Revelation 3:11-13 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them 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 them my new name. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The church in Philadelphia needed to endure through its trials so that they would not lose their crown. Unfaithfulness will result in the loss of the crown. This life is a battle. It is difficult. Christians as soldiers is an image New Testament writers used to illustrate faithful service and endurance. Paul directs Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:4 to be a faithful soldier who pleases his commanding officer. The crown was the symbol given to winning athletes in the ancient world of the first century. It was a symbol of highest honor. This victory comes through faithful obedience through trials and tests.
The honor the faithful believer receives is to be make a pillar in God’s temple. This description draws our attention to being in the presence of God. The faithful will always be able to be in the presence of God. They have proven themselves faithful and holy, which qualifies them to be in the presence of the Holy God. Behind this description is an implied holiness. They will be worthy to wear the name of God, Jerusalem, and the new name of Jesus, like many today proudly wear hats and shirts with the names of their favorite sports teams. We need to wear the label of “Jesus Follower” in this life so that we can wear the label for eternity (Matthew 10:32-33).
The key idea is “hold on.” Don’t give up. Stay faithful. Life will give each of us many challenges. Temptations come to everyone. We need God’s grace and then be fully obedient through these trials so that we may be found faithful. We must preserve and grow in holiness in all that we do.
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