Revelation ch. 3

We are getting the explanation of the 7 churches straight from the Lords mouth so there can be no confusion in it. We have seen that only 1 church so far has been doing the correct thing. The other churches have seemed to be ok but fall short by going after anti-Christ. It will be unfortunate that many will be a Christian there whole life but fall short at the end, that is why it is important to follow what God would say over traditions of men.

Ch.3

3:1 you are either in Christ (alive) or are dead (spiritually) with Satan. This place Sardis was rampant with commerce and had a temple to Cyble (mother of all gods).

3:2 (compare: Matt 24:42). We as Christians are to be watchman and on guard against that deception.

3:3 hour: this is the hour of temptation. He will come upon them as a thief because they won’t know when He appears; they have no knowledge of the word and are biblically illiterate (compare: 1 Thess 5:2-3).  

3:4 worthy G 514; deserving, due reward. They served Christ and worked for Him (righteous acts = white linen).

3:5 overcome G 3528; to subdue, conquer, get the victory.  Blot out G 1813; to smear out, obliterate, wipe away. (Compare: Matt 10:32-33). This is what all Christians should greatly desire for! God judges us fairly and according to what we have done. The white raiment is the righteous acts you do for the Father. Those that do not overcome will be blotted out to never be again.

3:6 we must have understanding; your eternal life is at stake. The Lord tells us over and over again to have understanding!

3:7 key of David: to have this key is to know the true Messiah and the difference between the fake (compare: Isa 22:22). This church has that key. The Lord is in control of all situations; He opens the doors and closes them for our benefit.

3:8 open door: understanding.  Many will not keep His word and will take part in the great apostasy, as we have seen from the Lord’s dealings with the other churches. They have not denied the Lord to follow the fake. This church has the key to open the scripture so to tell the difference between the true and fake Messiah; this key will not allow you to be deceived!

3:9 (compare: Matt 13:35-43, John 8:44, 2 Thess 2:1-17). This is speaking of the Kenites (sons of Cain), the same subject the church of Smyrna was teaching about. Your church better be teaching along the same lines or there could be trouble. The 2 churches that the Lord found worthy (Smyrna, Philadelphia) were teaching the same subject. Satan will come first before the true Christ appears; don’t be deceived, do you have eyes to see and ears to hear?

3:10 hour of temptation: when anti-Christ appears on the earth. Temptation G 3986; a putting to proof, temptation, trial.  Satan comes to tempt the whole world, will not find Satan tempting for we know who he is and when he comes. They kept His word until the return of Christ. There will be no flying away because the whole world will have to experience this.

3:11 don’t let someone steal your crown. Keep hold of truth without waver.

3:12 (compare: Isa 62:2-4, Ezek 16:60-63, Rev 21:22,Rev 14:1,Rev 22:4, Ezek 44:28). We become a pillar (support to hold up) that temple in heaven. New name: Hephzibah (my delight is in her). Land: Beulah (married). We must follow the word of God to partake in this wonderful time!

3:13 yet again the Lord asks us to have understanding in His word. This is the second church to be found worthy, and they teach the same thing.

3:14 (compare: Prov 8:22-31, Col 1:15-19). This is the one we are to follow! Amen G 281; verily, that’s that.

3:15 we should stand for something!

3:16 not a good place to be with God, if He is doing this to you. One of the least liked churches by the Lord.

3:17 if you are poor in heaven then it matters not what wealth you possess here on earth.

3:18 eyesalve: truth. This is counsel from Almighty God; it doesn’t get better than that. White raiment comes from doing work for God (Rev 19:7-8); that white raiment will make up our clothing in heaven. Can our spiritual deeds stand up to God’s refinement? We must take on the truth so we can see (understand).

3:19 God corrects those whom He loves, as a father corrects their children out of love. If we do something wrong repent and move on.

3:20 sup: spiritual food. We must take action and open the door, He will not beg us.

3:21 what an awesome promise we have for those that overcome (remember we will become pillars).

3:22 yet again, do we understand? He is speaking to us, have we been saturated too long in myths and traditions brought on by men that we no longer can hear what God would say to us? Follow the word of God and let it guide you.