STUDIES
IN
THE REVELATION
OF JESUS CHRIST
FOR
LANDMARK BAPTIST BIBLE INSTITUTE-CANADA
SPONSORED BY
LANDMARK BAPTIST CHURCH
Of
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.
By
DR.
D. PAUL TUCK SR.
A BAPTIST PULPIT PUBLICATION
Available in book form from
Baptist Pulpit Ministries
Direct all correspondence to-
48 Cobbler Crescent
North York, Ontario,
Canada M3N 2Y7
STUDIES IN REVELATION
DEDICATION
I dedicate this work to all of those who have trusted in the Person of Jesus Christ, as both Savior and Lord; To those who are members of New Testament Baptist Churches in every age since Christ founded the first church on the shores of Galilee; To those who seek to make Christ’s Kingdom known and occupy in His service while watching the sky and expecting His soon return. To such I dedicate this book, for such are they who believe Christ’s message, the gospel of salvation through faith in His finished work upon the cross of Calvary.
Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.
August 1998
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr. is currently the Pastor of Landmark Baptist Church, a rather new congregation meeting in the heart of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. This Church sponsors Baptist Pulpit Ministries and Philippine Prayer Partners. Pastor Paul, as he is generally known has been a minister of the gospel for over 45 years. He and his wife Remi reside in North York, and have worked with developmentally challenged people in L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, since 1990. He has been pastor, evangelist and missionary as well as instructor of Bible College students. He has ministered extensively in many areas of the Philippine Republic. He is the author of more than 25 books and over 50 pamphlets. Books such as this one are used to instruct ministerial students in Church-sponsored Bible Institutes and Colleges in the Philippine Republic and elsewhere. It is a text in the study course of Landmark Baptist Bible Institute – Canada founded in 2002.
COPYRIGHT 1998-2002
BY THE AUTHOR
Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr.
All rights to copy and reprint
these notes in any form
is reserved by the author and
copy permission will be granted
to LBBI-Canada students,
missionaries and churches by
by writing to-
BAPTIST PULPIT MINISTRIES
48 Cobbler Crescent,
North York, Ontario,
Canada M3N 2Y7
Telephone/Fax (416) 739-1895
E-Mail: bpulpit@attcanada.ca
First Printing – Loose notes 1998
Completed Volumes 2002
STUDIES IN THE REVELATION OF
JESUS CHRIST
INTRODUCTION
Revelation may well be the least read book in the New Testament, if not in the entire Bible. This for the most part is because the average Christian looks at all of the symbolism and is afraid to attempt to understand what to John the apostle was a simple and obvious message from our Lord Jesus Christ. The word Revelation is from a root word, APOCALUPSIS, which means the taking away of a veil, so that which is behind the veil may be seen (E.C. Gillentine).
In understanding the book of Revelation there are some basic things, which will make its interpretation easier and open our understanding to a book, which alone offers a special blessing to its readers.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3).
Theologically my approach to Revelation is within the Premillennial and Pre-Tribulational concept of Biblical eschatology.
SOME BASIC THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT REVELATION
1. It covers three periods of time:
a) Revelation 1:1 - “Things, which must shortly come to pass”
b) Revelation 1:19 “Things, which are”
c) Revelation 1:19-b “Things, which shall be hereafter”
2. Revelation is written firstly to seven independent and sovereign local Churches.
3. The Chapters of Revelation are not chronologically written but rather are in sections, each section being retold in greater detail, from a different angle or viewpoint. John received the Revelation in several visions. Rather than chronological, the Revelation is parenthetical. The vision is enfolded and then repeated again filling in greater detail than previously given.
4. Some of the Revelation deals with the Nation of Israel. For the most part, the Church is restricted to chapters 1-3.
5. The Book of Revelation is a companion prophetical book to Daniel in the Old Testament. It also has some comparison to the Book of Genesis. The Book of Daniel was to be sealed “unto the time of the end,” Daniel 12:4,9. The Book of Revelation was not to be sealed,
(Revelation 22:10.) There are more than fifty things, which are mentioned in Genesis, the Book of beginnings, the ends thereof, which are found in the Revelation, which is a book of endings.
In Chapter 4, the scene changes from earth to heaven. To understand Revelation, one needs to read very slowly and understand its symbolism. In this book as well as in all of Scripture one should take a literal approach to interpretation, unless it states otherwise, or is clearly symbolic. However, no symbolism in Scripture strays from any basic, fundamental, orthodox truth. For example, “streets of gold” does not mean literal gold, but the value equivalent is no less, in fact, most likely greater. In description of “heaven and hell” while they are literal places, are given to us in human terms and language, which help us to understand the “beauty of heaven” and the “horribleness of hell”. In the Book of Revelation we have the consummation of all things.
Keep this in mind as you study with us through this wonderful book. May God bless you as you travel with us through its pages. Note as well that it is best to study chapters four and five together. Read these two chapters through before you begin to study them. - D. Paul Tuck Sr. - August 1998.
STUDIES IN REVELATION
INTRODUCTION-Volume One
The messages in this first volume were first preached by the author to Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada in 1998.
In this first volume we seek to draw attention to the Person of Jesus Christ, crucified, buried, risen, ascended and coming again. Here He is the alpha and omega, the Head of His churches. In this first volume we deal with the Seven distinct letters to seven distinct and sovereign local churches which at that time existed in Asia Minor, now known as Turkey.
The eschatological position of this author is Premillennial and Pre-Tribulational. This book is built upon a Landmark, Sovereign Grace, Baptist position on Scripture.
May this book be a blessing and cause you to be ever vigilant , looking for our blessed hope, the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
John was the last of the apostles to leave the earthly scene and spent is last years in Ephesus, as well as considerable time on the island of Patmos, where he received this revelation and penned its words for the seven churches, and for all who read the words of this prophecy.
Revelation was given by Jesus Christ to John about 95-96 AD. It is the only book of the Bible that presents Jesus Christ as He is today. It is written for the most part from a Futurist position (Rev.1:1) and is the only book with a special blessing offered to it’s readers. (Rev. 1:3)
CHRIST
AND THE CHURCH AGE
Revelation
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION:
The heading of most of our Bibles is not a part of the inspired text of Scripture, but was put there by the translators. Revelation is more correctly that of Jesus Christ as we read in verse one. John was the vehicle used by Christ to relay His message to the churches. The message as we shall see, was first of all to the seven churches in Asia Minor. So we see that according to verse one the Revelation came from God the Father (this is evident) to Jesus Christ and was sent and signified by an angel, unto his servant John. John made a record of all he heard and saw.
This is the only book of the Bible that offers a special blessing to it’s readers, and especially to those who obey what is written ( 1:3.)
The churches to whom John was to write were then in existence in Asia Minor -”to the seven churches which ARE in Asia.”
Jesus offers first Grace and then peace. True peace comes by the sovereign grace of God and is not something concocted by man.
JESUS INTRODUCES HIMSELF: Vs 4-6
A. Which is- alive and existing at the right hand of power.
B. Which was -In Revelation he will be seen as the Lamb that was slain. The same Jesus who walked from Galilee to Calvary.
C. Which is to come- Who will yet exist and will return to earth again.
“And from the seven Spirits which are before His throne.”
Literally -”the seven-fold Spirit.” Seven being the number
of completeness, the number of God. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to carry out the administrative work of the Churches. (See Acts 1:2.)
Christ’s throne is now in existence in heaven but will in the future be in Jerusalem, when He will then sit upon the throne of His father David. However, this throne is spiritual and is given in relation to Jesus as the Son of God.
Vs 5 - “And to Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.”
Verse five relates to Jesus as the Son of Man, to his earthly existence as the one begotten of the Father.” (See John 1:14; 3:16.) He alone is the faithful witness who declared God to the world. (See 1 Timothy 3:16; John 5:36-37.)
He is the “first begotten of the dead”- It does not say that he is the first begotten from the dead, but “of the dead.” This indicates clearly that others will follow in His train.
Colossians 1:18
“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
The church, which Christ instituted upon the shores of Galilee and of which, is in existence corporeally in the seven churches of Asia.
“The prince of the kings of the earth”- Humanly speaking Jesus is the descendant of King David. Upon his return he will set up a theocratic government on that throne.
“unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”
Notice the use of "particular people" in this verse. He loved “us” and washed “us” in his own blood. Redemption is particular as pertaining to God’s elect, those chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. See Ephesians 1:4-11.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
The reference is to those who are members of the New Testament Church body. Not all churches today constitute a New Testament Church body. To do so, they must be in New Testament Church order.
We notice that it is not the waters of baptism but the blood of our Savior that washes away sin.
See Hebrews 9:12; 9:22; 9:26; 10:10;
10:12;
THE PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS: Vs 6
“And has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Under the Old Covenant Israel was to become a “nation of priests.” Under the New Covenant all believers are to be kings (rulers) and priests (ministers) of Christ. This ministry is to be seen in visible New Testament Churches. The idea of the Roman Catholic priesthood is based mostly upon the Old Testament Levitical priesthood. Baptist’s hold that every believer is to become a member of a New Testament local Church-body. We are not all gifted the same but each member ministers according to the gift of Christ.
The New Testament idea of ministry is that of a body (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.) There is no oligarchy in New Testament Churches, they are self governing and self ministering under the Headship of Christ, the leadership of the Holy Spirit and Scripture is the sole basis of faith and practice. Each member of the body works in conjunction with the overall ministry of the local church-body. We have no priest but Christ; no orders but Scripture. To Christ be all glory and dominion forever.
CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN: Vs 7-8
“Behold he cometh, with clouds; and every eye shall see him , and they also which pierced him: and all kindred's of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”
Jesus Christ will return to earth again, he said so. So also did the angel at his ascension. So also said the prophet Zechariah (see Zechariah 14:4.)
There are two aspects of the second coming of Jesus Christ. -
A. He is coming for His
saints -1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
B. He is coming with all of his saints with him -
2
Thessalonians Chapter two; Zechariah 14:5
The first aspect of the coming of the Lord is the rapture where believers are caught up with the Lord in the air. The second aspect is when Christ returns at the end of the Tribulation period with all of His saints. Then will be the end of the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16) and the establishing of Christ on the throne of David in Jerusalem. (see-Luke 1:32) The signs of this tribulation are everywhere, especially with events in the middle-east today.
A TRUE PICTURE OF CHRIST: Vs 7
There are many images of Christ throughout Christendom, none of which are true. Some at least of these are idolatrous. However, as we go through this revelation we will see some pictures of Jesus. Here in this verse we see him as:
A. Alpha and Omega:
This means the first and the last, a reference to the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus is God in human flesh, but as God he was there in the beginning. Jesus Christ had the first say and He will have the final one.
B. Which is - He is not dead but is risen from the dead. The message to the disciples was “he goeth before you into Galilee.”
It is the risen Christ who will conquer all. He now exists and is seated at the right hand of authority.
C. Which was - One with the Father in eternity, he came to seek and to save that which is lost. He was born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, and died in Jerusalem.
D. Which is to come - He will come again, He will reign as King. He it is for whom we should have our eye single to His coming again.
THE TESTIMONY OF JOHN: Vs 9
John is the brother in Christ of those in the seven churches. He is their companion in the tribulation or trials of Christian life. John’s companionship was not only one of brotherhood, but in the trials that came with being a faithful witness for Jesus Christ. His reference to the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, is simply put by Paul in his letter to Timothy -
2 Timothy 2:12
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.”
The kingdom of God begins within one and is spiritual, but there will also be an earthly aspect of that kingdom when Christ returns. John urges patience in trials as they look towards that kingdom. He is now a prisoner of Rome on the Isle of Patmos, not for breaking of the law, but for “the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” John was shut off from most if not all of his brethren, but God spoke to Him from heaven.
CONCLUSION:
We conclude these verses by asking each one of us to compare our trials with those of John. Regardless of our circumstances, let us look to the same Lord Jesus Christ. There is a better day coming, and when the outlook is dim, try the uplook!
First preached
by Dr. D. Paul Tuck Sr. in 1998
Preached to Landmark Baptist Church,
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Sunday morning, February 24th
2002
SEVEN
PICTURES OF CHRIST
IN THE
SEVEN CHURCHES OF
REVELATION
Revelation 1:10-11
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto
Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.”.
INTRODUCTION:
As we will see, the letters of Jesus Christ, through John and the pastors of the seven churches located in Asia Minor, which is now modern Turkey, are very applicable in lesson for us today.
This actual revelation came to John as he “was in the Spirit on the
Lord’s day” - Vs 10. Some would
spiritualize this phrase and confuse it with a similar one, “the day of the
Lord.” First of all, the scene here is on the island of Patmos, a very literal
and physical place. This would be Sunday, the first day of the week, when
believers would gather for worship. This was the day when Christ appeared to
His Church following His resurrection. This was the day when the Holy Spirit
was outpoured on the day of Pentecost. I therefore believe it to be a literal
day, Sunday, the first day of the week.
Christ has always been interested in the work and welfare of the Churches. First of all, it was He who instituted the New Testament Church. The church (ecclesia) or assembly was instituted by Christ Himself, on the shores of Galilee when he called to Himself a group of disciples. Out of the many disciples, which followed Him he then appointed 12 apostles who were to be leaders in the church following Christ’s death, burial resurrection, and ascension.
In His letters to the seven Churches, Jesus portrays Himself in seven distinct ways. Seven is the number of perfection, God’s number, which stands for completeness. Here we find that we have all we need for now and eternity in the Person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
1. Ephesus:
Jesus holds the seven stars in His right hand, and walks in the midst of the seven
golden candlesticks- Revelation 1:20
Here we see security, the leadership of the great Pastor and Shepherd of the sheep. Never far from His sheep, his flock, His Church. Jesus is found in the midst of the Church.
To find Christ is to find His church and vice versa.
Pastors-the stars need to know that they are held by Christ. The churches
(candlesticks) need to know that Jesus is found in their midst.
Do you sense the presence of Christ in our midst today?
Wherever two are three are gathered together by the authority of Christ, he is in the
midst.
2. Smyrna:
Jesus is the first and the last. He was in the beginning with the Father, and will have
the final say as the Judge of all men.
He is the one who was dead, but is alive again as the mighty Conqueror!
Wicked men whipped Him, jammed a crown of thorns over his brow and mocked Him.
Yet, he gave up his life for sinners, and brought redemption to the elect of God.
Every other great religious leader is still dead, but Christ Jesus lives today!
3. Pergamos:
He that hath the sharp, two-edged sword. One that cuts both ways, will slay and heal.
Jesus Christ is in control, no matter what it seems in this wicked world around us.
Jesus Christ is in possession of the Sword-
The sword of battle; the sword of judgment, the sword of authority, the sword of
protection against the enemy; the sword that will win the war for righteousness.
4. Thyatira:
Jesus is the Son of God. Eyes like a flame of fire; feet like burnished brass; He that
searches the reins and hearts of men.
Churches need to know the Lordship and deity of Jesus Christ. Man does not run the
show, God does.
Churches cannot honor the Lordship of Christ any more than her pastors and the
members themselves.
5. Sardis:
He that has the seven (7) Spirits of God and the seven stars.
The seven-fold Spirit of God, complete and full in every way. Jesus was endorsed by
all of heaven as King of kings and Lord of lords.
6. Philadelphia:
Philadelphia means "brotherly love". There is a city in the USA by this name and it is called "the city of brotherly love." Yet, they have a hockey team that is nicknamed "the Broadway Bullies." Quite consistent aren't they?
Jesus Christ is Holy and True; He has the key of David (kingdom authority). He is the
one who opens doors and no man can shut them without His authority.
When Jesus closes a door, no man can likewise open that door.
7. Laodicea:
The Amen- (Let it be so) The faithful and true witness. The beginning of the
creation of God.
The new creation begins with Him, as did the original creation. All things were
Made by Him and for Him. Jesus is the true foundation upon which we can build.
A lukewarm Church must look to Christ. He would rather we were hot or cold than tepid.
We are living in the age of tepid Christianity. We have lost our fire!
CONCLUSION:
Christ is the exalted and all sufficient one. We are complete in Jesus Christ. What better Captain to have at the helm of our life than Jesus Christ.
Whatever it is you need, the answer is in Christ. Wherever you may be this very moment, the answer is Jesus Christ. The salvation that Jesus Christ provides is good now and for all eternity. If you have never trusted Him as Savior and owned Him as Lord of your life, if you feel that tug in your heart towards Jesus, do it now. Accept Him as your Lord and Savior.
(In our next lesson, we will begin to look at each of these seven churches individually.)
Outline of a sermon preached by Dr. D. Paul
Tuck Sr.
Landmark Baptist Church, Richmond Hill,
Ontario, Canada - Sunday morning March 3rd 2002
LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES
OF REVELATION
Revelation
Chapters 2-3
#1 TO
THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS
Text: Revelation 2:1-7
“1 ¶ Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God”. (AV).
1. THE
REVELATION OF CHRIST: vs 1
A. “Unto the angel”:
The Greek word (aggelos) which is
translated “angel “ in the Authorized Version means messenger, or agent. That
this is not an angelic creature is seen in the fact that Jesus instructed John
to “write” thus implying that such angel would read the letter, and would be a
human messenger. Most commentators refer to this messenger as the pastor of the
church.
It is significant that Jesus addressed seven different pastors of seven distinct churches. Jesus dealt directly with the churches independently through their messenger or pastor. There is no room here for the Catholic or Episcopal form of Church government by bishops over several churches, or Popery.
B. Seven:
In Biblical numerology the number seven stands out significantly in Scripture as one of completeness. It is the number of God. There are seven days in one week, and on the seventh of those days, God rested. God gave to Israel the seventh day (Saturday) as a day of rest. This is prototype of our spiritual rest of faith in the finished work of Christ on Calvary, and the rest of heaven at the end of life’s journey for God’s elect.
Hebrews 4:9 “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God”.
C. “By His right hand”:
The use of the term “by His right hand” is also very significant in Scripture. It’s meaning is basically one of “authority, power and leadership.
1. Christ is now seated on the right hand of power (authority).
Matthew
26:64
“Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven”.
Hebrews 1:3
“Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
2. Of God’s power we read:
Exodus 15:6
“Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy”.
3. We read of Moses leadership of Israel:
Isaiah 63:12
“That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name...”
This is a reference to-
Exodus 15:6
“Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy”.
4. The Hebrew word translated right hand is - yamiyn {yaw-meen'} as used throughout the Old Testament. Its exact meaning should be determined by the context. It usually has reference to “authority” but in a few instances it is translated simply “right”
as to direction or “south when one is facing east”. (See A.H. Strong)
D. “Walketh in the Midst”:
While Christ is talking to John from heaven, he relates to him the fact of his being with His churches. There is reference here both to his humanity and his deity.
1. Christ came down incarnate in human flesh and walked with men, instituting His church on the shores of Galilee. He is still with His churches, as related here to John.
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”.
2. Matthew 28:19-20
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen”.
3. Christ is in His churches personally, and to receive glory:
Ephesians 3:21
“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen”.
The believer brings glory to Christ when he/she takes their place in the Body of Christ.
We see here the importance of Christian assembly. (Heb. 10:25).
4. This also shows us the importance Christ plays within His churches as mediator, as comforter, provider of sustenance.
The spiritual leadership of Christ over His churches as LORD is much more significant than his physical presence was, even after the resurrection and before he ascended. to heaven.
E. “The Seven Golden Candlesticks”:
1. The number seven speaks of completeness.
2. Gold speaks to us of purity, richness, and royalty.
Jesus had called His people “kings & priests” in Revelation 1:6.
3. Candlesticks perhaps had more meaning to the Jewish Christians or to the people who lived before the advent of electricity.
That Jesus is referring to His New Testament Churches is seen from a careful look at the context:
Revelation 1:20
“The mystery of the seven stars which
thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven
stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which
thou sawest are the seven churches”.
Basically the candlestick is the bearer of the candle, which gives light.
God’s people have the light of God, and that light is to shine and be proclaimed from the candlestick (church).
The New Testament Churches are the bearers of God’s light in the world.
John
8:12
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”.
John 9:5
“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world”.
John 12:46
“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness”.
4. New Testament Churches are the bearers of Christ’s light:
Matthew
5:14
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid”.
Ephesians 5:8
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”
1 Thessalonians 5:5
“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness”.
1 Peter 2:9
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”
2. THE KNOWLEDGE OF
CHRIST: vs 2-3 (I know)
A. “I know thy works”:
1. If anyone thinks they can hide something from God, they only fool themselves.
Adam tied to hide behind fig leaves, but God found him “naked”.
2. Our works refer to that which we do as Christians, not that which we do to become one.
3. Jesus is saying, I know the fruit you bear.
John
15:16
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you”.
4. The Greek word translated “works” is - ergon {er'-gon} from a primary (but obsolete) ergo (to work); -TDNT - 2:635,251; n n
AV - work 152, deed 22, doing 1, labor 1; 176
1) business, employment, that which any one is occupied
1a) that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking
2) any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry,
or mind
3) an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasized in opp. to that which is less than work (Strong)
B. “And thy labor”-
In the English language there is not a whole lot of difference between work and labor. Labor is usually a much harsher word than work. The difference in the Greek is more pronounced according to its usage.
A.H. Strong says:
Labor- Greek- kopos {kop'-os}
from 2875; TDNT - 3:827,453; n m
AV - labor 13, trouble + 3830 5, weariness1; 19
1) a beating
2) a beating of the breast with grief, sorrow
3) labor
3a) trouble
3a1) to cause one trouble, make work for him
3b) intense labor united with trouble and toil.
C. Thy Patience:
1. Patience is quite an admiral thing, which is part of the fruit of the Spirit.
I heard of a man who prayed “Lord give me patience; and give it to me now!”
2. Their patience is likely associated with their works and labor.
Romans 5:3
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”
Revelation
1:9
“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ”.
Galatians
5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law”.
D. Hatred of evil:
Please note that it is evil that is to be hated not the people themselves.
Jesus hates sin but he loves sinners and would call them unto Himself.
If Jesus hated sinners he would never have come to this world in the first place, and he would have nothing to do with any of us, including you and me.
Job
1:1
“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil”.
Psalm
1:1
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful”.
Proverbs 10:9
“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known”.
Proverbs 15:21
“Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly”.
Proverbs 28:18
“Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once”.
Isaiah 33:15
“He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;”
E. The trial of false teachers:
Note that this was the work of the local church. There is a proper course of trial for those found to be false teachers or heretics. We need to be very careful in this area lest we bring harm to someone who does not deserve it. Too often we act like bigots in our dealing with false teachers and even those who fall into sin within our ranks.
By all means, we need to deal with such ones, but do it in LOVE and never close the door for repentance and faith to operate.
Trials need to be fair, honest and open to the Word of God. Many good men have been martyred and hurt by those who do not practice the faith with this regard.
That there needs to be Biblical separation from such is clear in the words of Paul:
2
Corinthians 6:14-18
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty”.
3. THE INDICTMENT OF CHRIST: vs 4-5
(A formal charge against)
A. Forsaken Love:
1.“Thou art fallen”-
They had lowered their standard, which is LOVE.
Love is the Christian standard without which we are nothing (1 Cor. 13).
Is it possible to be perfectly right and not have love? It appears so from Jesus indictment of the Ephesian Church. To have all of the trimmings of evangelical Christianity, and yet be ego-centered bigots. This was the problem with the Pharisees of Jesus day, and it is our problem today.
2.“Repent” - Their need for Godly sorrow, which brings about a change of
direction.
One of the hardest things for any Christian to do is to get back “their first love”. Like in a marriage union where the romance has gone, so our love for Christ is gone. We do not care for others, as we ought, for missions, for soul winning, for evangelism.
We have a form of godliness but the power is shut off and we grope in the darkness of this world’s pleasures.
B. First Love:
1. The first works:
The first works of any church is to love the Lord of the Church.
Mark 12:30
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment”.
1 Corinthians 16:24
“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen”.
Titus 3:15
“All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen”.
1 John 4:19
“We love him, because he first loved us.
Revelation 2:4
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love”.
No doubt this church was still there, assembling each Lord’s Day, but void of their first love. The love of Jesus, which filled their hearts and souls with
salvation. That love, which captivated their thoughts and minds and drove them to work and labor for Him, was missing.
2. Love results in right doing:
Love that causes us to put others first and ourselves last.
1
Corinthians 13:4-8,13
“Love suffereth long, and is kind; Love envieth not; Love vaunteth not
itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away”.
And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love”.
How sad that so many have lost their first love. May we hear the words of our Lord, and REPENT.
4. COMMENDATIONS OF CHRIST:
vs 6-7
“but this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate”.
A. The Deeds:
1. Again, we are to hate the deeds, not the people.
Too many Christians have difficulty in making the distinction.
We need to learn to meet people where they are, not where we think they ought to be. If I am not as holy as you are, please forgive me and pray for me. God is not through with me yet!
2. The word “deeds” is used many times in Scripture. Here are but a few of them:
John
3:19-21
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God”.
Romans 2:6
“Who will render to every man according to his deeds”.
Colossians
3:9
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;”
3. Peter talked about Lot and his association with the deeds of the men of Sodom:
2 Peter 2:8
(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
B. Nicolaitan Doctrine:
The Nicolaitan doctrine is said to have been taught by a man named Nicolas:
Acts 6:5
“And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:”
Dr. John Gill gives this concerning the Nicolaitans: Ver. 6. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, &c.] Though these Christians had left their first love, yet they bore an hatred to the filthy and impure practices of some men, who were called "Nicolaitans"; who committed fornication, adultery, and all uncleanness, and had their wives in common, and also ate things offered to idols; who were so called, as some think {c}, from Nicolas of Antioch, one of the seven deacons in #Ac 6:5; though as to Nicolas himself, it is said {d}, that he lived with his own lawful married wife, and no other, and that his daughters continued virgins all their days, and his son incorrupt; and that these men, so called, only shrouded themselves under his name, and abused a saying or action of his, or both, to patronize their wicked deeds: he had used to advise paracrhsqai th sarki, by which he meant a restraining of all carnal and unlawful lusts; but these men interpreted it of an indulgence in them, and so gave themselves up to all uncleanness; and whereas, he having a beautiful wife, and being charged with jealousy, in order to clear himself of it, he brought her forth, and gave free liberty to any person to marry her as would; which indiscreet action of his these men chose to understand as allowing of community of wives. Dr. Lightfoot conjectures, that these Nicolaitans were not called so from any man, but from the word hlykn, "Nicolah", "let us eat", which they often used to encourage each other to eat things offered to idols. However this be, it is certain that there were such a set of men, whose deeds were hateful; but neither their principles nor their practices obtained much in this period of time, though they afterwards did; see #Re 2:15. Professors of the Christian religion in general abhorred such impure notions and deeds, as they were by Christ:”
which also I hate; all sin is hateful to Christ, being contrary to his nature, to his will, and to his Gospel; and whatever is hateful to him should be to his people; and where grace is, sin will be hateful, both in themselves and others; and men's deeds may be hated when their persons are not; and hatred of sin is taken notice of by Christ, with a commendation.
Whatever be the origin of the Nicolaitans, the word itself means “conquering of the people”. This was a sect which advocated license in matters of Christian conduct, including free love. They promoted a clerical hierarchy. This no doubt was the seed sown for the unscriptural practice of rule of the churches by clergy, which in turn led to the formation of the universal or catholic church of Rome.
(John Gill Expositor)
CONCLUSION: vs 7
A. He that hath an ear let him ear.
God ever bids man to listen to Him. The one who has an ear would be the inner