12/06/2021
In the book of Revelation the church at Philadelphia was told to hold fast to what they believed, and the faith they had. They were warned that if they did not then someone might seize their crown. These warnings are just as valid for us today, because the glory, and the danger of having it snatched from us is just as real. The dark one is still in the earth, and he rages with the same determined intensity. Even today he snarls and reveals his teeth, and his appetite for souls remains insatiable. Are we holding fast to the hand of Christ, and guarding our own crown as if Satan himself were trying to rip it from us?
“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”
Revelation 3:11 ESV
Our crown was won for us at great cost, and though we are weak, Jesus has opened the door for us that cannot be shut, and placed us before it… are we standing guard as we should? Are we keeping God’s Word, and using it to repel the advances of Satan and his minions? Are we carrying the cross of Jesus, and calling out His name in these trying times?
““‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
Revelation 3:8 ESV
If we have done these things then the crown is ours, and the further reward awaits us also. If we hold fast to what we have then we will find our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and we will awaken to find the name of God itself has been written upon us, along with the new name of Jesus, and the name of the city of God. Are we being diligent? Are we holding fast to our crown; to what we have?
“The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.”
Revelation 3:12 ESV
The serpent didn’t force Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, and he doesn’t force us to lose our grip on faith or relinquish our belief today, but he will attempt to woo us into letting it go, or to frighten us into running away from it with the roar and mock charges of a ferocious lion.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV
We can learn much from what was told to the churches in the book of Revelation, so let’s ask ourselves if we are obeying the warning that the church at Philadelphia was given. Are we holding tight to what we have? Are we protecting our crown from those who would seize it? Are we paying attention to the sufferings of our fellow Christian’s throughout the world, and gaining strength from their experiences?
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 3:13 ESV
Prayer:
Father thank you for the warnings, and the other messages you deliver to us through your angels, those who spoke to the ancient churches in scripture, and those who speak boldly to the modern churches today. Help us Lord to discern what is given by you from the subtle lies and temptations of the dark one. Teach us to use your Holy Word to identify false preaching, teaching, prophesies, and even the angels you have sent from those that were cast down long ago. Give us discernment, and a strong hold on the crown of faith we have received from you through Jesus Christ our savior. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who leads us into righteousness, and warns us against the maneuvering of our enemies. Praised be your name for every weakness you bolster up in us, and for the grip on our faith that you give us and encourage us to strengthen. Merciful are you who sends your angels to help us, and who shows us the everyday dangers to our belief through the suffering of our brethren around us. Mighty are you whose love is our hope, and whose grace is sufficient for us. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin, and our belief in His resurrection gives us the crown of eternal life. Help us and warn us now, just as you did the church in Philadelphia, and you do for your other churches elsewhere. Bless us as we gather together, and worship you with the strength of faith that fellowship builds in us, for where two or three of us are gathered, there you are also.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Rich Forbes