Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Revelation 2:1-7), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [1] There is a fairly consistent pattern of features of the “mini-letters” in Revelation 2 and 3 as Jesus dictates them to John. Each one is addressed to the “angel”—a word better translated as “messenger”—of each congregation. Jesus is addressing his pastoral ambassadors, his human representatives who are in positions of influence and responsibility in each of the churches. What do you think about the fact that teachers in the church will “be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1) because “they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account” (Hebrews 13:17)? How does this knowledge lead you to engage with and pray for the leaders in your church? How can all church members benefit from Scriptures addressed specifically to pastors, like 1-2 Timothy, Titus, and these chapters in Revelation?

• These letters are “the words of” Jesus, who introduces himself with reference to an aspect of the vision from chapter 1 (vv. 12-20). The way he describes himself has particular significance for the situation each church is facing. Here he holds the seven stars (messengers) in his right hand and walks among the lampstands (churches). It is a picture of his sovereign power and intimate familiarity exercised in the government of the church. How is this significant for your life and ministry in the church? Especially when Jesus issues strong warnings like he does in this passage, do you view his power and intimate knowledge as a threat or as a comfort?

• [2-6] In each letter Jesus says to the pastor, “I know your works,” and usually commends them for the good work they are doing before calling them to repentance in certain areas where they’ve been unfaithful. Here he commends the Ephesian pastor for his protection of the true Gospel against false teachers, but accuses him of having abandoned his first love. It is quite possible to do good and commendable ministry with a heart that is far from God. A pastor’s self-righteousness will infect the congregation, and Jesus won’t tolerate a church like that. Have you seen this dynamic at work in other parts of the Scriptures? How about in your experience in a congregation? How about in your own heart? When Jesus calls for repentance and a return to your first love, do you know how to do that, or what it might involve? Do you want to do that? (Ask a brother or sister in the church to help you and pray for you!)

• [7] In each letter Jesus says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” This implies that there will be those who cannot hear/understand/believe/receive/apply what the Spirit says in Scripture. It is a work of God the Holy Spirit that enables us to hear the word with faith, and to respond faithfully. Why do you think it would take the Holy Spirit’s work to enable you to receive this particular word about repentance and returning to your first love?

• In each letter Jesus makes a promise of reward to “the one who conquers” (Greek: nikonti) and he is seen as fulfilling each of these promises in later parts of Revelation. Here the reward is to eat of the tree of life (see Rev. 22:2, 14). There is probably a play on words here in the original Greek. Jesus opposes the Niko-laitans (or “victory people”), but will reward the nikonti, the true “victor.” The word translated “tree” is perhaps better translated “wood,” calling to mind the cross (see Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29; Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 2:24). Maybe we should think of this as a contrast between early proponents of a false “prosperity” gospel—where everything is health, wealth, victory, and “your best life now”—and those who hold fast to the true Gospel of the cross and suffering that lead to true, eternal, glorious life in Christ. Why does Jesus “hate the works” of false teachers like prosperity gospel preachers? Why should you hate their works? What should be done about the problem of such false teachers?