Jesus' Report Card

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Becoming a Church that Pleases Jesus (Jesus’ Report Card) Revelation 2-3

Introduction •

Ephesians 3:14-21, Ephesians 4:11-16

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Jesus has amazing plans and expectations for His church. The people of God have incredible potential made available by the death and resurrection of Jesus, the truth of God’s Word, and the power of His Spirit. He had designed us to advance His kingdom on the earth and has prophesied that the gates of hell will not be able to stop us! (Matthew 16:18-19)

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We want to be this kind of church! We want to walk in all that Jesus has made available for us. We want to be a pleasure to our Lord and serve Him effectively.

Introduction •

In the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Revelation, we are blessed to witness Jesus’ evaluation of the New Testament church in its current state. Basically Jesus gives the church a report card, declaring many things that they are doing well and correcting some things that need to be changed.

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For the next several weeks, we will be reading Jesus’ words about the church - His Bride that He loves. This will be a great opportunity to encourage ourselves to continue in the things He commended and repent of the things that He corrected. In doing so, we will become a church that pleases Him and serves Him well.

Revelation 1:9-20

Ephesus •

Ephesus was the capitol of the Roman province of Asia. It was a thriving metropolis in the first century and all that is left of it today are the ruins located in a village in modern day Turkey. Ephesus was know for the great temple of Diana, which was the largest stadium built in the world at that time, holding between 25,000 and 50,000 spectators. Here the culture watched beasts fight each other and men fighting beasts.

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Ephesus was also know for its great manufacture of idols and shrines that were carried by travelers on their journeys and set up in local homes. (Easton’s Bible Dictionary, Smith’s Bible Names Dictionary)

Ephesus •

Christianity began to take seed in Ephesus after Pentecost by the many Christian Jews that lived there. (Acts 2:9, 6:9) The apostle Paul spent around three years in Ephesus delegating church leaders and establishing a strong church in the city. (Acts 19)

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The New Testament book of Ephesians is written to the church of Ephesus.

Revelation 2:1-7

1. “I know your deeds” •

The word “deeds” is translated from a word that literally means, “works, actions, doings, labor.” (Strong’s)

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Jesus begins His report card to Ephesus by encouraging them for their actions and hard work.

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The issue of works and deeds has become a hot topic in the church today. To combat legalism and to promote the great grace of God, some have dismissed the importance of works in the daily Christian life.

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However, it is the first item of discussion in Jesus’ evaluation of His church.

1. “I know your deeds” •

While it is absolutely true that works cannot earn our salvation - it is by faith through grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9); the Bible does put a great emphasis on works in response to our salvation experience.

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“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10

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“Faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26

1. “I know your deeds” •

“Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.” 1 Peter 1:17

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“But by the grace of God I am what I am, but His grace for me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10

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The Bible teaches that it is not grace verses deeds but rather grace plus deeds! Jesus expects us to be proven workmen, faithfully stewarding all He has given us. Does your faith have deeds? Does Jesus “know your deeds”?

2. “Your Hard Work” •

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

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Why is it a narrow path that few people find and take? Because the Christianity that Jesus taught is not easy and comfortable - its hard work.

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It requires death to our selves and denial our own desires. It requires full submission to Jesus as Lord and a lifestyle of obedience to His commands.

2. “Your Hard Work” •

It’s hard work to live like Jesus. It’s hard to pursue righteousness in a world that lives for pleasure. It’s hard to be spiritually aware of the attacks of satan and take authority over them. It’s hard work to love the unlovely, forgive our debtors, bless those who persecute us, and turn the other cheek when people hurt us.

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It’s hard work to deny self everyday. It’s hard work to be a disciplined soldier prepared for warfare. It’s hard to humble ourselves, confess our sins, and repent. It’s hard work to get up early, get on our face, and be with God. It’s hard to read our Bibles faithfully and submit to mentors that shape us. The narrow path is hard work!

2. “Your Hard Work” •

Everything worth having requires hard work. Oh, but the rewards are worth all the hard work! Eternal life, close relationship with God, peace in the chaos, security in the confusion, complete fulfillment, protection, provision, faithful direction, eternal truth, and blessing after blessing.

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Jesus sees and knows your hard work even when no one else does. It pleases Him and it honors Him. And one day the hard work will pay off. He will part the skies, the trumpets will sound, we will bow before Him and He will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:20,23)

3. “Perseverance” •

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

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“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

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“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

3. “Perseverance” •

Because true Christianity is a narrow path of hard work, perseverance is required to finish the race.

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How do we not grow weary in doing good? 1. Do what you do for the Lord and not man. (Eph 6:7) 2. Spend time with the Lord daily to be refreshed and strengthened by the promises of His Word. 3. Fellowship with the Holy Spirit continually so that He will become a fountain of living water flowing out of you instead of producing on your own.

Opportunity to Respond •

If Jesus came back this morning, would you be welcomed into His kingdom? Have you accepted the blood of Jesus as forgiveness for your sin? Have you committed your life to obey Him no matter the cost?

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Do you need to reevaluate your priorities today? Are you living for God or for yourself or for the world?

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Does your faith have deeds? Do you need to recommit to total obedience to Jesus’ commands?

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Are you committed to the hard work of the Christ-like life? Are you devoted to persevere no matter what?