Abundantly into the everlasting kingdom 2 Peter 1:3-11 Abundantly into the everlasting kingdom

INTRODUCTION Series on the Kingdom of God The problem: complacency Many Christians spiritually poor and blind

Rev 3:14-22 (1) And to the angel of the church of the Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Head of the creation of God, says these things: (15) I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot. (16) So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (17) Because you say, I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, (18) I counsel you to buy from Me gold purified by fire, so that you may be rich; and white clothing, so that you may be clothed,

Rev 3:14-22 (2) And so that the shame of your nakedness does not appear. And anoint your eyes with eye salve, so that you may see. (19) As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; therefore be zealous and repent. (20) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me. (21) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame and have sat down with My Father in His throne. (22) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Words of Christ Not just “Jesus” or rabbi The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Head of the creation of God King of Kings, God, head of the church Urgent message that is stern & passionate

The Laodicean Church Jesus judged the Laodiceans to be arrogant Rich - Love of world and its wealth Foolish

Jesus’ Distaste Jesus’ feelings of disgust of People’s sense of complacency The “Lukewarm”

Complacency Poor - Without God, His will or His grace Naked – A sinful live Blind Poor sense of spiritual awareness Lacking an understanding of one’s own spiritual condition or wellness.

The Lord Loves As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” And you are the church.

Peter’s instructions on enter the kingdom of God APPLICATION

2Pe 1:5-11 Bringing in all diligence, filling out your faith with virtue, and with virtue, knowledge; and with knowledge self-control, and with self-control, patience, and with patience, godliness, and with godliness, brotherly kindness, and with brotherly kindness, love.  Signs of transformation in the Holy Spirit!

The Result No longer complacent (not be idle) No longer blind No longer naked

The Message: Diligence! Enter with diligence! Your calling and election is reinforced in being Spiritually Strong Your entrance into the KOG is one that is: Rich, in garment of Righteousness and Enlightened

CONCLUSION Blessed are the poor in spirit! For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Mat 5:3 Open your eyes! Be diligent: Take charge of your spiritual life He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says