Sermon 242

SERMON 242 — THE BLESSED MISSIONARY CHURCH

Text: Revelation 3:9–13
Date: September 20, 1942
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

The outstanding remark made about the church at Philadelphia was that she was faithful in her calling to confess Christ before the world. The Lord’s first reward for this faithfulness was the opening of a door, offering the church opportunity to do successful missionary work.The remainder of the letter continues to show how blessed this church is. Therefore the subject is:

SUBJECT: THE BLESSED MISSIONARY CHURCH — GEZEGENDE ZENDINGSKERK

I. SHE IS BLESSED WITH FRUIT UPON HER LABORS — GEZEGEND MET VRUCHT OP HAAR ARBEID

A. Fruit is the most encouraging thing a laborer receives
1. This is true in farming: fruit rewards labor.
2. This is true spiritually: missionaries, ministers, and all who work in the Kingdom rejoice to see fruit upon their labors.

B. This fruit is a gift of Christ
1. Only Christ can give the increase; He promises to give it to this church.
2. He must have the praise for all successful mission work.
3. The remarkable promise here is this:
  a. Not only Gentiles,
  b. But even those of the synagogue of Satan — hostile Jews — will come repentant.
  c. The Lord Himself will turn their hearts.

C. This is victory — overcoming
1. Mission work is spiritual warfare: every convert is a loss to Satan and a victory for Christ’s church.
2. These hostile, lying Jews (Jews according to the flesh but not truly in spirit) will be defeated by the power of the gospel.
3. They shall come and worship before thy feet.
  a. Not idolatry,
  b. But symbolic of being humbled, conquered by God’s Word, and entering true worship.
  c. They shall be saved.

D. Her former enemies shall know that this church is loved by the Lord
1. These Jews had boasted that they were the loved people of God, despising Christians.
2. Christ will open their eyes — they shall know they were wrong.
3. They shall see that the church is indeed God’s people and will seek to share that love.

II. SHE IS BLESSED WITH PROMISED PROTECTION — GEZEGEND MET BELOOFDE BEWARING

A. This is the special reward for her faithfulness to the word of My patience
1. She held fast to the gospel.
2. She did not deny Christ crucified.
3. She would not depart from the truth.

B. Christ promises to keep her from the hour of trial
1. A trial that shall come upon all the world.
2. But she shall not experience it — she will be protected.
3. She does not need this trial; therefore Christ will spare her.
4. This teaches that all trials come under God’s providence and are fully controlled by Him.

C. But this does not mean her struggle is over
1. She cannot relax now as if already in heaven.
2. She has a crown within reach but must hold fast.
3. Christ comforts her: I come quickly.
  a. A threat to the ungodly,
  b. But sweet comfort to the faithful,
  c. Here, a promise of timely help and salvation.

III. SHE IS BLESSED WITH A PERMANENT PLACE IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD — GEZEGEND MET EEN BLIJVENDE PLAATS IN GODS TEMPEL

A. This blessing is for each individual member
1. He that overcometh.
2. Each must personally win his battle.
  a. No one can repent for you.
  b. No one can believe for you.
  c. No one can carry your responsibility or fight your struggle.

B. They shall be pillars in God’s temple
1. A thing of strength and beauty, yet not merely ornamental — eternally useful.
2. He shall go no more out.
  a. Permanent security,
  b. Everlasting nearness to God,
  c. Never removed.
3. As they were pillars in the church on earth, they shall be pillars forever.

IV. SHE IS BLESSED WITH WONDERFUL NAMES — GEZEGEND MET HEERLIJKE NAMEN

A. Christ Himself will write these names upon them
1. His writing cannot be erased.
2. He ensures it is done and authentic.

B. The name of My God
1. Indicating they belong to God — the God of Jesus Christ.
2. They are known of Him and know Him.

C. The name of the City of My God — the New Jerusalem
1. They belong to the eternal city.
2. They dwell in it forever.

D. The name of Christ — My new name
1. The name of the glorified Christ.
2. The name of the Lord of lords.
3. The seal of victory and everlasting honor.

CONCLUSION

What could be more blessed than this.Will we share these blessings.Will you, personally, share them.