An Action Plan For Today

As we continue looking at Jesus' appraisal of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, we've already seen areas where the Lord commended them and others where he rebuked them. Because he laid down his life for the church, it should come as no surprise that Jesus also had an action plan for the churches to succeed.

To the church at Ephesus--who had fallen out of love with God--he urged them to remember where they once were, repent and do the works that they did at first (2:5). To the church in Smyrna--who was enduring great tribulation--he urged them to remain faithful to the end (2:10). To the church in Pergamum--who had allowed false teaching--he commanded that they repent (2:16). To the church in Thyratira--who lack discernment--he urged them to hold fast to the teachings of Christ and keep doing good works (2:24-25).

To the church at Sardis--who appeared alive but were spiritually dead--he commanded them to wake up, repent and remember what they already knew (3:2-3). To the church in Laodicea--who Jesus rebuked for having lukewarm faith--he commanded them to buy material things that they would only be able to do by relying on God's provision; thus warming up their faith (3:18-19). And to the church in Philadelphia--the one who Jesus didn't rebuke--he urged them to hold fast to what they had (3:11) because judgement was coming and they would be spared.

Seek God first and love Him. Remain faithful regardless of circumstances. Confess and repent of sins. Search the Scriptures for truth and reject false teaching. Do good works. Stay on fire for the things of God. Hold on to the knowledge of truth. That was our Lord's action plan for the seven churches. And it's an action plan that still applies today.