What God Starts, God Finishes

June 14

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Scriptures

KEY POINTS

  • Jesus knows every church intimately. He commends Philadelphia for keeping His word and not denying His name despite having little power.
  • An open door that no one can shut is a powerful gift from Jesus to those who remain faithful under pressure.
  • Patient endurance (holding fast) is highly valued by Jesus and leads to great reward.
  • The church in Laodicea was spiritually lukewarm: self-deceived, thinking they were rich when they were actually wretched, poor, blind, and naked. They were the only one of the seven churches that were not affirmed.
  • Jesus would rather we be hot or cold, but never lukewarm. He warns us that he could spew us out of his mouth, but he would rather us repent, which is an act of his mercy and love.
  • True riches, white garments, and spiritual sight come only from Jesus. 
  • Jesus stands at the door of the heart and knocks. We buy from him all that we need when we open the door and let him in.
  • To the one who overcomes, Jesus offers the highest honor: sitting with Him on His throne and becoming a pillar in the temple of God.

DISCUSSION

  • In the letter to Philadelphia, Jesus commends them for keeping His word and not denying His name even with little power. Where is God calling you (or our church) to “hold fast” right now?
  • Pastor Bob highlighted the contrast between an open door (Philadelphia) and a closed, lukewarm heart (Laodicea). Which of these two churches feels more like your current spiritual state, and why?
  • Jesus says, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline.” How do you typically respond when the Lord corrects or challenges you?
  • The church in Laodicea thought they were rich but were actually spiritually bankrupt. Where might self-deception or complacency be hiding in your life?
  • Revelation 3:20 is often used for salvation, but it was written to the church. What does it look like practically for Jesus to “come in and eat with” a believer or a church?
  • Jesus promises great rewards to those who overcome (pillar in the temple, new name, sitting on His throne). How does this future hope help us endure present trials?
  • What is one specific step the Holy Spirit is prompting you to take this week — to hold fast, repent of lukewarmness, or open the door wider to Jesus?of the Bride of Christ?