Lesson 10B 

Revelation 3: 8-9
     We have looked at the opening to the church of Philadelphia very closely and have found that John is sending this letter from Someone who controls ALL things. Now with this in mind let us move deeper into this letter and see what is there for us (those who are acting like the church of Philadelphia).

Here are some definitions that will help us to examine verse 8:

    In verse 8, we are told that he knows their works. This means that He has been watching them. Some of us think we can do anything we want and no body will know. When in fact God knows everything we do, moreover He even knows what we think. That is right. He knows what you are thinking right now. So watch it. Yet, with this statement, God tells them that He has set before them an open door and no one can close it. Please think about what God is saying here. What is it that he is telling them?

    It is even more powerful when we read the rest of that verse. He tells them that they have little strength, but they kept His word and have not denied His name and all that it implies. So examine what He is saying here. The door is open but you do not have the power to do the work on the other side of the door. However, if you continue to be faithful and do what you have been doing, you can complete the work. Therefore, what have you been doing? Are you keeping true to the word of God in all areas of your life that the word has exposed? Some of us need to read this again "keeping true to the word of God in all areas of life that the word has exposed." Think of it this way, you are watching over the most important thing you have in your life, your temple, in which dwells the Holy Spirit and God's word. Why is it so important?

1) The Spirit and the Word lead you.

2) The Holy Spirit and the Word within you represent the most power that is in the universe and part of that power resides in you. Jesus also tells them that they have reflected all that His name implies. Take a minute or two and write down what His name means to you.

    In verse 9 we read this statement: "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee".

The following definitions help us to understand verse 9.

    Now with these definitions let us go back to verse 9 and examine it closely. Jesus will deliver the meeting place of the accuser. Jesus is saying that there is a group that is meeting to accuse you of things. Is this not what we see around Christians (the Church)? If they are about God's will, people start accusing them. People will come from all parts to stop God's people from doing His work. However, look at what God does to these folks. He will do things in their lives that will cause them to give reverence to God in your sight, at your feet. Therefore, they will understand completely that Jesus has and offers to them an unconditional love.

 

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