Lesson Eleven
Letters To The Churches (Cont.)

A. LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF PERGAMOS (Revelation 2:12-17):
1. Description: The word "Pergamos" means, "married
•	When Constantine professed conversion to the Christian faith, he united church and 	state
•	The church now became married to the world and was guilty of spiritual 	fornication
•	In this church were two false doctrines:
•	Doctrine of Balaam: When the children of Israel had reached the land of Moab on their way to Canaan, Balak, the king, sent for Balaam to pronounce a curse on Israel. When the Lord did not permit Balaam to curse Israel, he taught Balak how Israel might be seduced to sin by committing fornication with the daughters of Moab. This brought the judgment of God upon them.
•	Doctrine of the Nicolaitanes: This was the teaching of the priesthood rule over the laity. It would be noted that this doctrine got a strong foothold at the Council held at Nicea, in AD 325. Here the laymen outnumbered the Bishops 5 to 1, but when it was over the Bishops had complete control. God said that he hated this doctrine. It is not surprising that from the same council dominated by political intrigue came the false teaching of the Trinitarian Theory.
2. Commendation: The Lord commended Pergamos for: 
•	Holding fast to the Name of Jesus 
•	Not denying the Lord's Faith
•	These were two of the greatest qualities for any church 
3. Condemnation: This church was condemned because of "Spiritual Fornication."
•	She was married to the world
•	This church started out with pure doctrines true to the Name of Jesus, it was 	polluted with a sensuous form of worship and many pagan festivals
4. Admonition: The admonition was the simple message of repentance

B. LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF THYATIRA (Revelation 2:18-29):
1. Description: The longest of the seven letters for the Church of Thyatira.
•	Thyatira comes from two words: "sacrifice" and "continual" 
•	In His letter the Lord calls Himself the "Son of God" drawing attention to His Deity
•	Even the motives and attitudes of the heart are seen by His omniscience.
2. Commendation: This church had many works of charity and is commended for it
3. Condemnation: The main rebuke was tolerating the presence of Jezebel and allowing her to teach and seduce the Christians to fornication and idolatry.

4. Admonition: The exhortation is to hold fast until Jesus comes. 
•	The promise was that they would have power over nations and reign with Christ in 	His Kingdom.

C. LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF SARDIS (Revelation 3:1-6):
1. Description: The name "Sardis" means, "escaping ones" or those who "come out."
2. Commendation: The Lord commended them for their works although they were imperfect. 
•	The shortest commendation was given to this church and it actually became a 	condemnation. 
•	The Lord was pleased with the early stages of the Reformation but displeased with 	what followed. 
•	It is not enough to start well, but we must continue on.
3. Condemnation: They had a name that they were living but actually they were dead.
•	Their works were not perfect (complete). 
•	They had much ritual and ceremony but no true life.
4. Admonition: The Church of Sardis was admonished to do five things:
•	Be watchful: This refers to our Lord's return but the church of the Reformation did 	not teach the Second Coming of Christ.
•	Strengthen the Things That Remain: This was an exhortation to strengthen the 	doctrines of the Reformation, salvation by faith and the authority of the Word of 	God.
•	Remember Therefore How Thou Hast Received: Revive the knowledge received 	from the Word of God and not compromise with ritual.
•	Hold Fast: This exhortation is needed today when worldliness is taking over in so 	many churches.
•	Repent: If the Reformation Church had been willing to repent, God would have led 	them on into truth.

D. LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA (Revelation 3:7-13).
1. Description: The word "Philadelphia" means "brotherly love."
•	This is the revival church of the last days. It undoubtedly will be the church that 	will be raptured when Jesus returns. 
•	The Lord has no criticism of this church and has promised an escape from the 	Great Tribulation.
2. Commendation: The Lord commends the Philadelphia church on several points:
•	A Little Strength: This referred to their numerical strength. They were few in 	number but they certainly were not feeble. They had much spiritual strength even 	though there were not many of them. This is true of the real church today.
•	Kept My Word: Not only did this church believe God's Word but they obeyed the 	Word. The church that is waiting for the Lord's return will be obeying the Word of 	God.
•	Not Denied My Name: This definitely referred to Salvation in the Name of Jesus. 	
•	The Philadelphia church will be baptized in Jesus' name for the remission of sins.      
•	Kept the Word of My Patience: The Philadelphia church was faithful and true. 	There was no compromise with the world. They were steadfast in living a life of 	holiness.
3. Condemnation: There is not one word of rebuke here.
4. Admonition: The exhortation is to not let go of what they have received.
•	Jesus is coming soon. 
•	He will have a church when He returns. 
•	If the Philadelphia church does not hold fast what they have, the Lord will raise up others to take their place. 
•	There are two promises given to this church:
•	An open door is set before them that no man can shut
•	In verse ten there is given a definite promise of escaping the Great Tribulation

E. LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF LAODICEA (Revelation 3:14-22):
1. Description: Laodicea means "The Judging of the People." 
2. Commendation: The Lord finds nothing in this church to commend.
3. Condemnation: There was much about this church that the Lord condemned. 
•	They claimed to be wealthy and have need of nothing. 
•	The Lord stated that she was poor, wretched, miserable, blind and naked.
•	 The church was lukewarm, self-satisfied, complacent and indifferent to the 	presence of Jesus. 
•	This church had much profession but no possession. Such a church is disgusting 	and sickening to the Lord. He would spit her out.
4. Admonition: The Lord told her to repent. 

F. THE DOORS OF REVELATION (Revelation 3:8, 20; 4:1):
•	One of the saddest pictures in the Bible is that of our Lord standing at the door 	knocking. 
•	This is used many times to illustrate the standing at the sinner's heart. 

Lesson Eleven
Self- Help Test
1.	Explain the Doctrine of Balaam. 
2.	Explain the meaning of the Doctrine of the Nicolaitanes. 
3.	What were the five things the Sardis church was admonished to do? 
4.	List the four points of Commendation to the Philadelphian church.