DEMAND LAID UPON THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH

The Demand Laid Upon the Philadelphia Church

"Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."

These words were spoken to the church at Sardis (3:3) but that they were a warning. Here these words are a promise.

 

"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."

Thus it can be seen that the doctrine of the Advent of Christ affects persons according to the condition of their life.

The Command to Hold Fast

"Hold that fast which thou hast."

What do they have?

A little power.

A piety of life.

Purity of doctrine.

Hope of Christ's coming.

The Crowning They Might Lose
"That no man take thy crown."

There is a crown for those who devote all they have in piety, steadfastness, and hope.