Revelation For Now & Future Part 4
Revelation For Now & Future Part 4 • Sermon • Submitted
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As we just finished chapter 1 and verse 20 has informed us of the meaning behind the seven stars and the seven lampstands (candlesticks if you’re reading KJV)
We note the Greek word in the text for Angel is commonly translated/interpretted messenger within this text.
If it is rendered “Angel” — then we must pay special attention to the of the reality of the “spiritual function of the church” and also to point to the connection to the help we have in heaven.
If it is rendered “messenger” — then we might look to the earthly connection to the role of pastor. If pastor then the reference is to give a prophetic message to this role within each of the seven churches declared in the letter.
Let’s read our next passage in Rev. 2:1-7
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
“ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
Jesus Speaking as God
Jesus Speaking as God
Let’s look at vs. 1
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
Notice his connection to chapter 1.
In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
In both of these verses we can see that Jesus is making us think of Yahweh.
We are seeing the Father and Son in unity and activity.
One might say the unanimity within the Godhead.
He holds the seven churches and the seven messengers.
Tonight will take a closer look at the first of the seven churches.
Note worthy on Ephesus:
largest city in Asia Minor
major port city (the intersection between the Aegean and the Cayster River)
many temples —a large temple for the goddess Artemis
Made the Capital of Asia Minor by Augustus
Hundreds of thousands in population
Shrine to Diana-tradition says Timothy was beaten, dragged, and stoned for preaching the gospel while the pagans were trying to parade in honor of her.
Ephesus & Christianity:
Paul - was the planter
Timothy- the pastor
Priscilla/Aquila -workers within the church
Apollos - preached
Paul - served here for 2 yrs. 3 mo.
John sends them one of his last final seven letters.
One might say that the folks @ Ephesus had every opportunity for Christian success.
If we were to lay out a roadmap of leadership for success of a new church start, we could find none finer.
Knowledge & Presence
Knowledge & Presence
“ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.
Notice that the description of vs 1 combined with verse two shows a faithful presence with the churches.
Where else would the bridegroom be but amongst the bride.
Jesus is coming as One who knows.
What does He know?
Their works
Their struggle
Their steadfastness
Their purity of relationship
Their apologetics
Paul gave them a great reminder in Acts 20:28-30
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Did You Forget Something?
Did You Forget Something?
I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
We should alwasy pay close attention whe there is a repeated statement in Scripture.
Vs. 3 repeats the idea of endurance and remaining steady in trials.
So this you have done well, but there is still something I have against you is What the Lord is saying.
First Love
What is their “First Love”?
Let’s first pay close attention to the transition from accolade to admonishment.
It’s not a loss of salvation
It’s a loss of fervor!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.
Love of God was to be all encompassing.
Love of God should drive a love of neighbor.
And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
A loss of fervor was not doctrinal, but practical.
What we are talking about is a love for neighbor that practically lives out and presents the Gospel.
One of the last commands of Christ to the disciples was recorded in Acts 1:8.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Recognize, Turn, & Do/Go
Recognize, Turn, & Do/Go
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
What are they to do?
See how far you have departed from your way.
Turn or one might say turn around and move back towards God’s way.
Start to proclaim the Truth again in Love.
What if they dont?
Christ will come to them, but not in a good way.
He will remove their “church as a light”.
In essence, the church will cease to exist.
This is exactly what eventually happened to the church at Ephesus.
The church and the city no longer exist as they did in these days.
Remain Separate
Remain Separate
Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
A commendation for not joining with the world around them.
Nicolaitans taught it is just find to blend in with those worshiping the false gods.
Hear & Heed
Hear & Heed
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
Prophetic in nature - “he who has an ear, let him hear”
We are not talking about persecution, but a failure to obey the commision/call/demand of God...
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Walking Away But In:
Do not let your doctrine be intellectual, but truth to be lived out.
Love for Christ is the beginning of love for others and the heart of evanglism. (cannot be separate)
Lampstand=Holy Spirit — If we have Christ, we have the Spirit and a drive to share.
Do not dillute the Gospel to make it palatable. Speak truth in and as love.