The Dermott news., 1916-12-07
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 10
FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH.

1 Afe.-ReV. 2;i0
 This passage most wonderfully illus trates that dominating purpose of psul'S life. More than most lessons Il map will be necessary to locate dis tinctly the places mentioned. There are interesting stories in connection with each of the seven cities and churches. It might be wise to give to seven different people the task of bring ing information to the class regard ing each one mentioned.
 l. Ephesus, whose love is waning (vv. ID. The key word to these mcs- sagps Is the word "overCometh." In each of the messages our Lord de- serbcS himself iG different way ac- eording To the peculiar needs of that 1 particular church. Here he Is repre- sented us holding the stars (messen- gers of the churches, Ch. :2U) in his right hand. and keeping them secure, controlling them while he walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands. 1 literally churches. The symbolism of lamp stand" is used because the churches were intended to be light l bearers us they held forth the light | given by the oil of the Spirit (Math. 5:l6; Phil. ? :16; Zech. :2-6). Ephesus was the capital of province said to be one of the richest in the Roman em- l rire. In 1t was the great temple of | Diana. Here Paul had labored and had various experiences, and to Ephesus he had written letter (See lesson $, third quarter), but there were good things to be found in this EpheSian church (vv. 2.3. Forty years after be- Ing founded, John writes this message. He knew their works" their general moral conduct, especially its active and passive sides through its trials, its dealing with impoStors and its prac- tical energy and enterprise; and Its pa tience 0iterally steadfast assurance) In hearing witness for Christ. Jesus knew of tteir never wearying endur- auee. Surely these things would indi- cate pretty nearly Il model church. Jesus says. No, there is something seriously wrong" so seriously wrong that unless repented of he would re-  move them out of their place.
 H. Smyrna, the church with a crown of life (vy. SID. smyrna wuS .io or 50 niles from Ephesus. and at this time city of 25o,ooO inhabitants. To this church the Son of Man (Ch. LID sends another message. II k interest iHg ta note that this church and the .,s ll,fI.I.,1t,hia ..H from fhR Master unqualified praise. II had works, activities, it also had trlhula- tons. riches and poverty Cor thou art rtch) rich in good works. rich toward God. rick in treasures laid up in heaven: however, it was in the midst ef persecution. IL was here tisat Poly carp lahored. who afterward. as bishop ef smyrna, was martyred (see Y. lo). of Folycarp 1t Is said that rather than save his life by renounclng Christ he cried out, Eighty and six years have served him. and he has done mc no i'll how then can l hlaspheme my king who hath saved me" The crown k eternal life, the crown of victory. The second death is the final condemna- tiAl W tiitH NlililtiN ul4tlt4 kb it t4i' lubk- meut seat of God.
 III. peraamos, the church in a strong hold of faith (Nv. l2-lO. our gloriicd Lord knew that the church In PeTgamos Nsus In peculiarly difficult situation. that it was Satan's headquarters, his throne" tv. l3); hence they were in especial need of defender and the Lord is represented as he that hath sharp. two-edced sword" the word If God QIeb. 4 :l2-l3: John ! :222). Per eamos was almost fifty miles north of smyrna, city of about 11.ooo inhabi- tautS, and the capital of the province To it were brought many of the early Christians who were compelled to suf- fer Elartyrdom. Again We have Il church whose works are commended, whose steadfastness Is mentioned In that they "held fast to my name. and n0t denied the faith"-inartyrs (vv. 133. However. dangers threatened them for there had been compromise with the world and with other sys- tens of faith, what we would call to- day llberality in doctrine and breadth in view in teaching: CD Some of their number had accepted and practiced the doctrine of Baalim (Jude II: Mum. 31-l6). (2) These teachings cast stumbling block before the children of | Israel (v. 14). This was done by per suading the Israelites to join in the ldolatrous feasts and revelings of the heathen, and also their irapurity of worship.
 In the remaining part of the chapter we have some glimpses of the remain. ing four churches, the good that was l to be cherished and the evil that was to be overcome.
 Perhaps the most suggestive of all Is that of Laodicea. the lukewarm church.
 Lukewarmness Is one of the most deadly evils to overcome, and hence | the highest and most glorious of all