A CHURCH WITH LITTLE POWER
Revelation 3.-7-13
Introduction: Sometimes one may set out to perform an awesome
task against, what seems to be, insurmountable odds. Though the challenge is great and the rewards
plenty, during the struggle one may feel all alone. It is at that time one searches for an
example: someone who has gone that route before. He tries to find the perfect
model in a person or even an event in history that characterizes his or her
present dilemma.
A. How many times have we looked to Job as an
example of endurance for encouragement?
We draw strength from the trials that Job had to endure. Yet, who was his example?
1. Read Job 19:13-29
2. Read Job
B. We
look with hindsight at Elijah's anguish over being alone in his struggles so
that we can draw courage and hope from him.
1. Read 1 Kings 19:4, 12-18
2. How
many times have we felt that no one shared in our personal experiences? How many times have you felt isolated from
everyone else as if you were the only one of your kind around?
C. We
look to the apostle Paul with great consolation in knowing that we never have
to stand alone.
1. When
all forsook Paul, he knew God was with him (2 Tim.
2. We
can take comfort in knowing that God will not abandon us although we may be
abandoned by family, friends and yes, even our own brethren.
D. As a
group of Christians united together to do the Lord's work in this community,
you may wonder if there is a model or example of a like group united together
for a common cause to meet such an awesome challenge in the midst of
overwhelming opposition.
I. I want to tell you about a church with little power
(Rev. 3:8).
A. The
word "POWER" or "STRENGTH" is from the Greek word DUNAMIS
from which we get the word Dynamite. What the writer means is:
1. Little ability
2. Limited in numbers and resources.
B. God set before them an open door which no on can shut.
1. This refers to evangelistic opportunity
2. Notice the use of the term in Acts
C. There
were those who claimed to be Christians who troubled them but God knew they
were not (Rom.
1.
Evidently these prove to be false brethren (2 Cor.
2.
Some who claim to be brethren will turn out to be
disappointments
3.
We know many in the denominational world who claim
to be God’s people but are not (Matt.
D. They
were to be kept from the trials or rather held up through trials.
1.
They had to have the attitude expressed in Hebrews
13:5-6
2.
God holds us up by revealing to us the benefits of
our trials (James 1:2-4)
E. They
were encouraged to keep holding fast unto the blessings that were sure to come
(Rev. 3:11-12)
1.
They were not to let anyone stand in the way nor
hinder them from receiving their reward.
2.
The Lord would not let them down who trust Him.
II. Consider
those churches that have the resources and the ability but fail to utilize them
properly.
A. There
are those whose aim is to make a name for themselves (Rev. 3:1-3)
1.
Name means “reputation”
2.
Many churches today want a good rapport with the
community so they end up compromising its integrity by doing things that are
unauthorized for the sake of reputation (works undone – Eph.
3.
Cannot worry about what others may think of us as
we pursue doing God’s work (Luke
B. There
are those churches whose aim is to have a body count and to increase their
wealth (Rev. 3:14-18)
1.
They have wealth and riches, yet no real zeal, are
apathetic and content with whatever condition they are in
2.
They are those who do not utilize their talents
(resources) to their fullest potential (Matt. 25:14-30)
3.
Though they are big, though they have the
resources, though they have the nice buildings, they do not have the drive not
the will to continue doing God’s work his way, nor do they possess the presence
of mind to realize their pathetic condition (tell story of the brother from
England who felt the churches should be doing more
III. Conclusion – Though we
have a little power, God has given us an open door
A. We may
be few, but God has done great things with only a few
1.
Gideon’s army of 300
2.
The twelve apostles
B. We may
have a little money, but God has done great things with less
1.
Multiplied the loaves and the fish
2.
Paul, a man of limited wealth was able to take the
gospel to the entire Gentile world
C. We are
truly rich, yet we may not know it (rev. 2:9-10)
1.
Love for the truth (light to shine, take a stand,
teach)
2.
Love for the Lord (committed to his service,
worship him on every occasion, lead others to him)
3.
Love for each other (Assemble with the saints,
strive to get along and be on one accord) Then the Lord will do great things
through us