Without Christ, our world will try to substitute security in any and every way: security in our health, security in our retirement savings or “social-security”, or security in what our own 2 hands can accomplish.
The reality is that all our measured efforts for finding safety and security are but illusions in a world that is broken. The believers in Philadelphia knew this truth, they lived with sacrifice and suffering because they believed the promise of God’s eternal city.
Hebrews 13:14
“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”
Conclusions:
1. Jesus has called you His own
2. Those who belong to Jesus, keep His word
3. Those who keep His word will be kept from judgment
4. Those who are kept from judgment have security in Jesus
Application:
Hold On
1. Obedience – Keeping God’s Word
2. Faithfulness – Never denying Jesus’ name
3. Perseverance – Enduring patiently
Romans 2:28-29
“A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.”
Ephesians 1:11-14
“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”
John 10:27
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”