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Showing posts with label Laodicea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laodicea. Show all posts

Monday, August 25, 2025

What Would Jesus Write to Us? | A Sermon On Romans 12:3 & Revelation 1-3

Romans 12:3
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?

Ephesus
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.”

Smyrna & Philadelphia
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.

Ask yourself:
  1. How do I typically respond when life feels hard, unfair, or overwhelming—do I lean into Christ or shrink back in fear or doubt?
  2. 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 & Thyatira
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.

Ask yourself:

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.”

Sardis
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.  

Ask yourself:
  1. Am I more concerned with looking spiritually alive on the outside than truly being alive in Christ on the inside?
  2. 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
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.  

Ask yourself:

  1. Am I relying too much on my own comfort, resources, or success instead of depending fully on Jesus?
  2. 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.