Lesson 24: The Churches of Asia - 2
Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea

Introduction: In this lesson, we will continue our study of the seven 
churches of Asia.  These churches received instruction form the Lord 
in the book of Revelation.  By studying the letters written to these 
churches, we can learn about problems that troubled Christians in the 
first century.  We can learn the attributes that please and displease 
the Lord. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the 
churches" (Rev. 3:6, 13, 22).


I. Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6)
   A. Commendation: A few in Sardis had not "defiled their garments;" 
      they were "worthy"(3:4).     
   B. Condemnation
      1. They had a "name" that they were alive, but in reality they 
	 were dead (3:1).
      2. Their works were not "perfect" before God (3:2).
   C. Exhortation
      1. "Be watchful" (3:2).
      2. "Strengthen the things which remain" (3:2).
      3. "Remember...how you have received and heard; hold fast and 
	 repent" (3:3).
   D. Promise to those who overcome
      1. To walk with Christ in white (3:4)
      2. Clothed in white garments (3:5)
      3. Name not blotted out of the Book of Life (3:5)
      4. The Lord will confess their names before the Father and before 
	 his angels (3:5). 


II. Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13)
   A. Commendation
      1. They kept the Lord's word (3:8).
      2. They did not deny the Lord's name (3:8).
      3. They kept the command to persevere.
   B. Condemnation: None
   C. Exhortation: "Hold fast what you have, that no one may take away 
      your crown" (3:11).
   D. Promise to those who overcome
      1. To be kept from the hour of trial that would come upon the 
	 whole world (3:10)
      2. To be made a pillar in the temple of God, and he would go out 
	 no more (3:12)
      3. The name of God, the name of the city of God, and the Lord's 
	 new name would be written on them (3:12).


III. Laodicea (Col. 2:1; 4:13,15,16; Rev. 3:14-22)
   A. Background
      1. Paul spoke of those in Laodicea in his epistle to the 
	 Colossians (Col. 2:1).
      2. Paul spoke of Epaphras' zeal for them (Col. 4:13).
      3. Paul sent his greeting to the church in Laodicea (Col. 4:15).
      4. The epistle to the Colossians was to be read to the church 
	 in Laodicea, and the Colossians were to read the epistle to 
	 the Laodiceans (Col. 4:16).
   B. Commendation: None
   C. Condemnation
      1. Neither cold nor hot (3:15)
      2. They thought they were wealthy and in need of nothing, but 
	  actually they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and 
	  naked (3:17).
   D. Exhortation
      1. "Buy from me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich" 
	 (3:18).
      2. Buy "white garments, that you may be clothed (3:18).
      3. "Anoint you eyes with eye salve, that you may see" (3:18).
      4. "Be zealous and repent" (3:19).
   E. Promise to those who overcome
      1. If they will hear the voice of the Lord and "open the door," 
	 He will come in to them and dine with them (3:20).
      2. They will be granted the right to sit with the Lord on His 
	 throne (3:21).


Principles:
1. Churches may have a good reputation, but only God knows if they are 
   truly faithful (3:1).
2. We must watch, strengthen, perfect, persevere, and be zealous in 
   order to please the Lord.
3. There may be faithful Christians in a dead church.
4. It is possible to have one's name blotted out of the Book of Life. 
   We must hold fast in order to keep our crown.
5. The Lord hates apathy and pride.
6. The Lord rebukes and chastens those He loves (Rev. 3:19; Heb. 12:6).
	

Questions:

1. Describe how a church could have a name that they are alive and 
   yet be dead.
2. How does one "defile his garments" (Rev. 3:4)?  With respect to 
   this, comment on Jude 12-19.
3. How are a churches' works perfected (Rev. 3:2; Eph. 4:11-16)?
4. What was the church at Sardis told to remember?  Explain.
5. What is the Book of Life?  How does one get his name in this book, 
   and what can cause it to be blotted out (Rev. 20:12-15)?  What is 
   the result if it is blotted out?
6. What promise did Christ make concerning confession (Mt. 10:32,33; 
   Rom. 10:10)?
7. Who can take away our crown (Rev. 3:11; Jn. 10:29)?
8. List some characteristics of apathy in the church.
9. How is the expression "open door" used in Rev. 3:8, 20?
10. How does the Lord rebuke and chasten today (Rev. 3:19; Heb. 12:6)?