(This Sermon was preached at Trinity Bible Church on November 10, 2002. This sermon series is based upon a request to explain the rewards that believers will someday receive. All Scripture references used in this sermon are based upon the NASB®, unless otherwise stated)
| This Sermon was written and submitted by: Joseph M. Willmouth, Pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Biloxi, Mississippi 39532. This contributed article is copyright protected, and the sole property of the contributing author. It may be freely copied and used provided the above credits are included. Document expiration: indefinite. |
2:7 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.'
2:10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.'
2:17 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.'
2:26 'And he who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star.
3:5 'He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.
3:12 'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
3:21 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
21:7 "He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
Introduction: The Netherlands is a nation so overcrowded that they pay people to leave. If a Dutch family will emigrate to another country, the government will reward them for doing it because of their very small land area and, by comparison, large population. We wonder how many take advantage of the offer. When we emigrate from this world, as Revelation 2:23 tells us, the Lord will "repay each of you according to your deeds" (Robert C. Shannon, 1000 Windows, Cincinnati, Ohio: Standard Publishing Company, 1997). In the book of Revelation, we find examples of eight rewards that the Lord promises to give to those who are victorious in some specific test. Are you an Overcomer or an Underachiever (an under-comer??)? These prizes are promised to those who overcome the various trials and situations that they are facing in their churches.
Transition: The first prize promised in the book of Revelation is. . .
I. Eating From The Tree Of Life
(Rev.2:7).
1. The privilege to eat from the tree of life (v.7a).
A. The church at Ephesus was commended by the Lord for their evangelism, their patience, their separation from the world, their faithfulness to the truth, and their faithfulness to the Lord during persecution (WGB).2. The tree of life's location (v.7b).B. But they were like many churches today, in that they got so focused on doing "programs" they forgot to seek Christ first - they lost their first love.
C. Christ admonishes them to Remember their first Love (i.e., Christ), to Repent (to change their directions), and Return to serving the Lord as they did in the beginning (WGB).
D. If they heeded Christ's call, He promised to reward them by giving them the privilege of eating from the tree of life.
1) Eating of the tree of life is a promise of special intimacy with the Lord, a promise of renewing the fellowship lost before the fall of man (NSB).2) Those who do not eat are not non-Christians but regenerate people who have "lost their first love" (2:4: RSK).
A. The tree of life, first mentioned in Genesis 3:22, was in the Garden of Eden (BKC).Application: Some believe that the word "Overcomes" ("nikao" {nik-ah'-o}; to conquer, overcome, prevail, to get the victory) is referring to all believers and not just to a special few. So with this view it would mean that all believers will get to partake of the tree of life. However, that's not what Christ said to the church at Ephesus, he plainly states that those who remember, repent and return to their first love would have the privilege to eating from the tree. Again this is not a salvation issue, because those present in heaven already have salvation. Nor is this an issue of maintaining eternal life because God gives that to everyone who puts their trust in Him; Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Christ makes this an issue of future rewards to those who are faithful and obedient to His Word. This isn't an issue of one believer being better than another believer. Nor is it an issue of being more "spiritual" than another believer. It is an issue of being obedient to Christ and His desire to reward any believer who is faithful to Him. Those who obey Christ's Word and don't forget their first love will someday have a special fellowship with Christ.- We are told in Genesis 3:22 that those who eat of it will never die.B. "The paradise of God" is probably a name for heaven (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor.12:4 - the only other NT references to paradise: BKC).C. Later it reappears in the New Jerusalem where it bears abundant fruit (Rev. 22:2).
Transition: The next prize promised in the book of Revelation is. .
II. The Crown Of Life (Rev.2:10-11).
1. The crown of life (v.10).
A. The church at Smyrna was commended by the Lord for their faithfulness to the Lord under persecution, and many would experience martyrdom.Transition: Not only will martyrs receive a crown, they also have Christ's promise that they will be. . .B. In light of this persecution, the Lord gives them encourages them by promising the believer-overcomer a crown of life.
1) The apostle James says the same thing in, James 1:12, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."2) The word for "Crown" (Stephanos) was used of the victor's wreath, something earned and merited by effort in the games (RSK).
A) This crown speaks of a special degree of enjoyment of eternal life.B) Eternal life is a quality more than a duration, and the degree of its experience is dependant upon our faithfulness to Christ.
2. Unhurt by the second death (v.11).
A. Christ reaffirms to these believers that they will share in the resurrection and not in the torment that awaits the unbeliever.Application: The certainty of heaven makes the Christian bolder under persecution. The enemies of the church can kill the body, but not the spirit. The overcomer will be richly rewarded for whatever sacrifices they are called upon to make in the present (RSK).1) Revelation 20:13-15, "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."B. This is an illustration of the use of litotes (a figure of speech in which a positive statement is made by negating its opposite).2) The certainty of this promise is emphasized by the use of a double negative in the Greek text "shall not" ou me (REV).
3) This expression is used to express categorical and emphatic denials.
- In effect what is being said here, "the first death may hurt you, but only briefly, but the second death will not harm you at all" (RSK).
Transition: The next reward that we see promised is. . .
III. A New Name (Rev.2:17).
1. The hidden manna (v.17a).
A. The church at Pergamos had strayed from sound Biblical teaching and was following after the doctrine of Baalam - a doctrine of compromise with the world.Transition: He goes on to promise. . .B. Christ commanded the believers to repent, and promised for those who did that they would receive "hidden manna."
1) The hidden manna recalls the food from heaven that sustained Israel in the wilderness (Ex.16:4-31).2) Here it may refer to Christ as the Bread from heaven, the unseen source of the believer's nourishment and strength.
A) Whereas Israel received physical food, manna, the church receives spiritual food.3) Christ promises those faithful believers who obey His Word, that His sufficiency is greater than allurements of the world, and they will be able to overcome the compromise in morals or teachings of this world.B) John 6:48-51, "I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread also which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh."
2. The white stone and the new name (v.17b).
A. The meaning of the white stone with the new name written is derived from customs of the day.Application: Taken as a whole, the message to the church in Pergamum is a warning against compromise in morals or teachings, and against deviating from the purity of doctrine required of Christian faith. The Lord promises to reward overcomers who do not succumb to compromising with the world, with some level of special admiration.1) Judges would determine a verdict by placing in an urn a white and a black pebble (REV).B. The new name written upon the stone is a symbol of the personal and intimate relationship believers will experience with the Lord in heaven (RHLW).A) If the white one came out, it meant acquittal.2) An other custom was the wearing of amulets as good luck charms around the neck (REV).B) A black stone would be guilt.
C) Thus the white stone would mean the assurance that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
- If this is the reference, then the stone is the Lord's way of reminding the people that they had Him and needed no other thing.3) It was also a custom in the Greek athletic games fo giving a white stone to the victor in a contest or to gladiators at the Roman games who had won the admiration of the public and had been allowed to retire from further combat (NSB).- This is probably the best view in light of what Christ is teaching about rewards.
Transition: The next reward listed in the book of Revelation is. . .
IV. Authority Over The Nations
(Rev.2:26-28).
1. Rule over nations (vv.26-27).
A. The Lord commends the church at Thyatira for increasing their good works, and He also rebukes them for permitting the false teaching of a prophetess who openly advocated the practice of immorality.Transition: Christ also comforts His followers by saying they will. . .B. As a result of this, the Lord encourages the faithful not to leave the church but to stand for truth without compromise until He returned (RHLW).
1) The promise for those who did this, was that they would be given authority to rule over the nations in the Millennium, sharing the privilege granted to Christ by God.- Psalm 2:7-9, "I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, 'Thou art My Son, Today I have begotten Thee. 'Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Thine inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Thy possession. 'Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, Thou shalt shatter them like earthenware.'"2) The word "rule" in verse 7 means to "shepherd."- Believers will not only execute judgment but will administer mercy, direction, and protection to the nations during the Kingdom age.
2. Receive the morning star (v.28).
A. The morning star is explained in Revelation 22:16, "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star."Application: The church at Thyatira could be commended for its love, but not its doctrine. The days at Thyatira may have been dark, but the bright and morning star awaits the faithful overcomers (JITH). The overcomers who persevere in obedience to the end of their lives have the promise of being coheirs with Christ. He will share His sovereignty with messianic partners who have proven their trustworthiness in this life by doing the will of God to the end. This is the exalted destiny to which all believers should aspire (NSB).B. When Christ gives us the morning star, He gives us Himself (JITH).
1) The phrase morning star also emphasizes the dawning of a new day.2) The morning star shines brightly over the dark earth just before dawn (RHLW).
- At the Rapture, Christ will appear over this dark world to take believers away before the Tribulation and will reappear to usher in the dawn of the Millennium.
Transition: The next reward given for the overcomer believer is to be. . .
V. Clothed In White & The
Book Of Life (Rev.3:5).
1. Clothed in white (v.5a).
A. The Lord commends the few faithful members of the church of Sardis, however most of the church was spiritually dead although outwardly they seemed to be alive (REV).Transition: Christ also comforts His followers by reassuring them that their names will remain intact in. . .B. The Lord exhorted the church to seek spiritual healing, and if they did they would clothed in white and their names would be confessed before God and the Angels.
1) White is the color of the garments that the redeemed will wear in the Lord's presence (7:13-14; 19:8).2) The reference to white garments here as rewards probably symbolize the Lord's recognition of godly character and faithful service in this life (NSB).
2. The Book of Life (v.5b).
A. The New Testament refers to the Book of Life 8 different times, and the Old Testament alludes to it 3 times (CET).Application: Christ will publicly confess those overcomers of this world who show godly character and faithful service in this life.1) In biblical times, the names of individuals were recorded in the city register, and after their death or departure from the city, they were erased or marked out of the book of the living (RHLW).B. This statement about the book of life is an affirmation that those who are born again possess eternal life, and no person or thing can ever separate Christians from eternal life.2) Revelation 13:8 tells us about a similar book - "the book of life of the Lamb."
A) This book is the book which the names of those who have received Christ's eternal life.3) The book of life then seems to contain the names of all living people, whom God the Creator has made.B) Therefore, only believers who have lived since the cross have their names written in this book.
A) Exodus 32:33, "And the LORD said to Moses, 'Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book.'"B) Therefore, when a person is without forgiveness of sins their names will be blotted out, and those who have forgiveness their names remain in the book of life.
Transition: The 6th reward for the overcomer is to become. . .
VI. A Pillar In God's Temple (Rev.3:12).
1. A pillar in God's temple (v.12a).
A. The church in Philadelphia received no rebuke from Christ, instead they were commended and given a promise because they had been willing to endure patiently (BKC).Transition: Not only will the overcomer have a prominent place of service, but they will also have. . .B. Everyone who is an overcomer will become a pillar in the temple of God.
1) The custom in Philadelphia was to memorialize the deeds of a distinguished municipal leader, great senators, or an outstanding citizen by inscribing that person's name in a special pillar and then they would put that pillar in one of the city's temples (JITH).- This would serve as a permanent reminder of that person and his deeds.2) Overcomers will be permanently honored in the temple of God (REV).- This also implies a prominent place of service in Christ's kingdom (NSB).
2. The name of God and the city of God written upon them (v.12b).
A. The name of God signifies His ownership.Application: The faithful overcomer is assured of special honor in heaven in recognition of being a distinguished citizen. You could say that this is God's eternal good citizenship award for faithful believers.B. The name of God's city signifies our citizenship in the heavenly city.
C. Because believers have identified with Christ by faith, He will identify Himself with them (BKC).
Transition: The 7th reward for the overcomer is the privilege of. . .
VII. Sharing Christ's Throne (Rev.3:21).
1. Share Christ's throne (v.21a).
A. The Lord found nothing to commend the church at Laodicea for, but severely censured and condemned its spiritual condition.Transition: Those overcomers will have a victory similar to Christ's, let's look at. . .- The Lord revealed that this church's wealth and worldliness had lulled them into an attitude of self-sufficiency and self-satisfaction which produced a spirit of smug complacency (RHLW).B. To those members who repented and let Christ back in to their lives, the Lord promised the overcomers a place on His throne.- The implication is that the overcomer will share with Christ in the administration of His kingdom (JITH).
2. Christ's example (v.21b).
A. The victory of Christ led to His present position at the right hand of God in heaven, while the victory of the overcomers will lead to the privilege of sharing Christ's own earthly throne (NSB).Application: With Christ on the outside (knocking on the disobedient believer's door; Rev.3:20), there can be no fellowship or genuine wealth. With Christ on the inside (when a believer responds to Christ's knocking), there is wonderful fellowship and sharing of the marvelous grace of God (BKC). Just as Christ overcame the world through faithful obedience, a believer today overcomes the world by humble, obedient faith, will sit with Christ on His throne. Overcomers must persevere in their faith despite suffering if they wish to receive the promise of Christ; Romans 8:17, "and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him."- 2 Timothy 2:12, "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;"B. Jesus Christ overcame by humble obedience, even to the point of death (NSB).- Philippians 2:8-11, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Transition: The last reward found mentioned in the book of Revelation is. . .
VIII. The Meritorious Ownership
Over The New Jerusalem (Rev.21:7).
1. Inherit all things (v.7a).
A. The overcomer will inherit "all things" (KJV), in other words they will have a full inheritance.Transition: Not only will we inherit things beyond our comprehension, but we also have the promise that we. . .B. This is beyond our finite ability to comprehend what this will include (RHLW).
- We do know that it will encompass the new heaven and the new earth and all the glories of the New Jerusalem.
2. Will be God's son forever (v.7b).
A. The most wonderful part of this inheritance is that the overcomer will be a rightful heir of God forever (NSB).Application: The good news is that all believers are overcomers in the sense that they put their trust in the Savior of the world; 1 John 5:4-5, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith. And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" But sadly, most have stopped at this point and have failed to make Christ the Lord of their lives. When we do this, we get our rewards on this side of heaven and fail to lay up for ourselves eternal rewards that will never pass away. Which do you think is better?B. Sonship is a special honor associated with the Davidic covenant and includes privileged intimacy with God and the authority to rule (NSB).
- This expresses the intimate relationship between the saints and God in the eternal state (BKC).
Transition: Lets put all this into prospective. . .
Truths To Ponder:
1. The verses should MOTIVATE US to be better Christians.
A. Once again, we see that there is more to the Christian life than just have your salvation (Justification).2. These verses should ENCOURAGE US as we face various troubles and trials in our lives.B. Just getting into heaven shouldn't be the end goal of every believer, because Christ wants to give us much more than that.
1) Our faithfulness here in our present life (Salvation/Sanctification) will greatly impact our future eternal lives (Salvation/Glorification) with God.2) God is truly a good God, who wants to do more than just save us (Salvation/Justification), He wants to pour out His blessings on those who are faithful beyond anything that we can imagine.
A. These verses have reaffirmed that believers are saved by God's grace (Justification) and not by our works, and that nothing will change that.B. We also find encouragement in the fact that if we do suffer for Christ's sake, we will have a special reward waiting on us in eternity.
3. These verse should FOCUS US on what
is really important in life and what is not.
A. The Christian's only lasting rewards are not found in this life, but in the life to come.B. This should motivate us to keep our hearts and minds focused upon Jesus Christ and not on each other, nor upon what the world can offer us.
References
BKC - Bible Knowledge
Commentary, John F. Walvoord & Roy B. Zuck, Victor Books.
CET - Charting
The End Times, Tim LaHay & Thomas Ice, Harvest House Publishers.
JITH - Journey
Into The Heavenlies, Tommy C. Higle, Tommy Higle Publishers.
NSB - Nelson
Study Bible, Earl Radmacher General Editor, Thomas Nelson Publishers
REV - Revelation,
Everyman's Bible Commentary, Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Press.
RHLW - Revelation,
Hearing the Last Word, David M. Levy, Friends of Israel Gospel
Ministry.
RSK - The Reign
of the Servant Kings, Joseph C. Dillow, Schoettle Publishing.
WGB - Willmington's
Guide To The Bible, H. L. Willmington, Tyndale House Publishers.