“He that has an ear” — Revelation Chapter 2 – Basic Training Bible Ministries

As we study the message of Christ to the seven churches, we will do well to keep in mind four interpretation aides given by Dr. C. I. Scofield:

Local meaning—these are seven actual churches existing in John’s time and to which he ministers.
General meaning—these conditions may be found in churches throughout the Church Age, and this gives us a key for evaluating a local church by the “mind of Christ,” (1 Cor. 2:16).
Personal meaning—each message includes the challenge “to him who overcomes” and “[him] who has an ear.” Thus, we can evaluate our own lives by this.
Prophetic meaning—these seven churches are chosen in this order to illustrate church history from the time of John to the Rapture.

Two major trends are seen running through this account. First, there is the purifying process going on for those who are true believers—the “overcomers” by faith, 1 John 5:4–5. Second, there is an increasing apostasy of dead human religion. At the Rapture, the Body of Christ is removed, but apostate Christendom goes on to become the “great whore” of Revelation 17.

Ephesus—Revelation 2:1–7

The church of Ephesus was founded by the Apostle Paul (Acts 18:18–21; 19:1–20). John came there before the destruction of Jerusalem and made Ephesus the center of his circuit ministry. “Ephesus” means “beloved,” yet this church is rebuked for losing its love for Christ. They had many good “works” but had “fallen” from their occupation with the person of Christ.

Historical Ephesus illustrates church history from 35–100 AD. Note Satan’s attempt to infiltrate the church through the Nicolaitans. The word comes from niko (“to conquer”) and laos (“the people”). This attempted establishment of a “church hierarchy,” which distinguished between “clergy” and “laity,” was repulsed in the first century.

The warning to the believer who “has an ear” and would be an “overcomer” is to constantly maintain personal fellowship and love for Christ as the greatest of spiritual priorities. Obviously, we can only love the Living Word by loving and living the written Word. Revelation 2:5 gives the road of recovery as remembrance, repentance, and return to first acts of love for Christ. Here, we see the beginning of the cooling process leading to the Laodicean church.

Note:

Commended for endurance, their stand against false apostles and the Nicolaitan heresy.
Condemned for reversionism—the “first love” from which they had “fallen” was the sound doctrine of the book of Ephesians.

Smyrna—Revelation 2:8–11

“Smyrna” means “myrrh,” which was a gum or resin that was crushed to give off a fragrance. Myrrh was also used in embalming the dead. This church was persecuted and suffered greatly. Christ greets them as the One “who was dead, and came to life.” This poor church was rich in God’s sight, for they were faithful in spite of suffering, slander, and death. They are promised the “crown of life” (James 1:12). Note here Satan’s two-fold attack of external persecution and internal infiltration by legalistic Jews whom Christ calls the “synagogue of Satan.”

One of the great martyrs of Smyrna was the Pastor Polycarp, who was a student of John. He was burned at the stake, and won the crown of life!

Historically, Smyrna represents Church history from 100–300 A.D., a period of great persecution by Rome. At this time, Christianity was despised by the world as a collection of ragged, poor, deluded people, yet they were rich before God. When we come to Laodicea, we find a large, rich, respected church that is naked in God’s sight. Is there any question where we are today?

Note:

This is the edified church.
This suffering church endured the most and lasted the longest.
Encouraged but not condemned.
Smyrna had many great teachers and a maximum number of believers in maturity.

Pergamos—Revelation 2:12–17

“Pergamos” is a compound word meaning “married, exalted.” Pergamos was a rich, influential city of Asia Minor. Yet the church was worldly. She is greeted by Him “who has the sharp two-edged sword,”—the Word of God (Heb. 4:12). She has permitted the infiltration of three heresies. One, Satan had set up his throne here. We find that the teaching of the Babylonian mysteries were actually carried to Pergamos about 133 B.C. These teachings begun in ancient Babylon, would in time become so assimilated by Apostate Christianity as to become “Mystery Babylon.” Pergamos was the center of Caesar worship. Second, the doctrine of Balaam had gained a foothold (Num. 22–25). This was basically a teaching of compromise with the world—Balaam taught Israel to intermarry with the heathen—thus a “marriage” of the Church and the world. Third, the Nicolaitans who were repulsed by Ephesus are accepted in Pergamos.

What begins in apostasy as “deeds,” develops into “doctrines,” which in time becomes “denominations.” The overcomers will receive the “hidden manna,” the deep things of Christ (John 6:31–33; Col. 1:26), and the “white stone,” representing the vote of approval from God.

Historically, Pergamos represents church history from 300–500 A.D. Constantine made Christianity a “state religion” so that it became joined to the heathenistic practices of Rome.

During the period of this apostate union, Damasus, the Bishop of Rome (an unbeliever) was given the title of Supreme Pontiff of the Babylonian mysteries which came to Rome from Pergamos. Thus Satan’s program to “assimilate” the Church through infiltration took a great step forward. This was the age of “heresy,” yet even here there were “overcomers” who stood against the tide, and died a martyr’s death!

Note:

It is the “surrounded” church.
Pergamos was one of the most evil cities of the Ancient World. It was here that Satan had his headquarters on earth.
There were many strong believers in Pergamos, but they were surrounded by religious apostasy.
They are condemned for allowing apostasy into the church. Idolatry and rituals of ceremonial sex had infiltrated the church.

Thyatira—Revelation 2:18–29

The Son of God greets this church with flaming eyes and feet of judgment! Though there is some approval in Rev. 2:19, the church has become a haven for “Jezebel,” an actual woman who became prominent as a teacher and led people into idolatry and immorality. Though God gave her “time to repent” she would not. She is a preview of the “great whore” (Revelation 17) and so will be cast “into great tribulation” along with her children, i.e., apostate Christendom.

Even in Thyatira some remained faithful, Rev. 2:24–29. They are to hold fast to truth and are promised great authority in Christ’s kingdom for standing against the usurped authority of this Jezebel. They will be decorated with the “morning star,” the reflected glory of Jesus Christ (compare Dan. 12:3, 2 Pet. 1:19).

Historically “Thyatira,” which means “continual offering,” speaks of the age of Romanism, 500–1500 A.D. In Romanism the “once-for-all” sufficiency of the cross is denied for a continual offering of works, penance, and sacraments as a means of salvation. Just as Jezebel will not repent, neither will this system of idolatry as the “Babylon” of the future (cf., Jer. 51:8–9, Rev. 18:4). The “deep things of Satan” are the Babylonian teachings perpetuated by the Roman Church.

Note:

Again, commended for production and service under pressure.
However, again as others, condemned for allowing apostasy to enter, along with demonism and occult practices.
Warned to hold fast.

Gene Cunningham - September 11, 2000

Elijah #11

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Elijah experiences the provision and faithfulness of God in the two meals he ate. God then commissions him to prepare his successor. God uses failures to prepare for victories if we let Him. Private time often prepares for public victory. Elijah was in the presence of the Lord (1Ki 19:11-12). God warns Elijah that He does not guide by fantastic events or signs. The devil can give signs and will deceive. "After the fire a still small voice"; God speaks in the inner ear. Peter explains God's guidance to him (Act 11:1-2). (1) There is a great need in our lives for Divine guidance (Jer 17:9, Rom 8:26). "Lord, what will you have me to do?" (Acts 22:10). (2) There is a promise of Divine guidance given by God (Psalm 32:8, Isa 30:21, Joh 16:13, Rom 8:14). (3) We have warnings regarding Divine guidance (Jam 4:13-15). Are we seeking the will of God in our plans? (4) There's a method to God's guidance (Pro 3:5-6, Joh 7:17). It's not what happening to you that guides, but the set of the soul (Joh 3:8). We don't often understand God (Isa 55:8-11). God won't overlook the smallest grain, but we need to be obedient (Amo 9:9). If we do the known will of God He'll guide in the unknown (Rom 12:1-2, 1Pe 3:15, Psa 37:4). Peter was obedient therefore under the guiding hand of God (Act 11:5-18). (1) Peter uses his waiting time in effective prayer in fellowship (Act 11:5). Transform your waiting time into redeemed time through prayer. (2) Peter had divine revelation (Act 11:5-7). Apostles had visions, we have the word of God. (3) Peter is spiritually minded (Act 11:6, Act 10:19, Rom 8:6, 2Ti 1:7). (4) Peter hears the word of God (Act 11:7, Rom 10:17). (5) God use providential circumstance - "at that moment (Act 11:11). Prayer + God's word + circumstance recognized = providential circumstance (Eph 4:13). (6) There is a compelling of the Spirit (Act 11:12). The voice in Act 11:7 is God's speaking directly to Peter as an apostle Peter; vs Act 11:12 is the way we are guided. (7) Peter compares the things he sees and hears (Act 13-16, 1Co 2:11-15). (8) Peter had Divine confirmation (Act 11:15-17). There are three categories of the Will of God: (1) Declared - His Word; (2) Permissive - when we go astray; (3) Overruling (example Balaam in Num 22:1-41). When God works to guide us, He'll answer where, what, why, and how - the geographic, operational, motivational, and instructive Will of God. Why is always the same (2Co 5:14) - the love of Christ compels us. There are 7 things that are declared to be the Will of God: (1) We must be saved (2Pe 3:9, 1Ti 2:4); (2) We must be sanctified -- we must unconditionally surrender our lives into His hands (1Th 4:3). God guides surrendered people; (3) We must be empowered through spirituality (Eph 5:18, Gal 5:16); (4) God wants us to surrender ourselves as a sacrifice (Rom 6:13, Rom 12:1); (5) God wants our service to Him and other people (Rom 7:6, Gal 5:13); (6) It is God's Will for us to suffer (1Pe 3:17, 1Pe 4:12, 1Pe 4:19, Jam 1:2-4). He is preparing you so that when He speaks, you'll hear. God is the Redeemer of men and lives of failures. (7) God wants our stability in an unstable world (2Ti 1:7, Eph 6:14). We need to make a priority of what God makes a priorities. Warning: if you ignore the word of God through the week, we won't be guided by God (Col 3:16).

Scripture References: Acts 11:5, Romans 7:6, Psalms 32:8, Romans 10:17, John 7:17, Acts 11:12-16, Acts 11:5-18, Romans 12:1, Acts 22:10, Acts 11:7, Proverbs 3:5-6, Acts 11:12, Psalms 37:4, Romans 6:13, Romans 8:26, Romans 8:6, Colossians 3:16, James 4:13-15, Acts 11:7, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:16, Jeremiah 17:9, Acts 10:19, Ephesians 6:14, Romans 8:14, Acts 11:12, Amos 9:9, Ephesians 5:18, Acts 11:1-2, Acts 11:6, James 1:2-4, John 16:13, Ephesians 4:13, Isaiah 55:8-11, Numbers 22:1-41, Acts 11:5-7, Galatians 5:13, Isaiah 30:21, Acts 11:11, John 3:8, Acts 11:15-17