John Prays for the Church to Prosper
John addresses this letter to the elder, the well-beloved (or dearly beloved) Gaius, who he love in the truth. John wish, or pray above all things that the church would prosper and be in health even as their soul prosper
(KJV)
The Sardis Church in Revelation
Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
He that have thee Seven Spirits and the Seven Stars is addressing this church. Why is Jesus introducing himself as the one who have the Seven Spirits and the Seven Stars? The number "Seven is symbolical for completion or perfection. So the message that Jesus wants to convey to this church is that they are spiritually dead but need to be Spiritually perfected
This message is to the pastors of Sardis, they have the reputation of Christians, and consequently of being alive to God, through the quickening influence of the Divine Spirit; but they are dead they have not the life of God in their souls, they have not walked consistently and steadily before God, and his Spirit has been grieved with them, and he has withdrawn much of his light and power.
The Seven Spirits and the Seven Stars, what does scripture tells us about these:
Revelation 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Zechariah 4:10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
2Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Job 34:21 For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Jeremiah 32:19 Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
Revelation 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Revelation 3:3 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.
Revelation 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Revelation 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
(KJV)
End Time Prophecy
2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
These teachers are not teaching a doctrine contributing to the health of the soul, or to salvation, but at that time they would seek a kind of instruction (teaching) more conformable to their wishes and feelings.
They will seek such a kind of preaching in accord with their carnal desires; or such as will palliate
( to reduce the bad effects) their evil propensities, and deal gently with their vices.
The book of Isaiah tells us:
Isaiah 30:10, "Speak unto us smooth things; prophesy deceits."
2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
The book of Isaiah also tells us:
Isaiah 30:9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
2 Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
2 Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
2 Timothy 4:12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
2 Timothy 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2 Timothy 4:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
2 Timothy 4:20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
2 Timothy 4:21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
2 Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. <<The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.>>
(KJV)
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