HE WHO OVERCOMES WILL BE MADE A PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF MY GOD

Text: Revelation 3:7-13
25 April 2010

(I) A GOOD ASSESSMENT OF AN OVERCOMER

1. Examination of the works of an overcoming church

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it;” Revelation 3:8

a) The Lord assesses the work of the church of Philadelphia

b) It is a good assessment as the Lord has given them the blessing of an open door

i) The Lord is the one who open and shuts the door

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens” Revelation 3:7

ii) The opening of the door reflects the Lord’s good assessment of the church

2. Assessed as faithful to the Lord

“For you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8

a) Despite having little strength

b) Obeyed the Lord’s word

c) Faithful to the Lord’s name

3. Persevered as an overcomer

“Because you have kept My command to persevere,” Revelation 3:10

a) Commanded to persevere

b) Kept the commandment

(II) THE GRAND HONOUR OF BEING AN OVERCOMER

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more.” Revelation 3:12

1. The Lord rewards those who are able to overcome

a) A special reward

b) Given to those who are overcomers

c) It is the Lord who personally gives

2. The grand honour of being made a pillar in the temple of God

a) The use of pillars in the temple ( 1 Kings 7 )

“He made a lattice network, with wreaths of chainwork, for the capitals which were on top of the pillars: seven chains for one capital and seven for the other capital. So he made the pillars, and two rows of pomegranates above the network all around to cover the capitals that were on top; and thus he did for the other capital.” 1 Kings 7:17,18

b) The pillars were meant to reflect majesty and honor

3. His work is done

a) There is no need to go out anymore

b) An indication of being in a resting place…heaven

c) The work of the overcomer is done

4. The honor of bearing the name of God and New Jerusalem

“I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” Revelation 3:12

a) The name of God written on us

b) The New Jerusalem will come from heaven

c) The new name of the Lord….not revealed yet

(III) THE GREAT CHALLENGE TO CONTINUE OVERCOMING TO THE END

1. Anticipate the soon return of the Lord

“Behold, I am coming quickly!” Revelation 3:11

2. Hold fast

“Hold fast what you have,” Revelation 3:11

3. Guard the crown that we have

“That no one may take your crown.” Revelation 3:11

4. Hear well to the Spirit

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:12