We have explored the seven churches of Asia that Jesus addressed through the pen of John, and there have been so many lessons! The Word of God is given for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). It is not just interesting information; it is meant to CHANGE us. More than just hearing it, we must DO IT! James 1:21-25 puts it like this:
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Notice, the Word is able to save our souls (v. 21)! But we have a part to play. We can’t just be a forgetful hearer. We must be a DOER! If we hear and forget it, we are like a person who looks in the mirror, evaluates his or her appearance, and recognizes a problem but doesn’t fix it. How crazy is that?! Still, too often we hear the Word of God (as we should), but then do not apply it to our lives.
Our job is to be a hearer AND doer of the Word of God. We have to look in God’s Word and CONTINUE therein, and then we’ll be, as v. 25 lays it out, blessed in our DEED. Not blessed in his intention, his understanding, his plan, his knowledge but his DEED. The English word deed is from a Greek word (S:4162) that is defined as an action or performance.
The messages, lessons, and warnings to the seven churches were recorded in ONE BOOK, sent to all seven locations (Rev. 1:11). Thankfully, God allowed those words to be put in holy scripture so we can still learn from them today. But if all we do is learn, it is not enough. Let’s take the lessons and live them in real time today.
Want to review key points from each church? Want to see how they can apply to you? Ready to be a doer of the Word? Let’s recap 3 lessons from each church and see where we stand!
Seven Churches Overview
Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7): Don’t Leave Your First Love
- Jesus demands first place in our hearts!
- Remember from whence thou hast fallen.
- Repent and do the first works.
Click to learn more from Ephesus here!
Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11): Go Through!
- Make sure you are spiritually rich, rich toward God!
- Don’t fear suffering but be faithful! It’s working for you!
- Know that Jesus, who was dead and is alive, understands.
Click to learn more from Smyrna here!
Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17): Stick With Truth!
- No matter where you are, stick with truth!
- Doctrine matters to God!
- Jesus is serious about His Word!
Click to learn more from Pergamos here!
Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29): Who Is Influencing You?
- Be careful who’s influencing you.
- Repent while you have a chance.
- If you do it right, God sees you.
Click to learn more from Thyatira here!
Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6): The Dead Church Still Can Live!
- Be watchful. Pay attention.
- Strengthen what remains and hold fast.
- Remember HOW you have received and heard.
Click to learn more from Sardis here!
Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13): Keep His Word!
- “Little strength” is not an excuse.
- Keep His Word! Hold onto it and obey it.
- Jesus is coming quickly!
Click to learn more from Philadelphia here!
Laodiceans (Rev. 3:14-22): Be Zealous and Repent!
- Lukewarm? Make your choice.
- He loves you! Repent!
- He’s knocking! Let Him in!
Click to learn more from the Laodiceans here!
What did you learn from the seven churches? What stands out to you? Why is it important to be a doer? Share your comments below!