CHAPTERS TWO AND THREE
II. WHAT CHRIST COMMENDS IN THE CHURCHES:
2:2
Works, labor, patience, hatred of evil, ability to discern the difference in
real and counterfeit, persistence.
2:6 Hatred of false doctrine and false practice
2:9 Bearing tribulation and poverty.
2:13 Steadfastness
2:19 Charity, service, faith.
3:4 Separation. (2 Cor. 6:17; Eph. 5:11)
3:8 Strength through little, keeping the word.
2 Tim. 1:13; "Hold fast the form of sound words
III. WHAT CHRIST
CONDEMNS IN THE CHURCHES:
2:4
Backsliding; "thou hast left thy first love"
2:6 Religious politics. Deeds of Nicolaitanes
2:14-15 False doctrine: Human reasoning
2:20 Spiritual fornication. Tolerating false teaching.
2:21 Failure to repent
3:1 Spiritual deadness. Manifest in imperfect works.
3:3 Failure to watch.
3:15-16 Lukewarmness. Indifference, middle-of-road
3:17 Materialism. Secularism to neglect spiritually
3:17 Pride, self confidence, haughty spirit.
3:20 Crowding Jesus out.
Taken
together these churches picture the downward progression of sin and sinful
practice within the church age.
Shows condition of the organized church when Christ comes for His bride...
(He, is not coming for a harlot).
IV. WHAT CHRIST COMMANDS OF THE CHURCHES;
2:5 Remember, repent...return
2:10 Faithfulness
2:16
Repentance (five of seven told to repent
2:20-23 Separation... (2 Cor. 6:14-18)
3:2-3 Watchfulness...Hold fast...
3:6 Hear —- God's Word, God's Spirit.
3:18 Receive of Christ — (Gold-Deity - White Raiment,
Righteousness.. eyesalve - spiritual discernment.
by David E. Hubbard
Created by SuzyB