Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, by the power of your Holy Spirit, open my heart and mind to what you have to say in your Word. Give me a spirit of humility that is willing and ready to experience transformation into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ.
In His name I pray,
Amen!
Read the following passages:
Revelation 3:7-13
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Proverbs 3
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
Consider & Discuss:
The Christian walk is by no means passive, but contrary to the patterns of American culture, it is also not self-determinative. We are called to hold on to the faith that God has given us and do the works that he has put before us. Our God loves us deeply, provides for our needs, and is sovereign over every single result. This should give us great rest and propel our hearts to praise Him!
Sometimes it does, but if you’re anything like me, I tend toward taking on more than I’m designed to and fixating on outcomes rather than trusting God for the results. In so doing, I often miss out on the peace that God promises.
How about you? What are some reasons you think we fail to rest in the shadow of God’s might? What is one area of your life that you’ve been attempting to control that you will consider laying at the feet of Jesus?
**Please post your responses in the comment section below.**
Exhortation:
An excerpt from Sunday’s sermon:
“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen: He is coming soon! Press on! Don’t give up! Hold on to what you have! Be encouraged! You are a pillar in heaven forever!
May your life and my life reflect the lives of these congregants of this little church in Philadelphia. When Jesus sees Calvary, whether there’s ten of us or a thousand of us, may He see a church that is committed to the Word of God, that has never denied His Name, and while not perfect, brothers and sisters, we would be committed and loyal to our Lord and Savior – with genuine faithfulness that flows out of a moment-to-moment abiding relationship with Him. Amen!”
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, your might and wisdom are great – far beyond our comprehension. Help us to hold on to what you have given us in your gospel with gratitude and to do the works you have called us to with a heart that is fully trusting in you for the results.
In the name of Jesus, who is holy and true and holds the key of David,
Amen!