Archive for the ‘Revelation 2’ Tag
Above: The Original Document
Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor
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I.
“The world”–evil forces that war against the soul. Invisible but strong. Many destroyed by them. Hence many have fear lest they be smitten by them. But we may be victors.
II.
Faith is the victory. It appropriates the blessings that make strong.
(a) Faith in God. “Must believe that he is.” His empowering grace is given to those who trust him. Christ resisted the evil, made no concession to Satan. (1) [God] consoles in grief, (2) protects in danger, (3) transforms discord into harmony with God’s good will.
(b) His goodness is over all his works. He has a Father’s interest in us.
(c) His many promises are given to encourage us to trust him. “What more can he say than to you he hath said?”
III.
He expects us to overcome and enter upon the final reward of the righteous. All of the means of grace look to that end. See the seven “overcomers” in Rev. 2 and 3, Paul’s valedictory, and Rom. 8, 37, and Rev. 12, 11. “O Lord, help me to understand that you ain’t goin’ to let nothing come my way that you and me can’t handle together.”
We must not fail; but fight the good fight of faith and lay hold of eternal life.
GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT
Above: St. Michael Fighting the Dragon (1511), by Albrecht Durer (1471-1528)
Image Source = Library of Congress
(http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/90707832/)
Reproduction Number = LC-DIG-ppmsca-06618
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Rev. 2, 10
1. Jesus entrusted the interests of his kingdom to the church. His disciples are to be his fellow-workers. They are to be his witnesses to all the world, to every creature. His blessing would attend them always.
2. But he would not have them ignorant that opposition, persecution awaited them. The devil would certainly oppose them in their work and lives, would often be the aggressor.
3. But he is an inferior force. Jesus has the greater power and will master the situation.
Only let them be faithful. He does not require the impossible. “Having doe all to stand.” Let all hell oppose; they must be true. So much depends upon fidelity to Him.
4. “Until death”–whether natural or that of the martyr.
Probation lasts till death and one must be faithful till then, else He can’t say, “Well done.”
5. “A crown of life.” The reward is sure if we are true, and is exceedingly glorious.
GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT
Heb. 12, 1
1. The Christian life likened to a race to be run–a goal at its close to be won. Conversion one’s entrance upon it–all of life thereafter the race. “Be faithful to death.” (Rev. 2, 10)
2. There is a prize for everyone that runs the race. Not who gets there first merely. We want to run the whole race so as to win. The only rivalry is who best can meet the conditions required of those who run.
3. How run? Lay aside what hinders and trust in Jesus.
(1) “Lay aside every weight,” encumbrance. Anything that impedes your progress, that hinders your growth and enjoy merit of religion. Look well to your peace.
(2) “Sin that doth beset us,” clingeth to us. Someone’s sin is usually one’s special trouble. Get rid of it; all the rest is easy. With some it is a high temper; with others an appetite for strong drink; or profanity or unkind thoughts or speech. Set guard here at all hazards & overcome it.
4. “Looking unto Jesus.” Do not undertake it in your own strength. Dare not forth without him. “He was tempted in all points as we are” and overcame and can help you.
Trust him daily, go to him constantly. He will bring you safely home.
GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT
Ezekiel 33, 11
God faithfully warns man of his danger. He does not delight in man’s ruin, but love alone will save nobody.
1. It is God’s unchangeable law that sinners must turn to Him or die. It is impossible to admit sin into haven. See Rev. 2, 18; 20, 10 & 15.
2. But it is in his promise that the wicked shall live if he turn from it, e.g. the Ninevites, the thief on the cross, Saul, etc. He tries to bring the sinner to repentance.
3. He takes pleasure in man’s salvation. The father welcomes the prodigal. Shepherd glad to recover the lost sheep. He delighteth in mercy.
4. He would impress us by solemnly swearing it by His existence.
Can you still doubt him?
5. He doubles the command. He spake twice to Abraham& does to you here.
6. Condescend to reason with you. What answer will you make? If you choose sin you choose, necessarily, its final consequence.
7. After all this if man turns not it is not God’s fault that he suffers but his. A man condemned in prison refuses pardon, whose fault that he dies?
GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT
Rev. 2, 10
1. The speaker is Jesus of Nazareth. While on earth he entrusted to his disciples the interests of his kingdom upon the earth.
2. They were to be witnesses of what he did and said, to all the world. They were to testify; he would attend to the results.
3. But he would have them know that persecution awaited them. The devil would oppose them in their divine work. This is what called out the promise of the text.
4. Only let them be faithful. It will not do for them to recant. “Having done all to stand.” They can do it.
5. “Unto death.” Let Hell oppose only let them stand true. They must have the martyr spirit, to be heroic, daring for God.
6. “A crown of life.” Your reward is great, the martyr is crowned. All who overcome shall have this “crown of life.” Le us be faithful!
GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT
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