The 7 “Be Happy” blessings of Revelation pt 4
Summary of the 1st three “Be Happy” attitudes from Revelation:
1. Revelation 1:3: "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
Summary:
This is the first of the seven “Be Happy” blessings of Revelation. This one promises a blessing from heaven for everyone who reads, hears, and lives according to the book’s message. The key point in this verse is that "WE must take to heart" to heed, to watch over, to observe attentively, to implant in our hearts the message of this BOOK. The main message of this book is the "REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST." We all need to have a fresh Revelation of Jesus – this vision reminds us of what He did in the past, what He is doing currently in the church today and what He is going to do in the future. We are to take this to our hearts because the time is near for His Second Coming and we need to be ready.
Bumper Sticker: “Smile in the midst of trial!”
2. Rev. 14:13 "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
Summary:
When we decide to die for Christ we receive the promise of eternal rest and peace from all the persecution that the world has inflicted on us. We get the blessing of having our righteous deeds follow us to Heaven. You could be thinking, “How could someone give up their life? How? Why?” Because they had a revelation of who Jesus Christ was, is, and will be. When you can see Jesus in spite of the difficulties then you persevere through any situation. The key is seeing and experiencing Jesus. Jesus is also empathetic because He knows the agony of pain and suffering for the Kingdom in this world. The Revelation tells us that our time may seem long and painful here on the earth but something greater is coming. Jesus knew we would face disappointments from others, despair from external events, persecution, betrayal, and even the fear of death. But Jesus encourages us with this truth, “Be Happy”, stay with it, endure to the end of your life because at that point there will be a wonderful reward for you labor. Your deeds will be rewarded!”So we need to commit to bring in the harvest for God’s Kingdom and patiently endure the world’s persecution! So be happy and smile in the trial – die in the Lord because all that you do for the Kingdom of God will be greatly rewarded when you cross from Here to Eternity!
Bumper Sticker: “Smile you will be wowed!”
3. Revelation 16:15: "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
Summary:
This scripture text reminds us of how blessed the Christian is who is always ready for Jesus return. This text reveals one the core teachings of the Bible. The point behind Revelation and the New Testament is that we as Christians must stay awake and be ready to go with Christ at any moment. We as Christians do not have to know when we are going! We by the way will never know even with all the detailed elaborate calculations and predictions out there. I want to be very frank with you today. Nobody knows when Christ is returning nor when the Rapture of the church will take place it could happen today, tomorrow, next week, next year, the next decade, or even the next millennium. The point to grab a hold of is this, "...stay awake and be ready at any moment!"
Bumper Sticker: “Get ready - Be ready - He is almost here!”
Thoughts for this summary message:
Over these past few weeks we have explored a few of the churches who are addressed in the book of Revelation. There are 7 that are addressed and 2 out of the 7 receive nothing but praise and promises from Jesus. He is the one, “Who see’s their current state.” These 2 churches are ready for Jesus’ return! These two churches are alive and moving forward in their walk and in their mission for Jesus. He has nothing but good to say about them! He is proud of them and He praises them and encourages them to patiently endure and stay faithful to Him and His message – because their reward will be great in the end!
T.S. - Let’s take a moment to look at these two churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia.
I. The church in Smyrna - Rev. 2:8-11
a. This church was suffering severe persecution and a revelation from God’s word would help them to persevere. To better understand their situation in 90AD let me give you some historical background.
i. Smyrna was a beautiful city located on the coast about 40 miles north of Ephesus. It was one of the most prosperous cities in Asia. With typical Chamber of Commerce humility the city fathers called it "the pride of Asia."
ii. The city was one of the major centers of emperor worship. The emperor’s temple had been erected in 26AD during the reign of Tiberius Caesar. Since the time of Christ many Christians were put to the test annually in claiming who was Lord. The Romans would charge others to say, "Caesar is Lord!" those who denied and said "Jesus is Lord" would face persecution from the Romans.
1. The persecution they would face would be any one of the following: Fines, loss of Roman Citizenship and it’s rights, loss of property owned, loss of business owned, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, mental abuse, reputations destroyed, lies generated about them, hate crimes committed against them, families split apart, children taken away, abandoned by friends and family, imprisonment, stoning, whippings, beatings, bodily injury, and for some death.
2. The persecution did not just come from the Romans it also came from the Jews. There was a large community of Jews living within the city. These Jews were outright hostile to the Christians in the city. They were involved in lying about Christians and encouraging the Romans to deal with these cannibals, atheists, and immoral Christians harshly.
3. It’s interesting to note that the name Smyrna means "Myrrh." It is a very fitting name for this church because myrrh is a perfume, whose aroma is released by crushing it.
b. Smyrna receives a message of empathy and understanding from Jesus "I KNOW", a message of encouragement (YOU ARE RICH!), and a message of hope "BE FAITHFUL ... AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE CROWN OF LIFE."
i. Rev. 2:8-11: "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty-yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”
ii. Jesus understands and knows all about persecution.
1. This church was being crushed with persecution and it had to be a spiritual adrenaline boost to receive a personal message form Jesus Christ especially since he would understand their suffering for the Kingdom.
2. Why is it important to have someone who understands? Support groups are helpful in facilitating healing. People can help each other persevere and make it when others understand what they are going through.
3. It’s hard for many of us to empathize with the Jewish people who went through the Holocast. I watched the movie Shindlers List and was deeply moved and hurt by what I saw. But to live through it is another story.
a. I cannot feel what they felt! Jesus starts off His message of hope to this church by reminding them that He is the first and last. Jesus will outwit, outplay and outlast the Roman Empire and all the Jews. He will be the soul survivor! He will have the last word. His kingdom will be the only one standing at the end of time.
b. He also states a fact they need to never forget "These are the words of him...who died and came to life again."
i. He is the only one who can make this statement of FACT. He died and rose again. He holds the keys of death and Hades. He is not a dead Jesus but an alive Jesus who vanquished, destroyed, overcame, dismantled death. He beat it and he controls it. Believe in the one who defeated death and you will live.
ii. It’s ironic but He brings life through death!
iii. God knew in the time of this writing who would win the battle raging in Smyrna just like he told Abraham to trust and believe.
c. Jesus knows what’s like to be abused and He understands!
i. He was beaten, whipped, mocked, kicked, punched, stabbed, and martyred on the cross of agony. He knew what affliction was because he felt it on his back, hands, feet and legs.
d. Jesus knew pain and persecution but he also knew the Father’s Word which stated, “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” Jesus knew that he had to face the persecution of this world to accomplish the plan of the Father.
i. Jesus also warned the church that it to would suffer times of persecution. But even in their times of pain and suffering they need to remember He sits on the throne. When they see Him for who He is they should realize that they are not poor or in poverty. They need to not allow their focus to be on the persecution but keep their eyes fixed on His greater purpose.
ii. How will you respond to a clear cut message of Christ that says, “I see your suffering” but, “I am not delivering you right now.” He even becomes more explicit “It will last longer!
1. Will you cry that’s not fair! Lord! Here is the reality of fairness.
a. It was not fair that God had to send His Son Jesus to be abused, to be beaten, to be lied to, to be stabbed, to be nailed to the cross, to be crucified for our sins and evil deeds. It is not fair that Jesus had to leave Heaven and all its beauty behind so that we could be delivered.
b. He did nothing wrong we did! So now with that heart ringing in your heart let me ask, “Is it unfair to have to suffer for the sins of others when you have done nothing wrong?”
c. Is it unfair to suffer a little while then for Him? Is it unfair to sacrifice your time, money, reputation, family, Job, property, and life? Is it unfair to give your life for Christ, to lay it down so that in reality you find eternal life?
c. The rewards:
i. The Crown of Life will be given to them for eternity.
1. The crown signifies that they willingly chose to die to themselves and for the their King. Therefore they get to wear this crown forever!
a. I chose life through death!
ii. The Second death will not hurt them.
1. When you have already gave up your life for love then at the point of death there will be a great expectation of joy to cross over from here to eternity!
2. Bumper Sticker: “No pain just eternal gain!”
T.S. – Smyrna is encouraged by the Lord that He understands their persecution and pain but as long as they remain faithful to the end then they will be richly blessed in Heaven for their stand for truth. They will receive the the Crown of Life and no pain just eternal gain in the end! Let’s look at the next role-model church.
II. The church in Philadelphia - Revelation 3:7-13
a. Message to Philadelphia church - Name means brotherly love.
i. Historical Background: Philadelphia was founded around 150 B.C. by King Attallus of Pergamum, whose nickname was Philadelphus. This man was noted for the administration and love he had for his brother, Eumenes, and he named this city in honor of him. The city had been destroyed by an earthquake in 17 A.D. Sardis and other cities were destroyed by the earthquake and recovered quickly but Philadelphia suffered many after-shocks for a number of years. The result of theses after-shocks caused the people to flee regularly. It was even noted by some historians that some people lived in tents and huts outside the city for years until the shocks ceased. Tiberius Caesar helped to rebuild the city and the city adopted the name New Caesar for a few years.
b. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is unveiled more to this church and to us today. We could say more pieces to the puzzle are being revealed here and we see how they are placed into the big picture of eternal things.
i. Revelation 3:1- To the Church in Philadelphia: 7“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
8I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
9I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
10Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
11I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
12Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.
13He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
ii. Words of Him who is:
1. Holy -- morally perfect. His character is without flaw or blemish. There is no evil in Him!
a. Thomas tells us this about the title Holy "Holy" characterizes Jesus....as set apart belonging exclusively to God. Though He was opposed and rejected by the Synagogue and the Jews. Christ is the Holy one. Since He is Holy His words are Holy. Holy anointed words and messages from Heaven are to be obeyed.
2. True -- He is genuine reality. The one behind all that really exists. That is who he IS – He is truth!
a. Thomas - this title emphasizes Christ’s authenticity. It tells us He is real not a myth or story but reality. He states, "This term has to do with reality, however. When confronted by Christ, we are confronted by no shadowy outline of the truth, but with the truth itself" (273).
b. With the fact established that Christ is true” The TRUTH” we are to be reassured that when Christ promises something He delivers and fulfils that promise.
3. Has the Key of David -- Taken from Isaiah 22 -- In the days of King Hezekiah there was an official Shebna. He was the chief-of-staff in charge of the palace or white house. He had been caught in a personal scam run for his own personal gain. God reveals to the swindler that he is going to take him and whirl him around and around like a discus thrower, and cast him into a distant country (Isa. 22:18).
a. It was a prophetic prediction that he would be banished to Babylon. In his place God would set up a godly man named Eliakim, and God notes this about him, "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David. What he opens, no one can shut, and what he shut’s, no one can open"(Isa. 22:17). Info from Stedman.
b. Some note that Christ’s ministry is that which unlocks the Old Testament. Because the “Key” - means a symbol of power and access to all.
i. Thomas notes - Christ in his fulfilled sense controls the entrance to David’s House, which ultimately refers to the Messianic kingdom. His Davidic lineage and authority are hinted at in Rev1:5. The claims by the Jewish contingency in Phil. That they hold the keys to the kingdom of Heaven were clearly refuted here.
c. He opens and shuts doors in our life – in our churches life – in our nation’s life!
i. This statement designates who has the power to create and close opportunities in life. Success rests in God’s hands not ours.
ii. Jesus alone has the power to admit into or exclude from His kingdom.
d. I know - verse 8 -The message reveals again Christ’s intimate knowledge of the church and its current situation.
i. Jesus knows all things – nothing is hidden from his site.
c. The Little Church that could receives a commendation from the Alpha and Omega.
i. "I know you deeds...you have little power, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name." (Rev. 3:8)
1. Illustration --The Little Train That Could-- from the book "The Littlest Engine." His famous "I think I can, I think I can." Pulls a load up the mountain the people on the train keep encouraging him that he can. All the big trains said he couldn’t an even told him not to even try.
2. This church is similar to the little engine. All the world and others say they cannot do the task because they are to small. Yet because he believes he can and others encourage him he succeeds in completing the major task.
3. Philadelphia is one of two churches that Jesus had no complaint against it. This church is one of two which receives a commendation for their labors. It is considered to be a small church with not many people in it.
4. YET Jesus states I know your size and your little strength "I know your works." and I am going to bless you. He wants to bless them because He states, "...you have kept my command to endure patiently."
5. Elliot states, "How wonderful that Jesus says to them in verse 8, ‘I know your deeds.’ They’re only little, they’re small, they’re insignificant (in the world’s eyes) but Jesus knows them. What does Jesus know about them? ‘I know your deeds. You have kept My word, you have not denied My name. ’That’s what Jesus knew about them."
6. Size did not matter to Jesus! TRUTH and no compromise of His Word mattered the most.
7. This church was small but it said we can make a difference! We can make a difference in the middle of this pagan city. We can make a difference with being testimonies to God’s brotherly love. We can win the Jews to Christ. We will overcome their opposition because He is with us!
8. Unity and love with no compromising of evil and flesh is what Jesus saw and Jesus says "YES!" I see, I know, they can, they will because I open the doors and shut the doors.
a. Size does not matter opposition does not matter, paganism does not matter, earthquakes do not matter it’s 100% commitment to Christ which determines success and failure in life.
9. This church is never addressed as having any serious spiritual problems in their standing with Christ. They were focused and dedicated to Jesus Christ.
10. Stedman notes this about our text, "...teaches us something very important. It says that an open door is given when a church fulfills the conditions that will allow it to move through that door once it has been opened. Chief among those conditions is that it has discovered the power of the spirit. It is spiritual power the Lord is talking about. It is not so much strength as it is power-- power obtained by faith in Christ, ie by expecting God to act. Individuals in the church sense that God can do something. They look for an opportunity, a need to appear, and when they respond, a door opens for continued service which may grow even wider so others may enter with them." (2).
d. The promises to this little church Rev. 3:9-13: "I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars -- I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole word to test those who live on the earth."
i. The promise – The first promise - Stedman states, "To a church that is responsive and ready to be used, the Lord will use his power to "open and shut" to make their enemies respect them and openly acknowledge God’s blessing upon them. We saw this phrase, ‘the synagogue of Satan," used also in the letter to the persecuted church at Smyrna. It referred to certain Jews in that city who claimed to be spiritual descendents of Abraham but on actuality they were only his physical descendants; their attitude toward the truth of God was far removed from Abraham’s faith. The Lord himself continually confronted the Pharisees who claimed to be Abraham’s descendants, but Jesus said to them, "You are of your father the devil,"(John 8:44).
1. So here in the city of Philadelphia Jesus refers to this Jewish opposition as ‘the synagogue of Satan’ but something amazing happens. They somehow will come to respect the Christians"(3).
2. Some scholars believe this means they get saved and come to know Christ.
3. Promised deliverance from the hour of trial: I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Rev 3:11 NIV) Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. (Rev 3:12 NIV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev 3:13 NIV).
4. He holds on receives the promise of being a pillar in the temple of God. Means they will be a key support structure in God’s Heavenly kingdom and God’s Heavenly palace.
a. Stedman states, "A pillar is a symbol of strength and permanence. Our Lord is promising those who hold on to what they have, a position in the life to come of strength and permanence; they will be someone who upholds things."
5. They will be “Overcomer’s” and will receive a new name from the Lord himself that I think will describe their life and service to the Lord -Rev. 3:12
6. Are you willing to listen and hear the message of the Spirit?
T.S. – Jesus promises this church that they will succeed in their mission and their size will not be an issue because of His ability to open and close doors. They in the end will be pillars for the Kingdom of Heaven and be richly rewarded for their willingness to serve the King.
III. How do you know if a church is alive, looked at with favor from Jesus and if it will be blessed by God?
a. The Apostle Paul told the church in Thessalonica that they are to be ready – because Jesus will come like a thief in the night. They need to be ready and to be a church that is alive and moving forward with their divine mission for the Kingdom.
i. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
1. Summary of text: The church is warned to be ready for Christ’s return because He will come like a thief in the night when people least expect it that is when He will come.
a. The church is to be awake and alert and being diligent in doing it’s divine mission for the Kingdom of God!
b. It’s to be alive and active in the work of the ministry, in proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
ii. I Thessalonians 5:12-22: Final Instructions
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16Be joyful always;
17pray continually;
18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit’s fire;
20do not treat prophecies with contempt.
21Test everything. Hold on to the good.
22Avoid every kind of evil.
1. If you recall last year I and 2 other FCA pastors went and preached in revival services in Thessaloniki – Pastor Ted told me that they have experienced a great revival from those services. They are getting ready for Jesus Return!
2. Notice the signs of a church that is alive in Christ, awake in Christ, and moving forward in their divine mission for Jesus are revealed by Paul in his final instructions to this church in Thessalonica:
a. It respects leadership
i. Romans 13:1: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
ii. We need to know that God wants us to respect authority. “Your relationship with God and your understanding of his word will help shape and guide your relationship with others who are in authority” (page 142, Checklist for Life).
b. It lives at peace with each other
i. Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
ii. Your piece of God’s puzzle and you need to be at peace with the other pieces around you- otherwise the puzzle breaks apart.
iii. We are instructed in Scripture to live at peace with others as much as possible. All we can do is control our own words and actions. We do this by seeking to understand the other person first before we react with our opinion or ideas. We cannot control another’s actions or response but Scripture makes it clear we need to control our selves. We can choose peace with another or a fight – it’s up to us one is God’s way of life the other is the way of death.
iv. AT Pierson stated, “The peace of God is that eternal calm which lies far too deep in the praying, trusting soul to be reached by any external disturbances.”
c. It warns those who are idle
i. Proverbs 31:27: “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
ii. Noble wives or mother s of Proverbs are not idle but keep up their guard against idleness in themselves, and in their families.
d. It encourages the timid
i. Hebrews 10:24, 25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
ii. One of the most important responsibilities of an encourager is that of reminding people that God is near. Some need to be reminded of this truth so as to encourage them to stay with it. To press on to the goal.
e. It helps the weak
i. John 13:14: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”
ii. Act Backward, “Serving others requires sacrifice…Jesus reinforced his action by telling his disciples to do the same. That’s the challenge you face today. Do you help others unselfishly?” (Page 35, Checklist for Life).
f. It is patient with everyone
i. Ephesians 4:1, 2: “1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. “
ii. Quote, “Patience is a desirable trait-one that paints a picture of peace in the midst of chaos. It is a bit ironic that people who cry out for it do so with subtlety of a charging rhino” (Check List for Life page 20).
iii. The key is to slow down before responding to any situation, to take a breath, to pray for a moment.
g. It does not pay back wrong for wrong
i. Colossians 3:13: “13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. “
ii. Quote – Working on the Forget! - “I forgive you. Those three words are often difficult to utter, and they sometimes seem downright impossible to abide by....In a twisted sort of way, holding back forgiveness seems to even the score…The Bible, however, teaches a different message about forgiveness. In no uncertain terms, it says to ‘forgive others just as Christ forgave you.’” (Page 178).
h. It is kind to one another
i. Galatians 5:22-23: “22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self–control. Against such things there is no law.”
ii. Quote - Fruit to share – “Two distinctly different kinds of experience stand out when people reflect on their past and current relationships: acts of malice and acts of kindness…Acts of kindness stand out (because) they are rare and wonderful…True kindness is all about doing something for someone else without expectation of getting something in return” (Checklist for Life, page 154).
i. It is joyful
i. Acts 16:25: “25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
ii. Quote- Paul knew this kind of joy…The first step to knowing this kind of joy is to recognize that God is with you, no matter what happens or where you are. God is always near…The second step is to acknowledge that God knows what He’s doing (even if it doesn’t make sense to you at the time)” (Checklist for Life, page 86).
j. It prays continually
i. Matthew 6:5: “5And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.”
ii. Quote: “In almost every area of life, there is a persistent pressure to perform. Except, perhaps, in prayer…Prayer is simply this: communicating with God” (Checklist for Life, page 52).
k. It gives thanks in all circumstances
i. Hebrews 12:28-29: “28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29for our “God is a consuming fire.”
ii. The attitude of gratitude is hard to maintain if we take our eyes off the ultimate prize which is Jesus himself- keep Him in focus then we can have a thankful heart!
l. It does not put out the Spirit’s fire
i. Galatians 5:25: “25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
ii. A healthy – living vibrant church is one that allows the Holy Spirit to guide – to control-to lead.
iii. It’s a church that is not afraid of the Gifts of the Spirit – it makes room for the Spirit to flow and to for others to flow in their gifts.
m. It does not treat prophecies with contempt
i. Psalm 105:15: “15Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”
ii. Many do not want to hear what the Prophets say today - usually because it’s a challenge to change, to repent or to move into another direction. A living church listens to the voice of prophecy that flows from heaven to bring about repentance. This repentance leads to transformation and revival.
n. It tests everything
i. 1 John 4:1: “1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”
ii. It is wise to test to make sure that things, words or what others are saying are from God or are they from the mouth of the enemy. We must guard our hearts and be wise. We must know the voice of Jesus and His truth!
o. It holds on to the good
i. Hebrews 10:23: “23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
ii. Paul told us to press and hold onto the right things – the good things because the blessings flow to those who do!
p. It avoids every kind of evil
i. Titus 3:9: “9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”
ii. We need to avoid evil - things like gossip, murmurings, godless chatter, sin, division, dissension, and even especially unforgivenss -- all these things will rob us of the blessings of Revelation and bring death to a church not life.
Conclusion:
1. Revelation 1:3: "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
Bumper Sticker: “Smile in the midst of trial!”
2. Rev. 14:13 "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
Bumper Sticker: “Smile you will be wowed!”
3. Revelation 16:15: "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
Bumper Sticker: “Get ready - Be ready - He is almost here!”
The Blessings spoken of to the overcoming church from Revelation are the following:
1. We will gain the right to eat from the Tree of Life in the Paradise of God!
2. We will receive the Crown of Life!
3. We will not be hurt by the second death!
4. We will receive new manna from Heaven!
5. We will receive a new name!
6. We will receive authority over the nations!
7. We will receive the Morning Star!
8. We will be dressed in white!
9. We will never have our name blotted out of the Book of Life!
10. We will become a pillar in the Temple of God!
11. We will never have to leave Heaven again!
12. We will sit with Him on His throne!
To me this sounds like some great reasons why I should take the Revelation of Jesus to heart and keep His word in my life and in my daily actions.
To me this sounds like some great reasons why I should die to myself and yield my life to Jesus.
To me this sounds like some great reasons why I need to stay awake and be ready to go with the Lord at any moment from here on.
