GOD-ORDAINED PATTERN

God’s ordained pattern for:
1) A lasting Legacy
2) True impartation
3) Succession Process.
4) The purpose of Pastoring and parenting,
5) Genuine fellowship
6)  Prolonging generational blessing and values
6) Prolonging a godly heritage
7) Genuine fellowship.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it”. Prov.22:6
 
A child should be trained the way he should go and not the way he wants to go. The training is not meant for just training purpose and the effect is not temporal.
 
Jer. 35:1-19
“…Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink…and I said to them, Drink wine…But they said, We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, You shall drink no wine, you nor your sons, forever…Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters…and have obeyed and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us…Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts and done according to all that he commanded you, 'therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever”.
 
The responsibility of a true father is to exercise his authority within the context of God’s word-within godly counsel.
 
As a child of God, any instruction that runs contrary to the word of God, you are not held bound by it but any instruction that is of God, you are held bound by it. God’s authority supersedes all.
 
Looking at the life of the Rechabites, they held to the instruction handed down to them by their father, such that, God promised they would not lack a man to stand before Him forever. They obeyed their human father and God is a Father to us, heeding His instructions should not be hard for us.
 
In The Home
- Parents are supposed to train their children. If you are not ready to train, don’t give birth to them. This training is discipleship. It is more important than paying school fees.  It is more than giving instructions. A parent ought to be a coach.
- Children ought to own this training, develop it and never depart from it just as the children of the Rechabites didn’t depart from the instruction of their father long ago. As children, your first goal should be to get all you need to get before you leave your parents’ home rather than be eager to want to live, to be independent. The process of parenting is the process of apprenticeship.

- As a child, you are an apprentice. Just as the apprentice lives by what he’s taught, so children are to live by the upbringing given by their parents, no matter where you find yourself.
- What you have come to own is seen in your choices and decisions. When a child owns the training, it builds/develops the character that matches the mandate which that child is to fulfill.
 
Every mandate has a Character.  Sometimes we miss opportunities because we do not have the character needed. One should be able to look at a child, and tell the kind of home he comes from. Children are to live by the training they have received.
 
In application to the Church
The same principle and order that governs the home governs the church also. 1 Pt. 2:2, Is. 9:6, 1 John 2:13-These scriptures clearly shows us the same line of thought in the home and for the church.  God uses family terms to pass across His message. 1 Tim. 1:1, 2 Tim. 1:2, Matt. 6:9. God is our Father, Jesus is the Son.
 
Jesus was never referred to as a child of God. The contention has always been because He called Himself the Son of God. This is because the Jews understood who a son is meant to be. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given”.  A son goes through training and process, has grown, he’s subject to his father and takes responsibility. A son is a representative of the father, he can take and make decisions in the stead of the father.
 
The home is the small church; the church is the big home. The same principle governs both. Eph. 5:32-the kind of relationship that exists between the man and the wife is the same relationship that ought to exist between Christ and the church.
 
- If the home is a training ground, then the church is also a training ground.
 
These are the last days, stop playing Church. God’s word is God, stop taking His instructions for granted. If you have decided to serve God, serve Him.
 
It was God that set up the home and church institutions. You cannot think of running the institutions of God the way you like and not expect to incur His wrath. 1 Cor. 4:15, Acts 2:42.
 
The home/church is a family affair. We were not called to live a life of independence but interdependence.
 
What’s the Take-Off point?
“But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth”. 1 Tim. 3:15 (Eph. 4:8-12-14)
- The big church is a training centre for the effectiveness of the small church.
- The first take-off point for ministry is the home.
- You must be trained to train effectively. The training of life doesn’t jump on a man, it does not come by age, There’s a deliberate part you have to play. You must be discipled to disciple.
-Luke 2:51-52. Jesus subjected Himself to His parents’ authority in God. Jesus went through a process. He wasn’t a man of Himself.
 
As a part of the body in a local assembly, you should be subject to the authority there under God.

Action steps
 
Whatever you are not interested in, you will never know.
 
LEARN TO ASK WHY. If you don’t ask why, you will not know the reason why. Learn to ask why certain persons are the ones in your life. For example, learn to ask why is your spouse the one God gave you, why is this Pastor, the Pastor of the church you are attending or why are your parents the ones He gave you, why am I a Nigerian and not an American, why is Buhari our president? When you know the reasons and answers to these questions, it will make you to stop opposing and criticizing what ordinarily should make for a smooth working relationship.
 
If you interpret wrongly, you will resist what you need the most.
 
It is God you need to ask the why and when you do, He will begin to show you. Matt. 8:9-many times, we want men to be subject to us but are not subject to the authority of God. If you know you want to give orders that must be taken, you have to be able to take orders. If God can instruct you and you accept it, you also will be able to instruct and it will be accepted also.
 
“Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it”. Jer. 6:16

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”. Matt.11:28-29
 
If it is Jesus we are learning from, we ought to take His yoke (instructions/training…) because therein lies the rest we are seeking.
 
"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me”. John 15:4.
 
We must abide in Jesus if we want the rest we so desperately seek.
 
See the home and church differently.  Be careful how you deal with authority.
 
Once the Lord Jesus (the word of God) is out of the equation, it is vain, empty. For Jesus said, without me, you can do nothing.
 
Stop blaming others for your state, take responsibility.
 
Learn to ask why, so your destiny in God will find expression

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES

TO THE CHURCH IN LAODICEA (Revelation 3:14-22)

 
ADDRESS
This letter is addressed to the church in Laodicea and the word Laodicea means peoples right or judgment of the people. They were identified as the rich-poor church, also known as the lukewarm, self-satisfied church, boasting of her wealth though poor, miserable and blind. It illustrates the final state of apostasy- ie to abandon one’s faith, principles or course, which the present Church is experiencing; it is the climax, total shift of the divine order.

Background
Laodicea was founded by a man named Antichus11, it was named after his wife, it appears to be a very common name for women at that time. Laodicea was a banking centre and possessed immense wealth, it boasted of an excellent and well known medical school, it was noted for the manufacture of wool and known for its production of an eye salve ointment. Laodicea was also known as a city of compromise. However, with all the wealth this city was known for, it lacked adequate water supply, letting us know that you cannot quantify what you lose by compromising. It is expensive to live a life of compromise.
 
ATTRIBUTES
Jesus introduced Himself as the Amen, Faithful, True witness, the beginning of the creation of God. Rev. 3:14.
Amen-one who is steady and unchangeable in all His purposes and promises.
Faithful-steady, consistent, loyal, not moving by the wind.
True witness-A witness is a martyr, one who will never compromise His stand or what He believes, and is willing to die for what he believes.
The beginning of the creation of God-He’s the doorway. All that God intends to do, is done through Him-Jesus is the beginning, the head of God's new order. Gen. 1:1, John 1:1.

There is no other life outside of Him because all life proceeds from Him. His life gives light, and that light is the answer to darkness and outside of Him we have no life, thus, we are nothing.
 
COMMENDATION
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth”. Vs 15-16.
There was nothing to commend, whether corporately or individually. God demonstrates His love for us when He brings His word to us. It is not usually a function of the environment to live above board or to compromise, it is a choice.  To live above board is a choice.
The Laodicean church was the worst of all the churches.
 
ACCUSATION
What they said they were, was not how God saw them- "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'; and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” Vs 17.

 It takes a lot to keep people humble after they have begun to acquire things, Luke 12:16-19. Many times, we point to things we have achieved physically rather than putting our trust and boast in God. If you put anything ahead of God, you will lose for it. Your true wealth is what money can’t buy. Our real problems lie in when we have now “become”.
To be lukewarm means you are complacent. They supplied nothing sweet or healing for the spiritually sick or weary.

They had become blind to what they lacked which they could use to judge their true state. 2 Peter 1:9.
God detests lukewarmness. 

Historical Era
This letter is talking about the last days and prophetically, it is talking about the present-day church.
 
Modern Era
Self satisfied modern churches.  -Jude 1:3.
They downplay biblical laid down doctrine.  The spiritual has shifted to physical things. The faith we have embraced is not the faith that was handed down to us.
 
KEY LESSONS
God suffers for long but not forever. The state we used to be is not as important as the state we need to be when He brings His word to us.
 
ADVICE
Rev. 3:18, 2 Cor.6:1-10
"I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see”
- Gold tried in the fire, implies true living faith tried in the furnace of fire
- That they be clothed with white garment, this is to cloth with the garment of righteousness because sin exposes. They should anoint their eyes with salve. The judgment of God is real. If you are a son of God, you have to endure His chastening. Hebrews 12:5-8
- Eye salve -spiritual illumination.
 
ASSURANCE
Rev. 3:20-21
- Divine fellowship
- Spiritual enthronement
- An invitation to come to Him.
This is the last letter to the churches and this is an invitation to come to Him before the night of great tribulation.  All the time we have is NOW because tomorrow might be late.
 
In all of these letters, God didn’t promise blessings but reward. A blessing is a supernatural aid by the Lord.  A reward is something of value given in return for an act.  We must know that for everything we are doing, we will give an account of our stewardship.
 
PRAYER
I have ears and I hear
Lord I open up my heart to you afresh.

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES

 THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA

"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens: I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie; indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

ADDRESS

It was addressed to the church in Philadelphia. It existed between AD 1700-1900. Philadelphia means brotherly love.

Identity

They were known as the tried and faithful church, the weak but loyal church and the revival church which shows a state of spiritual advance.

History

The church was built at the centre of Greek culture. It is located 30miles off Sardis. Philadelphia was celebrated for it's rich wine.  Though having a Turkish name, they had five churches and a Christian population of about 3000.

ATTRIBUTES

Jesus introduced Himself as “He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens". In revealing Himself this way, it focuses on the fact that He is pure and holy, true (it is the truth that liberates), has the key (an emblem of authority, knowledge, access).

In essence, everything one is looking for is in Jesus, and if you have Him, you have all. Jesus was simply letting them know that their greatest need is Him, that amidst the distractions and trying times, He was all they needed. Only Jesus is constant.  He is the final authority.

COMMENDATION (Rev. 3:8)

"I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name”.

God takes records, He doesn’t delegate this. He commended them for keeping His word and did not deny His name. These words to them are two of the most blessed words that can be said about a church or a person. They had no social or political standing.

In spite of seemingly having no title or standing, they remained faithful in much opposition though with little strength. The pagan authorities often tested Christians by commanding them to renounce the name of Christ or to face death.

ACCUSATION

There was none. It is possible to live in "perfection" without any condemnation, when you make up your mind that it is the word of God that regulates everything about your life.

Historical era

It was a period of reformation. Prominent figures like Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards (His sermons, sinners in the hands of an angry God is considered a masterpiece), John Knox, George Whitefield, John Carrey, Andoriran Judson, David Livingston, D.L. Moody, were a part of this era.

Modern era, all earnest spiritual churches holding the truth of Jesus at all times, in doctrine, practice and lifestyle, in spite of the temptation both subtle and confrontational to compromise or deviate. 

KEY LESSONS

- 2 Cor. 13:1- This letter shows it is possible to live above board. Your ability to stay right in spite of trials and oppositions is all that matters, that is, you are up and doing in every way possible as expected by God. Living above board is more than not doing wrong.

- The power of love and the power of togetherness. It is love that unites us- Agape.

Great things can happen where there is love, where there is unity. Where there’s love, there’s God, there’s power. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death”. 1 John 3:14, 1 Pet.4:8. Where there’s love, many supposed issues would not be issues. The power of love and togetherness makes the impossible possible. Deliberately work on growing in love.

ADVICE

Rev. 3:11, 2 Tim. 4:6

Jesus encouraged them to hold fast what they had. You keep the faith, when you have every reason to be bitter, but you stay in love.

ASSURANCE (Rev. 3:11-12)

 - I have set before you an open door - great opportunities, generally for preaching the gospel. That's why great missions and missionaries came out of this era. 1 Cor. 16:9     

- Jesus assured them of preservation.

"I will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole earth”.  Verse 10

 “I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God...”

 “I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem...” Verse 12

Live and operate with eternity in view. Do not mortgage the temporal for the eternal.  Let's keep faith; if we are to see the faithfulness of God we must stay faithful.

PRAYER (Rev. 3:13)

I have ears and I hear.

I hold fast

 

 

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES

TO THE CHURCH IN SARDIS (Revelation 3:1-6)

ADDRESS
It is addressed to the church in Sardis. The church existed in Ad 1415-1700. The word Sardis means “remnant”.

Identity
The Sardis church is known as the reformation church. The word Reformation is from the word “reform” which means to get rid of unacceptable habits, to improve something by removing faults. They were known as dead but having a minority of godly men and women. They were also referred to as the dying church-i.e. spiritually dead.

Historical background 
Sardis was the most flourishing and famous city at that time, and it was noted for its great wealth. The chief of it was the carpet industry. Coins were first minted there.

ATTRIBUTE
Jesus referred to Himself as “He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars”. Seven denotes perfection, fullness. Thus, He revealed Himself in His fullness. Jesus needed to come in His fullness, in His perfection so they can be perfected because there was imperfection in them.

COMMENDATION (Rev 3: 4)
There was no commendation for the majority of the members in this church except for a few individuals whom the Lord commended for their purity.

Two key lessons from this point
1. God always has His remnant in every church age and time. (1 Kings 19:10, 18, Rom 11:2-5) If God gives you the privilege to be in a certain position, count it as such and do what is expected of you. Every time God replaces someone, it is always an improvement on the first. Anytime a man begins to feel indispensable, God withdraws from him. 

2. The fact that everybody is doing it does not mean you should do it. To be delivered from captivity, you must be sincere and repentant.
 - Heb. 12:1. In life, there are witnesses. There is always a good and bad example. We are all examples to people, either for good or bad. Where there is no good example to look up to, you should become the example. God will never leave Himself without a remnant.

The few in the church were referred to as worthy and God said they would walk with Him in white and white means purity. As you walk with Him, it’s from faith to faith, glory to glory and grace to grace.

The principles of God have not changed because He’s the same yesterday, today and forever, this means He will not lower His standard for anyone. Whatever He condemns in any generation that is against His standard/principles, remains what He will condemn in the next. God does not alter His standards for any age or time.

ACCUSATION/CONDEMNATION (Rev. 3: 2)
“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God”. 
This is one letter God began with a rebuke.
Their works were not found perfect before Him. 

Historical Facts about of this church
Historically, the practices in this church were a result of the idolatry practices of the Thyatira church.

One notable figure in this era was MARTIN LUTHER. He gave us three grand gifts;

1. The universal priesthood of believers. (Every believer has direct access to God) 
2. The bible is the sole authority for the Christian faith
3. Justification is by faith alone not by works.
Some other notable names were Zwinghi, John Knox (He single-handedly swept Romanism out of Scotland through prayers), Roger Williams (founded the first Baptist Church in America) 

Modern era
Presently, our physical state is now been emphasized as against our spiritual state. We talk about our popularity and fame and no longer the presence of God. There is a growing declination. What is the emphasis in our lives and among us? 

KEY LESSON
No Holy Spirit, No life
No life, No progress
No progress, No expansion
No expansion, No explosion 
We are a spiritual people, so whatever we ought to do should start from the spirit. The church was dead. There is deadness without the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit walks in purity, where there is no purity, there is no life because the Holy Spirit is the life giver but satan tries to stop us through corruption. 

ADVICE
Rev 3:2-3, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you”.

- Be watchful, be vigilant, and be on your guard. We must be vigilant and beware of the traditions of men set out to deceive and take us away from the true teachings of Christ our Saviour. Eph. 5:14, Lk. 22:31-32, Col.2:6-10)

WARNING (Rev 3:3) 
If you do not watch, I'll come upon you as a thief...

ASSURANCE
 In Rev 3:4b-5, Jesus promised that he who overcomes shall,  

- Walk with Him in white- A promise of fellowship in glory
- Be clothed with garment or robe of righteousness
- Have heavenly registration. His name will not be blotted out of the book of life. This also implies heavenly recognition. 
For Jesus to say, “I will not blot out his name” means He has the power and authority to blot out ones name from the book of life.
Lk. 10:20-be thankful to God for your salvation. Every day, Life offers us opportunity, to deny or embrace Jesus. -Lk.12:8-9

APPEAL (Rev 3:6)
 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”

PRAYER
- I have ears and I hear what the Spirit is saying
- Pray in the Holy Ghost

LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES

TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA (Revelation 2:18-29)

ADDRESS
This letter was addressed to the church in Thyatira.
This church existed between Ad 590-1517. The name Thyatira means “continual sacrifice”. It also reveals how evil progresses in the church, where idolatry is practiced. Idolatry means worship of idols, unnecessary attachment to things.

Identity
The church was known as the church of the evil prophetess, it is also known as the corrupt church. Once you start compromising, you become corrupt. The church in Thyatira was known for good works but harbouring a false prophetess. You harbour a false prophetess by accommodating the false teachings and practices.

Historical background
The city is located 35 miles south-east of Pergamos. It was headquarters of commercialization, and an industrious city, a city of commerce. It may have been founded by Alexander The Great.  Lydia, a convert of Paul in Acts 16:14, was a native of this city.

INTRODUCTION (Revelation 2:18)
Jesus introduced himself as the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like fine brass.

Fire and brass. Fire indicates purification, revival. They needed to be purified and revived. Brass-to break, to destroy
There were things that needed to be destroyed.

COMMENDATION/APPROVAL (Revelation 2:19)
"I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first”.

God keeps records. Your works can either deem or illuminate your light. Matt.5:16. Your works speak and God is keeping records.  God is not only just watching your past works but your recent works are of great importance to Him. God expects progress. We must not live in past glory. God commended them for doing their works in greater dimension and better than the first. Do not get lost in the pool of survival.

ACCUSATION/CONDEMNATION (Revelation 2:20-23)
Do not take whatever God has against you for granted, even if there are "few". What Jesus had against them, was the teaching they accommodated.

- You allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. (What are you allowing by your lifestyle?)

- And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.

- I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

When God was sending this letter to them, they had been doing this for a while. He was patient with them, expecting them to repent. He gave them a window to change their mind.

God condemned them for allowing the ministry of a false prophetess named Jezebel who represented a false doctrine to continue to perpetuate in that church, with factions which promoted sexual immorality, evil vices etc.

Their real evil was that they were completely unrepentant.

Punishment
- God promised to put her/them on sickbeds
- He would put them through tribulation. Revelation 17
- The second death. Revelation 20:12-15
God does not want anyone to perish. He is looking for repentance and change. The ultimate goal why He would punish anyone   is so that others will take dressing and repent. 

When a wrong practice is going on, it should be addressed publicly to deter others. (1 Timothy 5:20)

How does this relate?
Historical era- It shows how evil progressed in the church, such as, the introduction of images and statues in the church.
Modern era- It shows the development of modern cults, rivalry, and various denominations with emphasis on works rather than prayer, faith, fellowship with God, etc.

ADVICE/COUNSEL (Rev. 2:24-25)
1 Tim. 4:1, Jude 1:3. Note: Depth of satan-he also has his doctrinal systematic textbooks. Jesus said; hold fast what you have till I come.

Questions we need to answer.
- What do you have that you know you should hold fast?
- What are you hearing, seeing and thinking?
- Who are you reading, hearing and watching?

LESSONS
- Stick to the truth, stick to the word of God, stick to the Bible, it is enough. 
 - Stick to faith in God. Without faith it is impossible to please God. The root of most of our problems is unbelief. Stick to His instructions. The answer to our prayers usually comes as instructions.
-  Learn spiritual contentment. Be content with what God has done.  Do not try to help God, don't become desperate for anything.
- Don’t live on past glory-Yesterday, today, tomorrow, your recent works.

The only way to maintain anything is to increase it.

ASSURANCE (Rev. 2:26-28)
These assurances are more of rewards awarded for what has been done. They are not things that will be gotten here but are part of what should come to us. These letters are revealing all the dimensions of Christ as we take note of them and apply them, our reward is sure.

Reward Promised
- Spiritual dominion
“...I will give power over the nations...” Rev 2:26, Ps. 2:8-9
- Spiritual illumination if they will overcome.
“...I will give him the morning star”. Rev. 2:28, Rev. 22:16

APPEAL
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. Rev 2:29

PRAYER
-I have ears and I hear.
-By faith I overcome, by the revelation of Jesus, I overcome.
1 John 5:4-5
- By the word of God, I overcome. 1 John 2:14.
- I take heed to God's word.
 

LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES

THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS (Revelation 2:12-17).

Live with eternity in view and not just for the now.

Address:  Rev 2:12
This letter was addressed to the church in Pergamos. It existed between Ad 314-590. The word Pergamos means marriage.

Identity
The church was identified as the compromising church with bad or evil surroundings. The church was known as the heretical church or incomplete church.

The city was situated in the political capital of Asia.  It boasted of ancient library antiquity belonging to the Romans and Greeks. It had the highest volume of ancient history. Parchments were first used there.

Attributes (How Jesus Introduced Himself)
Jesus introduced Himself as the One who has the SHARP TWO EDGED SWORD. In other words, He revealed Himself as the word of God to them. (Eph. 6:17).

The contention about this church was THE WORD. They had begun to embrace different doctrines other than Christ’s. Jesus came to address these wrong doctrines. His purpose was to get their attention back to Him because He is the living word. The word of God is quick and powerful, it has the ability to do anything it says. Heb. 4:12.

With the WORD, the intention of the heart can be searched out.

Approval/Commendation: Revelation 2:13

One key thing we have to note in reference to these letters is that God takes note of our works, He doesn’t delegate this. The real reward is not here. We have no continuing city here. And the only rewarder is God, not men. God is interested in our works; it is gripping also to note that God assesses everyone individually and not corporately.

He commended them for their steadfastness in spite of living in evil surroundings. They kept their faith though they lived in the city satan had taken as his temporary headquarters after the fall of Babylon. In this city, they worshipped among other objects, a serpent. Some believers here were murdered for their faith, e.g. Antipas-he lived and died for Christ.

Make sure at all times, you are not using other parameters to measure your progress except God’s. (See 2 Tim. 2:19) At all times, it is the word of God that should define how you should function, not the society.

Accusation/Condemnation
Jesus condemned them for the tolerance of corrupt doctrines and heresies.

“But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate”. Revelation 2:14-15.
Once there’s anything against you, don’t take it for granted. You can’t be tolerating what God hates and expect the blessing of the Lord.

The doctrine of Balaam (See Numbers 22-25:9). The New Testament makes reference to the doctrine of Balaam, the way of Balaam and the error of Balaam.

The way of Balaam-2 Peter 2:15. The way of Balaam is unrighteousness, full of covetousness. Everything is monetized-doing everything and anything for the sake of money. We can’t serve God and mammon.

The error of Balaam-Jude 1:11. He wrongly supposed a holy God would be forced to curse sinful Israel.

The doctrine of Balaam- He rightly concluded that if you cannot curse them, then corrupt them through sexual immorality and idolatry. Revelation 2:14.

In the church at Pergamos, some were practising the doctrine of the Nicolaitans – the Nicolaitans started off as a deed in Ephesus but progressed into a doctrine in the church at Pergamos. The doctrine approved things sacrificed to idols, and sexual immorality.

If we are not careful about our environment and the company we keep, we will start compromising the doctrine of scriptures.

The scriptures have already warned us to not sit in the seat of the scornful, nor take counsel from the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners. (Ex. 34:12, Psalm 1:1-2, Prov. 13:20, 1 Cor. 15:33, 1 Cor. 5:11, 2 John 1:10).

We struggle when we embrace evil doctrines because of wrong and evil company.

Constantine was the Emperor during this period and was instrumental in mixing the church and state. He made it fashionable to join the church and incorporated practices such as making the sign of the cross, praying for the dead, the doctrine of purgatory...and many more.

When churches are sponsored by the government they begin to compromise. 

Never use result as the basis for anything. The result may be right but the intention, the motive may be wrong.
We must separate the church of the day and the government of the day. Many churches today cannot uphold the truth because they are tied to the government.

Key Lessons
- The word of God remains the standard
- Mind your company (Proverbs 13:20)
- Know the borderline-define your boundaries, the type and kind
- Learn and master CONTACT without CONTAMINATION
-Trust in God come what may. Your location/environment is not an excuse to compromise.

Advice /Counsel: Revelation 2:16.
Repent or else I will come to you quickly…To repent is not just to regret or be remorseful but it means to change.

Assurance

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." Revelation 2:17.

The overcomer is promised eating out of the hidden manner, will also be given a white stone which signifies a “victory stone” that only the recipient will know the name written on it.

The chief lesson is that no matter the environment you are in, it is no excuse not to live right for Jesus. The church in Pergamos lived in the headquarter of satan, yet God did not lower the standard for them, He will not lower the standard for us either.

PRAYER

I have ears and I hear

 

LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES

 THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death”. Revelation 2:8-11.

Address: The Church in Smyrna Ad 100-313

Smyrna means myrrh. It was an ingredient used both in the Old and New Testaments.

The product was used for embalmment (John 9:39), anointing oil (Exodus 30:23), (Psalm 45:8, SOS 3:6) used for heavenly perfume for the groom and bride.

Identity

The identity you may have before men may not be the identity you have before God.

-The church in Smyrna is known as the martyr church-a martyr is somebody who would rather choose to die than do away with strongly held belief.

- Also referred to as the persecuted church. Persecution means being subjected to unfair treatment because of your beliefs.

- Somebody who makes sacrifices or suffers greatly in order to advance a cause. Martyr also means witness.

Persecution: What you suffer or lose for righteousness sake, not for disobedience, rebellion, sin or incompetence.

- Also known as the poor rich church. In the eyes of men, the church looked poor but in the eyes of God, was rich. You are on the path of destruction when you use different parameters other than God’s to judge issues, events and circumstances etc. We must endeavor to use the scale of God to judge. They were poor outwardly but rich in faith and good works. By human and economic standards, they were poor but were rich in the sight of God. (Mark 8:36, Luke 12:13-21). If you are not careful, you will miss God by trying to live your life to meet the societal standard.

The City in Smyrna was a proud and beautiful Asian city that had allegiance to Rome and eager to meet the demands of Emperor Worship. It was a difficult city with Jewish population and it wasn’t easy to live there. Polycarp was the first and last bishop that existed there. It was celebrated for the school of science and medicine. The temple of Bacchus-god of wine existed there.

Attribute (Introduction)

Jesus revealed Himself as (Revelation 8:2) the First and Last, who was dead and came to life. First and Last here means there’s none beside Him, He’s all and all. He pointed them to the resurrection power, letting them know that He conquered death, so death is not an issue.

Approval (Commendation) Revelation 2:9

- He knew their works. Works cannot save but after you are saved, your works count. Your good works is not to be done to get the approval of men but for God’s. (See Jesus’ teaching on good works in Matthew 25:36-43). Stop looking for men’s approval of your works. Charity begins at home. Good works should start from the home. God takes account of our works. It matters to God about our good works.

- Spiritual endurance. The emblem of a good soldier is the ability to endure. (2 Tim. 2:3). The suffering/endurance is the sacrifices you need to make.

The church in Smyrna lived with eternity in view. Do not live for now. We are on a journey; this is not our resting place. (Col. 3:2, Matt. 10:39, 6:19-20, 19:28-30). There is no sacrifice too big to make in order to follow Jesus. Don’t compromise scriptures for anything because of immediate gratification when eternity is forever.

Historical fact:

About five million were killed for their faith. This would be over one hundred million in our day. They still stood for their faith and didn’t’ compromise.

- They were poor (by human standard) but rich (according to God’s standard) 2 Cor. 6:10-when you have Jesus, you have all.

They had suffered poverty for Christ. They were not poor because they were lazy, unskilled. As a matter of fact, prior to their conversion, many of the believers belonged to the labour league at that time. Thus, because of their newfound faith, many went bankrupt, their goods were burned, and they mounted pressure on them to change, but they stood their ground for Jesus.

What are you facing for Christ? What you may be losing now is nothing compared to what you will lose without Christ.

- They had opposition from outside and within-from Jews who were Jews by birth but bitterly opposed the truth. (See Romans 2:28-29, Titus 1:16, Ezek.33:31-32). In the midst of all these, they stood their ground. They had a revelation that the one who lived, died and rose again, was their Saviour-so they didn’t fear physical death or the persecutions they received. Jesus commended them for not bowing to the pressures against them.

Accusation (Condemnation)

They had none. Thus, it is possible to live above sin. Don’t make excuses for remaining in sin, lying, stealing. You chose to remain in these vices.

KEY LESSON

Don’t run from trouble, persecution, challenges, responsibility on your path of righteousness. Why? It purifies and perfects you. You will never come to maturity if the path God has carved out for you; you keep dodging and running away from it.

Advice (Counsel) Revelation 2:10

- Be fearless (Matt. 10:28, 2 Tim. 1:7) Don’t put anybody above God. He advised them not to give room to fear because fear is a spirit and satan uses fear to get to you. Don’t save out of fear or live out of fear. You can build a lifestyle of faith or a lifestyle of fear. (Revelation 21:8) The fearful cannot please God.

- Be faithful (1 Cor. 4:1-2) God expects faithfulness from us. He rewards faithfulness. (Matt. 24:45). If you are fearful, you cannot be faithful. (Rev. 17:14) 

Assurance (Promise) Revelation 2:10

- Jesus promised to give them the crown of life if they stayed true to following Him. (2 Tim. 4:6-8, James 1:12) Stick to the rules of engagement in order to obtain the crown.

- They will escape the second death (Matt. 10:39, Rev. 21:8)

Let life after now be real to you. Don’t let the present blur you from the future.

Smyrna’s faithfulness is rewarded by not letting their candlestick be removed from its place. There is still a remnant till this day, that the Turks who were unable to conquer Christianity labelled them “Infidel Smyrna”.

Appeal (Prayer) Revelation 2:11

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”.