AG ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 21 IN BRIEF NOVEMBER 20 2022

TEXT: REVELATION 2:1-29

MEMORY VERSE: These things saith he(Jesus) that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks – Rev2:1

CENTRAL TRUTH: Jesus Christ instructs his churches.

Jesus the owner of the church knows his church. He knows the strength and weaknesses of his church. And to spur or inspire them to wake up from their slumber(weaknesses), Jesus send a message through John to his Church. As the all-knowing God he revealed the true state of the churches in Asia Minor to John and instructed him to mail them. The content of this mail or letters provides commendations, rebuke, charge, and promise to inspire believers to stay on course. And thus, the Lesson is subdivided into the following major outlines for a detailed explanation of the mandate he gave to the Church.

1.Ephesus: Return To First Love

2.Smyrna: Remain Faithful

3.Pergamos: Hold To The Truth

4.Thyatira: Increase In Good Works.

EPHESUS: RETURN TO FIRST LOVE – REV 2:1-7

Jesus, in mandating the church in Ephesus to return to first love commended their labour, rebuked their negligence, and placed the promise. Christ knows the best for the church and where he wants them(us) to be.

Lessons Learnt: Jesus, as the one who holds the seven stars(angels) of the churches in his right hand, who also walks in the midst of the churches knows all and much more than anybody would ever know his church. No one church or a people should claim to be the best nor to have arrived; only the owner of the church knows the ultimate for us because He is at the centre of the church and controls everything. So to this, He first commended their labour of persevering in righteousness and purity and not associating with evil(ie, false prophets and the likes) so to draw the attention of the Ephesians and believers to the real deal: First Love and the Promise of Everlasting Life. He rebuked them for neglecting their first love of having a close loving fellowship with God that they once enjoyed though their doctrines and practice of purity were in order. Jesus ‘ rebuke had these three key words; Remember(where you have fallen), Repent(ie, go back to the practice of first works), else He will Remove the candlestick(ie, himself that gives the light) from the church. The lesson here is: it’s not enough to just keep rules and maintain doctrine, but we must cultivate our love for the Lord.

The church in Smyrna was mandated to remain faithful thus He acknowledged their good works(ie, the commendation) and gave a charge that will bring about the fulfilment of the Promise.

Lessons Learnt: Jesus, the First and the Last praised Smyrna brethren for their perseverance in the face of opposition such as tribulation, poverty, blasphemers, and the likes. This is Jesus way of encouraging believers to remain faithful in any situation for he knows what we are passing through. He then gave them the charge never to be afraid of the things they would suffer. The First and the Last knows what tomorrow holds and He encourages us to remain faithful to the end even in martyrdom(death) that we might receive a crown of life.

In the vision John was shown the need for the people(believers) in Pergamos to hold unto the Truth. Based on the challenges they were experiencing, Jesus in mandating them to hold unto the Truth commended their faithfulnes, spotted their wrong doings & rebuked them, and then points them to the Promise.

Lessons Learnt: Pergamos brethren exercised strong faith by remaining faithful(not denying the faith) even when a brother(Antipas) was slain right before them. Jesus commended them for this strong faith but rebuked some of them who were indulging in some sinful practices such as fornication, idolatry, doctrines of Balaam, and that of the Nicolaitans which the Lord hates. They had strong faith but they were indulging in evil. You cannot hid it from God, you may cover your sins that no one else could know; but not with God. But we can take the rebuke, repent and safe ourselves from his judgement so to receive the Promise of the hidden manna and a New Name which no man knoweth.

Jesus in mandating Thyatira to increase in good works first draw attention to his blazing eyes and feet of bronze which speaks of penetrating vision and strength. Because his penetrating vision and strength sees farther or beyond human comprehension, He commended their deeds of Love, Faith, Endurance, rebuked them for associating with Jezebel – the false prophetess who lure some into idolatry & immortality, and charge them to repent so to escape his wrath and judgement. And to enjoy the divine promise of receiving the power to rule over the nations.

Lastly, He(Jesus)said, he(not only the Four churches mentioned in the lesson) that has an ear let him hear what the Spirit is saying to these churches. This is the message of Jesus to the Church and his message is far beyond what we know for ourselves.

We are studying Revelation chapter 2, join us as you share your concerns.