SERIES: CHRIST'S EVALUATION OF HIS CHURCH (4 OF 4)

NOTE: This sermon is part 7 and 8 of a 8 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.

PREVIEWS:

Part 7: Big Heartedness in the Church
Series: Christ's Evaluation Of His Church
Stuart Briscoe
Revelation 3:7-13

Philadelphia ("Brotherly Love") was a border city situated on a major highway where Mysia, Lydia and Phrygia met. It was "the gateway from one continent to another" (Barclay). The church, therefore, had no difficulty understanding "the open door" Christ had set before them.

I. A Vision of Christ. v. 7

A. The Holy One.
1. A statement of deity. Isaiah 40:25; Mark 1:24

2. A statement of sovereignty. Revelation 6:10

B. The True One.
1. True as in genuine.

2. True as in faithful.

C. The holder of the key. See Isaiah 22:15 25
1. The rejection of Shebna.

2. The downfall of Eliakim.

3. The ascendancy of Christ.

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Part 8: Whole-Heartedness in the Church
Series: Christ's Evaluation Of His Church
Stuart Briscoe
Revelation 3:14-22

Laodicea, Hierapolis and Colosse were situated within a few miles of each other in the Lycus Valley, due east of Ephesus. Laodicea, which was famous for its wealth, medical expertise, and garment industry, unfortunately lacked an adequate water supply. Christ used all these factors to illustrate His powerful message to the church.

I. An Introduction. v. 14

A. The Amen.
1. The word "Amen"-"An acknowledgement of what is valid and binding."

2. The title "Amen"-"One in whom conformity to reality is exemplified." R. H. Mounce

B. The faithful and true witness.

C. The "arche" of God's creation.
1. The beginning. Colossians 1:15,16; 4:16

2. The ruler. Romans 21

II. An Instruction. vv. 15 17

A. About condition. vv. 15-16
1. Neither hot nor cold.
a. The icy cold water of Colosse-refreshing.