FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH
Revelation 11:3-13
Christ was and is faithful to the interests of His people - “the faithful and true.”
I. THE TEXT IMPLIES OBLIGATIONS TO CHRIST’S SERVICE.
This springs from -
1. Christ’s boundless Excellency - INFINITELY WORTHY.
2. His right of property in us - created - redeemed - created anew.
II. THE TEXT IMPLIES TEMPTATIONS TO UNFAITHFULNESS.
1. His service hard to flesh and blood.
2. A large bribe offered to desert and betray - “the world.”
3. Positive persecution often met with - “all who live godly,” etc.
III. THE TEXT FURNISHES TIME MEASURE OF FAITHFULNESS
1. This test has often been applied.
2. Christian faithfulness has stood it.
3. An apparently less severe test sometimes more readily yielded to.
IV. THE TEXT IMPLIES THAT THE TRIAL OF FAITHFULNESS SHALL CEASE WITH TIME.
1. There is no corruption in Heaven. Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
2. There is no misrepresentation there.
3. There is no tempter there.
V. THE TEXT REVEALS THE REWARD OF FAITHFULNESS.
1. A crown - honor, dominion.
2. Of life - a living, lasting crown.
3. Not as a recompense, but appropriate.
VI. THE TEXT CONNECTS TIME WITH ETERNITY.
1. We think of going, and leaving all behind.
2. The past is there already. “He that soweth to the Spirit." etc.
3. Each one weaves his own destiny.
VII. THE TEXT SHOWS THE AUTHOR OF THIS CONNECTION CHRIST.
1. Omniscient – all knowing.
2. Omnipotent – all powerful.
3. Unchangeable – never changing.
