Standing the Higher Ground
The church in Philadelphia is commended for having kept the word of Jesus and having not denied His name. They had kept his command to endure patiently.
Our lesson for today discussed taking a stand for truth in a culture hostile to our Lord. Clearly something in line with what was taking place in Philadelphia.
In the book Sit, Walk, Stand, Watchman Nee points out that the action of standing is a defensive posture, not an offensive posture. We are called to Stand with Jesus, not to rush out and attack wickedness, but because of the attacks of wickedness.
Jesus is Holy. Jesus is True. Jesus hold the keys or rulership both to the church on earth and to everlasting life in heaven. Everything belongs to Him already. Especially the good and noble, the pure and unstained, the sacred things.
Even if we look to the description of the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18, everything in the list can be used for defense, even the sword of the Spirit which can block the blow of another sword or club.
Last year, in the study of Moses, we saw time and again how Moses and Aaron, when under attack, would immediately assume their battle positions. That position wasn’t, however, what we would normally think of. Their first battle ready position was to get on the knees or fall face down in prayer to the Lord. They understood, the principle that would ask, why use a slingshot (our own power) when you have access to cannons and high power weapons (God’s power)? Why stand behind a paper wall, when you can stand in the shelter of God’s fortress?
Jesus is not commending the church for crusades and battles, He is commending them for continuing to stand with Him even in the face of great persecution, even when they have little strength. In such action, they are promised to be spared from the larger onslaught attack that is to come to test the inhabitants of the whole world.
My Answers:
3.
a.
deeds, kept word, not denied name (although little strength), kept command, endures patiently
b.
attack from inside, persecution, temptation to deny Jesus
4.
a.
i: dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred
ii: Factual, Accurate, without variation, in perfect alignment with the factual and real; loyal and faithful
III: the keys to the king of the jews (God’s chosen people), ruler, master of the house, guardian of the door
b.
The key to eternal life. The key that unlocks our heart so that the Holy Spirit may abide in us. The key to love and redemption
5.
Those who refuse to obey Jesus – regardless of heritage
6.
a.
He desires joining, raising up, holiness, power, grace, repentence, obedience, joy / they seek to impart the opposite
b.
By choosing that path and then relying on His spirit, His words and His power. Through actions and witnessing
The Notes are Good 