Revelation - The Church in Laodicea

 This Week's Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

The seven churches in Revelation may have been chosen to receive Christ's apocalyptic message because of their location. They were all located along a major trade route, which included the most populous and influential parts of the province. Once the message predicting the end of the world was given to churches in these cities, the message would easily spread to Christian communities in the rest of the province.

Each letter was spoken by Jesus, and recorded by John. Even though a different message was written to each of the seven churches, all the messages contain warnings and principles for everyone. The advice in these letters is prophetic (predicting the future) forewarning us of the traps than can lure us away from our faith in Christ.

The message in chapter 3 is written to the church in Laodicea. Laodicea was the most wealthy of the seven churches. It was known for its banking industry, cloth & dyeing industry, and a medical school that produced eye salve.

In verse 16, John recorded that the Laodicean Church was lukewarm, it had become hardened and self-satisfied. It was destroying itself. The same can be said of our churches today; halfhearted, in-name-only Christians who pride themselves on being self sufficient. Jesus counseled them to buy gold from Him. Gold that is spiritual treasure. Instead of clothing from their cloth & dyeing industry, Jesus tells them to wear white clothes from Him (righteousness). Christ told them not to use their eye salve, but to get medicine from Him to heal their eyes so they could see the truth.

Christ was showing the Laodicean Church that true value was not in material possessions, but in a right relationship with God. Our material possessions and achievements have no value compared to the everlasting future of Christ's Kingdom. When we look at churches in our society today, we see indifference, and uncaring attitudes. We, like the Laodicians, are a “me first” affluent society. We can avoid God's discipline by inviting Him back into our hearts, through confession, worship, service, and studying His Word. The Holy Spirit can reignite our passion and devotion for God when we allow Him to work in our hearts.

The commentary in the NIV Life Application Study Bible says, “The Laodicean church was complacent and rich. They felt self-satisfied, but they didn't have Christ's presence among them. Christ knocked at the door of their hearts, but they were so busy enjoying worldly pleasures that they didn't notice that he was trying to enter. The pleasures of this world – money, security, material possessions – can be dangerous, because their temporary satisfaction makes us indifferent to God's offer of lasting satisfaction.” Verse 20 describes our twenty-first century churches too. It's why our society is crumbling. Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts. He wants to have fellowship with us, and he wants us to open the door and invite Him inside.

In One Year At His Feet, Chris Tiegreen says, “ Jesus does not want only to be followed and obeyed. He wants to be savored and enjoyed. In the dining room of our life, He wants the lengthy, personal fellowship of the common meal, not the brief acknowledgment before it. Jesus is not just at our door for a visit, He's moving in. He puts all His touches on the place and fixes it up just as He likes.”

I'm left with such peace and comfort thinking of Jesus moving in and making a lovely home in my heart. Many people have forgotten that only Jesus can provide spiritual wealth saving us from the spiritual bankruptcy that has befallen humanity.

Hope in the Midst of Adversity

 

Scripture text for this week is Romans 8:18-39

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” These verses contain some of the most comforting promises in all Scripture. I found myself drawn to them this week after watching the news and shaking my head at all the sorrow, fear, pain, anger and Godless behavior going on all around us.

We are currently facing adversity of epic proportions. Watching the news on any channel brings about fear and anxiety. Satan and his minions use fear as a means of control. Worry, fear, and anxiety can overwhelm us with a thick shadow of darkness, controlling our every move and decision. There is so much turmoil going on around us today: wars, persecution, racism, violence, crime, natural disasters, terrorism, economic uncertainty, unemployment, and most certainly Covid-19. Protests have gone from peaceful to violent and hateful. So many people are full of hate and expressing their anger in frightening ways. It is a fearful time.

We fear for our safety. Even political differences have erupted into volatile events that have many attempting to squelch the ideas and even free speech of others in order to demonstrate one's good character of the moral correctness of one's position on a particular issue. Many do not seem to recognize that evil men dwell in high placers of power. The media has been actively attempting to influence our ideas and behavior.

Yet in all of this we must remember that there is only ONE source that we should look to in order to gain perspective and directions on how to proceed with our lives. One place to look for comfort and be reminded of the great love God has for us, the Gospel. Romans offers peace and direction for us, reminding us that God is in control. Absolutely nothing, whether natural on this earth, or supernatural from heaven or hell, could ever cause God to stop loving us.

1. How do you feel as you read verse 19? For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. Do you wait in eager expectation? why or why not?
2. How does the Holy Spirit help us in our weakness? verse 26 - In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 
3. In what ways are we more than conquerors? verses 37-38 - No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Define Me

He doesn't use a pitchfork
He doesn't have a tail
He comes disguised as fear and lies
To remind you when you've failed
He doesn't wear a red suit
And he doesn't smell like smoke
He sneaks around 'til he finds your doubt
And that's where he makes his home

But when he comes for you
All you gotta do

Is take a look at the devil right square in the eye
And tell him I have believed you for the very last time
Devil, I know you've been lying to me
You do not define me
'Cause all of your power has been swept away

Your threats are as empty as Jesus' grave
So devil, go get behind me
You do not define me

He knows the ways we're different
Where we're tempted to choose a side
Takes the beauty in our diversity
And he'll use it to divide
And he'll split us over doctrine
Or the color of our skin
And when we fight with fear and hate
He's the only one who wins
But when he comes your way
Just put him in his place

One Name above all names
Defines who I am, allows me to say that
I've got the victory
Over the enemy
One God above all gods
Who knows who I am, and gives what I've got and
I've got authority
To make the devil flee

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Ross King / Jonny Diaz

1 Peter Lesson 1

Main Idea:
Rightly understanding our identity as citizens of God's kingdom and aliens in the kingdom of darkness will equip us to love our fellow Christians well.

Peter tasked his readers to live holy and love others.

The book of 1 Peter carries all of the pastoral warmth of an apostle who'd seen just what the world thought of those who followed Jesus and learned to live well despite it. It's a message of hope in the midst of darkness, encouragement in the midst of exhaustion, and a promise in the midst of this world of struggle. Our hope is not in this world.

• Peter's letter was not written to instruct believers if they experience suffering, but when they experience it. Suffering is a guarantee for the Christian life, but that should not be a source of discouragement for those who follow Christ. As Kyle explained in the video, opposition provides opportunity to speak of God.

Peter doesn't tell us that soon our faith will bring us reprieve, that God will reward us with worldly comfort. Pe, he makes it clear that suffering and joy can and should co-exist.

Life with Christ is one of both Joy and suffering. The trials we face remind us that this is not our home. Because of his sacrifice, our hardships are temporary, but our hope is eternal. Even more, through faith in Christ the holy Spirit has transformed us such that we can face suffering with joy. Our hope is no longer rooted in circumstances, but in the unchanging faithfulness of God.

Kyle ended the video by reminding us that our identity always drives our behavior. Who we are determines how we will live. If you have trusted in Christ, and you are a new creation and hardship provides the opportunity to reflect that to the world. So, take heart in the difficult days they are not a surprise to God and he allows them to refine your faith and bring glory to his name.

1 Peter 1:13
With minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Philippians Bible Study Lesson 8

Phillippians 4:10-23
link to video on Right Now Media 
https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582

• Main Idea: When we follow the call to joyful sacrifice, we can find contentemnt in any cirecumstance and thus live generously.

In verses 10-14, Paul discuses contentment. Ask yourself if you have great needs, or are you discontented because you don't have what you want? We must learn to rely on God's promises and Christ's power to help us be content. If we always want more, we need to ask God to remove that desire and teach us contentment in every circumstance. He will supply all our needs, but in a way that he knows is best for for us.

People can often make Philippians 4:13 about themselves. But if we know anything about Philippians, it's that Paul is not after personal gain. He advocates for putting others first, for seeing our lives as garbage compared to knowing Jesus, and to being content. This is one of the most-quoted verses in the Bible. We often see it recited before sports games or captioned on a social media post. But without its context, we can make the verse out to mean that Jesus is a spiritual steroid shot that empowers people to make game-winning goals or climb the corporate ladder. The power we receive from our our belief in and relationship with Christ is sufficient to do to his will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. He does not grant us superhuman ability to accomplish anything we can can imagine without regard to his interests. As we struggle for the faith will will face troubles, pressures, and trials. As they come, we must ask Christ to strengthen us.

In verse 17, Paul is making it clear that his primary desire is for the Philippians to gain the benefits that come with being generous – maturity, joy, and trust in god. In other words, he's more concerned about the Philippians than himself. As the Philippians share in Paul's suffering, Paul's equally invested in them. Think about what stands out to you about Paul's attitude in this verse. Consider what it could look like to receive gifts with a similar attitude as Paul?

Think about people in your life who aren't Christians. Write their names down and commit to praying for them this week. Ask God for opportunities to talk about Jesus with them.

1. Why do you think contentment can be so tough for us?
2. Jo explained the significance of Paul mentioning Cesar's household in the final lines of this letter. He's reminding the Philippians once more that Jesus is Lord – not Caesar. God is bringing people into his family and Caesar can't stop him. What's hopeful for you about the fat that Jesus is Lord and that God can move despite human authorities?
3. What are some ways you've heard people use Philippians 4:13?
4. In what ways could Philippians 4:13 offer encouragement for you as you pursue contentment in all circumstances?
5. The word Paul uses in verse 14 that's translated “to share in my troubles, is sygkoinoneo. It implies a partnership with someone, often over a period of time. The Philippians partnered with Paul in his mission to spread the gospel from the beginning. What does it show about the Philippians that they not only gave, but also persisted in giving to Paul?
6. What about the Roman's conversions offers you hope for those you know who aren't following Jesus?

Philippians Bible Study Lesson 7

This week Philippians 4:1-9

Video session #7  https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582?episode=7

Paul continues to instruct the Philippians how to press on in sacrificial life in Christ in these pressured times. This is his Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity.

Euodia and Syntyche were significant to the community. They had worked directly with Paul to spread the gospel throughout the city of Phillipi, although it is not clear exactly in what way. The church had begun at a women’s prayer meeting, and it is likely possible that Euodia and Syntyche were part of that original group. The one thing we know for sure is that these two women were not agreeing with one another. It is likely their argument was public because Paul had heard about it even though he was currently in a Roman prison. Two women fighting in this manner would have put the unity of the believers in Philippi in jeopardy, so it was important for Paul to address the bickering in his letter to the church.

The verb contended used in verse 3 was used in athletic terminology - gladiatorial matches, fighting side by side. It helps us know that these women were central to the mission in Philippi. Paul begs them to work things out, as this community was a glimpse of heaven and their names were in the Book of Life.

In the video, Jo Saxton said that these verse contained nuggets of wisdom and instructions on how to press on in sacrificial life. These tools for life were given to us all:

1. Christians are called to rejoice in God.
2. Christians are called to be marked by gentleness, sometimes translated gentle forbearance, willingness to yield, softness, patience, moderation, a recognition of mercy. That's a challenging posture to have when you're under attack from people outside, or when you're in the midst of relational problems inside the community. Suffering tests this quality, but the Lord is near, a reminder of that heavenly perspective.
3. Christians can give their anxiety and worries to God in prayer and he will give them peace. Peace will be standing on guard in their minds and in their hearts.
4. Christians can have minds like Jesus by “thinking about whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  Paul lists and instructs what to focus on, knowing their minds will shape their lives.
5. Paul urges them to practice what he's taught them when he says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Paul's closing words again bring up the concept of living examples. Don't just remember what you've learned from me, use it, practice it. God will lead us.

Discussion Questions

1. Paul confronted the women out of love for them in the church. Why is it important to confront disunity in the church with love? What could the negative consequences be if we don't confront in love?
2. The tool in verse 5 is gentleness. Joe described gentleness as forbearance, softness, patience, moderation, a recognition of mercy. She said when we treat each other with gentleness, it helps our witness to the world. What does it look like practically speaking to be gentle? Why do you think being gentle towards other people could help our witness to the world?
3. If we look at verses six and seven, Paul gives us another tool. He encourages the Philippines to go to God In prayer about their anxieties. When have you come to God with your anxieties? What did that look like?   (to be clear, these verses do not say that if you struggle with depression or anxiety that you must only seek God for a cure. As Joe said in the video, seek medical and professional help if you are experiencing mental health issues.)
4. It can feel deceitful to rejoice when life is hard - as if being joyful belittles or betrays what you're going through. But rejoicing in God doesn't mean we forget our pain. It means we remember who God is and praise him as we suffer. What's a good balance between acknowledging pain and suffering while rejoicing in God? And what ways does Paul give us an example to follow? 
5. practically speaking, rejoicing in God is more than singing worship songs on Sunday morning. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. We can ask God to teach us to be joyful - to rejoice always. It has to do with how we think, what we say, and how we act throughout the day. What could rejoicing and God look like for you this week?
6. Through faith in Jesus, we have access to God like never before. God is with us always. He is given us his Spirit who lives in us and he's intimately working in our lives - both internally and externally. What reassures you about the truth that God is with you? In what ways is his presence encouraging to you?
7. In these verses, Paul shows how God's nearness changes us. Externally, we are joyful and gentle because we know our God loves us, is with us, and is faithful to us. In what other ways has God's presence in your life affected your external actions?
8. We can always present our requests to God. He hears and responds to us. While he might not say yes to the things we want, he hears every request we make to him. What kinds of requests do you make to God? What requests do you avoid talking to God about? Why do you avoid them?

Philippians Bible Study Lesson 6

This week Philippians 3: 12-21

Video session #6 https://www.rightnowmedia.org/content/series/368582?episode=6

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SESSION GOALS

Main Idea: We can be encouraged to persevere in following Jesus's example of joyful sacrifice by looking to other Christians' examples and by focusing on the future hope we have in eternity.

Head Change: To know where to look to help us persevere in a life surrendered to Jesus.

Heart Change: To feel encouragement by the way other Christians preserve in following Jesus.

Life Change: To endure present circumstances by looking beyond ourselves to eternity and to those who have gone before us.

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In this session, we'll talk about what it looks like to persevere in following Jesus, knowing that people have gone before us and that our citizenship is in heaven. In the video, Jo Saxton begins by sharing three Greek words for life found in scripture.

Bios is everyday life of the physical body. It is where we get the word biology.

Psuche is interior life, the psychological, human soul, emotion and will. It is where we get the word psychology.

Zoe refers to the uncreated, eternal life of God, the divine life uniquely possessed by God. A richer quality of life, a transformed life that begins now and continues into eternity.

One of the key features of the early church was that they generally saw their earthly life through the lens of eternity. This life on earth was only the start. To Paul, this future hope was fuel for his earthly life. He persists through the suffering by forgetting the past and focusing on the future we have because of Jesus. This path starts now and leads to eternity. Paul refers again to the concept of 'a living example' as he tells us to imitate him as he imitates Christ.

He then tells of those who live at odds with the gospel message. They have the potential to derail the entire community. Instead of embracing a life defined by the cross, Paul describes them as enemies of the cross. Instead of living in the light of eternity, their commitment is for the here and now, for earthly things. Instead of getting rid of everything that stands in their way, they've indulged in it. Their appetites are ruling and defining their minds, values and their lives. He reminds the church at Philipi and those throughout the ages, that they have a different allegiance now – heaven, and that a Christian has citizenship far more significant and powerful than any earthly culture or power. They have a Lord and savior who is greater than the greatest emperor, one that would transform them.

We can learn from this to look to mature Christians in our lives when we are discouraged in our faith or enduring suffering. We can refocus our minds back towards God and the promise of eternity. We can also be the ones to encourage less mature Christians than us, to focus on God and eternity. We can invite them to investigate us more closely. Our primary citizenship is in heaven. Do people see Jesus not just in our beliefs, but in our actions? May our words and actions be an encouragement to others.

1. What's the significance of Paul saying the Philippians' citizenship was in heaven?
2. Jo opened by reminding us how the early church saw their lives – through the lens of eternity. In what ways have we seen that to be true of the Philippians and of Paul through studying this letter? What does it mean to see your life with an eternal perspective?
3. Jo pointed out the intensity of Paul's argument in verse 20 – for the Christian inhabitants of a Roman colony to hear their citizenship was in heaven would have been a perspective shift. What does it mean to you that your citizenship is in heaven?
4. In verse 15, Paul encourages all those who are mature to “take such a view of things.” The Greek word translated “view” phroneo, pops up ten times in Philippians. It refers to your attitude – the way you think, your motivations, mindset. Paul sets up a contrast in the verses following 3:15 between those who have a mature view of their lives and those who set their minds on earthly things. We can look at how Paul uses phroneo earlier in Philippians to better understand this contrast. What do you think it means to have the mind of Jesus?
5. As followers of Jesus, we imitate him in all areas of our lives, including our attitude. That means the way we think about our friends, family, finances, career, and resources should be the same as how Jesus thought about those things. It means selflessness, sacrifice, and humility. What could it look like to have the attitude of Jesus as you walk through this week?
6. Paul compares his life as a follower of Jesus to a race. He says he will endure the run, keeping his eyes on his goal: Christ and the resurrection. Paul uses this image several times in his various letters. Looking at instances where he talks about running the race we can see what else we can learn from his perspective. What, in your experience, helps you persevere in following Jesus?
7. Because of the fall, we get sick, experience trauma, and lose control of our emotions. But we have hope beyond the pain we experience in our bodies in this life. What encourages about the hope of the resurrection, specifically resurrection bodies?
8. What does it look like to tell others about Jesus your context?

Philippians Bible Study Lesson 5

This week Philippians 3: 1-11

Video session #5  https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/368582

Paul reviewed the basics with the Philippians. The Bible and worship protect us and are our safeguards morally and theologically.

Jo Saxton explained that the Judaizers were Jewish Christians who wrongly believed that Gentiles must follow Old Testament Jewish laws, like circumcision. She talked about the real dogs of the city, and how they wandered around in packs devouring scraps. This is the analogy Paul used to compare to the the Judaizers. Jo reminds us that Jesus went to the cross to save humanity because we couldn't do it ourselves. We couldn't do it through works. If circumcision helped why did Jesus die?

Paul criticized the Judaizers because they looked at Christianity backwards – thinking that what they DID (like circumcision) made them believers instead of the free gift of grace given by Christ. What believers do is a RESULT of faith, not a prerequisite to faith. In the video, Jo reminded us that we don't need to add on “things that 'real' Christians do.” No Christian should add anything to Christ's offer of salvation by grace through faith.

Paul listed his credentials: birthplace, nationality, inheritance, activity etc. Paul considered every human gain as filth, trash, its so far removed from the salvation and transformation he's received. All he wants is Jesus. Credentials, accomplishments, or reputation cannot earn salvation. Salvation comes only through faith in Christ.

1. Jo explained that the Judaizers were trying to add to the gospel by creating a list of requirements for people to be saved. What are some modern examples of people adding to the gospel message? Why can it sometimes be tempting for us to believe those things are necessary for salvation?
2. Paul recognized the greater purpose of his life. He realized that knowing Jesus was greater than anything he could gain on earth – no social status, income bracket, or promotion could compare. He also hoped in the future resurrection of his body when Jesus returns. Instead of setting his eyes on the world around him, he chose to look to Jesus. What does Paul say about the gains he's experienced in his life?
3. Paul says what he's gained in life is garbage, or rubbish. The Greek word is skabala, meaning something so unwanted and worthless that it's thrown away, ad it's only used this once in the New Testament. It carries almost offensive connotation as it can also refer to human waste. What stands out to you about Paul comparing everything he's gained in life to garbage?
4. Read John 6:38-40; Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:12-23. What can we learn about the resurrection from these passages. When will it happen? Who will raise the dead?
5. Our hope as Christians rests on Jesus. He rose from death first, signaling that his followers will one day do the same. In what ways does knowing about the resurrection of the dead shape the way you think about Jesus's resurrection?