Revelation Study 8. Rev 3 (Laodecia)

 Optional Application: Do you act as though you think you are rich or poor in your own resources? Do you need gold, white clothes, and eye-salve from Jesus? Pray about this.

'Gold' is spiritual wealth (cf. Lk 12:21). There is investment in the eternal: relationship with God, service and contribution to the kingdom.

"white" is purity, holiness, internal and external righteousness

"salve" is spiritual vision and perspective - a God's eye view

For Thought and Discussion: What does It Imply that Jesus describes Himself as outside the door from the Christians at Laodicea?

He was not having intimate fellowship with them. They were self-preoccupied and self-sufficient. They did not think they needed Jesus' presence and relationship.

For Thought and Discussion: 

a. In each letter, Jesus closes (before or after the promise to the overcomers) with the same summons for those with ears to hear. What is the point of this call? Whom do you think He is addressing?

There is command, not only invitation.

All Christians must hear God's voice to His Church. There are lessons to be learned.

"the Spirit says" is what Jesus says. 

b. Is It significant that Jesus said the same thing when He told parables? What was His point there (Matthew 13:9-17)?

The parables conceal even as they reveal. Truth is perceived only to those who are given the ability to understand. 
But the parables were given to all Jesus' hearers as He taught. in Revelation He speaks to the churches.

Even in churches there are those who will listen and those who will not. 

In both cases, Jesus claims authoritative speech that deterimines desiny 

16. What was the Laodicean church's problem? Explain in your own words on page 45.

Proud, self-sufficient, no spiritual insight into their need. 

17. What can we learn about the Lord's character from what He says to the Laodicean church?

Detests uselessness because of self-sufficiency and pride

Willing to advise the wayward

Loving them enough to warn and discipline them. 

Encouraging them to be zealous in repentance

Desiring to have fellowship with those believers sho are closed to Him. 

 
18. In 1:9, John calls himself "your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus."
a. What does Jesus say to the seven churches about suffering? (What did the churches have to suffer, and why? How did Jesus want them to respond, and why?)

2:2-3 enduring, working hard, theologically correct

2:9-10  Do not fear. involves slander. suffering is testing, but limited. May be to death

2:13 in the worst places, not to deny faith even when those around you are killed.

2:22-29 Can be punishment, endure to the end.

3:10  Patient endurance. Will be saved from the full extent of suffering that will fall on others. 

19. Look back at the chart in question 15. What if Jesus came to you personally with a message like the seven? What would He say to you about each of the following? 

"I know where you live" (2:13) Jesus knows the circumstances we are in - our struggles and interactions, our spiritual environment.

 

"I know your deeds/works" (2:2, 19; 3:1,8,15) Jesus knows what we have been doing for Him and His kingdom, and their extent ('your latter works exceed the first' 2:19)

Even inner attitudes like love (2:4) and spiritual life (3:1,16) are shown by external deeds.

 

Apply question 19 to your church or fellowship as a group.Which of the seven churches are you most Iike? What should you do about this? 

 Ephesus. Need more ore self-giving.