Lessons from the Seven Churches
This past Sunday at church, we studied the letters Jesus wrote to the seven churches in Revelation. As I took notes, I realized how much these words still speak to us today. They weren’t only for those churches long ago. They are a mirror of our own walk with Him.
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”
Revelation 2:4 KJV
How often do we drift from that first love? That moment when Jesus first met us in our brokenness. Maybe it was in heartbreak, loneliness, loss, or the quiet ache of trying to hold everything together on our own. We all have a testimony of when we realized we needed Him — and the deep, tender love we felt when we surrendered.
That love held us in our weakest moments. It lifted us when we thought we had nothing left. It reminded us that He chose us first, and His love has never wavered.
And yet, just like the churches in Revelation, we can forget. We can get distracted, lukewarm, or even asleep to His presence. These letters from Jesus are not just history — they are a call to us today.
1. Church of Ephesus: Return to Your First Love
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.”
Revelation 2:4-5 KJV
Jesus calls us to come back to the tender love that first stirred our hearts for Him. The beginning place of faith is often filled with passion, joy, and surrender. He wants us to keep that fire alive.
2. Church of Smyrna: Stay Faithful Even in Suffering
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10 KJV
Smyrna was under pressure, yet Jesus reminded them not to fear. When others mock us or trials come, He asks us to stay faithful. Our crown of life is worth more than approval from the world.
3. Church of Pergamos: Resist False Teaching
“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is… thou holdest fast my name… but I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam.”
Revelation 2:13-14 KJV
Jesus commended their endurance but warned against letting false teaching creep in. Today, we guard our hearts by staying rooted in God’s Word and not letting cultural voices replace biblical truth.
4. Church of Thyatira: Do Not Tolerate Sin
“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel… to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication.”
Revelation 2:20 KJV
Thyatira tolerated sin and even celebrated it. Jesus reminds us that holiness is still beautiful. As women of faith, we are called to walk in purity of heart and spirit, refusing to hype what dishonors Him.
5. Church of Sardis: Wake Up and Be Strengthened
“I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain.”
Revelation 3:1-2 KJV
Sardis looked alive but was spiritually asleep. Jesus calls us to wake up, to be alert, and to live fully alive in Him. We are strengthened when we remember what we have received and hold fast to it.
6. Church of Philadelphia: Hold Tight to the Word
“Thou hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name… hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”
Revelation 3:8,11 KJV
Philadelphia was praised for its faithfulness. Jesus reminds us to cling to His Word and His promises, for they cannot be taken away. Our steadfastness in truth secures our eternal reward.
7. Church of Laodicea: Do Not Be Lukewarm
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot… so then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
Revelation 3:15-16 KJV
Laodicea had become complacent, forgetting their spiritual need. Jesus calls us to stay passionate, humble, and surrendered. Without Him we are empty, but with Him we overflow with true richness.
A Call Back to Him
These scriptures remind us that Jesus’ words to the seven churches were both a warning and an invitation. He calls us back to our first love, to stay faithful in trials, to resist compromise, to walk in holiness, to wake up, to hold fast to His Word, and to stay on fire for Him.
His voice is still speaking today. May we be women who listen, who repent when needed, and who live steady in His love.