Sermon 263 (end)

SERMON 263 — THE LORD AT THE CLOSED DOOR (PART 2)

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

INTRODUCTION

In the previous message on Laodicea, we saw the tragic condition of the lukewarm church and Christ’s solemn threat: I will spew thee out of my mouth.Yet astonishingly, Christ’s final words to Laodicea are words of tender mercy.Instead of turning away in disgust, He comes to her with a loving plea: Behold, I stand at the door and knock.Let us contemplate this gracious picture.

I. WHY THE LORD STANDS AT THE CLOSED DOOR

A. To reveal the church’s condition
1.They have shut Christ out of their lives.
2.He is not with them in truth, though they imagine He is.
3.They boast of wealth, knowledge, and spiritual sufficiency.
4.But Christ has been excluded by their worldliness and pride.

B. To awaken them to repentance
1.Christ stands there deliberately, not because He cannot force entry, but to make them aware of what they have done.
2.He would have them see the tragedy of a Christless Christianity.
3.He deals with them as rational creatures capable of hearing and responding.

C. To offer grace while time remains
1.His patience reveals His love.
2.His presence at the door is a call to turn back.
3.Judgment has not yet fallen; the opportunity for repentance is still open.

II. WHAT CHRIST DOES AT THE DOOR

A. He stands at the door
1.He remains; He does not turn away in anger.
2.His posture shows longing and compassion.
3.He waits for their response.

B. He knocks
1.His knocking includes chastisements, warnings, and convictions.
2.He disturbs their false peace to awaken them.
3.Every sermon, trial, or stirring of conscience may be His knock.

C. He calls
1.If any man hear My voice.
2.His voice is heard through the preaching of the Gospel.
3.His call includes both invitation and warning.
4.Yet will His voice be heard above worldly pleasure, self-satisfaction, Christless worship, and spiritual laziness?

III. WHAT HE OFFERS TO THOSE WHO OPEN THE DOOR

A. I will come in to him
1.Christ Himself enters the life of the one who repents.
2.He brings forgiveness, cleansing, comfort, and spiritual life.
3.His entrance transforms everything.

B. And will sup with him, and he with Me
1.A picture of intimate fellowship and friendship.
2.Christ becomes the host, supplying the meal, the joy, and the blessing.
3.The one inside has nothing; Christ brings all.

C. The promise of exaltation
1.To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne.
2.Opening the door is victory over sin, unbelief, worldliness, and lukewarmness.
3.As Christ overcame and sat down with His Father, so His people shall reign with Him.
4.The highest honor is given to those who repent.

D. A universal call
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.This message is for every believer and every congregation.

CONCLUSION

Next Sunday the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated.But will Christ Himself be present in your heart?You may be at the table while Christ stands outside, knocking.If you are lukewarm, be zealous, repent, and open the door.The One who knocks is the Savior, the King of Glory, the Lover of your soul.Let Him in.