Chapter 3
-The same format that addressed the first four churchis is used
for the last three churches as the Lord addresses the angels of Sardis, Philadelphia,
and Laodicea. Their works are known and both positive and negative qualities are
discussed in each with the exception of Philadelphia, which had no negative.
-Sardis was known for being alive, but it was dead. The Lord
told them to wake up and strengthen what remained that was about to die. Their
works were not complete in the eyes of God. They were instructed to remember
what they had seen and heard, keep it and repent. If they refuse to wake up,
the Lord said that He would come against them like a thief at an unknown hour.
There were some who had not “soiled their garments (become unclean),” and those
would walk with Jesus in white for they are worthy. These would overcome and
wear white garments (the righteousness of Christ) and never be blotted out from
the book of life (Psalm 69:28, Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:1-6; 13:8; 17:8;
20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19).
-Philadelphia had an open door that no one could shut. They
had a little power, yet kept God’s Word and did not deny His Name. God promised
to make the synagogue of Satan bow before them at their feet. These evil ones
would know in the end that God loved Philadelphia and their righteousness. They
were commended for patient endurance and would be kept from the hour of testing
that is coming upon the whole world. They are told to hold fast what they have,
so that no one seizes their crown (reward). These overcomers (conquerors) would
be pillars in the Temple of God forever and would receive new names of various
kinds (Revelation 3:7-13).
-Laodicea is described as lukewarm, neither hot nor cold,
which infuriated the Lord to the point of being vomited up. They claimed to be
rich with prosperity needing nothing, but they were actually wretched,
pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. God’s recommendation was to buy from Him gold
refined by fire and white garments of righteousness to gain needed wealth
spiritually speaking. This would be healing salve to anoint their eyes so that
they could see. Those whom the Lord loves, He disciplines and reproves;
therefore, their instruction was to be zealous for the Lord and repent from the
evil. Jesus is standing at the door knocking. If anyone hears His voice and
opens the door, He will come in and eat with him and abide. To these overcomers
(conquerors) will be given the opportunity to sit down with the Father on His
throne (Revelation 3:14-22).
-*Application* These churches represent what can also happen
in our own spiritual walk for sure. We need to keep enduring patiently, not
being stained by this world (James 1:27). We need to walk with Christ every day
with His confidence and His righteousness with genuineness. We need to go
through His opened doors to minister to people and hold fast to His Word. We
don’t ever want to become apathetic and lukewarm to spiritual things where we
don’t care. We need refining by the challenges and trials of life. We need to
let Christ in and dine with His presence as He longs to abide with us. May we
become overcomers (conquerors) in His Name every single day as we await His
coming.
Verse to Memorize:
Revelation 3:20
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