A PERFECT CHURCH?

REVELATION 3:7-13                                                        

Pastor Rick Jackson

Of course, we all know there are no perfect local churches. If you ever find one, someone has said, don't join it! Because the moment you join it- it will no longer be perfect. The lesson is, of course, that since none of us is perfect, no church made up of imperfect people can be perfect. With that in mind however turn to our text. Jesus directed John to write to 7 local churches in his day. Jesus complimented each church on what was right about them (if anything) and then told them what was wrong with them. Just as one church had no good things Jesus said about them- one church had no bad things that Jesus discussed with them. What about this "perfect" church? What are some characteristics of this church? What lessons can we learn about churches we see, hear, and/or know about?

I. WHAT THE PERFECT CHURCH HAS GOING FOR IT: [v. 7-8]

1. The Perfect Church has a Perfect Lord [v. 7]

2. The Perfect Church has a Perfect Power [v. 8, Rm. 1:16, 2 Co. 12:9-10]

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2. The Perfect Church has a Perfect Duty [v. 8b, 1:3, 2:6, 3:3, 12:17, 14:12, 16:15, 22:7, 9] (Its Non-denial is Noteworthy)

Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

II. THE PERFECT CHURCH HAS GOING AGAINST IT [v. 9]

1. Religious Professors [Mt. 7: 21-23]

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

2. Liars [Matthew 5:11]

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

3. Individuals Destined to face the Master [Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11, Phil. 2:9-11]

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

III. THE PERFECT CHURCH HAS OPPORTUNITIES [v. 10-12]

1. To Escape the Great Tribulation [v. 10, 14:7]

2. To Engage in the Great Task [v. 11]

Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

3. To Enjoy the Great City [v. 12]

1 John 2:13-14 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?