Revelation 2:16 Repent; or else I will come to you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. I. THERE IS A VICTORY TO BE GAINED. 1. We must overcome Satan. He was not afraid to assail our blessed Lord. We have times of special darkness and assault. 2. There is a victory over ourselves; over the evil of our own hearts; over the corruption of our own natures. 3. You must overcome false doctrines. You must resist all unscriptural opinions. 4. If there is any easily-besetting sin, any marked peculiarity of your condition which has a tendency to evil, it must be overcome. Is there constitutional temperament which is unfavourable to virtue? Bring your body into subjection. 5. Lastly, there is victory over the world; and in two forms of it — first, as intimidating, and second, as persecuting. Men and women are victors on earth as they adhere to the truth, as they practise virtue, and do the will of God, and are conformed to the image and example of the Lord Jesus. II. THE PRIVILEGES THAT ACCOMPANY THE CONQUEST THAT IS GAINED. 1. Here is the hidden manna; that is the first thing. It is the scorer hidden knowledge and experience of the efficacy, power, and satisfaction of the truth and doctrine of the Lord Jesus. Let the believer eat and be satisfied; satisfied in the love of God, in the grace of Christ, and in the communion of the Holy Spirit. 2. And I will give him a white stone. This indicates absolution from all sin and the forgiveness of all iniquity. There is forgiveness in the court of heaven, and in the court of our own consciences. 3. Lastly, it is said that in the stone there shall be a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it. We may take a person to be a hypocrite and a castaway, when God sees him to be His child. No one knows but God and ourselves. Judge not others; judge yourself. (James Stratten.) Parallel Verses KJV: Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. |
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