The Message of the Teachings on the Mount (95)
By Abraham Eli
This study was first taught on November 15, 2011
Topic: Entering Into The Kingdom of Heaven (3.3.1)
No audio available for this study.Background
Two weeks ago, we concluded on the message to the church in Smyrna, as it relates to requirements for entering into the Kingdom of heaven. We saw that the proof of a child of God is in his ability to endure suffering, as well as overcome all that the devil throws at him, till the end of his life. Indeed, we saw that the genuineness of our faith in God can only be attested to, after we have overcome the trials of life, and the temptations of the devil. We noted that if we are to be reckoned as being worthy of entering into the kingdom of heaven at the end of the age, we must have successfully overcome the temptations of the devil even if it means dying in the process! The Lord made it clear in His message to the church in Smyrna that the basis for avoiding the second death, and receiving the crown of life, was remaining faithful to Him in the midst of trials, tribulations, and temptations, till the end.
We noted that if all a person has to present to God when he stands before Him are; the sermons he preached, the people he cast out demons from, and the miracles he performed, it is unlikely that the crown of life will be given to him. And this we said is because, the crown of life is an award of triumphing over death or the threat of death, and is reserved for people who have indeed, endured and overcome tribulation, temptation, trials, hardships, etc., and still love God, right to the end. We noted that a person’s response to praise and suffering alike, is an indicator of whether or not he will avoid the second death and receive the crown of life. If we respond as God desires, in true humility and holiness, then we are sure of eternity; but if not, then nothing can take us into His glorious kingdom! It behoves us therefore, to ensure that we overcome all that life and the devil throw at us.
Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 7:21-22; Revelation 2:12-17
Tonight, we begin to consider the Lord’s message to the church in Pergamos, vis-à-vis, God’s requirement for entering into the kingdom of heaven. May the Holy Spirit enable us know that there is no tenable excuse for living contrary to the word of God, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
In His message to the church in Pergamos, the Lord Jesus, Who describes Himself as “he which hath the sharp sword with two edges”, commends the faithfulness of the church, in spite of the fact that they were located in Satan’s headquarters, and one of them, was martyred for the sake of Christ. Clearly, the Lord is telling us that being located in the hub of satanic activity is not an excuse to be unholy.
Psalm 24:1; Genesis 1:1-3; Matthew 4:13-20; 5:13-16; 2 Kings 2:19-22; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:17-32; 1 John 2:15-17; Hebrews 10:19-27, 32-33; 1 Kings 19:18; Daniel 1:3-21; 3:1-30; 6:1-28; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; John 17:14-17.
Conclusion
God can locate a church or assembly of believers, or even a believer by himself, in any part of the world, whether or not it is the centre of satanic activity; for, “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof”. Indeed, the Lord Jesus’ headquarters during His earthly ministry was located in “Galilee of the Gentiles”; where the people sat in darkness; and where death cast its shadow. In fact, Jesus’ first disciples came from this same location!
We are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. We are located wherever God pleases, so that we can influence that locality or territory with the light of the gospel of Christ, and with our walk in Christ. As the church in Pergamos was commended for their holding fast onto Christ, even when Antipas was martyred, so are we, today’s Christians, called to stand firm and hold fast to our faith in Christ. We should not be afraid of martyrdom, for it is part of Christianity.
The Lord’s message to us today is:
1. You can be located anywhere God chooses, because the earth is the Lord’s. If, for instance, a brother lives in an iniquitous community, it does not mean that God is not there with him, neither does it mean that God wants him to practice iniquity.
2. You can remain faithful to God even if you are located in the hub of satanic activities; even if your boss is the head of the occult; even if your friend is a prostitute or drug addict, or a corrupt officer. If you have renewed your mind by the word of God, you can be free from corruptive influences, and become a shining light.
3. You are located in a cesspool of sin and death, so that through you and the way you live, holiness and life can be preached and lived in such a community, and thereby bring about renewal, revival and reformation.
4. Locating in Satan’s headquarters is not an excuse to live like a child of the devil; for you have been called to be different and distinct in a world of conformity to worldly and satanic standards.
5. God knows where you are, and is assessing you on the basis of His word, not on the basis of what the majority of the people or churches around you are doing.
6. In every generation, and in every location, God has kept for Himself a few people who have remained faithful to Him, so don’t look at what the majority are doing, rather, find out what God wants you to do, and do it!
It is our prayer that the Lord will help us to remain faithful and steadfast in our profession and confession of our faith in Him, even though we may be in the territory where death casts its shadow. Ours is to stand firm for all that is right in God, even if we are the only one doing so.
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