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12/17/17 “7 CHARACTERISTICS OF A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN” – Pastor Shane Idleman
If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.
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Complete Sermon Notes
7 Characteristics Of A Faithful Christian
Rev. 3:7-13
Rev. 3:7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:
1. Holiness is a priority: Charles Spurgeon rightly noted, “There will be three effects of nearness to Jesus—humility, happiness, and holiness.”
The Enemy of Holiness is a REBELLIOUS SPIRIT.
You have to fight for Holiness – you’re relationship with God is dependant upon it.
Holiness always produces Faith & Spiritual Power!
Carnality gives God “His due” (a few hours on Sunday), but they forget His call to “come out from among them (the world) and be separate.”
A fire burning deep within – do we stoke the flames or put them out? “I’M SO STOKED!”
Carnality means that the fire is almost out & the rivers of living water are dried up.
We cannot love both Christ and this world. A carnal Christian does not pray, really pray and seek the heart of God. A deep prayer life exposes facades and crushes hypocrisy.
You won’t find them at Prayer nights and Worship mornings, but you will find them at Cinemark and the Mall.
ON THE FLIP SIDE – Carnality can also take place in the mind of the faithful.
2. The source of their authority is God – He is Holy and True.
Ultimate authority rests in the Son: “He has the keys of David” – Fulfilment of the Davidic Covenant.
Open and shut doors to salvation and life in general.
A faithful Christian is not continually looking for advice outside of God’s Word.
Merrill Lynch about how to get rich.
Local Nail Salon for marriage counseling.
Remax for advice on selling your home.
Guys at work about how to prioritize your life – football, beer, and Havasu.
___
8 “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.
3. They work AND wait for God to open doors
A little strength is all you need!
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9.
GOD WILL OFTEN BREAK US DOWN TO BUILD US UP! He’ll take away your strength – what you were trusting in.
The Refiners fire involves fire and heat. The waves of change involve being plummeted – tossed and turned.
But He says – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” I AM THE 4TH MAN IN THE FIRE!
4. They “keep” his word. They keep the course REGARDLESS of the storm…regardless of the criticism…regardless of the heat.
___
9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not,
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By Westside Christian FellowshipIf you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.
Tweet
Complete Sermon Notes
7 Characteristics Of A Faithful Christian
Rev. 3:7-13
Rev. 3:7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:
1. Holiness is a priority: Charles Spurgeon rightly noted, “There will be three effects of nearness to Jesus—humility, happiness, and holiness.”
The Enemy of Holiness is a REBELLIOUS SPIRIT.
You have to fight for Holiness – you’re relationship with God is dependant upon it.
Holiness always produces Faith & Spiritual Power!
Carnality gives God “His due” (a few hours on Sunday), but they forget His call to “come out from among them (the world) and be separate.”
A fire burning deep within – do we stoke the flames or put them out? “I’M SO STOKED!”
Carnality means that the fire is almost out & the rivers of living water are dried up.
We cannot love both Christ and this world. A carnal Christian does not pray, really pray and seek the heart of God. A deep prayer life exposes facades and crushes hypocrisy.
You won’t find them at Prayer nights and Worship mornings, but you will find them at Cinemark and the Mall.
ON THE FLIP SIDE – Carnality can also take place in the mind of the faithful.
2. The source of their authority is God – He is Holy and True.
Ultimate authority rests in the Son: “He has the keys of David” – Fulfilment of the Davidic Covenant.
Open and shut doors to salvation and life in general.
A faithful Christian is not continually looking for advice outside of God’s Word.
Merrill Lynch about how to get rich.
Local Nail Salon for marriage counseling.
Remax for advice on selling your home.
Guys at work about how to prioritize your life – football, beer, and Havasu.
___
8 “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.
3. They work AND wait for God to open doors
A little strength is all you need!
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9.
GOD WILL OFTEN BREAK US DOWN TO BUILD US UP! He’ll take away your strength – what you were trusting in.
The Refiners fire involves fire and heat. The waves of change involve being plummeted – tossed and turned.
But He says – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” I AM THE 4TH MAN IN THE FIRE!
4. They “keep” his word. They keep the course REGARDLESS of the storm…regardless of the criticism…regardless of the heat.
___
9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not,