A Study of the Seven Letters of Revelation

A Study of the Seven Letters of Revelation Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio Spring 2016 Lesson One: To the Church that Lost its First Love Revelation 2:1-7 Background of Ephesus At this time it was one of the greatest cities of the world having more Jews than any city outside Israel, except Alexandria, Egypt. Its temple of Diana (mentioned in Acts 19:21-41) was world famous and the altar of that temple carved in the fourth century B.C. was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The Ephesian culture was very sex oriented, centering as it did around the worship of Diana. Prostitution was part of the worship of this famous goddess. Ephesus also gained revenue by selling Ephesian Letters which were good luck charms for travelers, the sick, and those having difficulty having children. This was a busy city situated on several trade routes. Its port handled more trade than any other city in Asia Minor. It was 1,000 years old by the time John arrived. With the spread of Christianity the city became the third most important Christian city after Jerusalem and Antioch. The church there was founded by St. Paul. Mary, the Mother of our Lord, is buried there according to tradition. The city’s grand boulevard to the sea became known as the highway for martyrs as thousands of Christians in chains were led down the great street to ships waiting to take them to the Colosseum in Rome. Today Ephesus is a small depressed village situated on swamp land called Aysalook . There is no trace of the Ephesian church today. (“The Book of Revelation: A Study by Rev. Paul A. Bartz” http://www.confessionallutherans.org/papers/rev02.htm )

Content of the Letter Christ v. 1 (cf. 1:12-13,16,20) Commendation v. 2-3,6 Criticism v. 4 Counsel v.5 Comfort v. 7 (cf. 22:2)

Discussion 1. Jesus issues pretty strong praise for the Ephesians in this letter. Remembering that every godly characteristic that we possess has been worked in us by God…if God were writing a letter to you, which godly characteristics might he highlight as he commends you? “I know your…”

2. Many different things can get in the way of offering compliments to our fellow Christians. In groups of 4-6, list barriers to complimenting someone else who loves Jesus. Then, as a group, choose what you think are the three biggest barriers.

3. What relevance does this discussion have for parenting? for marriage? for being a member of a Christian congregation?

4. What can we learn from the praise that Jesus gives to the Ephesian Christians as we listen to those who claim to speak God’s Word?

5. Apply that to the following quotations. What conclusions do you come to as you “test those who claim to be apostles”? (cf. John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Isaiah 43:11, Luke 13:24)

“Pope Francis has one goal to seek the great common human heart of every human being. There are differences. There are distinctions. There are choices that people make, but Francis takes us above that. His famous question that he asked who am I to judge which was very upsetting for some people, but in the proper context, he said who am I to judge a person who was genuinely seeking God? Not applies, not only it’s a question of sexual orientation, but any person who is seeking God through a different pass. If that person is honestly and justly seeking God, and that person is a person of peace and Pope Francis is a Christian, he’s a Catholic, he loves Jesus Christ, but he also knows that God has many, many ways of bringing people to himself and he’s telling us be careful of extremism. Be careful of overly identifying yourself as if no one else exists. “And it’s very fitting that this happens because today, because in a couple of months we're going to celebrate in the Catholic Church the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate , which was the famous document that the second Vatican Council of recognizing other religions, particularly Islam and Judaism and other religions where seeds of goodness and truth are found. And we must work together and Francis is showing us how to do that with much simplicity and much conviction.” (Father Thomas Rosica, CSB Holy See Press Office, in an interview on “Anderson Cooper 360,” September 25, 2015, when Pope Francis visited Ground Zero in New York City and participated in an interfaith service, http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1509/25/acd.01.html )

“Likewise, other religions found everywhere try to counter the restlessness of the human heart, each in its own manner, by proposing ‘ways,’ comprising teachings, rules of life, and sacred rites. The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men. Indeed, she proclaims, and ever must proclaim Christ ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ (John 14:6), in whom men may find the fullness of religious life, in whom God has reconciled all things to Himself. “The Church, therefore, exhorts her sons, that through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions, carried out with prudence and love and in witness to the Christian faith and life, they recognize, preserve and promote the good things, spiritual and moral, as well as the socio-cultural values found among these men. “The Church regards with esteem also the Moslems. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all- powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere Him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, His virgin Mother; at times they even call on her with devotion. In addition, they await the day of judgment when God will render their deserts to all those who have been raised up from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.” (Nostra aetate —1965) “Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience – those too may achieve eternal salvation.” (Lumen gentium 14 , one of key documents of the Second Vatican Council, 1964) “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are Muslims, these profess to hold to the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church— paragraph 841, 1994)

6. Describe the sin that concerns Jesus, as he thinks about the Ephesian Christians. In what different ways do you find that same temptation challenging you?

7. In your group, discuss ways you see our congregation struggling with (and perhaps even succumbing to) that temptation. Then list ways that we can work together to “regain our first love” as a congregation.

8. Write out for yourself a personal strategy for “regaining your first love.” A Study of the Seven Letters of Revelation Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio Spring 2016 Lesson Two: To the Persecuted Church Revelation 2:8-11 Background of Smyrna Smyrna (Izmir in Turkish), today a city of over 2,800,000, is full of life, brightness and activity. At St. John’s time the city was well over 1,000 years old, and its coins boasted that it was the first of Asia in beauty and size. It was already a city of 200,000 at the time of this letter. Smyrna has always been situated on productive trade routes and continues to be a major port today. This city, about 35 miles north of Ephesus, is currently the southeastern headquarters of NATO. In 23 A.D., Smyrna had been chosen for the honor of building a new temple to honor and worship the Roman Emperor. As a key center of religious allegiance to Rome, Smyrna also became a center of persecution of Christians. The Roman’s greatest prize in these persecutions was Polycarp, the leader of the great city’s Christians, who was martyred in 155 A.D., about 60 years after this letter was written. The church there continues strong to our own day. About half of the population is considered Christian even though the Muslims have dominated the area for over 1100 years -- a witness of the Lord’s blessing of this church for which Christ had only praise in this letter in Revelation. (“The Book of Revelation: A Study by Rev. Paul A. Bartz” http://www.confessionallutherans.org/papers/rev02.htm )

Content of the Letter Christ v. 8 (cf. 1:17-18) Commendation v. 9 Criticism None

Counsel v. 10 Comfort v. 11 (cf. 20:6,14; 21:8)

Discussion 1. List and explain the contrasts or paradoxes in the verses listed:

• v. 9a (cf. Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:21; 2 Corinthians 8:9)

• v. 9b (cf. Romans 9:6-7,30-32; Galatians 3:6-14)

• v. 10c (cf. John 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

2. Jesus leads off by saying, “I know the pressures you’re under and your poverty—but you are rich!” How much money do you think an average American family would need to earn annually to consider themselves rich?

3. With 3-4 people seated near you, make a list of things that someone who has worldly riches probably has or can do, that others cannot. Then, make a list of things that someone who is “rich toward God” has and does, that others cannot.

4. Some of the persecution that the Christians in Smyrna experienced was because of those who claimed to be Jews, who were slandering the Christians, perhaps accusing them of political disloyalty, atheism, sexual immorality, and cannibalism. Give examples of persecution that we might experience because of what others who claim to be Christians say or do.

5. In your groups, discuss which you think is more difficult to deal with, and why: • Persecution that comes because of others who claim to be Christians • Persecution that comes because of friends or family members • Persecution that comes from the “nameless” unbelieving world

6. Jesus says, “The devil will put some of you in prison to test you.” What goal does the devil set out to accomplish through the persecution of Christians (cf. 1 Peter 5:8)? What does God intend to accomplish through the devil’s work (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Peter 1:6-7)?

7. Jesus says that the Christians in Smyrna will suffer persecution for ten days. Many of the numbers in Revelation are symbolic. “Ten days” seems to mean that the time of the persecution has been fixed by God and that its duration will be relatively short. How does knowing that hardships are only temporary affect your ability and willingness to endure them?

8. You hear a conversation which is challenging your faith. You say to yourself, “I know the Lord wants me to be patient and loving, but I also know that my sinful flesh wants to avoid speaking up for the Lord at all costs.” For you, what are the “clues” that your actions—whatever they are—are motivated more by fear of persecution than by love?

9. In what different ways does the Lord encourage you in this letter, when you are facing persecution because of your faith?

10. Write a prayer, based upon your study of this letter, for yourself and others who are enduring persecution.

A Study of the Seven Letters of Revelation Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio Spring 2016 Lesson Three: To the Inclusive Church Revelation 2:12-17 Background of Pergamum Pergamum was a royal city built on a 1,000 foot high rock rising like a mountain out of the plain, 50 miles north of Smyrna. (Today it is a city of 14,000 called Bergama .) As early as 241 B.C. it was a city of kings and later was the resident city of the Roman Proconsul. Pergamum was noted for its extensive library and paper production. The word “parchment” comes from the word “ Pergamum.” By the time of St. John, Marc Antony had moved the library of 250,000 volumes to Alexandria, Egypt, and the residence of the proconsul was moved to Ephesus. Pergamum was a center for Emperor worship. All Roman citizens were required to show their patriotism by burning incense at the foot of Caesar’s statue while saying, “Caesar is lord!” The penalty for refusing to do so was imprisonment or death. Pergamum was also a center for the worship of Zeus (a four-story altar to Zeus could be seen from anywhere in the city), Asclepios (people were attracted from all over the Mediterranean by stories of miraculous healings attributed to Asclepios, the god of medicine), and Athena. A small Christian church was founded in Pergamum, but we don’t know by whom. (“The Book of Revelation: A Study by Rev. Paul A. Bartz” http://www.confessionallutherans.org/papers/rev02.htm )

Content of the Letter Christ v. 12 (cf. 1:16) Commendation v. 13 Criticism

v. 14-15 Counsel v. 16 Comfort v. 17 (cf. 19:12)

Discussion 1. “You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam… Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” The church in Pergamum didn’t seem to mind doctrinal differences but welcomed (or at least tolerated) those who had different practices and beliefs. List examples of this attitude in the church today. How is this approach to differences appealing? How is it dangerous?

2. What comfort do you find in the unity of doctrine and practice that we share in our congregation and synod?

3. How do you respond to someone who identifies your church as “the strict church” (or perhaps something similar, if not as kind)?

4. Read Romans 3:21-24 and Revelation 7:9,14. What kind of diversity and inclusivity should we tolerate, welcome, and celebrate in God’s church? What barriers stand in the way of greater diversity in our congregation?

5. Balaam advised Balak to use sexual temptation and feasts connected to idol worship to lure Israel away from the worship of the true God. (For further reading about this chapter in Israel’s history, read Numbers 22-25 and Numbers 31). What influences do you think pose the greatest risk to the church’s faithfulness to the truth today?

6. Despite the idolatry and heathen living that surrounded them every day, the congregation in Pergamum was commended for remaining true to Jesus’ name and for not renouncing their faith. Describe the effect of such a commendation.

7. What weapon does Jesus give us for fighting against the negative influences that threaten us?

8. Describe the comfort you have in knowing that, no matter how much influence Satan has on our society, Jesus knows where we live (v. 13).

9. Write a prayer, based upon your study of this letter, for yourself and others who are threatened by temptation. A Study of the Seven Letters of Revelation Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio Spring 2016 Lesson Four: To the Tolerant Church Revelation 2:18-29 Background of Thyatira Thyatira, today called Akhisar , was about twenty miles southeast of Pergamum and was the smallest of the seven cities written to. Thyatira was noted for its trade guilds or unions and for the quality of goods that they produced. Perhaps most famous was the guild of dyers. Lydia, who helped Paul in Philippi, was from Thyatira and was a dealer in purple cloth (Acts 16:14). The purple dye produced in Thyatira likely came from the roots of certain plants. Because purple was expensive to produce, purple cloth was sought after by royalty and others with power, wealth, and influence. To work in Thyatira’s artisan trades, it was necessary for you to belong to a guild. Guild membership involved participation in pagan religious ceremonies and banquets, eating meat that was part of sacrifices to pagan deities. Christians therefore faced some important questions. Could Christians attend guild banquets held in pagan temples, even if not doing so meant losing or never getting a job? Could Christians eat meat which had been offered to idols, even if they didn’t believe in the idols, and needed the work? The origin of the church at Thyatira is unknown, but Lydia may have had some role. Today Christianity is not to be found in Thyatira at all. This is the longest of the seven letters.

Content of the Letter Christ v. 18 (cf. 1:13-15) Commendation v. 19,24 Criticism

v. 20-23 Counsel v. 24-25 Comfort v. 26-28 (cf. 19:15,22:16)

Discussion 1. The name “Jezebel” brings to mind the Old Testament wife of Israelite King Ahab. Jezebel was the daughter of the Sidonian King Ethbaal. Through her marriage to Ahab, she brought the worship of Baal and Asherah, and the sexual immorality that went with it, into Israel. She was a fierce enemy of the prophet Elijah, because he called the people to worship only one God, the LORD (cf. 1 King 16:29-33; 1 Kings 19; 1 Kings 21:1-16; 2 Kings 9:30-37). The “Jezebel” of Revelation 2:20 (we don’t know if that was her real name) taught that it was acceptable to worship the Lord, while also participating in the pagan feasts and their sexual immorality. This is called “syncretism,” the melding of religious practices and worship focused on different gods. One could argue that, in a way, all Christians guilty of syncretism. Any Christian’s sin against the first commandment (“You shall have no other gods”) could be called syncretism. List specific “gods” are you tempted to serve, while also worshiping the true God. What “gods” do you see as the biggest threat to Christianity today?

2. Agree or disagree:

• Our culture considers the “sin” of intolerance to be one of the worst sins anyone can commit.

• The “sin” of intolerance is the “sin” that confessional Christians are most often accused of in our culture today.

• The temptation to the sin of tolerance is one of the strongest temptations facing Christians today.

3. “Jezebel” was advocating the acceptance of certain sexual sins, and Christ admonished the church for tolerating her teachings. Which sexual sins do you see as receiving the most widespread acceptance (or at least tolerance or ignorance) within so-called Christian churches today? Why do you think that is the case?

4. What does God desire from those who teach or live contrary to his Word? (v. 21) What is our part in this process? (cf. Matthew 18:15-20, James 5:19-20)

5. What lessons does this letter teach us about the importance of and approach to admonishing other Christians about their sins?

6. How do we, as Christians and as a congregation, strive to welcome and love sinners, without tolerating sinful behaviors and false teachings?

7. The desire to build relationships and fit in with their neighbors tempts Christians to overlook the way that certain activities and organizations compromise or deny the gospel. What questions must we ask, when we are considering whether to participate in a cause or organization? (cf. Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, 2 John 9-11)

8. Write a prayer, based upon your study of this letter, for yourself and others who are threatened by temptations to tolerate sin and compromise the gospel. A Study of the Seven Letters of Revelation Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio Spring 2016 Lesson Five: To the Busy Church Revelation 3:1-6 Background of Sardis Sardis (modern-day Sart) was a city 50 miles northeast of Ephesus. It was founded around 1200 BC and was once a capital city of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. It was known for its rich and fertile soil. Lydian metallurgists also learned how to separate silver from gold, so that metals produced there were known to be of the highest quality. They began to make round coins and stamp them with images to verify their authenticity, and many regard them as the inventors of modern currency. The fortress of Sardis was built on a plateau rising 1500 feet above the plain below. Because of its position, its people were overconfident, and its walls were poorly guarded, which aided its fall to the Persian army of King Cyrus in 549 BC . (cf. Jesus’ warning to “wake up” in Rev 3:2 and his threat to come “like a thief” in Rev 3:3). It was under Persian control until falling to Alexander the Great in 334 BC . While under Roman rule, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 17 AD . Although it was rebuilt by Emperor Tiberius, it never fully recovered. Today Sart is the village of only about 5000 people. We know little else about the church there aside from what Jesus says in this letter. There is no church there today.

Content of the Letter Christ v. 1 (cf. 1:4,16) Commendation v. 4 Criticism

v. 1-2 Counsel v. 3 Comfort v. 5 (cf. 19:14,20:12)

Discussion 1. What might a congregation be known for today that would give it a “reputation of being alive”?

2. What different evidence might we sometimes find ourselves looking for to determine whether our congregation is “alive”?

3. How might an individual “have a reputation of being alive, but [be] dead”? How do you know whether you have that spiritual problem?

4. Explain the dangers on either extreme that we must avoid, when it comes to using outward appearances as a measure of spiritual health.

5. “Wake up.” Jesus uses the same word in the following Bible verses. Read the verses. On the next page, give your own description of what it means to be spiritually awake. • Acts 20:30–31 - 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard ! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. • 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8 - 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. • 1 Peter 5:8–11 - 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

To be Spiritually Awake means . . .

6. How do the following passages help us to understand how someone who is spiritually dead can “wake up”? • Luke 8:53-55 - 53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. • Luke 7:14-15 - 14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. • John 11:43-44 - 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

7. When you sense that either you or someone you care about is starting to become spiritually sleepy, what do you do?

8. Jesus says that his children are dressed in white. He says that our names are written in the book of life. He says that he will confess our names before the Father and the angels. How is each of those promises meaningful to you, as you consider the relationship that you have with God because of Christ?

9. Write a prayer, based upon your study of this letter, for yourself, your fellow Christians, and for Christian congregations who are tempted to let outward liveliness cover up spiritual sleepiness. A Study of the Seven Letters of Revelation Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio Spring 2016 Lesson Six: To the Strong Little Church Revelation 3:7-13 Background of Philadelphia Little is known of the city or of the history of the church there. The city was likely founded in the 2 nd century B.C., about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. In ancient times, it was known as “little Athens” for the number of temples, festivals, and pagan practices in the city. In John’s time the city was considered the gateway to central Asia. Today the Turkish city of Ala şehir (population of about 46,000) stands on the site. Located in a volcanic area, earthquakes were a regular occurrence in Philadelphia. Like Sardis, it was destroyed by earthquakes in 17 A.D. and the years following, but it was rebuilt by Roman Emperor Tiberius. The earthquakes gave the Christians in Philadelphia the opportunity not only to be refined by trials, but also the opportunity to witness their faith in word and deed as different parts of the city were damaged or destroyed. Parts of St. John Basilica, dating to the 7 th century, still stand in Philadelphia. According to author David Barnhart, about 2500 Christians live in Ala şehir today, with the vast majority of its citizens being followers of Islam.

Content of the Letter Christ v. 7 (cf. 1:18) Commendation v. 8-10

Criticism None

Counsel v. 11 Comfort v. 12 (cf. 21:2,22; 22:4)

Discussion 1. Jesus quotes from Isaiah 22:22 in verse 7. Shebna was the treasurer, or steward, of the royal treasury in Jerusalem, but the Lord was displeased with him. He was going to give the Key of David to Eliakim, who would be “a father to those who live in Jerusalem and to the people of Judah” in his administration of the treasury. What was the purpose of the keys given to Eliakim? How does that help us understand the Key of David that Jesus says that he has (v. 7), as well as the open door that he sets before the Philadelphian Christians (v. 8)?

2. What comfort would the Philadelphian Christians find in in knowing that Jesus holds these keys and places an open door before them? What comfort does it give to you? (cf. Malachi 3:10-12; Ephesians 3:20-21; Romans 8:31-32)

3. Jesus doesn’t explain what kind of strength he is talking about when he says that the Philadelphian church has “little strength.” Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. In what way(s) is it a commendable blessing to have “little strength”?

4. Describe ways that you have found yourself with “little strength” in your life.

5. In what way(s) might our congregation be described as having “little strength”?

6. What can we learn from what Jesus commends the Philadelphians for in their time of “little strength”?

7. Jesus does not promise to prevent persecutions and trials from happening, but he does promise to guard us and keep us, when they do happen (cf. John 17:15). Why is that an important distinction? How does that affect the way you view your trials?

8. Explain the significance of a name being written on something.

9. Imagine that you are sharing your faith with an unbeliever. Describe to them what it means to you to have God’s name and the name of God’s heavenly city written on you.

10. Write a prayer, based upon your study of this letter, for yourself and your fellow Christians, who are called to endure patiently in the hour of trial. A Study of the Seven Letters of Revelation Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio Spring 2016 Lesson Seven: To the Comfortable Church Revelation 3:14-22 Background of Laodicea Probably the richest city to which any of the letters were written, Laodicea was a center of banking and trade founded around 260 B.C. Laodicean sheep produced a soft glossy black wool which was manufactured into cloth, garments and carpets which brought premium prices. As in the time of John, the rich farmland of the area produces bountiful crops. Laodicea was known for a soothing eye salve developed in its medical school. The city’s water had to be piped in from hot springs (near Hierapolis) and cold springs (near Colossae). By the time it arrived in Laodicea it was lukewarm and quite nauseating because of its mineral content. As in the other letters, these local features are used by our Lord to illustrate his points. The city was about 100 miles east of Ephesus, 15 miles west of Colossae. The church there seems to have been started by one of St. Paul’s assistants, possibly Epaphras (see Col. 4:12- 13). Today, the old city is in ruins and the modern city of Pamukkale stands next to the ruins with a population of about 17,000. Today there is no Christian church in the area and Islam is the predominant religion.

Content of the Letter Christ v. 7 (cf. 1:5)

Commendation None

Criticism

v. 15-17 Counsel v. 18-20 Comfort v. 21 (cf. 20:4, 22:5)

Discussion 1. Complete this sentence: A lukewarm Christian is someone who . . .

2. Describe the spiritual disease that was afflicting the Christians in Laodicea. Share how you see similar temptations show themselves in your life.

3. Evaluate: Jesus preaches the harshest Law to those who refuse or fail to see how bad things have actually become.

4. Describe the dangers that exist when a Christian congregation or an individual Christian become comfortable in their Christian faith and life? How can we combat those dangers?

5. Choose someone in your family (it can be yourself). Describe the activity that this person can get really passionate about. What behaviors make it evident to you how passionate this individual is?

6. After considering the message in 3:19b, the greatest barriers to an intense spiritual passion on your part are ...

7. How does this letter speak against a religion that is more concerned with providing for physical needs than with meeting real spiritual needs through the blood of Christ?

8. Read the following quote from Quarantined for Christ , by Sharon Chaplin, and the passages that follow. How would you respond to someone who says, “Faith depends at least in part on some power or contribution of the human will; faith is not simply a miracle that God alone works”? So now is the time for you to decide. Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” He is knocking at the door to your heart right now. There is no doorknob on the outside. Will you open your heart and ask Him in? Will you pray the following prayer? I guarantee it will change your life forever. Dear Father, I know that I am a sinner. I repent of my sins and ask Your forgiveness. I know that Christ died for my sins and that He rose from the grave on the third day. I invite Jesus Christ to come into my life as my Lord and Savior. I want to live my life for You from this day on. Amen. What’s next? Well, if you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, then you are a new creature in Christ! Welcome to the family!

Acts 13:48 - When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed . 1 Timothy 6:12 - Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Acts 16:14 - One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 2 Timothy 2:25 - Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

Joshua 24:15 - “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve , whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD .” Ephesians 1:4-5 - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will —

9. God is communicating something important to Christians. Explain the benefit of God speaking to me us this way—with commands/imperatives. (cf. also our study of Revelation 3:2 in lesson five)

10. Write a prayer, based upon your study of this letter, for yourself and your fellow Christians, who face the temptation of apathy and indifference.