REV2023-08
230420AM
JESUS GIVES A DIAGNOSIS: Rev. 3:2—
lack of vigilance (not watchful),
spiritual weakness (need strengthening),
loss of discernment (ready to die), and
lack of maturity (not perfect in works).
When Peter wrote to this area he said—watch out for the prowling lion Satan (1 Pet. 5:8).
4. SPIRITUAL CHEMO: Revelation 3:3—Spiritual lethargy and dullness is only treated by reminders of the work of the Gospel (“how you received and heard”). The Spirit opens our minds, the Word is implanted, God gives life and growth, then that truth must be grasped, guarded, and held onto for life, and all falsehoods “repented” of. If not, Jesus will come unexpectedly and unstoppably (like a thief).
5. INTIMACY WITH GOD OFFERED: Revelation 3:4-6—Sardians had defiled their garments (Jude 1:23) and needed to be pulled from the fire. But there were some who were resisting Satan’s toxins and walking with Christ.
Jesus offers to all who will pay the price to resist sins and walk with Him the indescribable joys of fellowship and intimacy with God the Son. Can there be anything better than that in the Universe?
Watch Out for Christ’s Unexpected Coming (Mt. 24:42-43): Believers are repeatedly told by the Lord to be on the watch for Christ’s coming. “Watch, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. What I say to you, I say to all: watch.” (Matthew 24:42-43). Believers are asked to live every day as if it were our last.
Watch Out for the Crouching Monster of Sin (Mt. 26:41): Believers are repeatedly told by the Lord to be on the watch against temptation. “Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Temptation waits for our unguarded moments and then attacks.
In the Christian life, there must be unceasing vigilance against it.
Watch out for the permeating evil of false doctrine (Acts 20:29-31): Believers are repeatedly told by the Lord to be on the watch against false teaching. In Paul’s last address to the elders of Ephesus, he warns them that grievous wolves will invade the flock from outside and from inside men will arise to speak perverse things. “Therefore”, he says, “Watch!” (Acts 20:29-31).
Watch Out For The Prowling Lion Satan (I Pet. 5:8): The Christian must be on the watch against the wiles of the devil. The Christian is under a continuous spiritual attack that is subtle. We must ever be on the watch.
REST IN His ASSURANCE Revelation 3:4-6 What’s the right response to Christ’s message?
God hates a profession without possession. Beware of pretenders. Are you pretending?
God doesn’t approve of just maintenance. It’s life and growth and fruit or nothing! Are you growing?
