We know that the Spirit is speaking to the assemblies and Jesus is asking who can hear the Spirit speak. This implies that individuals have to listen and not rely on the leaders to do all the listening. This also implies that leaders have to be willing to allow the laity to listen and not lord the voice of the Spirit over the people like a Nicolaitan. There are two different groups being spoken to in each of the seven assemblies. The first is the entire assembly and the second is the individual in the assembly. Jesus is in charge of all the assemblies and has some instructions for all of them. He also has some instructions for individuals. We are continuing to look at the overcomers and their promises.
As an assembly, Sardis has a reputation that they have vigor, life, and are life-giving. But Jesus says they are corpses. We have all seen churches like Sardis, which have a lively worship service, lots of wonderful church programs, and are great at serving their own assembly. They seem very alive and this is what seems attractive on the outside. However, Jesus says that they should become vigilant watchmen and turn around. Their works were not complete in the presence of the Father. The assembly at Sardis was about to throw away their eternal lives being led astray from one crucial foundational work. Confession of Jesus as Lord and Savior. This makes them corpses.
As a congregation they are dead and Jesus is going to come against them like a thief. They won’t know when he will come to steal their comfortable assembly either. They look like a nice club, but they are dead on the inside.
Sardis
Revelation 3:4-6 (KJV)
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
There are a few people who have not defiled their cloak. Some people remember how they heard and are fulfilling the requirements of the Father. What are those requirements? Confessing Jesus as Lord. Some assemblies didn’t/don’t believe this is a requirement. It is. This is the only way to fulfill the requirement the Father has for eternal life. There is no other way to eternal life. Some individuals have not forgotten, but as a whole, this assembly did.
Revelation 3:4 G235 But G3641 [2a few G2192 1You have] G3686 names G1722 in G* Sardis G3739 which G3756 tainted not G3435 G3588 G2440 their garments; G1473 G2532 and G4043 they shall walk G3326 with G1473 me G1722 in G3022 white; G3754 for G514 they are worthy. G1510.2.6
2440 LSJ Gloss: ἱμάτιον an outer garment, a cloak
Dodson: ἱμάτιον outer garment a long flowing outer garment, tunic.
Thayer:
1) a garment (of any sort)
1a) garments, i.e. the cloak or mantle and the tunic
2) the upper garment, the cloak or mantle
ἱμάτιον
himation him-at'-ee-on Neuter of a presumed derivative of ἕννυμι hennumi (to put on); a dress (inner or outer) KJV Usage: apparel, cloke, clothes, garment, raiment, robe, vesture.
4043 περιπατέω peripateō per-ee-pat-eh'-o From G4012 and G3961; to tread all around, that is, walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
KJV Usage: go, be occupied with, walk (about).
514 LSJ Gloss: ἄξιος weighing as much
Dodson: ἄξιος worthy, worthy of, deserving worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable.
Thayer:
1) weighing, having weight, having the weight of another thing of like value, worth as much
2) befitting, congruous, corresponding to a thing
3) of one who has merited anything worthy
3a) both in a good and a bad sense
ἄξιος
axios ax'-ee-os Probably from G71; deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise) KJV Usage: due reward, meet, [un-] worthy.
The people who do confess Jesus as Lord and Savior wear white, and they walk with Him. They will wear garments that will show their reputation, and they will go places and do things in the coming kingdom with Jesus because they are deserving.
We should notice something. On the earth we wear an outer tunic, like a coat or mantle, and we should not defile that overcoat. Conversely, the overcomer will wear a white garment, not an overcoat.
Revelation 3:5 G3588 The one G3528 overcoming, G3778 this one G4016 shall be covered G1722 with G2440 [2garments G3022 1white]; G2532 and G3766.2 in no way G1813 shall I wipe away G3588 G3686 his name G1473 G1537 from out of G3588 the G976 book G3588 G2222 of life, G2532 and G3670 I will acknowledge G3588 G3686 his name G1473 G1799 before G3588 G3962 my father, G1473 G2532 even G1799 in the presence of G3588 G32 his angels. G1473
6 G3588 The one G2192 having G3775 an ear, G191 let him hear G5100 what G3588 the G4151 spirit G3004 says G3588 to the G1577 assemblies
4016 LSJ Gloss: περιβάλλω to throw round
Dodson: περιβάλλω I cast around, clothe I cast around, wrap a garment about, put on; hence mid: I put on to myself, clothe myself, dress; I draw (a line).
Thayer:
1) to throw around, to put around
1a) to surround a city with a bank (palisade)
1b) of garments, to clothe one
1b1) to put a thing on one
1b2) to clothe one with a thing
1c) to put on or clothe one's self
περιβάλλω
periballō per-ee-bal'-lo From G4012 and G906; to throw all around, that is, invest (with a palisade or with clothing) KJV Usage: array, cast about, clothe (-d me), put on.
This is a wrapped garment that speaks of a palisade, some type of defense, as if these people are wearing a white garment noting they are security, like police or military. Another promise these people have is that they will not be wiped out of the book of life. Plastered over or washed over can be likened to our modern day “White Out” (maybe from a few years ago), where one can use a small paintbrush with white paint to cover up printed text; it is known as correction fluid.
1813 LSJ Gloss: ἐξαλείφω to plaster
Dodson: ἐξαλείφω I wipe away, obliterate I plaster, wash over; I wipe off, wipe out, obliterate.
Thayer:
1) to anoint or wash in every part
1a) to besmear: i.e. cover with lime (to whitewash or plaster)
2) to wipe off, wipe away
2a) to obliterate, erase, wipe out, blot out
ἐξαλείφω
exaleiphō ex-al-i'-fo From G1537 and G218; to smear out, that is, obliterate (erase tears, figuratively pardon sin) KJV Usage: blot out, wipe away.
976 LSJ Gloss: βίβλος the inner bark of the papyrus
Dodson: βίβλος a written book, roll, or volume a written book, roll, or volume, sometimes with a sacred connotation.
Thayer:
1) a written book, a roll, a scroll
βίβλος
biblos bib'-los Properly the inner bark of the papyrus plant, that is, (by implication) a sheet or scroll of writing KJV Usage: book.
2222 LSJ Gloss:ζωή a living
Dodson: ζωή life life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence.
Thayer:
1) life
1a) the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate
1b) every living soul
2) life
2a) of the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God, and through him both to the hypostatic "logos" and to Christ in whom the "logos" put on human nature
2b) life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.
For Synonyms see entry G5821
ζωή
zōē dzo-ay' From G2198; life (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: life (-time).
We see that the requirement for not being erased from the scroll of the living is to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is nice to build a congregation, but the one requirement the Father has for the book of life is not church attendance, it is making Jesus Lord. Otherwise Jesus will steal this assembly. He will come against this type of church.
It would seem that Jesus’ plan for the assemblies is to do away with misdirected assemblies rather than keep them around. He removes Ephesus’ candlestick, he fights against Pergamum, he punishes the leaders in Thyatira, he steals the Sardis assembly and he pukes out the Laodicean assembly. If we want to know why a church does not succeed it is probably because Jesus is coming against it. All the clever marketing techniques, lively worship, and special programs will not keep Jesus from disabling assemblies that lead people in the wrong direction. And we must remember, Jesus hates Nicolaitans. If there is a church or ministry that is not succeeding, it is likely that the entire assembly needs to repent and correct their issues with Jesus.
For individuals, if we confess/acknowledge Jesus, Jesus will confess us.
3670 LSJ Gloss: ὁμολογέω to speak together
Dodson: ὁμολογέω I confess, profess, acknowledge, praise (a) I promise, agree, (b) I confess, (c) I publicly declare, (d) a Hebraism, I praise, celebrate.
Thayer:
1) to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent
2) to concede
2a) not to refuse, to promise
2b) not to deny
2b1) to confess
2b2) declare
2b3) to confess, i.e. to admit or declare one's self guilty of what one is accused of
3) to profess
3a) to declare openly, speak out freely
3b) to profess one's self the worshipper of one
4) to praise, celebrate
ὁμολογέω
homologeō hom-ol-og-eh'-o From a compound of the base of G3674 and G3056; to assent, that is, covenant, acknowledge KJV Usage: con- (pro-) fess, confession is made, give thanks, promise.
This is an acknowledgement made as a covenant, a promise.
Matthew 10:32 (AMP)
32 Therefore, everyone who acknowledges Me before men and confesses Me [out of a state of oneness with Me], I will also acknowledge him before My Father Who is in heaven and confess [that I am abiding in] him.
Luke 12:8-9 (AMP)
8 And I tell you, Whoever declares openly [speaking out freely] and confesses that he is My worshiper and acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man also will declare and confess and acknowledge him before the angels of God.
Jesus says he will acknowledge those who acknowledge Him to the Father and the angels. Paul fills us in on what confession means.
Romans 10:9-10 (AMP)
9 Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.
Paul gets to the heart of this confession and belief.
Philippians 2:6-11 (AMP)
6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,
7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.
8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!
9 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,
10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
John explains why confession is important and how we are to be wise.
1 John 4:3-4 (AMP)
3 And every spirit which does not acknowledge and confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh [but would annul, destroy, sever, disunite Him] is not of God [does not proceed from Him]. This [nonconfession] is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you heard that it was coming, and now it is already in the world.
4 Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.
We should never give someone a position of authority, a position of prophetic speaker, or a position of spiritual teacher in our lives if they do not acknowledge and confess Jesus as their Lord and Christ. As we have studied before, this is why there are no prophetic rabbi’s. Unless the prophetic rabbi confesses Jesus as his own Lord and Savior, that rabbi does not have the Holy Spirit residing within, and does not have atonement for sin. Jesus is the only atonement for sin and one’s stubbornness against Christ does not nullify one’s own sin. John clearly says that one who does not acknowledge and confess Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God but of the spirit of antichrist.
Are we listening to the Spirit? Can we hear and understand what the Spirit is saying to us?
Every Christian wants to be, or believes themselves to be, of the assembly at Philadelphia. We probably need more self honesty in our own personal lives. To the Philadelphians, Jesus announces himself as the one Isaiah wrote about. He is the one with the key to the house of David. Jesus is the one with the keys, the keys to the house of David, the keys to death and the keys to hades. If we need a door opened we should look to the one with the keys. This assembly has an open door. To where?
Isaiah 22:22 (AMP)
22 And the key of the house of David I will lay upon his shoulder; he shall open and no one shall shut, he shall shut and no one shall open.
Jesus tells the Philadelphians that he sets before them an open door. Remember, Jesus has the keys. We know that in just a few verses, John sees an open door in heaven. The door of heaven for the Philadelphians is open. Jesus says that because they have done so well with the little they have, and because they have been persecuted by those who claim to be Jews but are really of the synagogue of the satan, they will be kept from the tribulation. This is a promise for those who conquer like the Philadelphians.
Philadelphia
Revelation 3:10-13 (KJV)
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
This is a wonderful promise, it shows that Jesus is aware of the hardships that we all face. He sees it. He does not intervene. Why? So that we can endure because when we do, we are rewarded with missing the tribulation.
Revelation 3:10 G3754 for G5083 you kept G3588 the G3056 word G3588 G5281 of my endurance, G1473 G2504 and I G1473 will keep you G5083 G1537 from G3588 the G5610 hour G3588 of the G3986 test, G3588 of the one G3195 about G2064 to come G1909 upon G3588 the G3611 [2world house G3650 1entire], G3985 to test G3588 the ones G2730 dwelling G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth.
5281 LSJ Gloss: ὑπομονή a remaining behind
Dodson: ὑπομονή endurance, steadfastness endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for.
Thayer:
1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance
1a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
1b) patiently, and steadfastly
2) a patient, steadfast waiting for
3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
For Synonyms see entry G5861
ὑπομονή
hupomonē hoop-om-on-ay' From G5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy KJV Usage: enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).
If we learn to endure rather than expecting to be rescued every time something is hard, we are rewarded by missing the season of calamity. We simply have to overcome until we die or are harpazo’d. The hour of testing is going to come on the whole house. What house?
3986 LSJ Gloss: πειρασμός trial, temptation
Dodson: πειρασμός trial, testing, temptation
(a) trial, probation, testing, being tried, (b) temptation, (c) calamity, affliction.
Thayer:
1) an experiment, attempt, trial, proving
1a) trial, proving: the trial made of you by my bodily condition, since condition served as to test the love of the Galatians toward Paul (Gal.
4:14)
1b) the trial of man's fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy
1b1) an enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstances
1b2) an internal temptation to sin
1b2a) of the temptation by which the devil sought to divert Jesus the Messiah from his divine errand
1b3) of the condition of things, or a mental state, by which we are enticed to sin, or to a lapse from the faith and holiness
1b4) adversity, affliction, trouble: sent by God and serving to test or prove one's character, faith, holiness
1c) temptation (i.e. trial) of God by men
1c1) rebellion against God, by which his power and justice are, as it were, put to the proof and challenged to show themselves
πειρασμός
peirasmos pi-ras-mos' From G3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity KJV Usage: temptation, X try.
3650 ὅλος holos hol'-os A primary word; “whole” or “all”, that is, complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
KJV Usage: all, altogether, every whit, + throughout, whole.
3611 LSJ Gloss:οἰκέω to inhabit, occupy
Dodson: οἰκέω I inhabit, dwell I inhabit, dwell, indwell.
Thayer:
1) to dwell in
οἰκέω
oikeō oy-key'-o From G3624; to occupy a house that is, reside (figuratively inhabit, remain, inhere); by implication to cohabit KJV Usage: dwell. See also G3625.
This test comes on the entire dwelling. Let’s look at that word oikeō a little closer. The proving, the testing, the disciplining, comes on a whole house. Whose house? Who has the key to the house of David? Most translators have missed the beginning part of this letter to the church. This is why they translate the word oikeō as “world” instead of “dwelling”. Jesus explained it himself when he announced himself. The point is that this test comes on a house, the house of David. Yes the tribulation period comes on the whole world, but the people left who are not Jews are having a great time. They are ruling the world and prospering. They aren’t concerned with heaven or hell because they don’t believe in either, they rejected Jesus. They take the mark of the beast and they buy, sell, eat, drink, marry, and enjoy life. There will be some who will believe on Jesus and will be martyred for their belief, but overwhelmingly the Jesus rejecters are happy to be free of the Christians. The house that is left in suffering is the house of David. They are the persecuted ones. They will be the ones who are tested and tried for rejecting the Messiah.
Jesus will keep people from the season of the test that is about to come upon the entire house, to prove the ones dwelling upon the earth.
3985 LSJ Gloss: πειράζω to make proof
Dodson: πειράζω I try, tempt, test.
Thayer:
1) to try whether a thing can be done
1a) to attempt, endeavour
2) to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself
2a) in a good sense
2b) in a bad sense, to test one maliciously, craftily to put to the proof his feelings or judgments
2c) to try or test one's faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin
2c1) to solicit to sin, to tempt
1c1a) of the temptations of the devil
2d) after the OT usage
2d1) of God: to inflict evils upon one in order to prove his character and the steadfastness of his faith
2d2) men are said to tempt God by exhibitions of distrust, as though they wished to try whether he is not justly distrusted
2d3) by impious or wicked conduct to test God's justice and patience, and to challenge him, as it were to give proof of his perfections.
πειράζω
peirazō pi-rad'-zo From G3984; to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline KJV Usage: assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt (-er), try.
2730 LSJ Gloss: κατοικέω to dwell in as a
Dodson: κατοικέω I dwell in, settle in, inhabit I dwell in, settle in, am established in (permanently), inhabit.
Thayer:
1) to dwell, settle
1a) metaph. divine powers, influences, etc., are said to dwell in his soul, to pervade, prompt, govern it
2) to dwell in, inhabit
2a) God is said to dwell in the temple, i.e. to be always present for worshippers
For Synonyms see entry G5854
κατοικέω
katoikeō kat-oy-keh'-o From G2596 and G3611; to house permanently, that is, reside (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: dwell (-er), inhabitant (-ter).
All people will be proved, the nations and the Jews. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if 95% of all Jews living on the earth today believed and confessed Jesus as messiah and were tagged/sealed for the day of redemption, missing the tribulation? The house of David will go through adversity and the nations will be scrutinized. All people tested and all people tried as to who will make Jesus their Lord.
In Philadelphia the people were persecuted, but they endured. Jesus advises them to be strong and seize what they possess so that no one will take their crown.
Revelation 3:11 G2064 I come G5036 quickly. G2902 Hold G3739 what G2192 you have, G2443 that G3367 no one G2983 should take G3588 G4735 your crown! G1473
2902 LSJ Gloss: κρατέω to be strong, mighty, powerful
Dodson: κρατέω I lay hold of, obtain I am strong, mighty, hence: I rule, am master, prevail; I obtain, take hold of; I hold, hold fast.
Thayer:
1) to have power, be powerful
1a) to be chief, be master of, to rule
2) to get possession of
2a) to become master of, to obtain
2b) to take hold of
2c) to take hold of, take, seize
2c1) to lay hands on one in order to get him into one's power
3) to hold
3a) to hold in the hand
3b) to hold fast, i.e. not discard or let go
3b1) to keep carefully and faithfully
3c) to continue to hold, to retain
3c1) of death continuing to hold one
3c2) to hold in check, restrain
κρατέω
krateō krat-eh'-o From G2904; to use strength, that is, seize or retain (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).
4735 LSJ Gloss: στέφανος that which surrounds
Dodson: στέφανος a crown, garland a crown, garland, honor, glory.
Thayer:
1) a crown
1a) a mark of royal or (in general) exalted rank
1a1) the wreath or garland which was given as a prize to victors in public games
1b) metaph. the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ: the crown (wreath) which is the reward of the righteousness
1c) that which is an ornament and honour to one
For Synonyms see entry G5833
στέφανος
stephanos stef'-an-os From an apparently primary “stepho” (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, G1238), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: crown.
This crown is something that these people will wear as a symbol of royalty and honor. People will be identified by this wreath. The overcomer is made a column, or pillar, a support position in the temple of the Heavenly Father.
Revelation 3:12 G3588 The one G3528 overcoming, G4160 I will make G1473 him G4769 a column G1722 in G3588 the G3485 temple G3588 G2316 of my God, G1473 G2532 and G1854 outside G3766.2 in no way G1831 should he go forth G2089 any longer. G2532 And G1125 I will write G1909 upon G1473 him G3588 the G3686 name G3588 G2316 of my God, G1473 G2532 and G3588 the G3686 name G3588 of the G4172 city G3588 G2316 of my God -- G1473 G3588 of the G2537 new G* Jerusalem, G3739 which G2597 comes down G1537 from out of G3588 the G3772 heaven G575 from G3588 G2316 my God, G1473 G2532 and G3588 G3686 [3name G1473 1my G3588 G2537 2new].
13 G3588 The one G2192 having G3775 an ear, G191 hear G5100 what G3588 the G4151 spirit G3004 says G3588 to the G1577 assemblies!
4769 LSJ Gloss: στῦλος a pillar
Dodson: στῦλος a pillar a pillar, support, column.
Thayer:
1) a pillar
2) a column
2a) pillars of fire i.e. flames rising like pillars
3) a prop or support
στύλος
stulos stoo'-los From στύω stuō (to stiffen; properly akin to the base of G2476); a post (“style”), that is, (figuratively) support KJV Usage: pillar.
1854 ἔξω exō ex'-o Adverb from G1537; out (side, of doors), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: away, forth, (with-) out (of, -ward), strange.
These overcomers will not have to leave the temple, they will be in service in the temple. They will not be leaving the presence of the Heavenly Father. Jesus will write three names on these overcomers. Two of the names are new. The name of the Heavenly Father, the name of the new Jerusalem, and Jesus’ new name. The new city of peace will have a new name. This city descends out of heaven from the Father.
2597 καταβαίνω katabainō kat-ab-ah'ee-no From G2596 and the base of G939; to descend (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: come (get, go, step) down, descend, fall (down).
The city that descends will have a new name, and Jesus will have a new name. This tells us that these people are part of this new era taking place after the millennial kingdom. The name of the new Jerusalem, the new city of peace, is the name given to the overcomers when it descends from the Father. At this point some of these people have been in the temple of the Father, but that temple is no longer needed in the new city. So this promise is fulfilled in the eight thousandth year.
Revelation 21:1-7 (AMP)
1 THEN I saw a new sky (heaven) and a new earth, for the former sky and the former earth had passed away (vanished), and there no longer existed any sea.
2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, all arrayed like a bride beautified and adorned for her husband;
3 Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God.
4 God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.
5 And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine).
6 And He [further] said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I [Myself] will give water without price from the fountain (springs) of the water of Life.
7 He who is victorious shall inherit all these things, and I will be God to him and he shall be My son.
Revelation 21:22 (AMP)
22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Omnipotent [Himself] and the Lamb [Himself] are its temple.
The word victorious in Revelation 21:7 is the same word nikaō, overcomer. Jesus is asking if we can hear the Holy Spirit speaking to the churches. Can we hear, can we perceive, can we understand the Spirit of the Living God?
Jesus tells the Laodiceans that he is the source of the creation. It seems like an odd thing to say until we understand their problem. They were well off (financially). The region was known for making a particular eye salve. Jesus tells them to buy gold from Him. That tells us they were using their riches to buy gold and then filling their lives with ornate things. Jesus says his gold is purified by fire, which tells us their gold had impurities. That is the point. Their money and lavish lifestyle was impure, not because money is impure, but the love of money is. They were misdirected. Enjoying riches has a root of evil, and as Jesus told us no one can serve both God and mammon. Mammon means riches, money, possessions, and confidence from wealth. Jesus is the author of Creation, he knows what resources the creation holds. Yet in order to be clothed properly we have to use our abilities to buy from Jesus.
Laodicea
Revelation 3:19-22 (KJV)
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, 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.
21 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.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Jesus is rebuking people he loves. Well that’s a relief. He does not have an open door here as in Philadelphia. Laodicea is not guaranteed an open door to heaven. It is to our benefit to re-examine the gospel of prosperity. Do we live as the first century church did, having everything in common, or do we enjoy mammon.
Revelation 3:19 G1473 I, G3745 as many as G1437 I should G5368 be fond of, G1651 I reprove G2532 and G3811 I correct. G2206 Be zealous G3767 then G2532 and G3340 repent!
5368 φιλέω phileō fil-eh'-o From G5384; to be a friend to (fond of [an individual or an object]), that is, have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling; while G25 is wider, embracing especially the judgment and the deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principle, duty and propriety: the two thus stand related very much as G2309 and G1014, or as G2372 and G3563 respectively; the former being chiefly of the heart and the latter of the head); specifically to kiss (as a mark of tenderness) KJV Usage: kiss, love.
1651LSJ Gloss: ἐλέγχω to disgrace, put to shame
Dodson: ἐλέγχω I rebuke, expose (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty.
Thayer:
1) to convict, refute, confute
1a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted
1b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose
2) to find fault with, correct
2a) by word
2a1) to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove
2a2) to call to account, show one his fault, demand an explanation
2b) by deed
2b1) to chasten, to punish
ἐλέγχω
elegchō el-eng'-kho Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish KJV Usage: convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove.
3811 LSJ Gloss: παιδεύω to bring up
Dodson: παιδεύω I discipline, educate, train, chastise (a) I discipline, educate, train, (b) more severely: I chastise.
Thayer:
1) to train children
1a) to be instructed or taught or learn
1b) to cause one to learn
2) to chastise
2a) to chastise or castigate with words, to correct
2a1) of those who are moulding the character of others by reproof and admonition
2b) of God
2b1) to chasten by the affliction of evils and calamities
2c) to chastise with blows, to scourge
2c1) of a father punishing his son
2c2) of a judge ordering one to be scourged
παιδεύω
paideuō pahee-dyoo'-o From G3816; to train up a child, that is, educate, or (by implication) discipline (by punishment) KJV Usage: chasten (-ise), instruct, learn, teach.
Jesus has affection for us, even though we make him sick enough to throw up. He exposes and convicts us, as well as disciplines and educates us. Remember Jesus is in charge of the assemblies. He can remove any assembly he wants to. We need to realize this. Is it possible that being lukewarm means that these people were not persecuted? Their money bought them peace. Their money bought them security. They didn’t seem to have any enemies. Jesus doesn’t even mention that there are some individuals doing the right things. He tells them all to be zealous and repent.
2206 LSJ Gloss: ζηλόω to rival, vie with, emulate
Dodson: ζηλόω I am jealous, eager for (a) intrans: I am jealous, (b) trans: I am jealous of, with acc. of a person; I am eager for, am eager to possess, with acc. of a thing.
Thayer:
1) to burn with zeal
1a) to be heated or to boil with envy, hatred, anger
1a1) in a good sense, to be zealous in the pursuit of good
1b) to desire earnestly, pursue
1b1) to desire one earnestly, to strive after, busy one's self about him
1b2) to exert one's self for one (that he may not be torn from me)
1b3) to be the object of the zeal of others, to be zealously sought after
1c) to envy
ζηλόω
zēloō dzay-lo'-o From G2205; to have warmth of feeling for or against KJV Usage: affect, covet (earnestly), (have) desire, (move with) envy, be jealous over, (be) zealous (-ly affect).
3340 LSJ Gloss: μετανοέω to change one's mind
Dodson: μετανοέω I repent, change my mind I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God), repent.
Thayer:
1) to change one's mind, i.e. to repent
2) to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins
For Synonyms see entry G5862
μετανοέω
metanoeō met-an-o-eh'-o From G3326 and G3539; to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction) KJV Usage: repent.
Instead of being lukewarm they were to burn with zeal and change their mind. The entire assembly is to boil over and repent. Jesus is convicting the entire church. But then he speaks to the individuals.
Revelation 3:20 G2400 Behold, G2476 I stand G1909 at G3588 the G2374 door G2532 and G2925 knock; G1437 if G5100 any G191 should hear G3588 G5456 my voice, G1473 G2532 and G455 should open G3588 the G2374 door, G2532 even G1525 I will enter G4314 to G1473 him, G2532 and G1172 have supper G3326 with G1473 him, G2532 and G1473 he G3326 with G1473 me.
Jesus literally stands on one side of a door or entrance and knocks. Is Jesus outside the assembly? Why is Jesus outside? He may be outside the assembly but he is now going to the home of individuals. Jesus is going door to door, announcing he is outside. It is about communion. Let everyone be zealous to examine their own selves and decide, do we want comfort and riches or the unknown with Jesus? Jesus calls to commune with us. It is a risk to forsake the benefits of mammon. If we hear Jesus we will overcome.
Revelation 3:21 G3588 The one G3528 overcoming G1325 I will give G1473 to him G2523 to sit G3326 with G1473 me G1722 on G3588 G2362 my throne, G1473 G5613 as G2504 even I G3528 overcame G2532 and G2523 sat G3326 with G3588 G3962 my father G1473 G1722 on G3588 G2362 his throne. G1473
22 G3588 The one G2192 having G3775 an ear, G191 hear G5100 what G3588 the G4151 spirit G3004 says G3588 to the G1577 assemblies!
2523 LSJ Gloss: καθίζω to make to sit down, seat
Dodson: καθίζω I set, make to sit (a) trans: I make to sit; I set, appoint, (b) intrans: I sit down, am seated, stay.
Thayer:
1) to make to sit down
1a) to set, appoint, to confer a kingdom on one
2) intransitively
2a) to sit down
2b) to sit
2b1) to have fixed one's abode
2b2) to sojourn, to settle, settle down
καθίζω
kathizō kath-id'-zo Another (active) form for G2516; to seat down, that is, set (figuratively appoint); intransitively to sit (down); figuratively to settle (hover, dwell) KJV Usage: continue, set, sit (down), tarry.
2362 LSJ Gloss: θρόνος a seat, chair
Dodson: θρόνος a throne, seat a (king's) throne, seat; meton: power, dominion; a potentate.
Thayer:
1) a throne seat
1a) a chair of state having a footstool
1b) assigned in the NT to kings, hence, kingly power or royalty
1b1) metaph. to God, the governor of the world
1b2) to the Messiah, Christ, the partner and assistant in the divine administration
1b2a) hence divine power belonging to Christ
1b3) to judges i.e. tribunal or bench
1b4) to elders
θρόνος
thronos thron'-os From θράω thraō (to sit); a stately seat (“throne”); by implication power or (concretely) a potentate KJV Usage: seat, throne.
The overcomer will sit with Jesus on his throne of judgment, just as Jesus sits on the right hand of the Heavenly Father. Riches are sly, they lull people into sin. It is a great way to subdue an entire assembly. This is how people become lukewarm, they live in pleasure, not in persecution. Remember that Jesus announced himself as the source of creation. He knows what the earth is comprised of. He also knows how the satan will exploit certain elements to merchandise people. The satan loves gems and precious metals, all the things he once was in the presence of. Humans are the tool to mine the earths treasures. Here is the logic. If one becomes fat and happy, with wealth and possessions one does not need Jesus. The overcomer, the one who forsakes riches, pleasures, and comfort, for dinner with Jesus, will be wise enough to judge with Him.
What is the Spirit saying to the assemblies? Can we hear the voice of the Holy Spirit? Jesus wants to know.
We want to remember that these three assemblies in the timeframe of life bring us to the last days of this age. We did have a time when assemblies didn’t believe one needed to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Every once in a while we see this idea pop up, sold, and packaged as “another way to heaven”. There is an open door to heaven for those who endure. Stay steady and keep going forward. Testing and proving comes on the house of David and the Jesus rejecters, not on the children of God. There are those assemblies who are wealthy and have become greedy. We know them by their works. These assemblies make Jesus vomit. Yet Jesus is going door to door witnessing, looking for those who will answer. The Holy Spirit is speaking to us all. The Holy Spirit is trying to guide us. The Holy Spirit is saying something to us all. Jesus wants to know who can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
