Revelation Chapter 2, is believed to be part of "the things that are" ( see Rev 1:19 ) or part of the church age. Or what can happen to any church, at any time, or to any individual christian at any time. And, Rev 2, is also believed to a record of church history up to a certain point. Chapter 3, will round out church history, bringing us right up till this last days church.
But, here's what the first four churches were like. Note: only one of them had no words of rebuke from Jesus. They all had some good fruit, but Jesus did not hold back from telling them what He had against them, or was against in general. Nor did He not have wonderful words of encouragement for each church, because He did, and I pray that you might be encouraged as well.
There was the active but loveless church.
There was encouragement to patience and no rebuke to the suffering church.
There was the church of pride and greed, and the misuse of spiritual authority.
There was the church that allowed sexual immorality to be taught and practiced.
So, if there is one thing very encouraging by way of example, it would be the patience being born by the church members in Pergamos. They were simply enduring persecution and trouble. And, that is one of the best things anyone can do who is in a similar situation. Just endure it. Endure the afflictions, don't give up, but rather just be patient, hang in there, and trust the Lord in the mean time.
As to the sins and activities to avoid, to repent of, to get rid of there is quite a list of them in 3 of these letters. And, it's interesting to note that the bad fruit can grow right along side of the good fruit. Like the wheat and the tares that Jesus spoke of.
Some things to consider.
From the active but loveless church at Ephesus, we see that we can do all that can be done, and yet not be doing ( or being ) the one thing that is the most important to the Lord, and that is our love for Him, and for others. We can be a hard working but unloving church. Something to take note of, and to examine in our own lives, and to repent of if needed.
Greed and pride, are twin powers that if given into can bring a man or a woman, or a church down.
Loving money is a root of all evil. It has pierced through many a soul, and is an ever present danger in and around us, and especially in this material loving world that is trying to exclude God, and make money, and materialism the god of all things and of all people.
Sexual sins are also a real and pervasive and never ending problem it seems. We see it almost daily on the news, and don't see it when it's hidden in the lives of people around us, or perhaps our own lives. It's a sin common to man, one that brings destruction into lives, and into marriages, to families, to jobs, to friends etc, etc. It's not right and anyone who says it is, is not in line with the teaching and heart of God. God created sex for the marriage bed, and not for anywhere else, or with anyone else. It's a husband and wife blessing.
God is slow to judge, and very patient in giving time to repent and change our ways. He does not want to pounce on anyone, but rather desires to lead them away from harmful things, and to heal them, and to bless them. But, there has to be a reception by the individual into God's grace and mercy.
These letters are a good window to look through into our own souls and see who we are, and see what we may or may not be doing. And, they are a great look at our wonderful and powerful loving, and graciously, merciful, all knowing and present in our churches Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
