Dr Robert B Thompson Sermon # 3156: The 7 Churches: Holiness And Obedience

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The Seven Churches: Holiness and Obedience

This sermon is part of a series of sermons by Dr. Thompson on the topic of the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation.

[Sermon Notes Below]

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Sermon #3156: Recorded March 31, 1992

Partial Sermon Summary:

Opening Passage: Revelation 3:12-13

Among other things, Dr. Thompson touches on...

The concept of the firstfruits includes the idea that we should give the Lord our best, not the leftovers.

The Levites were separated as firstfruits of Israel to God. Similarly, the church is called out of mankind as a firstfruits as well.

The reason you are holy is not because of your righteousness, but because God chose you.

We are not supposed to be "like everyone else". Israel and the church both are separated - a peculiar people. Set aside for a purpose.

Samson was holy because of God's calling, not because of his behavior.

Holiness means separate, not "better"...

Being separate/holy does not mean your life will be any easier.

When you're different, the rest of the people will quickly transition into mistrust and then hatred, and you will be persecuted and ultimately destroyed.

Romans 9:25-26: As He says also in Hosea: “I will call them My people, who were not My people, and her beloved, who was not beloved. And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ there they shall be called sons of the living God.”

We don't choose Jesus - He chooses us.

People become "saved", they receive baptism, they see truth based upon God's calling. You cannot force people to see.

God files people away in the place that they belong. Avoid arguing with people over either their calling or your own. Guard your calling, make it secure. Don't let it be taken.

John 15:16: You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

God will not judge you like the world. God has a different, higher standard for you. He'll judge you based to His calling on you.

You are not your own. You've been purchased at a price.

God sent the storm after Jonah. He wasn't punishing the crewmen.

2 Kinds of Sin: The sin that dwells in our flesh, and the sin of willful disobedience.

If we obey God and learn obedience, God will remove the sin that dwells in us.

If you're upset over the sin you see dwelling in you, rejoice - that's a blessing from God, and a strong motivator toward learning obedience.

We don't have the power to change ourselves at a foundational level - but we do have the power to obey God today. God will do the deep work if we do what we can.

Romans 6:22: But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

Eternal life is the fruit of a holy life.

The sin that dwells in you is not your fault - you were born that way. Willfully disobeying God is entirely your decision and your fault, and you will be rewarded accordingly. Obedience is your choice.

Romans 6: "Slaves of sin.... slaves of righteousness..."

Pentecost had the side effect of making Christianity very emotional and feelings-based. It was tongues-oriented, not Word-oriented.

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