Finishing Well
11/28/25 Bible Thought (Revelation 2)
The Christian faith is one of perseverance. It requires persevering in faith, in love, and in truth.
In Revelation 1 we were introduced to seven, real first-century churches, represented by seven lampstands. Now in Revelation 2-3 we will see a specific address to each of these churches with four churches addressed in chapter two, and three addressed in chapter three.
Each received a comment on how they were doing from the Lord Jesus with either encouragement or admonition, and a promise given to “The one who conquers” (Rev. 2:7,11,17,26). Here, to “conquer” means, “to win in the face of obstacles, be victor, conquer, overcome, prevail.”[1]
The Christian life is filled with obstacles and was never promised to be easy. Jesus said we would have tribulation in the world (Jn. 16:33). As such, He warned crowds of would-be followers to, “count the cost” (see Lk. 14:25-33).
Jesus Christ never promised an easy life down here—He promised eternal life.
As such, these first-century churches receive a message from the Lord Jesus to persevere. It’s not enough to just start well. We must finish well.
Consider what Christ said to the church at Ephesus:
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent” (Rev. 2:4-5).
In essence, over time they had waned in their love for the Lord.
Specifically, a love for the Lord proven through love of others (see 1 Jn. 5:1-2). They started well, but they were wavering. The honeymoon was over and they had settled in their relationship with God for doctrine without affection.
The Lord Jesus calls them to repentance, and to a renewed first-love relationship with Him, proven through their deeds (Rev. 2:5).
Contrary to Ephesus, Pergamum was faithful to Christ’s name, even despite dwelling near the throne of Satan, but they allowed the false teaching that those in Ephesus repudiated (Rev. 2:15).
Thyatira was faithful in their works, exemplary of Christian love, faith, and service, but they allowed rampant teaching of sexual immorality (Rev. 2:20-21).
Smyrna alone out of the churches in this chapter wasn’t critiqued; however, they were still admonished to persevere.
The Lord Jesus knows all about the churches. He will search the minds and hearts of all (Rev. 2:23). He is the one in the midst of the churches, from whom you cannot hide (Rev. 2:2). He sees all, He knows all. He won’t be deceived.
If we look at an overall picture of these churches it will become clear that the church—as both a corporate entity, and as individuals who compose the group—must be faithful in both their doctrine and their Christian deeds.
That is, it’s not enough to resist false teachers if we find ourselves unloving.
Love is the primary distinctive of the Christian (see Jn. 13:35). Yet, at the same time, it’s not enough to pursue love for others at the expense of truth. We are to “love in truth” (see 3 John 1).
Love and truth are inextricably intertwined. To truly love God, we love others. To truly love others, we remain steadfast to the truth. False doctrine or tolerance of sin is not loving, a problem found within two of the four churches in today’s reading.
As such, let us hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Let us remain steadfast in our profession of Christ and doctrinal fidelity, absolutely. Yet, let us likewise prove our love for Him through horizontal works and love for others.
The Christian faith which misses either component is insufficient and not true biblical Christianity.
Challenge for Today:
Has my Christian honeymoon ended? That is, does my life, through both faith in God and love for others, prove that my love for God is still red-hot?
[1] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 673.
Good word, it’s a race but the joy of the Lord is our strength.