“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name” (Revelation 3:12).
TEXT — Revelation 3:7-13
Message
Peter Drucker, renowned management and leadership expert, told the story of “a young man (who) once studied violin under a world-renowned master. Eventually, the time came for his first recital. The performer seemed dissatisfied after each selection despite the crowd’s cheers. Even after the last number, with shouts louder than ever, the talented violinist stood watching an older man on the balcony. Finally, the elderly one smiled and nodded in approval. Immediately, the young man relaxed and beamed with happiness. The applause of the crowd meant nothing to him until he had first won the hearty approval of his famous teacher. So, too, the Christian must do all he does looking for God’s approval and in that, be rewarded. Let the task be the reward.”
The Philadelphia church in Asia Minor, one of the seven churches addressed in the book of Revelation, faced persecution from false assemblies claiming to be Jews. Despite this, the church remained faithful and received commendation and assurance from Christ. Although the church would continue to face persecution, it was encouraged to remain faithful unto death and would receive a crown of life. Though not materially wealthy, the church was rich in faith, grace, and righteousness, and did not compromise its beliefs by adopting the practices of idolatrous assemblies claiming to be churches of God. The Philadelphia church stood firm in its faith, resisting corruption and remaining true to the teachings of Christ.
This timeless and universal message speaks directly to contemporary believers and assemblies today. Our commitment and loyalty to Christ and His word must be steadfast and incomparable to any other allegiance. Despite our trials, temptations and persecutions, the Lord expects us to remain faithful to the end. The promised crown for overcomers and Christ’s commendation await only those who overcome sin, temptations, trials, the world, the flesh, the devil and all his tricks. A songwriter captures what our resolve and determination should be when he wrote, “Go labour on! ’tis not for nought; Thy earthly loss is heav’nly gain; Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not; The Master praises, what are men?”
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
To God be all the glory though Christ Jesus