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Revelation 2–3, Part 1

Revelation 2–3, Part 1

“I Know Thy Works”

PAINTING BY GREG Olson of Christ knocking on a door

Jesus Christ knows each of us. He knows what we are doing well, and He knows what we can do better to become more like Him. In separate messages to each of the seven churches in Asia, John recorded Jesus Christ’s voice acknowledging the good works of the Saints and warning them of things they needed to change. This lesson can encourage you to hear the Savior’s voice acknowledging your good works and giving you needed correction.

Hear the Savior’s voice

Jesus Christ depicted knocking on a door. Christ is portrayed wearing red and white robes. The painting illustrates the concept of Christ “knocking on the door,” as described in scripture. There is no doorknob depicted in the painting, symbolizing that the door must be opened from within.

Look at this image of Jesus Christ and ponder the following question:

  • What feelings might you have if you heard a knock at the door of your home and realized it was the Savior? Why?

In his message to Church members in Laodicea (where one of the seven churches John was writing to in Asia was established; see Revelation 1:11), John concluded with an invitation from Jesus Christ.

Read Revelation 3:20 and identify the Savior’s invitation.

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 1. Answer the following questions in your study journal:

  • What do you think is the symbolic meaning of Revelation 3:20?

  • Why do you think the Savior knocks on the door instead of just entering?

  • How can you open the door to Jesus Christ and seek to better hear His voice?

  • What have you done lately to hear His voice and open the door?

Though John is the messenger, Jesus is the voice of the messages to the seven churches. As you study the messages in Revelation 2–3, listen for the voice of Jesus Christ to you. Consider ways you can open the door to allow the Savior to be with and strengthen you.While each of the seven messages is unique, there are also some similarities.

Look for and consider marking the repeated phrase “I know thy works” in Revelation 2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15. In these verses John records the voice of Jesus Christ, which also represents the will of Heavenly Father.

  • Why might it be important to understand that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ “know [your] works”?

One truth we will find in Revelation 2–3 is that because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know each of us, They can acknowledge our good works and warn us of needed changes. Look for evidence of this truth as you study the counsel to the seven churches.

Counsel to the seven churches

Map of the Mediterranean.

Look at the map of the seven churches and select at least two churches to study. Look for the good works Jesus Christ acknowledges in some of the churches and the correction He gives to each church.

  1. Ephesus (Revelation 2:1–7): The Nicolaitans were a religious group who claimed they could commit sexual sin without punishment because the grace of God would save them.

  2. Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11)

  3. Pergamos (Revelation 2:12–17): The doctrine of Balaam refers to breaking God’s commandments to satisfy worldly desires or to seek the honors of men (see 2 Peter 2:15). Note the definition of Nicolaitans above.

  4. Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29)

  5. Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6)

  6. Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7–13): This message only acknowledges good works.

  7. Laodecia (Revelation 3:14–22): This message only corrects imperfect works. Note that to be lukewarm means to not be fully committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 2. In your study journal, answer the following questions for each church you selected:

  • What good works did Jesus Christ acknowledge? How have you seen similar good works among members of the Church in our day?

  • What correction or counsel did Jesus give to the church you chose? Why is this also good counsel for the Church today?

  • Why is Jesus Christ uniquely suited to know what we are doing well and how we need to improve?

Counsel for your own life

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) encouraged us to open the door and allow the Savior into our lives. Read the following statement or watch the video “Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues” from time code 15:08 to 15:56, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

16:9

Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues

I am certain our Heavenly Father was mindful of her needs and wanted her to hear the comforting truths of the gospel.

Official portrait of President Thomas S. Monson, 2008.

With all the strength of my soul I testify that our Heavenly Father loves each one of us. He hears the prayers of humble hearts; He hears our cries for help. … His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, speaks to each of us today: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him” [Revelation 3:20].

Will we listen for that knock? Will we hear that voice? Will we open that door to the Lord, that we may receive the help He is so ready to provide? I pray that we will.

(Thomas S. Monson, “Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 24)

Look back at the picture of Jesus knocking at the door and reflect on what you have learned.

  • What do you think the Savior wants you to know you are doing well?

  • What might the Savior encourage you to change in your life?

Optional: Want to Learn More?

What is the “first love” mentioned in Revelation 2:4?

The Saints in Ephesus were being chastened for neglecting the commandment to love God (see Matthew 22:37–38).

Revelation 2:9. How can we experience poverty and still be rich?

The Savior was acknowledging the faith of the Saints in Smyrna and reassuring them of the eternal riches promised to those who keep His commandments (see also James 2:5; Doctrine and Covenants 11:7).

Revelation 2:14. Who was Balaam?

“Balaam was an Old Testament prophet, whose actions are recorded in Numbers 22–24; 31:16. He appeared at first to be true to the Lord and His people, repeatedly refusing Balak’s request to curse Israel. Nevertheless, Balaam eventually succumbed to Balak’s offer of riches and taught Balak how to cause the army of Israel to weaken themselves through sexual sin and idolatry (see Numbers 25:1–5; 31:13–16). The plan included having Moabite women seduce the men of Israel and persuade them to offer sacrifices to heathen gods, thus destroying them spiritually” (New Testament Student Manual [2014], 534).

Revelation 3:14. Why is Jesus called “the Amen”?

“In Hebrew and Greek the word ‘amen’ means truly, certainly, or faithfully. In Revelation 3:14, Christ’s faithfulness and truthfulness as the great ‘Amen’ are presented as a contrast to the lukewarm attitudes of the Laodiceans [see also Revelation 3:15–16]” (New Testament Student Manual [2014], 536).

How can I invite God to share His approval and correction with me?

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:

Official Portrait of President Henry B. Eyring taken March 2018.

As you examine your life during the ordinance of the sacrament, I hope your thoughts center not only on things you have done wrong but also on things you have done right—moments when you have felt that Heavenly Father and the Savior were pleased with you. You may even take a moment during the sacrament to ask God to help you see these things. If you do, I promise you will feel something. You will feel hope.

(Henry B. Eyring, “Always Remember Him,” Ensign or Liahona, Feb. 2018, 5)