What Would Jesus Say to Your Church?
Based on what Jesus said to the churches in Asia (Revelation 2-3).
We tend to magnify the strengths of our local church and the things we are doing well while minimizing or ignoring the areas in which we are falling short.
Revelation 2-3 reminds us that we do that to our own peril.
After John described a glorious picture of the magnificence and power of Jesus (Revelation 1:9-16), Jesus gave a message to John to give to His church (Revelation 1:18-20). Two of the seven churches received only praise from Jesus while the other five received various mixtures of praise and rebuke, with Jesus calling for them to repent in the areas where they were falling short.
Let’s consider what Jesus said to these seven churches, and see how His message to these churches is still one we need to hear today.
“You Don’t Love Me” (Revelation 2:1-7).
The church in Ephesus appeared exemplary in many ways.
They accomplished many things.
They stood firmly against evil and false teaching.
They endured difficult times.
But it’s what Jesus says after listing all these things that stands out: “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left (abandoned - ESV) your first love” (Revelation 2:4). The Ephesians were doing many things, and no doubt appeared faithful to the Lord, but He says, “You’ve abandoned Me and the love you once had for Me.”
Jesus is the head of His church - which is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23) - and He loves His church as His own bride (Ephesians 5:22-33). But His church in Ephesus no longer loved Him!
If our obedience to the Lord is not motivated by love for Him and what He has done for us (John 14:15), then Jesus’ own words are, “You need to repent” (Revelation 2:5).
It’s possible to be able to back up everything we teach and practice with God’s word - and still not be right with Him. What’s our motivation? Has it become about us? Do we serve Jesus because it promotes our name or His?
Christian - Church - do you love Jesus?
“Don’t Give Up” (Revelation 2:8-11).
The church in Smyrna was going through a tough time - and they still had challenging days in the future.
They were faithful to the Lord despite facing tremendous persecution and suffering. In the middle of their suffering, the Lord encourages them, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
Sometimes we face persecution for Christ. Sometimes we go through difficult, trying times - much like the Christians James wrote to (James 1:2-4).
When we go through these “trials by fire,” the Lord encourages us not to give up. He is our example of enduring suffering by looking to what lies ahead.
…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
Maybe Jesus would tell the church where you are a member to keep going through the hardships and suffering you’re experiencing.
Don’t quit. Don’t give up.
“You Hold to False Teaching” (Revelation 2:12-17).
The church in Pergamos - or Pergamum - was a bit of a mixed review.
On one hand, they remained loyal to the faith despite facing intense persecution. One of their members - Antipas - had been killed by their persecutors.
But on the other hand, some held to “the doctrine of Balaam” and some held to the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” These were false teachings that encouraged immoral, unholy living and were “hated” by the Lord (Revelation 2:6).
The doctrinal purity of this church had been compromised and Jesus told them to “repent” (Revelation 2:16).
Churches that dismiss the importance of doctrinal truthfulness and purity do so at their own risk. Much of what Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus revolved around remaining true to the “doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3; 4:1-16; 2 Timothy 3:1-4:5; Titus 2:1-15).
Would Jesus ask your church, “Why have you departed from the truth of my word?”
“You Live Immoral Lives” (Revelation 2:18-29).
The church in Thyatira was similar in some ways to the church in Pergamos in that they allowed some false teachers in the church.
But Jesus’ words to the church in Thyatira focus more on the immoral lifestyles that came from the false teaching. Apparently, “sexual immorality” had become a fairly big problem in the church in Thyatira. Jesus refers to this doctrine as the “depths of Satan” (Revelation 2:24).
The Lord warned of serious consequences for those who continued down the path of such loose, immoral living.
The gospel of Jesus Christ and the grace of God does not encourage or promote sinful living (see Romans 6).
Some churches - in the name of “loving everyone” - brush aside the need for holy living (1 Peter 1:13-16) and turning from sin. This is a monumental mistake and ignores the warning of Jesus Himself.
“You’re Dying” (Revelation 3:1-6).
Jesus flat out tells the church in Sardis, “You have a reputation that you are alive, but you’re really dead and dying.”
This church was not watchful, had grown weak, and was ready to die (Revelation 3:2). That had been measured by the Lord and come up short. It seems they had grown lazy and forgotten about the importance of their living hope and eternity with God.
But even in this dead and dying church, there were still a few Christians who were faithful to the Lord (Revelation 3:4).
When you consider your church, is it dead and dying because of spiritual laziness or indifference? Is it a church that used to be busy in the Lord’s service, but now rests on their past accomplishments?
Sometimes when churches die out it is entirely their own fault, and Sardis is a primary example of this.
“I’m Helping and Protecting You” (Revelation 3:7-13).
Jesus said the church in Philadelphia had “a little strength” and had remained faithful to Him.
Jesus opened a door for them and would keep it open. He promised to protect them from persecution and to help them during a time of great trial (Revelation 3:10). Although it seems they were a smaller church, there was certainly a place for them in the Lord’s service, and He cared for them as much as the other churches.
The Lord never abandons His people. If we will remain faithful to Him - no matter what circumstances we face, He promises to walk with us and give us eternal life (John 10:27-29).
Perhaps Jesus would lovingly remind your church that He is with you.
“You Make Me Sick” (Revelation 3:14-22).
While both hot and cold water have their uses, the problem with the church in Laodicea is they were neither. They were “lukewarm.”
Because they were lukewarm, Jesus said He would “vomit” them out of His mouth - their spiritual “lukewarmness” was nauseating to the Lord.
What was the cause of their lukewarmness?
Their wealth (Revelation 3:17-18).
They had grown comfortable and thought they no longer needed anything from anyone - including the Lord Himself. They were a “self-made” church. Jesus told them that while they may have been physically rich, they were spiritually naked and blind. He lovingly called for them to repent.
Especially in the United States, some Christians have become marvelously weathly. The comfort that wealth brings into our lives can sometimes make us complacent spiritually - or to use another word, “lukewarm.”
When Jesus looks at your church, is He sickened by the spiritual laziness and lack of concern for others?
Would He call your church “lukewarm” also?
