Alpha & Omegaናሙና

Observe & Interpret

1. Read: Revelation 2.1-7. Summarize this passage in your own words.

2. At the beginning of this passage, how does Jesus introduce Himself to the church in Ephesus? Read His introduction to the rest of the churches in chapters 2-3. How and why does His introduction change for each church?

3. What attitudes and behaviors are affirmed by Jesus in the Ephesian church? Are these behaviors encouraged by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians?

4. What attitudes and behaviors are rebuked by Jesus in the Ephesian church? What internal and external dangers threatened their ministry?

5. Choose one additional letter to one of the churches from Revelation 2-3. What does Jesus affirm in that church?

6. What types of threats was that church facing?

7. Jesus makes promises of reward for “those who conquer” in all 7 church letters. Who is He referring to? What types of reward does He promise on their behalf?

Apply

1. If Jesus were to write a letter to your church, what attitudes and behaviors do you think He would affirm? What would He rebuke? What promises would He remind us are in store for us in the future?

2. How can you participate in aligning your church with Jesus’ desires based upon the letter you just imagined?

3. Prayerfully determine the main biblical truth or principle that God revealed to you during your study. A few questions to ask are:

• Is there an attribute of God for me to worship?
• Is there a promise for me to claim?
• Is there a truth for me to believe?
• Is there a command for me to obey?

4. Memorize: Revelation 3:20 “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.”