Hear
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;” (Rev 2:7a KJV)
Jesus exhorts us to listen and heed the warnings to the Churches.
This is the same exhortation to Israel.
“But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.” (Eze 3:27 KJV)
This is the same exhortation from the parable of the sower.
“Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Mat 13:9 KJV)
The purpose of the letters to the seven Churches is a word of warning. Jesus is calling His Church to overcome.
Overcome
“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Rev 2:7b KJV)
3528 νικάω nikao {nik-ah’-o}
Meaning: 1) to conquer 1a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious 1a1) of Christ, victorious over all His foes 1a2) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions 1a3) when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one’s cause
To overcome is to have victory over sin. We can live an overcoming life through faith and having a devotion to God.
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1Jo 5:4 KJV)
In the letters to the Churches, this is the first of many promises to those that overcome.