TRUTH FROM REVELATION #3
Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance,
but to do what lies clearly at hand.
(To do my best, to be the best at each moment)
You say One day I will change…and be better.
One day things will be different…
One day I will fully commit – “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”
Important truths from the last two sermons:
The book of Revelation can be seen as God’s final word to the church and the world.
It gives us a clear indication of what will “shortly” come to pass; and
The condition of the church as a warning and an encouragement to the obedient and faithful.
It is very clear that Jesus wants for us to especially read this book – Revelation 1:3 -“Keep themselves true to the things written in it”
These are guidelines as to how we must live.
We cannot serve God any old way that suites us – and think we will get away with it.
Without fail God says to the church “I know what’s going on”.
Proverbs 20:27 – The Lord’s searchlight penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.
The success or failure of God’s Kingdom being established in the hearts and lives of a lost world, depends on the church – “You and I”. It is our God given responsibility.
Why do you think God saw fit to tell us of the pitfalls to watch out for?
These 7 churches are a guideline for us today.
As we read it, we must ask: What do you need to change in your life?
We have dealt with the Laodicean church –(cold), of no use (lukewarm)useless, (hot). useful
Lukewarm church – with no enthusiasm or zeal (“fueled and aflame”) or commitment
The second church we dealt with – the Church of Ephesus.
The church was so busy with doing the “things right” they missed out on doing the “right thing”.
Jesus said “you have left your first love”.
John 20:15 – Peter, do you love me more than these?
The next church Jesus reveals to us is Smyrna –
Revelation 2:8-11. – 8) And to the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, Who died and came to life again:
9 I know your affliction and distress and pressing trouble and your poverty—but you are rich! and how you are abused and reviled and slandered by those who say they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. [Dismiss your dread and your fears!] Behold, the devil is indeed about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested and proved and critically appraised, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be loyally faithful unto death [even if you must die for it], and I will give you the crown of life.
11 He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the Spirit says to the assemblies (churches). He who overcomes (is victorious) shall in no way be injured by the second death.
They were a persecuted church.
2 Timothy 3:12 – In fact, everyone who WANTS to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus (it’s your choice) will suffer persecution.
1 Peter 3:17 – For (it is) better to suffer (unjustly) for doing right if that should be God’s will, than suffer (justly) for doing wrong.
Don’t be offended and get on your “high horse” when the world out there insults you and mocks your Christianity – because you are living like a moegoe.
This church also never received a reprimand or a rebuke, they only received a command to be faithful in verse 10:
Faithful:
Loyal
Trustworthy
Constant
Showing faith
Opposite of faithful – is faithless:
False
Unreliable
Disloyal
Without faith (faith without works is dead)
Galatians 5:22 – One of the fruit, the Holy Spirit produces in our lives is faithfulness.
Luke 16:10 – He who is faithful in a very little (thing) is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little (thing) is dishonest and unjust also in much.
2 Timothy 2:2 – And the instruction which you have heard from me along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust (as a deposit) to reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – Moreover, it is essentially required of a steward that a man should be found faithful (proving himself worthy of trust).
NB! Without faithfulness it’s not possible.
The next of the 7 churches is Pergamum, which means fortress, stronghold, tower.
Revelation 2:12-17 – 12)“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
v12 – “When I look at you” Jesus says, “I hold up my word and compare your life”.
v13 – It’s very clear that our enemy is well and active – working in the hearts of the disobedient.
Revelation 12:12 – Therefore, be glad (exult), O heavens and you that dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in fierce anger (fury), because he knows that he has [only] a short time [left]!
1 John 5:19 – We know (positively) that we are of God, and the whole world (around us) is under the power of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:12(Amp) – For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
Listen Ephesians 4:27 – Leave no (such) room (or) foothold for the devil (give no opportunity to him).
Revelation 2:14 – Here’s a two-fold warning to the church:
Teaching of Balaam: – Numbers 22 to25 (here are only some of the characteristics of this spirit)
Knowing God’s standard and willingly going against it to satisfy your own fleshly desires.
Being unfaithful to God and setting a bad example to those around you even when you know the truth and what is required of you.
Self-willed – not teachable.
Double-minded person.
James 1:8 – A double-minded man is unstable and unreliable about everything (he thinks, feels, decides).
2nd WARNING
Revelation 2:15 – Some are also clinging to the teaching of Nicolatians* – which I hate.
Same as the church of Ephesus.
People who allow compromise to creep into their lives.
Compromise: Is accepting less than what the standard calls for.
The standard you accept for your life has very little of Jesus in it.
Revelation 2:16 – The warning goes out again and again and again.
Repent – change, check your life.
And be faithful, don’t compromise. Make me your first love – be hot.
Close : Revelation 1:3 -“Keep themselves true to the things written in it”
