You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. - Mark 12:30
As we learned last week, the book of Revelation opens with a few general statements. First, it describes the manner in which the Revelation was communicated from God to Jesus, from Jesus to His angel, from the angel to John, and finally from John to us (in written form). Second, it indicates that God purposefully wanted Jesus to share this important message with His servants. Third, there is a blessing conferred upon those who read and heed its prophecies. Fourth, it conveys a repeated sense of urgency regarding the prophecies contained therein.
After making these introductory remarks, John includes a greeting to the 7 churches of Asia. These churches collectively represent the church at large. He invokes the grace and peace of the triune God to rest upon them, and then writes a brief exultation to Jesus Christ. Before going any farther, John makes his thesis statement - the main idea of this entire book. Jesus is coming again visibly and personally to the earth.
This morning, as we continue our new sermon series through Revelation, we will begin our exploration of John’s messages to the 7 churches of Asia. As we do this, let’s consider how these lessons apply to Christian churches today - especially our own.
I. THE PATMOS VISION (Revelation 1:9-11)
The apostle John described himself as someone who was very familiar with persecution and suffering for the cause of Christ. In fact, he had been banished to the island of Patmos for this very reason - his public and unyielding testimony of Jesus. Patmos was a small island, just off the western coast of Asia Minor in the Aegean Sea, that served as a Roman penal colony. Prisoners were sent there to endure heavy labor as a consequence of their crime(s).
On a particular Sunday during his exile there, John came under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He heard a loud, trumpet-like voice speaking behind him. This voice instructed him to write down everything that he was about to see (in his forthcoming vision) and send it to the nearby local churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
II. THE GLORIOUS MESSENGER (Revelation 1:12-20)
John turned around to see who was speaking to him. There stood Jesus, “one like the Son of man”, clothed in a long robe and wrapped around the chest in a golden sash. His hair was white like wool, His eyes ablaze like fire, and His feet glowing as burnished bronze. He spoke the word of God, described as a sharp-two edged sword, and His voice sounded like the roaring of many waters. He was standing in the midst of seven golden lampstands, and in His right hand He held 7 stars.
Upon seeing Jesus, John immediately fell at His feet. Jesus placed His hand on John and told him not to be afraid. Then the Lord identified Himself as “the first and the last”, “the living One”, He who was raised from the dead to live evermore, and He who has control over death and Hades. Jesus once again instructed John to write the things which he had seen, was seeing, and would see. Finally, Jesus explained that the 7 lampstands encircling Him represented the churches of Asia and the 7 stars in His hand were their “angels”.
The Greek word “aggelos” is translated as either angel or messenger. On most occasions it refers to a supernatural being, but it can also apply to a natural person. John the Baptist was referred to as an “aggelos” (see Mark 1:2). While there are different interpretations of the 7 “angels” in Jesus’ right hand, I believe that they most likely represent the human pastors or leaders of these churches. These men would serve as the messengers of this vision to their respective congregations. Personally, I take great comfort in the thought that I (as a pastor) am being held safely and securely in Jesus’ hand.
III. THE MESSAGE TO EPHESUS (Revelation 2:1-7)
The first of these 7 messages is addressed to the pastor and congregation of the church at Ephesus. Harkening back to His earlier comments, Jesus now presents Himself as “the One who holds the 7 stars in His right hand” and “who walks among the 7 golden lampstands”. At the beginning of most of these letters, Jesus will describe Himself with an excerpt from His original introduction to John on the island of Patmos.
Jesus begins by commending the Ephesian church for several of their good deeds. He mentions 4 of them specifically. First, they are a hard-working church, busily engaged in various forms of ministry. Second, they exhibit perseverance by tirelessly enduring for the cause of Christ despite facing ongoing persecution. Third, they do not tolerate evil people or allow their fellowship to be tainted by unrepentant sinners. Fourth, they carefully guard themselves against false teachers and dismiss those who promote heresy, such as the Nicolaitans.
The Nicolaitans were one of several heretical sects that existed during the first century. Some Bible commentators have speculated that they were the followers of Nicholas, one of the first 7 deacons chosen to serve the New Testament church (see Acts 6:5). According to this theory, Nicholas eventually denied the faith, became an apostate, and brazenly embraced false doctrine. The Nicolaitans were known for eating food that had been sacrificed to idols. They practiced and taught a lifestyle of indulgence and licentiousness which grossly perverted the true meaning of grace.
Despite all of its positive attributes, Jesus rebuked the church at Ephesus for leaving its “first love”. In other words, their affection for God had grown cold. The joy and passion for Christ that they’d experienced previously was all but gone. Their worship, ministry, and service had become nothing more than religious activity. Though they were doing good deeds, they lacked the proper motivation. Apart from love, their work was largely in vain (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Jesus urged the Ephesians to remember and rekindle the warm adoration and devotion that they’d once had for Lord. He called them to forsake their halfheartedness and apathy and to return to the intimacy of their former days. Furthermore, He warned them that they’d lose their godly influence and standing if they failed to repent.
Jesus ended his remarks (attributed also to the Holy Spirit) to the Ephesian church by extending His message to all believers. Leaving your first love, as He described it, is a danger that all Christians face. This is why we must constantly refresh and revive our relationship with Jesus. We must carefully maintain our affection and closeness with Him. Speaking from experience, nothing is more mundane and exhausting that Christianity apart from a vibrant, loving relationship with Jesus. Finally, those who overcome will be given access to the tree of life which is in “the Paradise of God” (see Revelation 22:2).
CONCLUSION
Today’s message is the first of a three part overview of Jesus’ comments to the 7 churches of Asia. Each of these 7 churches had its strengths and weaknesses. Over the years, theologians have characterized each of these churches in a particular way. The church at Ephesus, which we discussed this morning, is often described as “The Loveless Church”. Have you ever visited or been a member of a congregation like this? I have, and it was awful! Beloved, we must always remember that our first and foremost responsibility as individual Christians and as a local church body is simply to love God completely with all that we have and with all that we are. Everything else must flow from our loving commitment to the Lord.
Next week we will continue with part 2 of this timely message as we consider Jesus’ words to the churches at Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. As you probably expect, there are more lessons to be learned from His statements. Until then, take some time each day to tell God how much you love Him.
As we learned last week, the book of Revelation opens with a few general statements. First, it describes the manner in which the Revelation was communicated from God to Jesus, from Jesus to His angel, from the angel to John, and finally from John to us (in written form). Second, it indicates that God purposefully wanted Jesus to share this important message with His servants. Third, there is a blessing conferred upon those who read and heed its prophecies. Fourth, it conveys a repeated sense of urgency regarding the prophecies contained therein.
After making these introductory remarks, John includes a greeting to the 7 churches of Asia. These churches collectively represent the church at large. He invokes the grace and peace of the triune God to rest upon them, and then writes a brief exultation to Jesus Christ. Before going any farther, John makes his thesis statement - the main idea of this entire book. Jesus is coming again visibly and personally to the earth.
This morning, as we continue our new sermon series through Revelation, we will begin our exploration of John’s messages to the 7 churches of Asia. As we do this, let’s consider how these lessons apply to Christian churches today - especially our own.
I. THE PATMOS VISION (Revelation 1:9-11)
The apostle John described himself as someone who was very familiar with persecution and suffering for the cause of Christ. In fact, he had been banished to the island of Patmos for this very reason - his public and unyielding testimony of Jesus. Patmos was a small island, just off the western coast of Asia Minor in the Aegean Sea, that served as a Roman penal colony. Prisoners were sent there to endure heavy labor as a consequence of their crime(s).
On a particular Sunday during his exile there, John came under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He heard a loud, trumpet-like voice speaking behind him. This voice instructed him to write down everything that he was about to see (in his forthcoming vision) and send it to the nearby local churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
II. THE GLORIOUS MESSENGER (Revelation 1:12-20)
John turned around to see who was speaking to him. There stood Jesus, “one like the Son of man”, clothed in a long robe and wrapped around the chest in a golden sash. His hair was white like wool, His eyes ablaze like fire, and His feet glowing as burnished bronze. He spoke the word of God, described as a sharp-two edged sword, and His voice sounded like the roaring of many waters. He was standing in the midst of seven golden lampstands, and in His right hand He held 7 stars.
Upon seeing Jesus, John immediately fell at His feet. Jesus placed His hand on John and told him not to be afraid. Then the Lord identified Himself as “the first and the last”, “the living One”, He who was raised from the dead to live evermore, and He who has control over death and Hades. Jesus once again instructed John to write the things which he had seen, was seeing, and would see. Finally, Jesus explained that the 7 lampstands encircling Him represented the churches of Asia and the 7 stars in His hand were their “angels”.
The Greek word “aggelos” is translated as either angel or messenger. On most occasions it refers to a supernatural being, but it can also apply to a natural person. John the Baptist was referred to as an “aggelos” (see Mark 1:2). While there are different interpretations of the 7 “angels” in Jesus’ right hand, I believe that they most likely represent the human pastors or leaders of these churches. These men would serve as the messengers of this vision to their respective congregations. Personally, I take great comfort in the thought that I (as a pastor) am being held safely and securely in Jesus’ hand.
III. THE MESSAGE TO EPHESUS (Revelation 2:1-7)
The first of these 7 messages is addressed to the pastor and congregation of the church at Ephesus. Harkening back to His earlier comments, Jesus now presents Himself as “the One who holds the 7 stars in His right hand” and “who walks among the 7 golden lampstands”. At the beginning of most of these letters, Jesus will describe Himself with an excerpt from His original introduction to John on the island of Patmos.
Jesus begins by commending the Ephesian church for several of their good deeds. He mentions 4 of them specifically. First, they are a hard-working church, busily engaged in various forms of ministry. Second, they exhibit perseverance by tirelessly enduring for the cause of Christ despite facing ongoing persecution. Third, they do not tolerate evil people or allow their fellowship to be tainted by unrepentant sinners. Fourth, they carefully guard themselves against false teachers and dismiss those who promote heresy, such as the Nicolaitans.
The Nicolaitans were one of several heretical sects that existed during the first century. Some Bible commentators have speculated that they were the followers of Nicholas, one of the first 7 deacons chosen to serve the New Testament church (see Acts 6:5). According to this theory, Nicholas eventually denied the faith, became an apostate, and brazenly embraced false doctrine. The Nicolaitans were known for eating food that had been sacrificed to idols. They practiced and taught a lifestyle of indulgence and licentiousness which grossly perverted the true meaning of grace.
Despite all of its positive attributes, Jesus rebuked the church at Ephesus for leaving its “first love”. In other words, their affection for God had grown cold. The joy and passion for Christ that they’d experienced previously was all but gone. Their worship, ministry, and service had become nothing more than religious activity. Though they were doing good deeds, they lacked the proper motivation. Apart from love, their work was largely in vain (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Jesus urged the Ephesians to remember and rekindle the warm adoration and devotion that they’d once had for Lord. He called them to forsake their halfheartedness and apathy and to return to the intimacy of their former days. Furthermore, He warned them that they’d lose their godly influence and standing if they failed to repent.
Jesus ended his remarks (attributed also to the Holy Spirit) to the Ephesian church by extending His message to all believers. Leaving your first love, as He described it, is a danger that all Christians face. This is why we must constantly refresh and revive our relationship with Jesus. We must carefully maintain our affection and closeness with Him. Speaking from experience, nothing is more mundane and exhausting that Christianity apart from a vibrant, loving relationship with Jesus. Finally, those who overcome will be given access to the tree of life which is in “the Paradise of God” (see Revelation 22:2).
CONCLUSION
Today’s message is the first of a three part overview of Jesus’ comments to the 7 churches of Asia. Each of these 7 churches had its strengths and weaknesses. Over the years, theologians have characterized each of these churches in a particular way. The church at Ephesus, which we discussed this morning, is often described as “The Loveless Church”. Have you ever visited or been a member of a congregation like this? I have, and it was awful! Beloved, we must always remember that our first and foremost responsibility as individual Christians and as a local church body is simply to love God completely with all that we have and with all that we are. Everything else must flow from our loving commitment to the Lord.
Next week we will continue with part 2 of this timely message as we consider Jesus’ words to the churches at Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. As you probably expect, there are more lessons to be learned from His statements. Until then, take some time each day to tell God how much you love Him.