What Jesus Looks For In A Church
Revelation 2-3, Part 1

Revelation 2-3 record seven letters from Christ to churches in Asia. What did the Head of the Church tell them? What was He looking for in a church? This week we’ll focus on what He commended them for; next week on what He condemned them for. Let’s open the mail!

Why This Matters: Who Christ Is and What He Offers!
· Christ sees and knows everything in the church!
· Christ is absolutely holy and will judge all our works!
· Christ is gracious, offering rewards to those who overcome!
· Christ’s rewards are eternal blessings in heaven!
· We are responsible to listen…and obey.
What Christ Commends in the Churches
· Ephesus: Persevere, stand against evil, expose false teachers
· Smyrna: Endure persecution and deprivation for Christ
· Pergamum: Keep the faith in midst of satanic influence
· Thyatira: Increasing love, service, faith, and patience
· Sardis: A few who have not defiled their garments
· Philadelphia: Persevere, keep Christ’s word, honor His name
· Laodicea: Nothing

Three Virtues Christ Loves in a Church
1. ___________________ in trial
2. ___________________ from sin
3. ___________________ for truth
“I know your works…”
Jesus Christ, to all seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3

New Braunfels Bible Church January 16, 2011
For Further Study


1. Read Revelation 2-3 at one sitting. Without writing out any specifics, what is the general message Christ is giving to the believers in these churches? What is His ‘tone of voice’? In one sentence, how would you summarize what He is saying?

2. Look at the way Jesus is identified at the beginning of each of the letters. Write them down, then construct a description of what Jesus is like. What does this reveal about Him that is not as obvious in His life on earth?

3. A number of letters include commendations from Christ for persevering, or enduring, especially in trials and persecution. Why do you think Christ values this so highly? Read 1 Peter 2:13-25. To what has Christ “called” us?

4. Christ specifically notes those churches which have exposed false teachers (2:2), or do not hold to false teachings (2:24), or who “keep His word” (3:8) – and He condemns those who have left themselves open to false teachings. Reflect on how important knowing and defending biblical truth is to Christ.

5. Go over the list of works which Christ commends in churches on the other side of this sheet. If Christ were writing a letter to New Braunfels Bible Church, could He say any of these things about us? Short of looking for perfection, where do we show these good attributes? Which ones do we need to make a higher priority?

6. The church of Laodicea received no commendation from the Lord at all. What do you think may have contributed to their lack of spiritual vigor? Why were they so deceived – thinking themselves to be strong, when they were really weak? How does this relate to us living in the 21st century?

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