Letters to the seven churches: common themes – Yinka Adenuga

(Revelation Chapters 2 &3).

Our Lord in His letters to the seven churches addressed each church’s sins, good works etc., particularly, but there are three common statements that He addressed to all the seven churches and one to five of them.  In this article I want us to look at those four statements our Lord told these churches.

1

“I know your works.”

To those Christians who think or believe that faith alone is all that matters therefore they can do as they please, Jesus points out here that our works matter to Him.  And that He will reward us according to what we do. This is why in all His letters to the seven churches he started by saying “I know your works.” 

Even though we are saved by grace and not by works, to all the seven churches the Lord referred to their works.  He praised them for the works they did which pleased Him and He rebuked them for the ones they did which He hated and asked them to repent of. 

“And I will give to each one of you according to your works” (Rev. 2:23).

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed, because they rest from their labours, for their deeds follow with them.”  (Rev.14:13 NT)

2

“He who overcomes”

The christian life is a journey and it’s not a smooth sail like many are told and believe.  There are storms to face, trials, tribulations, persecutions, hard times to overcome along the way.  Christians face trials not necessarily because God is displeased with them or because there is sin in their lives or for lack of faith.   He Himself  told us that we would face, not just persecutions, but also trials, tribulations and hardship of various types in this world.  The holiest of saints sometimes suffer the most.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity of great joy” (James 1:2).

“As they went they strengthened the souls of the disciples and urged them to abide in the faith, saying, “It is through many an affliction that we must enter into the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22 (NT)

If you love the Lord and you are walking with Him in singleness of mind and wholehearted pursuit and you are going through some trials I want you to know that you are not suffering because God is displeased with you or because of a generational sin.  God loves you and He is with you in this suffering and He promises to see you through.  There are many reasons people suffer, including the righteous.  We may not understand many things now but we will when we see Him.  Christ promises rewards to only those Christians who persevere and overcome the trials of this life.

Here are some of the rewards He promises them: 

Access to the tree of life (Rev. 2:7),

They will not die the second death (Rev. 2:11),

They will receive the Crown of life,

He will give them of the hidden manner and a new name (Rev. 2:17).

They will be clothed with white garments, He will not blot out their names from the book of life, He will confess their names before His Father (Rev. 3:5),

They will be given power over the nations and given the morning star (Rev. 2:26).

They will be made a pillar in the temple of God, He will write on them the name of God and His (Christ’s) new name (Rev. 3:12)

They will sit with Him on His throne just like He overcame and sat with His father on His throne (Rev. 3:21).  

They will be made priests and kings of God and reign with Him eternally (Rev. 5:10).

And many more rewards spoken of in the Scriptures.

3

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

These letters were written not only to the seven churches in Asia minor, but to all churches of all ages, generations and to each individual Christian. What He praised the churches for, rebuked them for, promised them if they persevere and overcome – the Lord is saying the same to each and every Christian.  His letters to the seven churches are His letters to you and me personally.  Heed His rebukes, warnings and exhortations.

4

“Repent”

This fourth statement of Jesus was to five of the seven churches.  Only the churches at Smyrna and Philadelphia were exemptions.

The message of repentance is seldom preached in our churches anymore.  It’s considered old fashioned, unpopular and scary because preachers want to please the people and blend in with the world.  But Jesus preached repentance when He walked the earth.  Here in the book of Revelation, in His glory He is still calling His church to repentance!

If our Master preached repentance, why do many preachers do otherwise?

“The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.  It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. (Matt. 10:24 KJV).

Dear child of God, is there any sin in your life?  Are you living in obedience to the Father’s word?  Are you living to please Him?  Don’t excuse your sin, deal with it – REPENT.

Dear preacher, are you calling sinners to repentance?  Are you preaching against sin? 

“Behold, I am coming quickly!  Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown (Rev. 3:11).