Who's That Knocking At My Door?work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry”. 3. Heb. 11:27 (Moses) “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for

WHOSE THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR PART I

(Revelation 2:1-7, 3: 20) First Things First

The seven letters in Revelation Chapter 2 & 3

were written to seven distinct churches in Asia Minor during the Apostolic Age. They were written by John the beloved disciple, addressed to the Angel of the Church, which was the pastor, and intended to be read and submitted to by the congregation.

In each letter our Lord reveals Himself or identifies Himself differently [mention these manifestations]. It is in this light that He either rebukes or commends that particular church.

To the Church at Ephesus, He holds the Seven Stars in His right hand and walks in the midst of the Seven Golden Candlesticks. This is a place of pre-eminence and power. It is by this authority that He rebukes the pastor and church for having left their first love, and warns them of the impending danger of having the candlestick (Church) removed out of his place except they repent. In many ways our Lord commends those saints at Ephesus.

I. They have worked and labored and have not fainted

II. They have examined preachers and found them liars

III. They are patiently waiting upon the Lord IV. They are pure in doctrine: [Nicolaitines]

But they had left their first love: Please notice the word first in verse 4, and the first in verse 5. First love and first works.

The word means “Foremost in Time, Place, and Order of Importance.

They were involved in many different aspects of the ministry all of which needed to be done, but they had departed from those things of greatest importance.

I. Set At His Feet: Luke 10:38-42 [In the Garden] A. A lowly place B. A learning place: illustration Paul at the feet

of Gamaliel C. A loving place: [Mary] illustration Jesus

Luke 7:41 II. Stand In The Gap: Ezek. 22:30

According to this text the hedge is circular and surrounds something: the gap is a breach in that hedge allowing some things to pass out and others to enter.

A. A place of Intervention 1. For the Home 2. For the House of God 3. For the Land

B. A place of Intercession: illustration Abraham Gen 18:22

C. A place of Entreaty: illustration Abraham entreated the lord for mercy upon Sodom

III. Sow the Seed: Psalm 126 A. Must get the seed out of the barn;

Haggai 2:19 “is the seed yet in the barn?” B. Must not be mingled: Lev. 19:19 “Thou

shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed”. 1. Works and Grace—Law and Grace 2. Gimmicks and Grace: (Bingo,

Basketball, Donkey Rides) C. Must be Sown in Obedience: Lev 26:16

The Lord issued warnings of chastisement to His people one part of their chastening was that their seed would be sown in vain and consumed by their enemies if they failed to hearken to His Commandments.

WHOSE THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR PART II

(Revelation 2:8-11) THE FRAGRANCE OF THE CHURCH

The Church in Smyrna is the second assembly our

Lord addresses here in Revelation Chapter 2. It was the church that came through a period of Great Persecution. It’s time span ran to about A.D. 316.

The Lord reveals Himself to these believers as the First and the Last. This identifies the Lord as the:

I. THE GREAT CREATOR II. THE DIVINE SUSTAINER III. THE JUDGE OF ALL THE EARTH --He that was

dead, and is alive. A. HIS ENDURANCE: (unto death)

1. II Tim. 2:3 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of the Jesus Christ”

2. II Tim. 4:5 “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry”.

3. Heb. 11:27 (Moses) “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible”.

B. OVERCOME—Rev. 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death”.

The word Smyrna means “to be crushed”. The great persecution leveled at this church crushed it’s heart and soul. But, when something is crushed, whatever is on the inside will flow out. Illustration: a rose. So when persecution crushed this church the Lovely Grace of our Lord freely flowed sending a spiritual fragrance that could be enjoyed by all.

I. TEARS OF PATIENCE (vs. 9) Tribulation worketh patience. Romans 5:3 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” A. WAITING IN HOPE: Rom. 8:24, 25 “For

we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

B. WILLINGNESS TO RUN THE RACE Heb. 12:1 “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

C. SEEING THE END OF THE LORD James 5:11”Behold we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

II. TRIED FAITH – If tribulation worketh patience, then tribulations must try our faith because James says in 1:3 “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” A. FAITH AS AN ANCHOR: I Cor. 16:13

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith be strong.”

B. FAITH AS OUR ABILITY: I John 5:4 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith.”

III. TREASURE OF POVERTY: (vs. 9) I know thy poverty (but thou art rich) Being poor is not all bad. A. POOR BUT RICH: James 2:5 “Harken,

my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?” illustration: The widow at Zarepath I Kings 17:8-16 Illustration: The widow of Luke 21 (the rich men and the widow)

WHOSE THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR PART III

(Revelation 2:12-17) WEDDED AND WORLDLY (Part 1)

Today we are looking at the third church mentioned in these letters of Rev. 2:3, the Church at Pergamos. The name itself means wedded; and represents a period of establishment A.D. 312 to the end. It was during this time under the Roman Emperor Constantine that Christianity received elevation and union with the world; because of a vision Constantine had (supposedly) of a cross at the Milvian Bridge in October of the same year. During this time it became popular to be a Christian, therefore great number, of unconverted people, were drawn to the church, bringing with them religion without Christ, and false doctrine flooded pulpit and pew.

I. THE LORD’S APPROACH TO THE CHURCH: vs. 12 “He which hath the sharp sword with two edges: (one edge for Judgment and one for Grace)

A. DISCERNMENT: Heb. 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper that any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”

1. UNCOVERED: Satan’s Seat- vs. 13 Note: His throne will be at some strategic point from which he can best influence. Almost invariably that throne is at the center of worldliness and wealth. Note: In the church at Smyrna opposition to the church was veiled

behind religion. But in Pergamos it was quite different. Satan’s throne is there, and the peril that threatens the church is not so much that of direct opposition as that of patronage. Where Satan’s seat is, the saints are in peril of entering into alliance with the powers under his control (Notice Next Point)

2. UNVEILED FAULSE DOCTRINE: vs. 14 (“Because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam”) Note: It was not the church in the main, but they had allowed into their fellowship those who could eat things sacrificed to idols, and commit fornication. Note: Balaam being hired by King Balak tried three times to curse the people of God, but could only bless them. Note: Israel later, believing no harm could come to them, because of God’s blessing, allowed their people to marry the children of Moab. Note: Therefore, the doctrine of Balaam broadly stated was undoubtedly that seeing that they were the covenant people of God, they might with safety indulge themselves in social intercourse with their neighbors for no harm could happen to them. Note: It was the perilous and damnable heresy that sin cannot violate a covenant. Note: These people, that they might eat things sacrificed to idols, and in

order that they may indulge in sin, were holding a doctrine which excuses the actual sin. (example “I KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS…BUT!!!!

B. DIVISION C. DEFEAT (For His Foes)

The Sword Means

We looked at the negative side, now I wish to look at the positive side of this letter.

WHOSE THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR PART IV

WEDDED AND WORLDLY (Part 2)

JUDGMENT AND GRACE

(The Goodness and the Severity of God)

II. HIS APPROVAL OF THE SAVED A. LOYALTY TO HIS NAME: vs-13 “ Holdest

fast my name” Note: His name is a sign and symbol of His nature:

• His Holiness • His Honesty • His Happiness • His Heart 1. They Had Departed From Iniquity:

II Tim 2:19 “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord Knoweth them that are His. And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

2. They Had Suffered Reproach: I Peter 4:14 “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of Glory and of God resteth upon you.”

3. They Were Obedient: Rom. 1:5 “By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name.”

B. LIVED BY FAITH: vs-13 “I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in

those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” Note: His Faith--- His faith had operated to perfect realization of a Divine purpose of redemption:

The principle that carried Him on, until His faith, triumphant even over death, became the life principle for ruined men, and their faith centered upon His victory.

1. Regeneration As Justification: Victory

2. Renewal As Sanctification: Virtue (Dunamis=Power) illustration: Mark 5:30

3. Realization Of Glorification: Valor definition: an army of strength illustration: Gideon (Judges 6:12)

III. HIS ADMONITION:vs-16 A. “Repent; or else I will come unto thee

quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” Rev. 2:16 WHO’S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR? To many, this may seem to be a trivial thing, but it is a most solemn warning. It is a warning that the Lord Jesus will come, and by exercise of righteous judgment, will remove what the church itself refuses to move.

B. LISTEN: vs-17 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

1. FOR THE DIVINE ANNOUNCEMENT

a. To Him That Overcometh: 1.) Hidden Manna: (Divine

Sustenance) manna was Divinely supplied, and yet had to be humanly gathered.

b. White Stone: 1.) The white stone was

given to a man who after trial was justly acquitted.

2.) The white stone was given to one who, returning from battle, having won victories, bore him triumphs with Him: (It was a reward for victory)

3.) The white stone was sometimes given to a man as a token that he was made a free man of the city. It indicated his free citizenship.

4.) The white stone was a token of unending friendship, my name written on His halve, His name written on mine.

WHOSE THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR PART V

(Revelation 2:18-29) JEZEBEL AND JUSTICE

Thyatira is the fourth of the seven churches in our

study of these letters. The city itself was located 35 miles southeast of Pergamos, and was the home of Lydia, Paul’s first convert in Europe. (Acts 16:14 Give A Brief Summary Of The Account)

The word Thyatira means: un-weary or a continual sacrifice. This would clarify the Lord’s statement in v-19 “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.” The church had not grown weary of well doing, but continued to labor and sacrifice during a time of great opposition. The name also indicates development and progress. They continued to move forward in their spiritual life.

I. HIS REVELATION: v-18 (How He made Himself known to their church: How He knocked on their door.) A. THE SON OF GOD:

1. Bought The Church: Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

a. He approaches this church, as it’s rightful owner.

b. He protects it as His personal property.

2. Builder Of The Church: Illustration Matt. 16:13-18

Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

a. Looks For Flaws In The Material: Illustration Bro. Robert, Steve, Steve inspected my lumber for crooked boards

b. Takes Pride In His Work c. Finishes What He Starts: (I

will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it)

3. BLESSES THE CHURCH: Eph. 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

He found Jezebel

B. EYES LIKE A FLAME OF FIRE: 1. To Make Examination:

a. Search the hearts b. Tries the reins

2. A Symbol Of Omniscience: Heb 4:13 “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Illustration: His ability to recognize Jezebel and her seduction.

C. FEET LIKE FINE BRASS Note: Brass is

always a type of judgment: But, our Lord’s feet are like fine brass. This Judgment Is Refined. (The Fire Will Get HOT!)

II. HIS CONFRONTATION: (with Jezebel) Who is

this woman? Note: It is probable that when the Master named the woman He borrowed a name from the Old Testament in order to light up the part of her character, and the influence she was exciting. Illustration: Jezebel

Note: She was the daughter of the King of Tyre and Sidon, avowedly a teacher and worshipper of Baal. Coming into relationship to the King of Israel by marriage. We learn from ancient history of God’s people, that she was not only his consort, but she was also associated with him in the government, with the result that she said in effect, “Let us also set up worship for Baal. I do not ask that worship of Jehovah be set aside, but, by the side of it let us have opportunities to worship Baal”. Her method was that of uniting two worships.

Jer. 17:10

Note: I want to emphasize that the sin of the church consisted in the fact, that she raised no protest against this woman. She was allowed to teach under the shelter of the church the most terrible doctrine, with the most disastrous results. Notice: vs-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.” There can be no doubt that the woman claimed to be an inspired woman, who had received some new revelation, according to her. Some form of enlightenment had been granted to her and denied to the Pastor! Note: This woman had to be very familiar to the Pastor as Jezebel was to Elijah. Note: Her teaching may have been known by the Pastor, but her position in the church and the confidence the people had in her may have hindered him in dealing directly with the problem. A. HER SIN: It was a lowering (a form of

godliness, but denied the power thereof) of the standard of separation between the church and the world. This was accomplished by fellowshipping with and approving of the deeds of worship! Possibly in those who have abandoned the fellowship of the church:

B. HER JUDGEMENT: vs-21” And I gave her

space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.” Note: He, who knows even

the deep things of Satan, declares that the will is hardened and set against repentance, and then and never until then, does He pronounce judgment.

C. HER SENTENCE: vs-22” Behold, I will cast

her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.” Note: Others will share in her doom. Those who were mesmerized by her deceitful ways.

a. vs-23” And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.”

Conclusion: The church’s wrong was that she had permitted this woman (through fake charity) to teach and seduce members of the church.

WHOSE THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR PART VI

(Revelation 3:1-6) Church at Sardis

WHITED SEPULCHRES

Sardis is the fifth of the Seven Churches in our present study. Geographically the city was about thirty miles southeast of Thyatira, and probably had some fellowship with both Pergamos and Thyatira. This church covers the period of the reformation 1517-1750 A.D. It was during this time that the Catholic Church had strangled the very life out of God’s people. Marginal Note: Calvin, Luther, and Zwinglie. We don’t need reformation, nor Reclamation, but REGENERATION (Re-Dedication---NO) Sardis in the main, had reformation, but no God. They were whited sepulchres. They had a name and an appearance of life, but Jesus said that they were dead! Jesus said in Matt. 23:27 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.” They had an outward righteousness but and inward hypocrisy; the platter on the outside was clean, but within they were full of extortion and excess. These words extortion and excess mean to plunder or take by farce with no restraint or self-control! They had no Grace (Christ-likeness freely given). I. HIS REVELATION: vs-1 (the Seven Spirits of God,

and the Seven Stars) Note: These seven Spirits are mentioned in Isaiah 11:2:

• 1. The Lord • 2. Wisdom • 3. Understanding • 4. Counsel • 5. Might • 6. Knowledge • 7. Fear of the Lord

A. HIS PERFECTION: (The fullness of God)

1. In His Sacrifice: Illustration-Lev. 2 (No sacrifice could be offered that had a blemish). Heb 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

B. HIS PARDON: Their sin of lethargy and

deadness. Note: In Rev. 1:4 His Grace given is connected to the term Seven Spirits: Grace Brings Pardon

C. HIS PEACE: (Same Scripture) Note: Peace always follows Grace!

D. HIS POWER: (He hath the Seven Stars) Note: He still owns and controls the preacher

E. HIS PURITY: (Fire) Rev 4:5 “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire

burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”

II. THEIR REPUTATION: vs-1” And unto the angel of

the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” (When saved…things lose power, previous things lose blessing)

A. Nothing was lacking as to the external

manifestation; but there was nothing inward to satisfy Christ.

B. The church had come to a place where it lived

before men rather than before God.

C. They gave gifts to others, they supported every ministry of the church, but it was only for the opinion of others and not expressions of their love for Christ.

D. Not church or man can become absorbed in the

external to neglect of the inward and spiritual without being in danger of loving the outward manifestations also. How often have we seen it?! Men leave the plain and simpler forms of worship for outward magnificence of manifestations, hoping by these to compensate for lack of spiritual power, and the nest we hear of them is that they have abandoned the outward relation of the church also.

1. UNFINISHED WORKS: vs-2 “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” (People Looking To Quit)

a. Illustration: Jesus at the well John 4:34 “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”

b. John 19:30 “…It is finished…” (On The

Cross) c. Illustration: Paul. II Tim. 4:7 “I have fought

a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

1). BE WATCHFUL: vs-2 Wake up –

Be vigilant – Revive 2). AND STRENGTHEN: vs-2 To

become steadfast 3). AND REMEMBER: vs-3 What

we’ve heard and received Note: If we fail to repent the consequence is, that He will come on us as a thief. HE SEES NO:

i. Life ii. Love iii. Light

III. THE REMNANT: vs-4

A. UNDEFILED GARMENTS: (Their outward appearance were correct because they were prompted by a pure heart.

B. Overcomers: (The Deadness)

WHOSE THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR PART VII

(Revelation 2:18-29) EXHORTATIONS TO THE FLOCK

As we begin our second study of the Church at

Thyatira I want to remind you of our Lord’s approach to their assembly. He knocks on the door of their Church as He who hath his eyes like a flame of fire. He examines very closely every heart, and then judges with righteous judgment.

Not only did our Lord recognize the false teachings of Jezebel and the worldly standards, but He also uncovered the hearts of the righteous, along with their work of faith and labor of love. This is even the Lord’s policy; condemning the evil and commending the righteous. Illustration Sodom and Lot.

His first approbation is of the church’s work, the

things that are seen. His second is of the hidden facts that are behind the outward manifestation. Thirdly he approves that which is always a sequence of such condition, that—The Last Works Are More Than The First. I. HIS COMMENDATION:

A. I KNOW THY WORKS: (That which can be seen) He does not numerate them

1. He is acquainted with them: (I Know)

2. He acknowledges them: (I Know Thy Works) Heb. 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye

Judgment Seat I Cor 3:11

have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

(See also I Cor. 15:58)

B. AND CHARITY: (Jezebel’s False Charity) 1. This is the first principle our Lord

recognizes as lying behind the works of the church: Our Motive

a. Constrained by Love: II Cor. 5:14 “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:”

b. Convinced of Love: II Cor. 12:31”But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” Chapter 13

Note: Love is better than are present incomplete knowledge and greater than faith and hope. I Cor. 13:13

Note: Faith, which is the next principle that we will look at, “worketh by love” Gal. 5:6 “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availed any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” Note: This is a statement of the Church’s character. It is the fact that lies at the root, and out of which all springs.

C. AND FAITH: Note: There can be no faith apart from faithfulness. Their faith was not fickle, neither was their love any accident. They had fidelity. They were responsible people.

It is the best way

Charity never fails vs 8

1. STEADFAST: I Cor. 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

2. SINCERITY:

D. AND SERVICE: (Or Ministry) Here is a

tender and beautiful touch. He was conscious of love in action of deeds done because of love to God and man.

Note: The service referred to here is rather that of unofficial kindness and tenderness of the members amongst themselves, and in all probability toward the outsider also. Note: They could spread the banquet table of hospitality or they could humble themselves to give a cup of cold water.

E. AND PATIENCE: Note: The Lord apparently esteemed this virtue very highly. He referred to it in the letter to Ephesus and again here to Thyatira.

1. THE SPIRIT OF PEACE UNDER PRESSURE

2. THE CAPACITY FOR BEING STILL WHEN ALL AROUND IS TEMPEST TOSSED

F. THE LAST WORKS

1. PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT

WHOSE THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR PART VIII

(Revelation 3:7-13) THE KINGS BUSINESS

The Church in Philadelphia is the sixth of John’s

seven letters. The city was located thirty miles southeast of Sardis and the word means “Brotherly Love”.

This is the second epistle, which contains no word of complaint. To the Church of Smyrna, suffering amid of persecution and tribulation, His message was wholly of His own Love and Strength. Again to the Church of Philadelphia, He has nothing but commendation, and the announcement of preservation from a period of calamity and trial.

The Church being in true relationship to it’s Lord,

He approaches it in His rightful character of the Supreme and Sovereign One who directs the activity of the Church.

He announces three facts concerning Himself:

1. He that is Holy (Character), He that is true (Conduct):

Note: Here we have character and conduct: Holiness that hidden fact; and righteousness its outward manifestation.

Note: According to John 14:6 (“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”) No man will live in eternity with Christ unless he possesses both of these virtues: Character and Conduct.

2. He that has the key of David:

Note: His official position

3. He that openeth and no man shutteth, and

shutteth and no man openeth.

Note: His administration

4. It is He that holdeth the key of David, which is an insignia of Kingship, who has opened the door, and the suggestion in that of a passport given to His dominion for the transaction of His business.

5. In all probability this won some special

opening for missionary enterprise; The bottom line is, that the King had given them free access in to His territories for the purpose of finding and winning lost sheep to the glory of God.

I. THEIR CREDENTIALS: A. A LITTLE STRENGTH:

1. They had weakened, but had not lost hold.

2. While others were losing their vitality, this Church was keeping it’s life, and trying to reach full strength.

3. This was a sign of ability and a basis for possibilities.

B. HAS KEPT MY WORD:

1. Steadfast

WHOSE THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR PART IX

(Revelation 3:14-22) THE PEOPLES CHURCH

This is the seventh and final letter to the churches of Asia. Laodicea was the chief city of Phyrgia and was located about 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and was highly successful in commerce and finances. (This is possibly the reason why they felt as though they were rich and had need of nothing… which is the overall consensus in the church today). Our Lord does not address this assembly as the “Church in Laodicea”, not the “Church of Laodicea”, but the “Church of the Laodiceans”. (This was a church that was governed by the people, and for the people).

1. The Lord is not walking in the midst, as at Ephesus, but He stands at the door and knocks. Vs. 20 “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

2. The Lord has lost His pre-eminence to Prosperity: (He does not hold the seven stars in His right hand)

3. They were lukewarm with no zeal, emotion, enthusiasm compassion, or urgency:

4. This church was still orthodox in its practice, and had not denied any great truths: but they had become lukewarm; our Lord’s response was, “I will spue thee out of my mouth”. This is an expression of disgust.

I see in our text 4 great truths: I. GREAT TESTIMONY: vs. 14 “And unto the angel

of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;”

• Upon this rock • The head over all things to the

church

A. OF HIS ULTIMATE AUTHORITY: vs. 14 (The Amen)

The word takes us back to God as the nursing mother and expresses the truth of the absolute stability and the actual correctness of everything that God has thought, and spoken, and done. When He said in vs. 18 " I counsel thee to buy of me" there was no one else to appeal to--- no higher court (Supreme Court) He is the certainty, the finality, the ratification, the ultimate authority, the amen. They Had Abandoned His Authority For Self Government: (Like Israel, "Give us a King")

B. OF HIS UNBIASED WITNESS: vs. 14

(Faithful and True) When He speaks there is no exaggeration and not minimizing. They had become attached to worldly wealth and forsaken the riches of grace. Note: He did not exaggerate nor minimize their condition, He saw them as they were and declared it to them.

(People today expect a preacher to lie and exaggerate their spirituality.)

C. OF HIS UNBOUNDED WISDOM AND POWER: vs. 14 (The beginning of the creation of God) (This does not imply that Christ was a created being) (But that He Himself is the Creator) John 1:1-4 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

This Church Needed

1. Life: They were Stagnant The cross is not denied, but it is not vital

2. Light: They were Blind vs.17 But by His

counsel; vs. 18 They could receive sight They would speak of sin as being objectionable, perhaps as a moral defect but never as a damnable poison, rotting the foundations of life.

II. A Great Tragedy: vs. 17 “Because thou sayest, I am

rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”

A. Thou Sayest And Knowest Not (Thinking They):

They claimed to be rich and did not realize they were living in poverty. What a Tragedy

1. Their Condition:

a. Wretched: (Oppressed with a burden) The burden they carried was the very wealth, which they imagined would carry them.

b. Miserable: (Pitiable) The heart of the Lord was moved in pity toward them.

c. Poor: (A cringing beggar, possessing nothing worth having)

d. Blind: (Seeing nothing clearly, seeing nothing afar, being near-sighted)

e. Naked: (Stripped of the clothing of Glory and beauty)

III. Great Tenderness: Let it be noted that all these

words that Christ uses to describe the church are words of pity. There is not an angry word among them. He is not angry with the condition of the church, all that He is able to remedy. His anger is that they are satisfied with four things. A. His Words Reveal:

1. His Heart – I Counsel Thee 2. His Willingness – I stand at the door and

knock if any man hear my voice: 3. His Admonition – He that hat and ear, let him

hear 4. His Love – As many as I love I rebuke and

chasten

IV. A Great Triumph: vs. 20,21 “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

In verse 20 notice the word sup. The Greek has three words for meals. A. One for breakfast B. One for lunch, seldom eaten at home C. One for supper, the main meal of the day, when

work was done. This is not a casual drop in, not a quick visit, but a lingering in His Presence.