October 2, 2022

The Dedicated Church #

Revelation 3:7-13

Introduction

Christ is the key holder, the keeper, the one who opens, and closes doors which no one else is able to. It is important to recognize Christ, and see Him for who He is, and what He is able to do.

To the church in Philadelphia, there are more descriptive phrases attributed to Jesus than any of the other churches.

The open door, and the closed door! We clearly see Jesus as the one that holds the keys. The one that is able to open doors that we are simply not able to open, and close doors, we are simply not able to close, nor are we able to open what He closes.

I. Observations of them (8) #

A. Service (open door) #

1. Places #

You have an open door to serve the Lord.
- We don’t support a missionary in Barbados right now… we don’t have a door open to us to minister there!
- We do have a door open in Massillon, OH!

2. People #

Make use of the doors that God has opened to you!
You have the opportunity to reach some, but not others.

B. Strength #

Do your human best, but God is the One that will open doors, and close doors.

C. Submission #

1. Kept – past tense #

This was something they had done well! Obedience to the Word of God!

2. Challenge, we need to keep the Word, obey! #

D. Stand for Christ #

1. They took a stand for Christ! #

Eph. 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

II. Opposition (9-10) #

A. Synagogue of Satan (9) “synagogue of Satan” #

1. Satan is the father of lies #

2. These people proclaimed to be Jews, were not. #

There are many false religions out there, who claim to know the truth, and be the truth... which are not.
The language is strong, but the truth is real.

B. Subjection (9) “I will make them to come and worship before thy feet...” #

1. God's power, in wisdom, and ability is greatly displayed #

2. Worship before thy feet - desire to join with you #

3. Know you are the work of God! #

Sometimes we get so concerned about what others are doing, that we forget to do!
We need to stay occupied, doing what God would have us to do!
God Loves you, and wants His work to continue!

C. Spared (10) “I will keep thee from the hour of temptation” #

1. Results of obedience... #

While it is true that sin will be met with God's judgement, doing right, and serving God will also be met with God's blessing!

2. Spared from the hour of temptation #

Temptation can be 1. tempted to do evil, 2. Trial, or troubles
- God is able to with hold either from His children when He deems it appropriate.

III. Observe – (11) #

Behold - to direct the eyes to, or fix them upon an object; to look.

A. Second Coming “I come quickly” #

Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

1. We need to keep in mind, Jesus is coming again! #

It is easy to lose sight of that, and forget that.
We must keep that in mind, and be reminded of those things!

1Th. 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

2. Christ's message to the church, I'm coming again! #

B. Secure “hold fast” #

1. “hold fast” - Don't let go! Continue, Press on! #

2. “that no man take thy crown” - There is a pay day! #

IV. Overcometh (12) #

A. Saved #

1John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?