THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA

1
THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA 1

• Rev. 21-7
• (Church at Ephesus
• Loyal but Lacking)

2
Church At Ephesus

• Introduction
• A. The short epistles to the seven churches of
  Asia in chapters 2and 3 of the book of Revelation
  reveal the good and bad conditions of each
  church.
• B. No doubt the Lord wanted these revealed
  because they are general conditions that would be
  found in churches in all generations.
• C. Some claim that the seven churches represent
  seven dispensations through which the church must
  pass.

3
Church At Ephesus

• I. THE LORD'S INTRODUCTION
• A. The "angel of the church" probably refers to
  the life, spirit, and destiny of each church.
• B. The angel was addressed but the church was to
  hear. Rev. 21,7
• C. Christ addressed Himself as holding the seven
  stars in His right hand.
• D. Christ is walking among the seven golden
  candlesticks.
• E. The verse illustrates that Christ watches
  over His churches and cares for them.

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Church At Ephesus

• II. COMMENDATION.
• There were at least three things for which the
  Lord commended the church at Ephesus (vss.
  2,3,6).
• 1. Their work. They were praised for
• 2. Patience - mentioned twice.
• 3. Defense of truth and purity. In this
  they were praised for

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Church At Ephesus

• III. CONDEMNATION.
• A. In spite of the praise, Jesus had something
  against them.
• 1. Thus, the warm praise now changes to reproof
  and rebuke.
• 2. Commendations for virtues will not atone for
  faults.
• B. They had left their first love.
• 1. "Lack of works" is a demonstration of "lack
  of love" or vice-versa, "lack of love" is
  demonstrated by "lack of works."
• 2. It is possible that at Ephesus, formality and
  outward faithfulness had been persistently
  practiced, but they had lost genuine love and
  devotion in their hearts.
• 3. It is possible that Ephesus had given up
  their struggle of maintaining truth.

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Church At Ephesus

• III. CONDEMNATION
• C. Notice the Lord's admonition - vs. 5.
• 1. This shows they were lacking in the works
  they once had done.
• D. Verse 7 - Those who have the disposition to
  hear - those whowill hear - let them hear what
  the Spirit says to the churches.
• 1. These words were written to the churches
  which existed in John's day, but whoever will
  hear, let him hear.

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Church At Ephesus

• IV. PROMISE.
• A. Those who overcome will be given to eat of the
  tree of life in the paradise of God.
• 1. They will inherit eternal life in heaven.
  Rev. 221-4,14

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Church At Ephesus

• Conclusion
• A. At the close of each short epistle, there is a
  similar promise to those who remain faithful.
• 1. These promises are some of the most beautiful
  found in the Bible. Rev. 211,17 226-27
  35,12,21
• B. Let us remember these wonderful promises as we
  face some difficulty, trial, or hardship.
• 1. Those who overcome (who remain faithful, who
  come out victorious in their trials and
  temptations) will be greatly and marvelously
  rewarded.
• How Can We Help?