Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Revelation 2:12-17), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [12] Jesus identifies himself as the one “who has the sharp two-edged sword.” The sword comes from his mouth (1:16). The sword is his Word. Why do you think his Word is symbolized as a sword? Why a two-edged sword? Have you experienced his Word as a sharp two-edged sword? In what way(s), specifically?

• [13-14] The place where Satan dwells, where his throne is, where Balaam and Balak went after God’s people, is the wilderness. Jesus was tested and tempted in the wilderness vicariously for us. As his people, we experience “wilderness” testing and temptation in a world that is hostile to God. How have you experienced a test of your faithfulness to God in this world? How have you relied upon Jesus’ faithfulness to endure your own testing/temptation?

• [16] Jesus’ faith (v. 13) is the ultimate foundation of our true communion with God. He is the one who provides and maintains our relationship with God. We are called to forsake all others and be faithful to him alone, like a bride to her bridegroom. Yet he must continually call us back from having given ourselves to false gods (and he is merciful and gracious to do so!). Has he led you to identify some of the false gods in your life? Have you thought of them as rivals to his jealous love? Does repentance—returning to Jesus for true communion—sound good to you? Can you believe, think, or feel that the call to repentance (i.e., church discipline) is actually good for us? Do you know any people who call themselves Christians who would lead people away from true communion with God? How might you engage with them?

• [17] The reward Jesus holds forth to those who persevere in faithfulness to him is true communion with himself. The hidden manna is accessible only to God, and to those he invites to his own table. The white stone with the secret name on it pictures an inconceivably intimate, pure, secure relationship. Knowing that you belong to Jesus in such a special way is the only way we can be faithful to him when it means sticking out like a sore thumb in a world that is hostile to him and his people. Have you found solace and courage in communion with God? Are there others in your life who are struggling to be faithful in this world, who could be helped by a greater appreciation for communion with God as offered in the Gospel?