Revelation - Week 9

Day 1

Letter to Laodicea

READ

Revelation 3:14

14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation.”

This is the last letter to the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3. Laodicea was about 40 miles southeast of Philadelphia. The seven churches were in a geographical arc beginning with Ephesus and ending with Laodicea. Makes one wonder if they resembled a candelabra and that is why they were referred to as the seven lampstands in Revelation 1:20. The description of Jesus is similar to what is said in 1:5. Jesus is God and did not have a beginning, He is the beginning; He is the Creator.

REFLECT

Think of Jesus as the “Amen”; that is, He is the final word. His words are more authoritative than anyone else’s.

RESPOND

With your disciple, read John 1:1-5 and Colossians 1:15-20 that speak of the role of the Lord Jesus Christ in creation. Others can speculate about creation, but believers in Christ know by revelation about the origin of creation.

Day 2

Lukewarm Water

READ

Revelation 3:15-16

15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”

Jesus rebuked the church for being like lukewarm water that He wanted to spit out. The locals knew about lukewarm water that was sickening to drink. Jesus said that is what the church was like. The church people were neither hot nor cold spiritually; they were compromisers who would not take a position. Outsiders could not know whether they believed in the testimony of Jesus or not.

REFLECT

What do others see as they view your life? Do they see someone who is passionate to know more about Jesus and His Word? If this is not what they see, are they entitled to believe Jesus feels the same about you that He felt about the Laodicean church?

RESPOND

What should believers do if they are in a compromising church that refuses to take a stand for the Word of God? With your friend, read 2 Timothy 3:1-5 that instructs what to do in such a situation.

Day 3

Spiritually Blind

READ

Revelation 3:17-19

17 “You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”

Laodicea was known for its wealth. The area made salve for the eyes and ears. Materialism was their God instead of Jehovah. They made eye salve but they were spiritually blind. They needed “white garments,” which Revelation 19:8 says reveals the good deeds of God’s people. Jesus disciplines those He loves so He told them to turn from being apathetic.

REFLECT

Although money is needed to supply one’s needs, do you realize the risk of putting more trust in material belongings than in Jesus? Do you possess your possessions or do they possess you?

RESPOND

With your disciple, read Matthew 6:24 about money. Knowing that one cannot serve two masters has led some to leave counterfeit religious groups after growing in their knowledge about the Lord Jesus. How does it apply to you?

Day 4

Standing at the Door

READ

Revelation 3:20-21

20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

Many have seen the artist’s painting of Jesus standing at the door, based on Revelation 3:20. There is no outside handle on the door so it must be opened from the inside. Jesus wanted those in the Laodicean church to open the door so He could have fellowship with them. They had shut Him out. Victorious believers would be welcomed to sit with Him on His throne.

REFLECT

Is your heart a welcoming one for Jesus? Do you fellowship with Him by reading the Scriptures and praying?

RESPOND

Do you and your friend consider yourselves friends of Jesus? Do you read about Him in the Bible and talk to Him in prayer as you would talk to a friend? If you have accepted His pardon for your sins the promise of 1 John 5:4-5 can be claimed by you. Read these verses and thank the Lord for what He has done for you.

 Day 5

God's Word to the Church

READ

Revelation 3:22

22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

This is a final appeal to the seven churches of Revelation. These churches seem characteristic of churches that can be found in every age. There has been commendation for some of the churches but rebuke sometimes given along with the praise. This portion is included in the Bible to give examples of what should be watched for today. The messages should cause serious thought for believers.

REFLECT

As you think back over the messages to the seven churches, which one would best describe the group you attend? What can you do to improve the spiritual level of your fellowship?

RESPOND

Spend time with your disciple briefly glancing at the messages to these seven churches. Discuss which one or ones reflect what your group is like. Does it concern you that some could be with you in church who have never trusted in Jesus as Savior? That was the case with Judas who betrayed Jesus. The other disciples never suspected him of unbelief.