Sermon 250

SERMON 250 — THE LORD AT THE CLOSED DOOR

Text: Revelation 3:20–22
Date: October 18, 1942
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

This passage continues the Lord’s message to the lukewarm church of Laodicea.It reveals the astonishing love of Christ for a church that has shut Him out.Laodicea thinks everything is well.She enjoys her feasting, wealth, and worship, and feels she lacks nothing.Yet worldliness has shut Christ out, and He now stands outside the closed door of her heart and congregation.Let us behold that solemn scene.

SUBJECT: THE LORD AT THE CLOSED DOOR

I. WHERE HE STANDS

A. He stands at the door of the church of Laodicea
1. This is a church where Christ is no longer inside.
2. A tragic condition — a church without Christ.

B. He stands at the door of each lukewarm Christian
1. They imagine Christ is near and their religion alive.
2. Yet Christ is outside, excluded from their heart and life.
3. They feel certain they lack nothing, yet Christ is not with them.

C. He stands seeking entrance
1. He desires to enter — not because He needs them, but because they need Him.
2. Their closed door shows what they have done through pride, carelessness, and worldliness.
3. He deals with them as rational beings; He will not force the door.

II. WHAT HE DOES THERE

A. He stands — showing patience and longing
1. He does not turn away at once.
2. He waits for repentance.

B. He knocks
1. Making known His desire to enter.
2. His knock may be chastisement, warning, providence, or the preached Word.

C. He calls out at the door
1. Asking to be admitted.
2. Warning of danger if He is not received.
3. The gospel message is His voice.

D. The question
Will His voice be heard above the noise of worldly feasting and Christless worship inside?

III. WHAT HE OFFERS TO THOSE WHO OPEN THE DOOR

Though He pleads like a beggar, He is the One who possesses everything they need.They feast on emptiness; He brings true riches.

A. He seeks nothing from them
1. They have nothing to offer.
2. He comes entirely for their well-being.

B. “I will come in to him”
1. He Himself enters, bringing forgiveness, life, and strength.
2. The favor is His, not theirs.

C. “And will sup with him, and he with Me”
1. Restored fellowship — the sweetest communion.
2. He is the Host, not the guest.
3. His feast far surpasses the empty table inside.

D. He will exalt those who open the door
1. Opening the door is victory over sin and self.
2. He will seat them with Him on His throne, as He overcame and sat down with His Father.

CONCLUSION

Next Sunday is the Lord’s Supper.Will Christ be present with you.You may sit in church, yet Christ may still be outside your heart.Open the door.Call upon Him.Turn to Him in repentance and faith.He still stands and knocks.