CHRISTS MESSAGES TO SEVEN CHURCHES

Sermon or Study Outline:

Today our letter to you is a sketchy outline of Revelation Chapter 2 and 3. Although the book titled The Revelation is difficult to understand in some places because of its figurative language, it is still an important book for our times. It is a certain thing that Jesus Christ is coming back to set up His Kingdom.


The writer is known to us. He is John the Apostle who was a prisoner on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea just off the west coast of what we call Asia Minor or modern day Turkey. The seven churches were all in operation at the time of John's writing, but have all vanished from the scene long ago.


Chapter one will give us the background of our text material. The Lord Jesus appeared to John and instructed him to write down the things revealed to him. The seven stars that Jesus carried in his hands represented the angels of the churches. This word angel is simply translated as messenger, or bearer of tidings, or the pastor of the church. The candlesticks are the churches. (See 1:20) To those who refuse His counsel, He will "come and remove the candlestick out of his place" 2:5.


There are certain things Christ says to every Church.


To everyone he says, "I know thy works."


To everyone He says, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."


To every church, He promised a reward to the overcomer.


To five of the seven, He commanded to repent.



Here are two suggested outlines:

I Comprehension - I know thy works
An omniscient God knows all actions and attitudes.
"By his actions are weighed, I Sam. 2:3

II Commendation - In every case, If God sees obedience, integrity and faithfulness He offers praise -    especially Smyrna and Philadelphia.


III Condemnation - God is specific in identifying the wrong.


IV Counsel - In every case God - or Christ - offers advice and points the way back.


V Comfort - Hope and consolation are promised to those who hear and obey.






Or this outline:


1. Remember - 2:5


2. Retain - Keep what you have - 2:25; 3:11.


3. Repent - 2:5, 16, 22; 3:3, 19


4. Resist - All forms of evil.


5. Regain - Return to your former state and "first love" 2:4.


6. Rejoice - That God still calls, warns, welcomes, rewards.


7. Rewards - for return or steadfastness.