Promises Of Blessing Despite Much Sin

Last Sun I completed preaching on what Jesus said to the Seven Churches in Revelation chapter 2-3. Briefly:

1. Ephesus was a loveless church. She was excellent in Bible study and Christian activities, but lacking in love (Rev 2:4). They spoke the truth very well, but their love was not evident (Eph 4:15).
2. Smyrna was a suffering church. She received no rebuke from Jesus because they were willing to suffer for their faith unto death (Rev 2:10b). They supremely valued Jesus and did not consider it a loss to lose their own lives.
3. Pergamum was a compromising church. She  stood by the truth until one of her members was killed (Rev 2:13). They were not intimidated by the sword, but they succumbed to the "soft" seduction of idolatry and immorality (Rev 2:14).
4. Thyatira was an elitist church. They thought they had the deep truths of God and were elitist (Rev 2:24). But they too succumbed to immorality and idolatry (Rev 2:20).
5. Sardis was a dishonest church. She was not honest about herself; though she was quite dead, she was happy to have a good reputation of being alive (Rev 3:1).
6. Philadelphia was an inclusive church. Though they had little strength amid persecution, they kept Jesus' word and did not deny His name (Rev 3:8). Though they could hardly do anything, they were an open door to God and to the world.
   
7. Laodicea was a sick church. Jesus was not just grieved or angry with them, but sick enough to throw up because they were lukewarm (Rev 3:16).

To each church Jesus gave the same promise: "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Their reward for overcoming and believing Jesus' promise would be great. This is nothing but the grace of God.

1. Ephesus would be given the right to eat from the tree of life (Rev 2:7).
2. Smyrna would not be harmed by the second death (Rev 2:11), even if they are put to death.
3. Pergamum would be made new with a glorious and mysterious new name (Rev 2:17).
4. Thyatira would be given the morning star (Rev 2:28).
5. Sardis would not be erased from the book of life and have her name acknowledged before the Father (Rev 3:5).
6. Philadelphia would be a pillar in the temple of God and have the name of God written on them (Rev 3:12).
7. Laodicea, one of the worst churches, would sit with Jesus on his throne (Rev 3:21).

Do you know of God's great love despite yourself?