Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Revelation 2:18-29), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [18, 23] Read Proverbs 20:8; Jeremiah 17:9-10. How do you feel about the fact that Jesus is the Lord who sees your inmost thoughts and feelings, that he knows you better than you know yourself? Do you fear his judgment, or welcome it? Why?

• [20-22] Jesus is incredibly gracious and patient, but there eventually comes a time when he says we have had enough opportunity to repent and he is coming in judgment to make things right. He seems to have more patience with those who are struggling with their own sins, and less tolerance for those who are leading others to sin (see Luke 17:1-4). Have you known anyone who abused their authority in the church and led others into grievous sin? Have you seen Jesus come in judgment in a situation like that?

• [24-25] We can easily imagine people in a church like the one in Thyatira becoming disillusioned and bitter about their church experience, and leaving the church altogether. But Jesus basically says, “Hang in there until I fix it (which could be a while).” Have you been tempted to give up on church because of the severe sins of certain people? Why would you persevere, even when going to church is difficult? Do you think it would be easier to persevere as part of some other congregation? Do you think it would be easier to persevere as a Christian who doesn’t go to church anymore?

• [26-28] Jesus is “the bright morning star” (Rev. 22:17), the power in the heavens who announces the dawn of a new day. He gives himself to his faithful ones, and therefore shares with us all that the Father has given him, including his own authority to “break” bits of the church in order to bring about renewal and flourishing (i.e., church discipline). Have you ever seen church discipline done well, with the motives/goals/Spirit of Christ? What were the results? Have you ever seen it done poorly? What does that mean? What were the effects on the congregation? How can a church strive to faithfully exercise Christ’s own authority in church discipline?