June 14, 2020

Revelation 3:14-22

Sunday Sermons

The last of the 7 letters to the 7 churches found in Revelation 2-3 is the final piece of the 1st of the book’s 7 vision segments. This letter offers a final word of realistic evaluation and loving exhortation to all those who belong to Christ and His church. How can we move from the complacency and nominalism of half-hearted worship to a robust and passionate, whole-hearted commitment to Christ, His kingdom and His glory? Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through one last letter from Jesus Christ to His church.

Speaker

Jim Thomas

Series

The Hope of Glory

Go to Series

Scripture

Revelation 3:14-22

Topics
Big Questions Calling & Vocation Community Life Growth & Discipleship Spiritual Disciplines Worldview & Culture

Sermon Notes

The Letter to the Church at Philadelphia

The Letter to the Church at Laodicea
Common elements of 7 letters:

  • City/ name of the church
  • Reference to Christ
  • Commendation of the church
  • Accusation against the church
  • Exhortation
  • Motivating promise
  • The summons to hear/heed

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 1:20

“Perhaps none of the seven letters is more appropriate to the church at the beginning of the 21st century church than this. It describes vividly the respectable, nominal, rather sentimental, skin deep religiosity which is so widespread today. Our Christianity is flabby and anemic. We appear to have taken a lukewarm bath of religion.”
John Stott

“He isn’t waiting for you to trigger his heart; he is already at the door, knocking, wanting to come in to you.”
Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly

“It costs something to be a true Christian. Let that never be forgotten. To be a mere nominal Christian, and go to church, is cheap and easy work. But to hear Christ’s voice, and follow Christ, and believe in Christ, and confess Christ, requires much self-denial. It will cost us our sins, and our self-righteousness, and our ease, and our worldliness. All – all must be given up.”
J. C. Ryle

“For as long as we avoid recognition of our lostness we are prevented from experiencing the elegant profundities of foundness.”
Eugene Peterson

The 7 Churches: The Bride Beautiful

  1. A passionate “first love” relationship with the Lord Jesus which spills over into all other relationships.
  2. A glad willingness and preparedness to suffer for our Bridegroom
  3. A growing knowledge of the truth of the gospel and a commitment to defend the faith “once and for all delivered unto the saints.”
  4. Purity of heart and holiness of lifestyle driven by love and empowered by grace.
  5. An aliveness in Jesus generated by His real presence in our midst and hearts.
  6. A commitment to follow Jesus into a life of other-centered living through evangelism, missions and cultural impact.
  7. An undivided and wholehearted allegiance to Jesus which treasures communion with Him more than the comforts of the world, more than anything else.

 

Discussion Questions

  • Read the passage together: Before today’s sermon, what did you already know or believe about this passage? Did anything in your understanding shift after hearing the message?
  • Challenge and Reflection: Was there a part of today’s message that was particularly challenging or surprising for you? Why?
  • Unpacking the Message: Pick a quote from today’s sermon notes. Discuss what it means to you.
  • Personal Impact: What’s one specific way you feel called to change or grow after hearing this message?
  • Practical Application: What’s one step you can take this week to put today’s message into practice?
  • Connecting Scripture: Are there other Bible passages or stories this message reminds you of? How do they expand or confirm this teaching?
  • Gratitude: What aspect of God’s character stood out to you in today’s message? How does it inspire praise or gratitude?
  • Pray the Scripture: After hearing the message, is there a specific area where you feel led to pray? How can we pray for one another in light of today’s teaching?