And Then There Were Seven

Message by Dr. David Drake

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Introduction and The Mural of Majesty

Revelation

 

Introduction

Someone has once said that the purpose of the Book of Revelation was to present a broad, sweeping portrait of future events in order to strengthen the Church, promote endurance in the face of trials, and encourage suffering believers. John wrote to urge his readers to obey the Word of this prophecy.

An Outline to the Book of Revelation

Chapter 1…The Things Which Thou Hast Seen

Present, Active, Indicative (“write and keep on writing…”).

John is seeing the vision of the glorified Christ as King/Priest.

Chapters 2-3…The Things Which Are

John transcribes the letters written to the seven churches

concerning their spiritual condition

and perhaps points toward the future of the church.

Chapters 4-22…The Things Which Shall Be Hereafter

The Rapture of the Church…Chapters 4-5

The Tribulation of Seven Years…Chapters 6-19

The Millennial Kingdom Of Christ…Chapter 20

The New Heaven and Earth…Chapters 21-22

 

And Then There Were Seven

Revelation  2 – 3

 

Part 1…Seven Ages of Church History

1. Ephesus – Pentecost to AD 160

2. Smyrna –  AD 160 to 312

3. Pergamum – 312 to 600

4. Thyatira – 600 to 1500

5. Sardis – 1500 to 1750

6. Philadelphia – 1750 to 1925

7. Laodicea – 1925 to precent

 

Part 2…Seven Characteristics of the Seven Churches

1. John reveals that Jesus Christ is still the Lord of His Church.

2. These seven churches are actual and historic and located in Asia Minor.

3. A special note expressed to the true believers in each church.

Chapter 2:7,11,17,26; Chapter 3:5,12,21

4. Satan is mentioned in connection with four churches.

Chapter 2:9,12,24; Chapter 3:9

5. Six “dangers” in these churches.

Chapter 2:6,9,14,15,20; Chapter 3:9

6. Each letter is addressed to the pastor (i.e. Angel) of the church.

7. Each church was under severe Roman persecution.

 

I. THE PRAISE GIVEN TO THE CHURCH

1. Ephesus – ENDURANCE…Chapter 2:2-3
2. Smyrna – FAITHFUL…Chapter 2:10
3. Pergamum – UNDENYING…Chapter 2:13
4. Thyatira – COMMITMENT…Chapter 2:19
5. Sardis – CONSISTENCY…Chapter 3:4
6. Philadelphia – DEVOTION…Chapter 3:8, 10a
7. NO PRAISE FOR THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA

 

II. THE PUNISHMENT GIVEN TO THE CHURCH

1. Ephesus – Out of Focus…Chapter 2:4
2. Smyrna – Out of Harmony…Chapter 2:9
3. Pergamum – Out of Fellowship…Chapter2:14-15
4. Thyatira  – Out of Fidelity…Chapter 2:20
5. Sardis – Out of Life…Chapter 3:1
6. Laodicea – Out of Character…Chapter 3:15-16
7. NO PUNISHMENT FOR THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA

 

III. THE PROMISE GIVEN TO THE CHURCH

1. Jesus Christ will build His Church…Matthew 16:18
2. Jesus Christ will protect His Church…Matthew 16:18
3. Jesus Christ will endow His Church…Ephesians 4:11-16
4. Jesus Christ will purify His Church…Ephesians 5:25-27
5. Jesus Christ will claim His Church…1 Thessalonians 4:13-18