Revelation 3: 20

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

In these two chapters, Jesus gives John messages to the seven Asia churches. When Jesus has a message—everyone should listen whether it’s addressed to you personally or not! You might want to take time to read Jesus’s message to the seven churches for yourself in chapters 2-3.

As I read through these chapters, one thing stood out to me. Jesus condemned immorality, especially sexual immorality. Sexual immorality is NOT okay! The world tries to justify it, but Jesus is very clear as he talks to the seven churches that there is no justification.

The other important thing I want to point out is that he commends the churches that show love and perform services for others. That’s certainly an example we can follow.

 Here’s a chart my study Bible had. Jesus may be talking to the churches directly but there’s a lot we can learn that pleases and displeases Jesus in our own behavior.

Go through the list of commendations and criticisms as honestly as you can. What are your commendations? What criticisms apply to you? And don’t forget to spend some time in the promises–those belong to you as well!

	Commendation	Criticism	Instruction	Promise
Ephesus	Rejects evil Perseveres Has patience	Love for Christ no longer fervent	Do the works you did at first	The Tree of Life
Smyrna	Gracefully bears suffering		Be faithful until death	The crown of life
Pergamos	Keeps the faith of Christ	Tolerates immorality, idolatry, heresies	Repent	Hidden manna and a stone w/ new name
Thyatira	Love, service, patience are greater than at first	Tolerates idolatry and immorality	Judgment coming; keep the faith	Rule over nations; receive morning star
Sardis	Some have kept the faith	A dead church	Repent; strengthens what remains	Faith honored; clothed in white
Philadelphia	Perseveres in faith, keeps the Word of God, honors God		Keep the faith.	A place in God’s presence; a new name
Laodicea		Indifferent	Be zealous; repent.	Share Christ’s throne

YOUR TURN: Other than sexual immorality, what are some other examples of immorality that we should turn away from?