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Letter to the Seven Churches
–
Part 2Page 11)
Introduction:a)
Interpretive views on the seven churches (not exclusive or exhaustive):i)
Seven literal churches in Asia minorii)
Churches typify (illustrate) conditions and issues common in the early churchand throughout the church age (in addition to literal churches); Walvoord:
“all churches at all times and in all places”
iii)
Churches represent the chronological development of Church history (C. I.Scofield, Clarence Larkin)b)
Questions:i)
Why these churches?ii)
Why not: Rome? Antioch? Jerusalem? (post 70 AD perhaps had beendestroyed!)c)
Challenges:i)
Challenges the way we measure Church successii)
If we view ourselves as components of the local body, challenges each to be
“the right stuff”
iii)
Note the personal (singular) challenge: “
He who has an ear, let him hearwhat the Spirit says to the churches
” (sevenfold)
Letter to the Seven Churches
–
Part 2Page 2d)
Formula (
seven “letters” or royal edicts, each of
which follows a pattern):i)
The royal author describes himself in terms from ch. 1. (ii)
“I know” introduces his diagnosis of the church’s condition, both positive
(except for Sardis and Laodicea) and negative (except for Smyrna andPhiladelphia)iii)
Comfort and commands flow from the diagnosis.iv)
All of the churches are commanded to hear and heed all of the letters (“whatthe Spirit says to the churches,” 2:7, etc.).
v)
A
blessing is promised to “the one who conquers,”
(ESV)e)
Walvoord’s view of the pattern:
i)
The Commissionii)
The Characteriii)
The Commendation (none for Sardis and Laodicea)iv)
The Condemnation (none for Smyrna and Philadelphia)v)
The Correctionvi)
The Callvii)
The Challengef)
My chart (available online):i)
Commission: “
To the angel of the church of ______ write
…”
ii)
Christology: Eg: “
He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks inthe midst of the seven golden lampstands
”
iii)
Commendation: Eg. “
I know your works, your labor, your patience
”
iv)
Condemnation: Eg, “
you have left your first love
”
v)
Exhortation: Eg. “
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repentand do the first works
”
vi)
Call: Eg.”
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to thechurches.
”
vii)
Challenge: e
g. “
To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life
”
g)
Three Churches to considered this morning
Letter to the Seven Churches
–
Part 2Page 31.
Sardis (The Dead Church): 3:1-6a.
The Grid:
SardisCommissionAnd to the angel of the church in Sardis writeChristologicalThese things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven starsCommendation NoneCondemnationI know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you aredead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that areready to die, for I have
not found your works perfect before God. …. .
Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and youwill not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few nameseven in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walkwith Me in white, for they are worthyExhortationRemember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast andrepentCallHe who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churchesChallengeHe who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blotout his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before MyFather and before His angelsCommentCall is last; semi-commendation: You have a few names even in Sardiswho have not defiled their garmentsb.
Comments:i.
Temple of Artemis
in Sardis was the fourth largestIonic temple in the world. Originally built in 300 BC by the ancient Greeks, thetemple was renovated by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. During the Romanperiod it served also as a temple of the imperial cult.iii.
Wikipedia and other Internet sources provide quick references for Artemis (alsoknown as Diana): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis
iv.
Sardis the capital of Lydiav.
On important East <-> West trade routevi.
Center of Textile manufacturing; Gold and silver coinage; Jewelry trade
vii.
Had a “reputation” (ESV: “reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”
) The
Omniscient Christ sees within! “
you are dead
”
viii.
“
book of life
”
1.
Philippians 4:3,
“
And I urge you also, true companion, help thesewomen who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and therest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
2.
Revelation: 13:8; 17:8; 20:12 & 15; 21:27; and 22:19
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