Lesson 1 for July 6, 2013

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:’” (Revelation 3:14) THE AMEN “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20) That means that all that Jesus says is truth (Is. 65:16), so his message to the church of Laodicea must be undoubtedly accepted. THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS “Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness” (John 3:11) Jesus is the faithful witness because He perfectly represents God’s character, mind and will before humanity. THE BEGINNING OF THE CREATION OF GOD “has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:2) Jesus is who begins the Creation, its first cause or engine. The church of Laodicea must emphasize the doctrines of Creation and Sabbath.

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16) God see us lukewarm, in need of a fire of divine discipline, revival and reformation to heat up us. Although no one likes discipline (Heb. 12:7-11), God uses it to achieve several goals:  To make us part of His holiness (Hebrews 12:10)  To heal our wounds (Job 5:17-18)  To instruct us in His Law (Psalm 94:12)  To improve our character (Proverbs 29:15)

“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—” (Revelation 3:17) After the great earthquake on 60 AD, the Laodiceans rejected the help from Rome to rebuild the city. Like the foolish virgins, we think we have all we need and we are not aware of our need of spiritual oil. Like the Laodiceans, we think we are self-sufficient and we don’t accept the loving help that Jesus is offering to change our character.

“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:18-19) “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1) Gold It represents the faith that works through love (James 2:5; Gal. 5:6) Garments The righteousness of Christ shown in our righteous acts (Gal. 3:27; Rev. 19:8) Eye salve The work of the Holy Spirit enables us to distinguish between truth and error (Jn. 16:13)

“Jesus is going from door to door, standing in front of every soul temple, proclaiming, “I stand at the door, and knock.” As a heavenly merchantman, He opens His treasures and cries, “Buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.” The gold that He offers is without alloy, more precious than that of Ophir; for it is faith and love. The white raiment He invites the soul to wear is His own robe of righteousness; and the oil for anointing is the oil of His grace, which will give spiritual eyesight to the soul in blindness and darkness, that he may distinguish between the workings of the Spirit of God and the spirit of the enemy. “Open your doors,” says the great Merchantman, the possessor of spiritual riches, “and transact your business with Me. It is I, your Redeemer, who counsels you to buy of Me”” E.G.W. (SDA Bible Commentary, EGW notes on Rev. 3:18-20)

To open the door to Jesus and to share our dinner with Him. That is making Jesus our friend, our partner and our counselor. “The Saviour says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20. He is not repulsed by scorn or turned aside by threatening, but continually seeks the lost ones, saying, “How shall I give thee up?” Hosea 11:8. Although His love is driven back by the stubborn heart, He returns to plead with greater force, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” The winning power of His love compels souls to come in. And to Christ they say, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35” E.G.W. (Christ’s Object Lessons, cp. 18, pg. 235)

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:21-22) Christ uses His greatest motivation for His indifferent end-time people. His love has provided eternity for us. We have royal blood running through our veins. We are sons and daughters of the King of the universe. We can reign with Him, seated upon His throne forever. Make the decision of living as the prince/princess you are.