Bible Pathway - Dec. 24, 2010

Read Revelation 3

Highlights:

The Holy Spirit speaks to us through His Word (Rev. 1:3). The Lord admonishes the church in Sardis (3:1-3). Commendation is given to some in Sardis because they have not defiled their garments (3:4). The church in Philadelphia is rewarded (3:8-12); Strong words are spoken to the lukewarm church in Laodicea (3:15-19). The Lord knocks at the door of our heart. He will come in to sup (provide spiritual food) and dine (fellowship) when we open our heart to Him (3:20). Worship (4:1-11). The Lamb is worthy! The Chorus resounds! (5:4-14).

The church in Sardis boasted of not teaching false doctrines, but another serious sin existed. Unto . . . the church in Sardis write . . . I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. . . . repent (Rev. 3:1-3).

A few names . . . in Sardis . . . have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh . . . I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life (3:4-5). During the earthly ministry of our Lord, He said: If ye keep (from the heart) My Commandments, ye shall abide in My love (John 15:10; see 15:6).

Jesus commended the church in Philadelphia for their faithfulness, saying: Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou . . . hast kept My Word. . . . I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world (Rev. 3:8,10).

The church in Laodicea was neither cold nor hot. Perhaps they considered themselves broad-minded and moderate church members. They boasted that they were rich and in need of nothing. The Lord told Laodicea that they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. The Lord strongly condemned their condition: So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue (vomit) thee out of My mouth (3:16). Still, he appealed to them: Be zealous (diligent) therefore, and repent (3:19).

Jesus, the Lord of His Church, is still knocking on the doors of our hearts with the same words of encouragement: 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. Nothing can compare to the blessed fellowship we receive when we open our life to Him daily as we continue to read through His Word. He expects us to repent. 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 (Rev. 3:20-21).

Thought for Today:

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away (Is. 35:10).

Cross Reference:

For Rev. 3:5: See Ex. 32:32. Rev. 3:12: See Is. 62:2. Rev. 4:2-3: See Ezek. 1:28. Rev. 4:5: See Zech. 4:2. Rev. 4:6: See Ezek. 1:22. Rev. 4:7: See Ezek. 1:10. Rev. 4:8: See Is. 6:2-3.

Word Studies:

3:20 sup feast, share spiritual food and fellowship; 4:6 beasts living ones.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcast in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Rep. Randy Neugebauer (TX) and Sen. Jeff Sessions (AL) • Country: Mozambique (19 million) on the eastern coast of Africa • Major language: Portuguese • Religious freedom • 40% worship of false gods, ancestral spirits, and some witchcraft; 23% Roman Catholic; 14% Protestant; 13% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray daily to your Father in heaven (Dan. 6:10).

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33