Because of the privilege and authority[c] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
Introduction
This is the last
sermon in this series about Jesus’ letters to the 7 churches in Revelation (Rev1-3). And the message today will be much different than the ones before. This will be a summary of all we’ve heard so far. But it will also be a chance for you to reflect and pray and ask: What
is Jesus saying to me today?
So here’s
what I will do. I’m going to
briefly summarize the message of each letter Jesus wrote. Then, I will suggest a few questions for you to ask yourself.
But what you
do in today’s sermon is as important as anything I say. You need to honestly and prayerfully reflect on these questions for
yourself. Them pray about it to the Lord. Because
Jesus is here. He walks among us. And Jesus still speaks. And we need to
have ears to hear and listen to what He says. Are you ready?
To the church in Ephesus, Jesus praised their hard work, endurance, and refusal to tolerate evil. But He rebuked them for losing their first love and He called them to repent and return to the passion they had at the beginning of their walk with Him.
Now I want you to prayerfully ask yourself a few questions. This is just between you and Jesus.
Ask yourself:
1.
Have I let my faith become more about duty, knowledge,
or activity than about a genuine love relationship with Jesus?
2.
What specific step could I take this week to rekindle
my “first love” for Jesus—whether in prayer, worship, or service?
(Take some time for silent reflection and personal prayer before your continue.)
Pray: “Lord
Jesus, forgive us when our love for You grows cold. Rekindle the passion we
once had, that we may serve You not only with our hands and minds but with
joyful, devoted love. Draw us back to our first love—You. Amen.”
What Jesus said to Smyrna was very similar to what He said to Philadelphia. So we’ll address these two churches together. Jesus commended both for remaining faithful
despite Smyrna facing terrible persecution and Philadelphia being weak and small. Jesus encouraged them to continue to remain faithful amidst their trials and they would receive eternal rewards.
- How
do I typically respond when life feels hard, unfair, or overwhelming—do I
lean into Christ or shrink back in fear or doubt?
- In
what ways might I be underestimating how God can use me, even if I feel
weak, small, or insignificant?
(Take some time for silent reflection and personal prayer before your continue.)
Pray: “Faithful
Lord, I’m glad You see us even in our weakness and trials. Strengthen us to
endure, to hold fast to Your Word, and to remain faithful to the end. Keep our
eyes on the crown of life You have promised. Amen.”
Pergamum and Thyatira also received similar words from the Lord, but more critical. Pergamum was commended for holding fast to Jesus’ name even in a city full of idolatry. Jesus commended Thyatira for their love, faith, service, and endurance. However, Jesus rebuked them both for tolerating sin and false teaching. He sternly warned them to repent, resist compromise, and remain faithful to God’s Word.
1.
Are there areas in my life where I’ve tolerated sin or
compromise, excusing what I know is not pleasing to God?
2.
What would it look like for me to take a firm stand for
holiness this week, even if it costs me something?
(Take some time for silent reflection and personal prayer before your continue.)
Pray: “Lord Jesus, You’re
Word is sharper than a double-edged sword. Forgive us where we have compromised
Your truth or tolerated sin. Give us courage to resist temptation, strength to
stand firm, and hearts that remain faithful to You alone. Amen.”
The Church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive, but Jesus said they were spiritually dead. Jesus called them to wake up, strengthen what remained, repent, and walk in purity so their names would never be erased from the book of life.
- Am I more concerned with looking
spiritually alive on the outside than truly being alive in Christ on the
inside?
- What step of repentance do I need
to take today to walk in purity and integrity with Jesus?
(Take some time for silent reflection and personal prayer before your continue.)
Pray:
“Lord Jesus, awaken
us from spiritual slumber. Expose the places where our faith has grown cold,
and breathe new life into our hearts. Help us to repent, to walk in purity, and
to remain faithful so that our names may be secure in Your book of life. Amen.”
Laodicea was lukewarm—neither hot nor cold. They were proud of their wealth, yet spiritually poor, blind, and naked. Jesus urged them to repent, seek true riches in Him, and open the door so He could come in and fellowship with them.
- Am I relying too much on my own comfort, resources, or success instead of depending fully on Jesus?
- In what ways might my faith
have grown lukewarm—lacking passion, zeal, or wholehearted obedience?
(Take some time for silent reflection and personal prayer before your continue.)
Pray: “Lord
Jesus, forgive us for the times we have been lukewarm or self-sufficient. Open
our eyes to our true need for You. Give us zeal to repent and hearts eager to
welcome You in, so we may share in Your fellowship and find true riches in Your
presence. Amen.”
Closing Invitation
As we close this message and time of reflection today, I remind you of Christ’s words from Revelation
3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and
opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Jesus is
here, knocking at the door of your heart. Won’t you open the door to Christ? Won’t
you let Him truly be in charge of your life? Repent of your sin and He will save you.
Let Him take control and He will welcome you into His Kingdom.
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