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had discerned that both idolatry and im- back from “writing off” entire companies
morality were being tolerated. Worldli- of God’s people. There is often a remnant
ness had made major inroads. Reference of believers who remain true to the Lord,
was made to Balaam, a false prophet in the even though their patience is tested and
Old Testament. Though prevented from their hearts are breaking. They have re-
turning God away from His people, he sisted the easy option of running away.
was successful in turning them away from
God by corrupting them from within. The Laodicea – Careless
call to repentance was urgent; otherwise “As many as I love, I rebuke and chas-
the Lord would move quickly in judge- ten: be zealous therefore, and repent”
ment according to His unchanging word. (Rev 3:19).
The Lord accused this last church of
Thyatira – Unholiness being lukewarm. They were careless and
“And I gave her space to repent of her half-hearted about spiritual matters. They
fornication; and she repented not. Behold, were so distasteful to Him that He warned
I will cast her into a bed, and them that He would spew them out of His mouth.
commit adultery with her into great tribu- Their priority was material prosperity,
lation, except they repent of their deeds” of which they were boastful. When they
(Rev 2:21-22). arrogantly congratulated themselves on
Again, we see the unholy mix of that their comfortable conditions and need of
which is good with that which is evil. nothing, the Lord confronted them with
The first does not excuse the second. This their true state of spiritual poverty, blind-
assembly displayed a love that Ephesus ness and nakedness. He would chasten
lacked. They were busy and diligent. The them in love if they did not repent.
main problem was that they had allowed As we draw the threads of truth to-
an evil woman called Jezebel to hold gether, we should be sobered by what we
sway among the saints and defile them. learn from these seven churches. Doctrinal
The Lord is explicit as to the opportunity orthodoxy is no guarantee against back-
He gave her to repent. She had refused, sliding, nor is a full programme of busy
but there was still hope that some of her service. There are no perfect assemblies,
followers would be wise and return to just as there are no perfect saints. The devil
the Lord. is still seeking to destroy every testimony
Sardis – Lifeless to the Lord’s name. External opposition is
not his only line of attack; internal division
“Remember therefore how thou hast and spiritual decline accomplish the same
received and heard, and hold fast, and end. May the assemblies of which we are
repent” (Rev 3:3). part be humble enough to acknowledge
The assembly in Sardis was proud of spiritual shortcomings and wise enough
its name and heritage, but it had become to change course if necessary. It is only
lifeless. It manifested an outward display as we seek to stay close to the Lord and
of spirituality, but there was no inner real- be obedient to His Word that we can be
ity. There were still a few who remained confident of His presence and blessing.
faithful to the Lord and clung to holiness He can refresh us and revive us if we are
as their way of life. This should hold us willing to repent.

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