Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Elders asked me to speak

I have enjoyed our discussions on Wednesday nights (James)

What truth of Scripture do I need to be reminded of?

Faith/Works relationship on my mind (study,prayer,blogs)

Eschatology Class, Revelation, Similar (Familiar) Passage

Jesus to Seven Churches in John’s Day

God’s final exhortation to the church - significant b/c it is timeless

Words of encouragement for God’s people as they

Endure Suffering

Defend Doctrine

Resist Apathy

Resist Apathy and Indifference

Message For - All People, All Time, All Places

There have been or will be times that we may face these same problems personally or corporately

So each of us (myself included) should receive what is said as a means of examination and encouragement

Often as we study Scripture

Can

Often as we study Scripture

God is not revealing some truth we never knew about him (God hides in plain sight)

God is reminding us to continue to trust/pursue Him in the truth he has already given

B/C we are like the man in James, looking in the mirror, walking away w/o addressing what we just saw

So our prayer as we think through the message

God convict us of our sin

God remind us of your provision

God encourage us in our mission

Book of Revelation - Begins with Jesus addressing seven churches established in John’s lifetime

Offered Commendation and Encouragement

Enduring Suffering

Defending Doctrine

Enduring Suffering

Becoming Indifferent

Ephesus had strayed from a passionate pursuit of God

Endurance/Patience of Ephesus

Smyrna was facing increasing persecution

The Riches

Pergamos was combating false doctrine

Thyatira was overlooking immorality

Sardis had become dead and lifeless

Philadelphia was facing ridicule and slander

The letters to the seven churches are a remarkably complete treatment of problems that face the church today.

The recurring dangers of losing their first love, of being afraid of suffering , doctrinal defection , moral departure, spiritual deadness, not holding fast , and lukewarmness (what I will call apathy or indifference) are just as prevalent today as they were in first-century churches.

Because these letters come from Christ personally, they take on significance as God’s final word of exhortation (encouragement/promise) to the church down through the centuries.

The final appeal is to all individuals who will hear.

People in churches today would still do well to listen.

John Walvoord

Often Scripture doesn’t reveal to us something new

Many times it reminds us to continue to trust and pursue the truth we have already been given

We are often guilty of being like the man described in James, we stare into the mirror, but when we walk away we quickly forget what we looked like and what needed to be addressed

My prayer is that as the body of Christ we will be encouraged in our mission and resolved in our approach

I often find myself saying this as I preach because it is true, that often when we approach Scripture we are not presented with some new never-before-seen revelation, but we are reminded and encouraged to continue to pursue, trust and rest in the truth we have already been given.

For the most part we are often guilty of being like the man mentioned in James who stares in the mirror, but then upon leaving quickly forgets what needed to be addressed.

I. Jesus is speaking to the Pastor of the Church

Jesus has a message for the leader of the Church in Laodicea

Angel (ἄγγελος) angel or messenger - one responsible for care of the church

In Laodicea - most likely Archippus

Mentioned in

The person or persons responsible for the care of the church

Paul - Have this letter read also by the Laodiceans, and say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you recieved in the Lord.”

As you pray for the elders and for your pastor

Pray for their ability to guide (vision/direction)

Pray for their ability to guard (protect the flock)

Also pray for their

Side note, this may have been Archippus

Jesus’ message here has to do with both areas

Mentioned in Colossians 4:17

Have this letter read also by the Laodiceans, and say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you recieved in the Lord.”

The Church in Laodicea was a real Church

Laodicea - “rule of the people”

Well Known throughout the Roman Empire

Wool

Fertile Land - Green, Lush Pasture

Bred Sheep w/ glossy black wool (high demand)

Medicine

Temple of Asclepius - god of medicine - (Symbol Staff and Snake)

Ear Ointment - Made from Spices (infections and disease)

Greek god who held the familiar staff and snake symbol

Ear Ointment - Made from Spices (infections and disease)

Eye Salve

Phrygian Powder - Ground Mineral Rock/Stone

Mixed with oil —> made a dough like salve

Touted as a miracle cure for blindness / vision loss

Wealthy City

Located along Romes extravagant road system

Their developments brought in commerce, opportunities for trade and wealth

Earthquake 60 AD

Rome was sending aid throughout the empire

Laodicea - Thanks, but no thanks, we got this

Known as, “The City that Made Themselves”

Jesus addresses them — describing himself as:

Amen - (faithful and true) witness - Trust my observation/testimony/case

From Jesus - The Amen

Faithful and True (witness) - Trust my observation, my testimony

Beginning of Creation

This is not that Jesus was the first Creation

But that all things have been created by Jesus - He is the origin

So his message is - trustworthy and carries weight (authority)

I Know Your Works

He doesn’t say get to work

Let me add some more context here, Laodicea