TO HIM WHO OVERCOMES

Text: Revelation 2:1-7
25 April 2010

(I) INTRODUCTION: THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN ASIA MINOR

1. Assignment of Works to the Churches

2. Assessment of the Works by the Lord Jesus

(II) CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCHES

1. Problem of False Doctrines

2. Problem of Persecution

3. Problem of Worldly distraction

(III) CHURCH OF EPHESUS

1. Associations

a) Associated with the Apostle Paul

b) Associated with the Apostle John

c) Associated with the Lord Jesus Christ

“He who holds the seven stars in his right hand” Revelation 2:1a

“Who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands” Revelation 2:1b

2. Assessment

a) Positive

i) Works ( Revelation 2:2a )

ii) Labour ( Revelation 2:2b, 3 )

iii) Perseverance ( Revelation 2:2c, 3 )

iv) No tolerance for wickedness ( Revelation 2:2d )

v) Patience ( Revelation 2:3 )

b) Negative

i) Left first love ( Revelation 2:4 )

ii) Fallen ( Revelation 2:5a )

3. Admonition

a) Repentance ( Revelation 2:5a )

b) Return to first works ( Revelation 2:5b )

c) Removal ( Revelation 2:5 )

d) Repeated Statement to all churches:

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes…” Revelation 2:7

i) A word from the Spirit of God

A challenge to be an Overcomer