Freedoms Gate Ministries

Lesson 10C

Revelation 3: 10-13

In Revelation 3:10, we see the conditions of verse 9. I can hear some of you saying, "I thought God did not have a problem with this church. Yes, you are right. God does not have a problem, but that does not stop Him from setting conditions. In fact, is there not a condition to get into Heaven? Maybe that is why some cannot be the church of Philadelphia, because we often want everything without any conditions. Let us look a little closer at this area of our lives. Some of us want people to respect us just because we think we have a right to it. Some of us often will not do anything unless someone can see us do it. We think we can do anything we want without thinking of how it will affect someone else. (Read I Corinthians 8:9-13 & 9:19-25)
The people that have accused you because you are a Christian will know how much God loves you. However, this will only take place if YOU have "kept the word of my patience."

The following definitions help us to understand verse 10.

Kept or keep = to watch over, guard from loss or damage
Patience = endurance, cheerful during their suffering, or waiting for Christ, and tell others about Christ
Hour = seasons
Temptation = trials divinely permitted or sent
Try = test
Dwell = inhabit

Not only does the Church of Philadelphia get to see those that support the causes of Satan come and do reverence unto them, the Church, but also they will not face the trials. Therefore, if we believe that this was only for the Church of Philadelphia and not the whole body of believers, then we must be going through the trials now!!! Think about that for a few seconds. If we believe this to be true, then it is not good to think that we missed the rapture, is it? It is not true that we have missed the rapture.

So, are you willing to accept the conditions of your new walk in God? Or do you want the trials? I am not saying this to scare you, but these are the facts in the case.

The following definitions help us to understand verses 11-12.

Behold = to call to your attention
Quickly = suddenly
Hold that fast = to be strong, to lay or take hold on
No man = no one
Take = lay hold of
Crown = reward and glory, not on earth
Overcometh = subdue, prevail
Make = construct or produce
Pillar = figuratively, a firm and permanent position in the spiritual,heavenly and eternal temple
Temple = sanctuary
Write = engrave

    In these two verses, we see Jesus telling this church that He is coming suddenly. Many Christians think they can wait until the last moment to get busy about God's work. There are also they who think they can wait until the last second to get into heaven. Both of these groups are in for a VERY BIG SURPISE. Again, they are told to be strong and take hold of that which they know to be the truth. We know what things are true and we know what things are lies.

        So why do we as Christians want to hold on to the lies and not hold on to God?

In John 14:2 we are promised a place in the Father's house, but here in verse 12 they are promised to be constructed into firm and permanent positions in the spiritual, heavenly and eternal temple. What do you want in heaven? …And please do not say you just want to get in. For you and I know that is a lie. Not only does He promise a permanent position, but to engrave His new name on them.

    So the question now is, "Are you willing to become like the church of Philadelphia?" Or do you just want to stay in the spot you are at with God now? These questions may seem easy to answer and they are, but the work that is required to reach that new level will be the second hardest step you will reach in your life. The first step was becoming a child of God. Prayerfully, please take the next couple of days to allow God to show you what it will take for you and the Body of Christ, of which you are part, to become the church of Philadelphia.