October 16, 2022
The Deceived Church #
Revelation 3:14-22
Introduction
The attributes of Christ revealed in each passage are the ones appropriate for the need of the church. He reveals Himself as we need Him.
Not all the churches received a negative commentary. Two churches were simply encouraged to continue in the things they were doing. However, of the ones not doing right, I want to recap the verses:
Ephesus:
Rev. 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Pergamos
Rev. 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Thyatira
Rev. 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Sardis:
Rev. 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
I. Attributes of the Saviour (14) #
A. Firm & Final “Amen” #
- Amen – 1. concurrence in belief, affirmation 2. Final word or act 3. Christ as being one who is true and faithful.
1. Christ is firm! He is foundational! #
1Cor. 3:11 ¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
- Christ is the bedrock of our Salvation!
- If you are not building your life upon that firm foundation, everything else is sinking sand!
2. Christ is final! #
Rev. 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
B. Faithful & Factual Witness #
1. Jesus is FAITHFUL! #
- You will not find a more faithful witness than Jesus!
- God KNOWS our works, he doesn’t just hear about them! He is intimately aware of our works!
2. Jesus is Factual! #
- Referee’s have a difficult job, because the must see, and make a call with very little time! Sometimes they make bad calls!
- Jesus NEVER makes a bad call! Jesus never has bad judgement!
C. First “the beginning of the creation of God;” #
1. Christ is NOT a created being! #
Col. 1:16-17
2. He was involved in the creation! #
3. He is the true witness from the beginning! #
II. Actual State of Being (15-17) #
- When God says, “I know thy works” - The other statements, were about actions, this is a heart issue, who you are!
A. Disgusting (15-16) “because thou art lukewarm” #
1. Vivid word picture! #
-
If you have ever drank something, that was supposed to be cold, and it was lukewarm, you would spit it out!
- I like hot coffee, I like iced coffee, I don’t like room temperature coffee!!!
2. Spue – to cast forth with abhorrence or disgust #
B. Deceptive (17a) “thou sayest” #
- Boasted of riches, blessing of God…
- Increase of goods, look at all we have, we must be doing right!
- As if an increase of physical things is a clear show of God’s blessing on them!
C. Delusional (17) “knowest not that thou art wretched…” #
- If you have ever watched a completely new person attempt to do Tae Kwon Do, or Karate, or Martial arts… you see them kick, and in their mind, they look like Chuck Norris, or some great Karate Black belt.
- WE ALL have a distorted view of ourself. We all think better of our self than we actually are!
- This church, had an extremely distorted view of themselves.
- Factual State of being: >>>>
1. wretched – very miserable; sunk into deep affliction or distress, either from want, anxiety or grief #
2. Miserable – very unhappy, causing unhappiness #
3. Poor – destitute of value, worth or importance #
4. Blind – destitute of the sense of seeing (probably in a spiritual sense) #
5. Naked – uncovered, unarmed, defenseless, exposed #
- They may have thought they were keeping up a good facade, but in all reality, everyone knew the truth!
III. Advice (18-20) #
- God has never been one to force you to do right, He wants you to CHOSE to do right!
A. Aquire – buy (18) Aquire #
1. Clean life! Gold – Purity, cleanliness (because you are saved, not to earn salvation) #
- Buy, there is a cost associated with clean living!
2. Clothing - White raiment #
Eph. 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
3. Clear Vision - Eye salve #
B. Ask – turn, repent! (19) #
Prov. 28:13 ¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.