To the Church in Sardis - Revelation 3:1-6
Understand It
- Who instructed John to write down this vision? (3:1)
- What church was the focus of this letter from Jesus? (3:1)
- How did the speaker identify Himself? (3:1)
- What did Christ know about the church at Sardis? (3:1)
- What was the reputation of the church at Sardis? (3:1)
- How did the church’s true nature match its reputation? (3:1)
- What did Christ think about the church at Sardis? (3:1-3)
- What was wrong with the church at Sardis? (3:2)
- What warnings did Christ issue to the church at Sardis? (3:2)
- What did Christ urge as the first step to restoration? (3:3)
- What consequences were promised to those who refused to wake up? (3:3)
- How do we know that not all the Christians in Sardis were "asleep"? (3:4)
- What blessings were promised to those who would "overcome"? (3:5)
- In addition to the church at Sardis, who else was commanded to pay heed to this message? (3:6)
Apply It
- What can you do today to enhance your reputation in the world and in heaven?
- What can you do to improve your acts of Christian devotion (prayer, Bible reading, etc.)?
- What temptations that you know you’ll be facing in the coming week do you need to prepare for in advance? How?
To the Church in Philadelphia - Revelation 3:7-13
Understand It
- Who spoke these words and instructed John to write them down? (3:7)
- What church was the focus of this letter from Jesus? (3:7)
- How did the speaker in this passage identify Himself? (3:7)
- What did Christ say about His power? (3:7)
- By what descriptions or names did Jesus call those who claimed to be Jews? (3:9)
- What humbling act did Jesus say He would force the enemies of the church of Philadelphia to perform? (3:9)
- What worldwide event was predicted by Christ? (3:10)
- Why will the world experience an "hour of trial"? (3:10)
- What was promised to the church at Philadelphia because of its patient endurance? (3:10)
- How did Jesus instruct the believers in Philadelphia to prepare for His coming? (3:11)
- What did Jesus promise at the conclusion of this letter? (3:11-12)
- How did Jesus challenge us? (3:11-13)
- What promises were made to "him who overcomes" in Philadelphia? (3:12)
- In addition to the church at Philadelphia, who else was encouraged to heed this message? (3:13)
Apply It
- How can you share what you have learned so far in Revelation with a non-Christian friend who is looking for spiritual answers?
- How can you pray this week as a result of your study?
- In what areas of your life do you need to turn away from wrong attitudes?
- Where can you go for the encouragement you need to keep walking with Christ in a hostile world?
To the Church in Laodicea - Revelation 3:14-22
Understand It
- Who spoke these words and told John to write them down? (3:14)
- What church was the focus of this letter from Jesus? (3:14)
- By what unusual description did Jesus identify Himself? (3:14)
- How did Jesus describe the church at Laodicea? (3:15)
- What response did Jesus promise to the Laodicean church because of its behavior? (3:16)
- In what ways was the Laodicean church deceived? (3:17)
- What counsel did "the ruler of God’s creation" give to this church? (3:18)
- What did the Laodicean Christians need? Why? (3:18)
- What reason did Jesus give for His stern warnings? (3:19)
- What invitation was given to individual Christians in Laodicea? (3:20)
- What did Christ promise to do if accepted and embraced by the Laodiceans? (3:20)
- What promise was made to "him who overcomes" in Laodicea? (3:21)
- How did Christ conclude His message to this wayward church? (3:22)
Apply It
- What steps can you take this week to keep from being indifferent to what God wants?
- How can you use the Word of God to help clear up your perspective on life?
- What possession or portion of money can you use to "buy gold" from Christ? How?
- Into what specific areas of your life do you want to invite Christ today?
