? How many times did He scold them saying to them, "I have against you"?

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