That No One May Take Your Crown

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 
Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown."
[Revelation 3:8-11 NKJV]

The letter to the Church at Philadelphia is the second of only two of seven letters where there is no criticism of the church. Indeed, Smyrna and Philadelphia are twinned one with another ...

• Both letters mention the synagogue of Satan. (Smyrna is subjected to the blasphemy of the synagogue of Satan; Philadelphia will see them worship at your feet and ... know that I have loved you).
• Both talk of trial and tribulation (Smyrna will suffer; Philadelphia will be kept from suffering)
• Both end with crowns (Smyrna will be given the crown of life; Philadelphia is urged to ensure that no one may take your crown).

The two letters are very much related, with Philadelphia revealing the reward for those who faithfully endured the tribulation at Smyrna. Together, they hold the pattern of the New Testament Church of Jesus Christ, while all the others are in some way or another criticised for straying from the paths of righteousness.

We must remember in all this that the attributes, both good and bad, in every one of these churches, can be found to a greater or lesser degree in every church group - indeed within each one of us.

Only with the presence of Christ in the midst does the hard unrepentant heart of man soften and turn towards God. This is the message - repent, seek forgiveness and obtain deliverance, then persevere in faith with what you have obtained from Him, that no one may take your crown.

---

“Let No Man Take Your Crown” — TWILA PARIS

---

OSWALD CHAMBERS - RUN TODAY'S RACE
Friday 4th September 2020
Undisciplined imagination is the greatest disturber not only of growth in grace, but of spiritual sanity.

---