The Sequence of the Seven Letters in Revelation, according to Brighton

 The Sequence of the Seven Letters

(Revelation 2:1-3:22)
Louis A. Brighton, Revelation (Concordia Commentary)

There appears to be a sequence of spiritual deterioration, moving toward alienation from Christ, in the seven letters. Of this, Brighton says, “each sin, when encountered in temptation and then, in commission, leads to the following temptation or sin.”

When Christians lose their first love (2:4)
↓ (it leads to)
The sin or temptation to fear (2:10)
↓ (it leads to)
The attempt to serve God and mammon (2:14)
↓ (it leads to)
Syncretism (denying the uniqueness of Christ) (2:20)
↓ (it leads to)
Deadness (3:1)