CHAPTER THREE - GOD CONTINUES WARNING AND PREPARING HIS PEOPLE

3:1-6 SARDIS - Positives: There are a few undefiled in Sardis that shall walk with Jesus in white for they are worthy--otherwise none. Negatives: Imperfect works, a name that lives, but you are dead. Warning: Remember what you have received and heard and hold fast and repent. If not, Messiah will come as a thief in the night. Reward: Clothed in white raiment and their name will remain in the book of life. Jesus will confess their name to the Father before His angels.

These are not taking their walk seriously enough. They are religious but deny the power thereof. They are dead spiritually and are not allowing the Lord to teach and chastise them. They resist doing things His way and determine to do it their way. If they continue to be un-teachable they will be caught like a thief in the night. These are the academics who deny the power of the spirit, the word of God, and lean towards secular humanism.

Those who yield to the wisdom of the spirit will be clothed in white linen and will not be blotted out of the book of life. The Lord will “know them.” They will be clothed in white linen and their name in the book of life.

3:7-13 PHILADELPHIA - Positives: Their works and that Jesus has set before them an open door and no man can shut it. They have a little strength and have kept Jesus’ word and not denied His name. Jesus will make the false Jews a synagogue of Satan and make them come and worship at your feet and know I love you. Because you have kept my word Jesus will keep you from the hour of temptation that will come upon the world. Negatives: None. Reward: Become a pillar in God’s Temple and never more will you have to go out. The name of God will be written on you and the name of New Jerusalem. Jesus will write a new name on you.

This is a group who abide in the Lord and know His ways. They understand the Lord is to be the ruler of their hearts. They have the ear of God. They have remained faithful to the teachings of Yeshua despite severe opposition. Those who resist them will be humbled, repent, and turn back to the Lord. This group has a word to give which will be resisted at first. They appear to have a special anointing and some special protection. They will become pillars of faith and rule in the New Jerusalem which is to come. They will teach many in the millennial kingdom. They may be those who understand their Hebraic roots and how to apply it correctly. Key of David vv 7-8; Is 9.6-7; 22.20-22 key verses. So, just as Isaiah said, the government of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, begins with judgment. The key of the house of David opens the two doors into the Most Holy place of the sanctuary, the Temple in heaven, to begin the Pre-Advent Investigative Judgment of God's people. Ps 122.1; Ps122.5

3:14-22 LAODICIANS - Positives: None. Negatives: Neither hot or cold--lukewarm. Spit out of Yeshua’s mouth, you say you are rich with increased goods and have need of nothing but you are poor, wretched, miserable, and naked. Buy gold of Jesus tried in fire so you may be rich and clothed in white raiment. Then your shame will be covered and your eyes salved so you can see. As many as Jesus loves he rebukes and chastens. Warning: Repent, Jesus is at the door knocking. If anyone hears His voice and opens the door He will come in and sup with him. Reward: Will sit at the throne of Jesus.

This group is like many churches today who are wealthy, rich in goods, large congregation, comfortable, and lukewarm. They are lazy in the spiritual things. Poor work habits--rich kids! The Lord wants them to press forward into the things of God and contend with the enemy. They are to buy gold and white raiment--to embrace the cross, lay down their lives and move on with God--but they are comfortable in their place. The word of God will require them to turn back to the Lord or turn away. They must decide whether they are Hot or Cold. If they move on and contend for the things of God they will sit with the Lord on His throne. They have been given much--much is expected..

To all these churches the Lord is extending His hands and exhorting and encouraging them to seek Him and His righteousness. He understands how difficult it is for us--His grace will be sufficient to see us through. He is exhorting the churches in love--but it is also a strong warning. Each church represents the believer today and the areas that we often find ourselves failing in. This word is strong and directed at all believers.