SEIZE THE DAY
To the Church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)
Pastor Bill Young (bill@trc.life)

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (Colossians 4:5)

i. Four

of Jesus:
Revelation 3:7 (NIV84) To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

1. Reveal Answer
   .
2. Reveal Answer
   .
3. Reveal Answer
   .
4. Reveal Answer
   .

When life gets hard, remember God is in

Reveal Answer

!

Three suggestions for how to seize the day …

I. By focusing on opportunities instead of

.

THEME: “Life’s irritations are God’s opportunities.”

1 . Opportunity for ministry:
Revelation 3:8a (NIV84) I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.

2 . Obstacle of powerlessness:
Revelation 3:8b (NIV84) I know that you have little strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV84) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

When life is difficult, look for

Reveal Answer

to serve.

II. By focusing on faithfulness instead of

.

1. Striving to endure:
   Revelation 3:10a (NIV84) Since you have kept my command to endure patiently.

2. By not fearing the future.
   Revelation 3:10b (NIV84) I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

When life is scary, focus on Jesus and his promises.

III. By focusing on the eternal instead of the

.

1 . Jesus is coming with rewards!
Revelation 3:11 (NIV84) I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Revelation 22:12 (NIV84) Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.

2 . Four eternal blessings for the Believer:
Revelation 3:12 (NIV84) Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.

a)

in God’s temple!
b) God’s

Reveal Answer

.
c) God’s

Reveal Answer

name.
d) My

Reveal Answer

name. (1 John 3:2)

When life seems hopeless, focus on the eternal not temporal.
(Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.)

IV. Conclusion…
Revelation 3:13 (NIV84) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

THEME: “Life’s irritations are

opportunities.”

Discussion Questions:
1. Describe some obstacles, challenges or irritations that you have experienced recently. How have they affected your ability to serve God’s people?
2. “Life’s irritations are God’s opportunities.” What are some possible serving opportunities God may be providing for you in the midst of your difficulties?
3. 3. In Revelation 3:11, Jesus says, “I am coming soon.” How does that make you feel? Does it frighten you or excite you?
4. Describe what you think eternal rewards really are. Should we be motivated by them? Why or why not?