I. Christ’s grand introduction (of Himself) - :1
1. This communicates His sovereignty
A. Positively – John 10:27-30
B. Negatively - :5b
2. This also communicates His intimacy and care for His people – Luke 12:6-7
3. The candlesticks (symbolizing the churches – Revelation 1:20) show us the purpose of the churches is to be a light to the world – Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-16. Christ walking in the midst of these communicates His concern in regard to their fulfilling their purpose. This is what His evaluation is primarily about.
II. Christ’s perfect evaluation - :2-3 & :6
6 Commendations:
1. He knew their works - :2; Hebrews 6:10; Ephesians 2:10
2. He knew their toil - :2 (this has to do with difficulty)
3. He knew their patience endurance - :2
4. He knew how they dealt with sinners and false teachers - :2
A. They were well trained in this area – Acts 20:28-31
B. They had great leaders – 1 Timothy 1:3-4
5. He knew they were standing for His Name, without growing weary - :3
6. He was with them in their “hatred” of the deeds of the Nicolaitians - :6
1 Condemnation:
1. They abandoned the love they had at first - :4
2. What does this mean? It does not mean that they were completely without love for Christ but that their love was not as fervent or passionate as it once was.
3. How can this happen?
A. It is natural to us as sinners, our love for Christ, like a garden must be constantly cultivated – Hosea 10:12-13
B. Love cannot continue in its fervor without focus – 1 John 2:15-15;
III. Christ’s earnest exhortations - :5
1. Remember - :5
2. Repent - :5
IV. Christ’s dire warning - :5b
1. Christ could / would close their church
2. Christ did
V. Christ’s encouragement - :7
1. Listen to the Spirit, this requires the new birth – John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 & :14
2. Over-comers will be rewarded, with Tree of Life fruit – Revelation 22:1-3
“Make Me Thy Fuel”
From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher,
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.
From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the crucified)
From all that dims Thy Calvary,
O Lamb of God, deliver me.
Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay,
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire;
Let me not sink to be a clod:
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.
Amy Carmichael
