If you received a letter from Jesus and it began with the words, “I know…” what would the rest of it say? What would the Lord say He knew about you?

In Revelation 2-3, we find Jesus sending personal messages to the seven churches of Asia. Jesus wanted these churches to understand that He knew some critical things about them.

He knew about works.

  • He knew about their good works. The church at Ephesus was testing false apostles (Revelation 2:1-3). The church at Smyrna was enduring persecution (Revelation 2:8-9).
  • The church at Pergamum was holding fast to His name (Revelation 2:13). The church at Thyatira had works of faith, love, and patience (Revelation 2:19). The church at Philadelphia kept His word and refused to deny His name (Revelation 2:8).
  • He also knew about their bad works. Some of these churches were tolerating false doctrine (Revelation 2:14-20). The church at Sardis was spiritually asleep (Revelation 3:2). The church at Laodicea was lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16).
  • Jesus also knows about all the works that churches do today.

He knew about individuals. 

  • Churches are made up of individual Christians.
  • We can’t count on the faithfulness of other Christians to gain us favor with God. We all have to do our part! Ultimately, Jesus judges disciples on an individual basis.
  • While most people in the church at Sardis were spiritually dead, there were a few who were not (Revelation 3:3-6).
  • What kind of disciple does Jesus see when He looks at you?

He knew about hearts.

  • He knew this because He is God (John 2:23-24). He knew that the church at Ephesus had left its first love (Revelation 2:4).
  • He knew that the church at Sardis was dead in their hearts (Revelation 3:1).
  • He knew that the church in Laodicea possessed hearts that were indifferent (Revelation 3:15-16).
  • He knows what is going on in our hearts, as well. He knows if we love and trust Him. He knows if we have faith in Him. He knows if we have reverence towards Him.

Conclusion:

If you are in sin, will you allow the powerful knowledge of Jesus to lead you to repentance (Revelation 2:5, 16; 3:3, 19)?