Time is Short, Let no Man Take Thy Crown

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Short Summary
The discourse emphasizes the urgency of spiritual vigilance in the closing days of the Gospel age, urging believers to remain watchful, sober, and faithful to secure their allotted crowns before Christ’s return. It highlights the importance of interpreting current global events as prophetic signs, maintaining spiritual alertness, avoiding lukewarmness, and resting confidently in God’s plan while diligently living out their consecration with courage and obedience. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to hold fast to their faith to overcome trials and be ready for the kingdom’s fulfillment.

Long Summary
Detailed Summary of the Discourse: “The Time is Short: Let No Man Take Thy Crown”

Opening and Theme Introduction
– The speaker greets brethren in the name of God and Jesus Christ, bringing love from the Hom Ecclesia in India.
– The topic is based on Revelation 3:11: *“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”*
– The message emphasizes the urgency of the times—the “time is short”—and the necessity of holding fast to one’s spiritual crown.

Context of Current Events and Prophecy
– The world is experiencing significant, tumultuous events:
1. The global pandemic
2. Russia-Ukraine conflict
3. Israel-Hamas war
4. Rising tensions in the Middle East (Israel and Iran)
– These events are seen as prophetic “birth pangs” signaling the end of the Gospel age and the nearing of Christ’s kingdom.
– Scripture cited:
– 1 Thessalonians 5:3 *“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”*
– Romans 13:11 *“Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”*

The Crown: Its Assignment and Possible Loss
– Each consecrated believer is allotted a crown at the time of covenant with God, symbolizing the prize of faithful service and sacrifice.
– The crown is not automatically secured; it must be “held fast” or it can be lost to someone more faithful.
– This warning is especially directed to the Laodicean church period (the current church age), referencing Revelation 3:11 and 3:15-16 regarding lukewarmness.
– Pastor Russell’s teaching (Question Book 198) highlights that God values character and loyalty over outward appearance; losing loyalty leads to losing favor and the crown.

Self-Judgment and Watchfulness
– Believers are urged to engage in deep self-examination, judging themselves by the Lord’s perfect example and Scripture, not by others (1 Corinthians 11:31).
– Watchfulness is critical:
– 1 Peter 4:7 *“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”*
– 1 Thessalonians 5:6 *“Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”*
– Watchfulness counters subtle, unexpected temptations and trials, protecting spiritual armor.
– Spiritual alertness includes:
– Mental watchfulness (keeping spiritual senses sharp)
– Emotional watchfulness (guarding affections and loyalties)
– Prayerful watchfulness (constant communion with God for strength and wisdom).

Watching the Word of Prophecy
– Prophecy is a “more sure word” (2 Peter 1:19), a guiding light in dark times.
– Believers should carefully heed prophetic developments, understanding God’s plan and their place in it to avoid being spiritually lost.
– The end goal of watching prophecy is obedience, zeal, and action, not mere curiosity.
– The wise virgins’ example: ready and prepared for the Bridegroom’s coming.
– Upcoming prophetic events include:
– Church federation/unification of nominal churches
– Vivification of the “image of the beast” (Protestant church federation gaining power)
– Church-state cooperation
– A time when no man can walk (severe opposition to true believers)
– The hour of power for Babylon and its enforcement
– The final witness by the faithful members of the Body of Christ
– The glorification of the Church (the first resurrection and eternal union with Christ)
– God’s dealings with Israel (recognition of Christ and restoration).

Watchfulness of the Heart and Conduct
– Self-watchfulness extends to personal holiness:
– Keeping garments unspotted from the world (Jude 1:21)
– Confessing sins and seeking forgiveness daily (1 John 1:9)
– Guarding against bitterness (Hebrews 12:15)
– Exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control.
– Avoiding entanglement in worldly cares that choke spiritual fruitfulness (parable of the soils).

Sobriety and Seriousness of Consecration
– Soberness means being serious-minded, watchful, and deeply thoughtful about consecration and responsibilities (1 Peter 5:8).
– It opposes frivolity, carelessness, and distraction from the world’s empty amusements.
– Believers are ambassadors of Christ and must honor Him in word, spirit, and conduct.
– The race of faith requires patience, zeal, and wholehearted devotion (Hebrews 12:1-2).
– Lay aside every hindrance and redeem time to serve the truth and edify the Body of Christ.

Avoiding Lukewarmness
– Lukewarmness is a grave danger during the Laodicean church period (Revelation 3:15-16).
– It signifies indifference and lack of heartfelt devotion.
– Quotes from the Question Book stress that lukewarmness is offensive to God and that all true Christians must actively serve the Lord.
– Spiritual vigilance is necessary to prevent lukewarmness from creeping in.

Rest in God’s Plan and Spiritual Maturity
– Psalm 149:5 speaks of saints singing joyfully on their beds—symbolizing spiritual rest and peace in God’s plan.
– Hebrews 4:10 describes entering God’s rest as ceasing from one’s own works, trusting fully in God’s justice and wisdom.
– Spiritual maturity means no longer being tossed by every new doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).
– Faith and assurance come from the harmony of God’s Word, not emotional experiences.
– Believers are exhorted to stand firm, rooted in the harvest message of the Lord’s second coming.

Courage and Divine Protection
– Courage grounded in faith is essential (Psalm 31:24).
– True courage is quiet, steadfast boldness to stand for truth even when isolated.
– God’s protection is assured:
– Psalm 34:7 *“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”*
– Faithful overcomers will be granted a place in the glorified kingdom.
– Courage is the fruit of loyalty and deep faith; the measure of courage mirrors the measure of trust in God.

Suffering for Christ
– 1 Peter 4:16 encourages rejoicing rather than shame if one suffers for being a Christian.
– The Lord Jesus Himself suffered persecution and crucifixion as an example.
– Believers should glorify God in their sufferings, recognizing them as proof of faithfulness.

Conclusion and Final Exhortation
– The time is very short; believers must hold fast to their crowns.
– The key spiritual qualities to cultivate are:
– Watchfulness
– Soberness
– Avoiding lukewarmness
– Rest in God’s plan
– Courage and faithfulness
– Guard against spiritual slumber, overconfidence, and worldly distractions.
– By maintaining these attitudes, no one can take the crown allotted to the faithful.
– Amen.

—

Key Bible Verses Referenced:

– Revelation 3:11: *“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”*
– 1 Thessalonians 5:3: *“When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them…”*
– Romans 13:11: *“Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”*
– 1 Corinthians 11:31: *“If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.”*
– 1 Peter 4:7: *“Be sober, be vigilant…”*
– 1 Thessalonians 5:6: *“Let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”*
– 2 Peter 1:19: *“We have also a more sure word of prophecy…”*
– Jude 1:21: *“Keep yourselves in the love of God.”*
– 1 John 1:9: *“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us…”*
– Hebrews 12:15: *“Lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you…”*
– 1 Peter 5:8: *“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil…”*
– Hebrews 12:1-2: *“Let us lay aside every weight… and run with patience the race set before us…”*
– Revelation 3:15-16: *“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot… lukewarm… I will spew thee out of my mouth.”*
– Psalm 149:5: *“Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.”*
– Hebrews 4:10: *“He that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works…”*
– Ephesians 4:14: *“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro…”*
– Psalm 31:24: *“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart…”*
– Psalm 34:7: *“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him…”*
– 1 Peter 4:16: *“If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed…”*

—

This detailed summary highlights the core themes, scriptural foundations, exhortations, and practical spiritual instructions given in the discourse, focusing on vigilance, faithfulness, and readiness in the closing days of the Gospel Age.

Transcript

Brethren, Love and greetings in the name of our loving Heavenly Father and dear Redeemer Jesus Christ. I bring you the love of my Hom Ecclesia here in India Once again it is a privilege to join with you this evening and share the Word of God, the topic for today’s evening. As brother have said, the time is short. Let no man take thy crown theme verse Revelation 3rd chapter verse 11 behold, I come quickly. Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown Foreign Brethren, as we gather virtually in this online this evening, we would like to bring to our remembrance the many events in the recent days or months in the world around us.

Certainly it is no ordinary time. We all will accept we are living in the closing scenes of the Gospel age, the final days of the Church earthly calling.

These are events of great magnitude unfolding globally and every one of us should be alert interpreting these signs in the light of prophecy.

We have recently witnessed within a span of say for about five years. First, the global pandemic which brought fear and shutdowns to every corner of the world. Second, the Russia Ukraine conflict unsettling Europe and the nations. Thirdly, the violent and heartbreaking Israel Hamas war.

Fourthly, the rising tensions between Israel and Iran, threatening wider conflict in the Middle East.

Brethren, these are not just random events is what we believe.

They are prophetic birth pangs foretold in the word of God.

These are the signs that the old order is collapsing and the new order under Christ’s kingdom is drawing near.

We read in the Scriptures from 1 Thessalonians 5:3 for when they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape.

Like travail upon a woman with child before birth, these events grow more intense and frequent as we approach the visible phase of the kingdom. The Apostle Paul’s comparison reminds us that tribulation will precede the deliverance, the deliverance both of the new creation and of the groaning creation.

Thus with confidence we say along with the apostle in Romans 13:11 we read, now is our salvation nearer than we first believed.

Brethren, each passing day brings us closer to that long awaited moment of our full deliverance when the first resurrection shall take place and the bride of Christ will be gloriously united with her heavenly bridegroom, never to part again.

Though the exact numbers of number of years remaining is hidden from us, the signs around us confirm one thing.

Clearly the time is very short. So let us consider our theme text again. Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly. Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Though this particular scripture is found in the message to the Church of Philadelphia and applies to the saints of Philadelphia, Inferior brethren, we all will agree that it is more appropriate to apply it to us, the Laodicean Church.

It speaks of two important aspects of our calling. One, we all have a crown assigned to us. Two, we all have the possibility of losing that to someone, provided we are not holding it fast.

Dear brethren, it means that there are only lakh and 44,000 crowns in total. Every crown will have a crown wearer, that is, each one of us. Each one of us has a crown allotted to his name.

From the moment we made our covenant with God, each of us was assigned a crown because our relationship with our advocate and our commitment to sacrifice, we believe the crown already belongs to us.

But the scripture admonishes there is a possibility of not making it our own, therefore losing it to someone else more faithful than us.

Therefore we must hold on to it firmly. If we fail to live up to our calling and lose our place in the inheritance, someone else will take our crown and we lose it to him.

Brethren, regarding the Lord’s expectation on us with regard to making the crown our own, we read from question book question number 198. These are the words of Pastor Russell regarding what we should do and what we should not do so that the crown allotted to us becomes our own. I quote, what the Lord admires in you is not the shape of your face or form, but the character of your heart. If your heart loses that character of loyalty to righteousness and love of the Lord, to that extent, you have lost the favor of the Lord and you are not the one he wants to get the price.

You are pleasing, and he is very willing that you should have all of that which would come to you according to your call, and so his will shall be done in any event, Brethren, end of the quote. So these lines from our dear Pastor shows very clearly that there are conditions based on which the Lord will make sure that we own our crown which is allotted to us while we reside on this earth.

So let us reflect on the factors that could determine whether we retain our crown for ourselves or give it up for another.

The Scripture says it is always good to judge ourselves in order to keep ourselves in the love of God and have his approval. We read it from 1 Corinthians 11:31. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged judging ourselves. Brethren, what does it mean when we say we should judge ourselves.

It means a deep and thoughtful examination of the most vital aspects of our consecrated lives. We must measure ourselves not by one another, but but by the perfect example of our Lord and the clear counsel of God’s Word.

One of the first and most essential aspects to examine in us regarding those things which help us make our crown our own is watchfulness.

Watchfulness.

We have many precious scriptures that admonish the consecrated, especially those living in the very presence of the Son of Man, to remain spiritually alert and watchful.

We read in 1st Peter 4, 7, but the end of all things is at hand. Do you therefore sober and watch unto prayer?

1st Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober.

Brethren. These verses are Solomon warnings to those of us who live in this special time, the harvest period, the time when the Lord is present and the harvest is progressing.

Why this watchfulness a condition?

Brent Watchfulness is essential because the testings and temptations that lie before us are often subtle and unexpected.

If we knew the exact form of every trial beforehand, those trials would not be as searching or refining. We could prepare our responses like a student for an examination, but the power of temptation lies in its surprise.

Our great adversary, the devil, is cunning, invisible, and always observing us. He knows our weaknesses better than we do. He studies us and waits for the right opportunity to strike. Just as a predator watches its prey, so Satan is watching for any moment. When we are spiritually tired, discouraged, or unguarded, we are also warned that the final tests of the church will be more deceptive than ever before.

Brethren, let us note this. The flesh may appear as duty. The world may disguise itself as progress. Error may wear the cloak of truth.

We should be watchful.

If there is even a small defect in our spiritual armor, that may be where the adversary focuses his attack.

That is why each of us must keep the Spirit of the Lord richly dwelling in our hearts, and we must daily seek his grace to help in time of need.

The only safe way is to always be watchful and be prepared. Just as soldiers in the battle must always be alert, never setting aside their weapons, even while resting, so we as soldiers of the cross must be continually on God.

So in this harvest time, as the last members of the body of Christ are being sealed and tested, it is especially critical that we be watchful in mind, meaning keeping our spiritual senses sharp.

We be watchful in heart, meaning guarding our affections and loyalties.

We be watchful in prayer, meaning staying in constant communion with our heavenly Father, we should rightly estimate the power of prayer, because through prayer we receive the spiritual strength, wisdom and courage to overcome.

Watch and pray always, said our Lord, encouraging us to stay continually alert and in constant communion with God every moment, not just occasionally or weekly.

Let us then keep awake, brethren. Let us not allow ourselves to be lulled into spiritual sleep like the world, but stand ready, ready for service, ready for sacrifice, and finally ready for our change.

Another important aspect of watching is watching the word of prophecy.

We have to watch the unfolding of the word of prophecy.

We are not in darkness. The Lord has graciously provided us with the prophetic lamp to guide our steps in these dark and perilous days. We read that in second Peter’s first, chapter 19.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy. Whereunto you do well that you take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts.

This verse reminds us that prophecy is a guiding light in the midst of surrounding gloom. It shines brightly for those who walk in faith, illuminating the path of the faithful as the world stumbles in confusion.

As the Apostle says, you do well that you take heed. This is not a passive suggestion, dear brethren, but we should consider it as an earnest counsel to give careful attention to the sheer word of prophecy. It is only by this light that we can discern where we stand in the stream of time and what is transpiring in God’s plan right now.

Why we must Watch Prophecy Brethren, we must watch prophecy because only through the prophetic word can we truly understand God’s great plan and see how it unfolds in the world around us.

If we ignore prophecy, we are like travelers ignoring the signposts on a dark road. We may lose our way or stumble into danger.

Pastor Russell often emphasized that God does nothing without a purpose and that his plan is orderly and time bound.

And the prophetic Word shows us the same what God has already fulfilled, what is now in progress, and what is going to be fulfilled in the future. Therefore, what we are called to do in this hour, brethren, that’s the reason why we must not only watch the world, but also watch the signs in the world, the great events taking place around us.

These outward fulfillments confirm the prophetic word and guide our steps with with confidence.

Brethren, what should be the end result of watching? Watching the word of prophecy.

And what should we allow in us to take place?

It should not lead to mere curiosity or speculation.

Watching the word of prophecy, watching the world events getting the understanding of unfolding plan of God. We should allow all these to lead to obedience, zeal and action.

As we see prophecy being fulfilled, we must be spiritually alert to understand the duty of the hour and then be faithful and diligent in carrying it out.

We should not be like the blind leaders of Israel in our Lord’s first advent who knew the scriptures but failed to see their fulfillment in their own day before their own eyes.

Rather, we should be like the wise virgins, trimming our lamps, watching the signs and ready to meet the bridegroom.

Brethren, thus watching the prophetic word and the signs of the times will keep us in harmony with God’s will and strengthen our faith as we walk the final steps of the narrow way.

Dear brethren, as the consecrated feet members of the body of Christ, we should realize we are standing at the closing scenes of the Gospel age.

We are deeply blessed to know that the sure word of prophecy continues to shine more and more under the perfect day.

There are still many important prophetic events that remain to be fulfilled.

These are not merely interesting features of the divine plan, but they are vital landmarks for us as watchers on the tower. As students of prophecy, it is our privilege and duty to watch for their gradual development with careful and prayerful attention.

Let us list out some of these significant upcoming events according to the prophecy. The events include the union of churches Church Federation we call it is the forming together of the nominal systems into a powerful religious religious federation. Second, the vivification of the image of the beast. It is the energizing and giving of life and authority to the Protestant Church federation. Third, the church state cooperation when civil governments once again unite with ecclesiastical systems as seen in symbolical prophecies.

Fourth, the hour when no man can walk. That is a time of intense opposition where the freedom to publicly serve the truth will cease. Fifth, the hour of power for the nominal church. That is a brief period when Babylon will rise in influence and enforce its authority. 6.

The final witness of the FEET members. That is the clear and courageous testimony by the last members of the Body of Christ. Seventh, the glorification of the Church Brethren, that is the long awaited moment when the Church shall be forever with the Lord.

8. God’s dealing with Israel that includes the recognition of Christ and the restoration to favor.

Brethren, let us be wide awake to these future prophetic fulfillments.

These are not merely doctrinal points, but living realities soon to be unfolded before our own eyes.

To ignore or be indifferent to these would be to sleep spiritually at the most Critical hour Now let us think about another aspect of watchfulness, that is the watchfulness of our own hearts and work.

Our watchfulness must not stop with outward events, I.e. watching the prophecies and watching the outward world events.

The most important watching is our own hearts watching our own words, watching our own thoughts and our doings.

We are reminded in Scriptures to keep our garments unspotted from the world and keep ourselves in the love of God.

We read that in Jude 1:21 brethren, as who are begotten of the Holy Spirit, we should feel we have the responsibility of keeping ourselves in that holy condition of heart.

We should daily ask for divine wisdom and supervision, seeking to live accordingly and weighing up and balancing the things done and undone.

We should keep ourselves clean, that is our daily trespasses are to be acknowledged and forgiveness sought and obtained because we Read about in 1 John 1:9, if we confess our our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This is a wonderful promise we all know.

Therefore, we must continually strive to ensure that the Spirit of Christ is growing and ruling in us, are not being pushed aside by the Spirit of the world which surrounds us with its allurements, distractions, and subtle temptations.

But these are many in the times we live in.

Therefore we must watch that we are not entangled in the cares of this life, which could so easily choke the word and make us unfruitful. As we read or as we know from the parable of the soil, these worldly cares may seem legitimate or necessary, but if they become our focus, we risk losing our crown, that is, we may not make our crown our own.

Let us give close and reverent attention to all the instructions our loving Lord has given so that we may serve in ways that are acceptable and pleasing to Him.

We must be careful even in the smallest matters, seeking always to walk in the footsteps of our great High Priest.

We must watch that no root of bitterness springs up in our hearts, spoiling our peace and defiling others.

Hebrews 12:15 says so, looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.

We must also watch that the fruit of the spirits is evident in our daily conduct. The fruit we mean love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self control.

Brethren, now let us look into the look into another factor that determine making the crown our own.

It is being sober. Soberness, Soberness as a vital requirement for the Saints Brethren, soberness is an essential quality for the saints, especially in this critical hour.

The Apostle exhorts be sober, be vigilant in 1st Peters 58 so what does it mean when we say we have to be sober minded or soberness?

To be sober means to be serious minded.

To be sober means being watchful.

To be sober means deeply thoughtful. So being serious minded, being watchful, being deeply thoughtful, thoughtful about our consecration and responsibilities.

Or we can say in another way it is the opposite of being light, careless or distracted with the fleeting pleasures and empty amusements of this present evil world.

So we need to be sober, that is serious minded, watchful, deeply thoughtful about our consecration and responsibilities.

This is because we are not of the world and we should always keep that in our mind.

And we must not adopt the worldly spirit of frivolity and ease.

Because, dear brethren, we have taken up upon us the holy Name of Christ and we carry the banner of the King of Glory as his ambassadors. We must walk worthy of of this high calling, always seeking to honor our King in our word, in spirit and in conduct.

Let us never forget the price of the high calling is not for easy going Christians or the easy going Christians cannot own their crown.

The price of the high calling or the crown of glory are for those who, as the Apostle Paul says, run with patience the race set before them, and who do so with zeal, purpose and full hearted devotion.

We read Hebrews 12:1 2 wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the other and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and his sit down at the right hand of our Heavenly Father.

Brethren, the Scripture requires us to do requires us to do certain things.

It requires us to lay aside every weight that is every hindrances to our consecration, whether it be worldly ambitions, unnecessary responsibilities or entanglements that divide our focus.

The Scripture requires us to redeem our time. That is a challenging thing to do vigilantly so redeeming our time to devote ourselves more fully to the service of the truth, spreading the glad tidings of the kingdom, building up the Body of Christ, edifying the body of Christ, comforting one another with the promises of the Lord.

Though we have practical difficulties in our day to day life and life responsibilities, we must strive hard in a wise way to redeem our time so that we have some time in every day to fulfill our consecration.

We have entered into a covenant by sacrifice and that sacred vow requires us to live soberly, vigilantly and in full awareness that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness and the errors of this present evil world.

To overcome in this evil day, to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary, the trials of false doctrine, the allurements of pleasure, and the burdens of life will require all the strength of character and spiritual soberness we can summon by the Lord’s grace.

Brethren, now another fact which will determine whether we make our crown our own or not is avoiding Lodhi Lukewarmness we say laudation lukewarmness because this lukewarmness is found only in the Laodicean church period.

We read this prevailing condition during the lavadvision church period in Revelation 3:15 and 16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot. I would thou wet, cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.

Brethren, what does this lukewarmness mean in our consecrated life?

Indif Regarding this lukewarmness we would like to quote from question book page number 754 quote indifferent in service of the Lord. Christians in name only are are not heart devoted followers of the Lord. That may mean lukewarmness.

Another quote Whoever is not rendering some service to our King in the present time has utmost the lukewarm love that is offensive to the Master.

So brethren, let us remain vigilant.

Under no circumstances or at any level this lukewarmness ever creep into our hearts.

God seeks men and women of strong godly character, those who are approved and accepted, those who cultivate such character become overcomer in Christ. But those who remain undecided lack the mindset of the Kingdom class.

So let us be vigilant. Let us be very careful regarding this lukewarmness which is found alone in this Laodicean church place period the very time we are living in.

Another factor which might determine whether we make our crown our own or not is maintaining the condition of rest in God’s plan.

We read the verse Psalm 149. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory. Let them sing aloud upon their beds.

It presents to us a spiritual condition the saints must attain.

This verse is prophetic and deeply meaningful.

The beds are symbolic and they represent, as shown in other scriptures, a state of rest in faith, a deep settled peace that comes from a clear understanding and acceptance of God’s plan.

It is the rest spoken of in Hebrews 4:10 he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. This is not physical inactivity, or this rest is not physical inactivity, but a spiritual calmness, a complete confidence in God’s character, justice, wisdom, love, and power. Brethren, we should try to attain this rest. We should experience this rest while we are still in this flesh.

But such rest is not automatic. It is the result of much growth, testing, and overcoming these saints, especially the final feat. Members must be firmly rooted, not swayed by outward troubles or human fears, joyful and confident in the glory of God’s unfolding plan. Their joy is not in earthly blessings, but in God’s glory that his will is being done, and his kingdom is drawing near.

We read this in Ephesians 4:14 that we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive brethren. This verse is a clear admonition to spiritual maturity. As followers of Christ, we are not to remain spiritual children or babes, easily shaken or confused by every new theory or interpretation that comes along.

But as students of the truth, we must not allow ourselves to drift back into uncertainty. We are to be intelligent, not in human philosophy, but in the revealed word of God.

We must be assured not by emotional experiences, but by the internal harmony and beauty of God’s wonderful plan, and we must be steadfast, holding firmly to the truth we have proven from the Scriptures, so that we are not deceived by the cunning craftiness of men, or by the subtle errors that the adversary still attempts to put in our path.

So now is not the time to waver.

We read from the reprints that the truth is for the honest, the meek, the faithful. It is not for the curious, the proud, or the careless. Let us therefore, dear brethren, stand firm, not being tossed to and fro, but confidently grounded in the meat in due season, in the harvest message the Lord has so lovingly provided at his second coming.

Regarding this, we would like to quote from reprint 5632 quote the apostle says, you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the dame should overtake you as a thief, but as a snare. Will it come on all them that dwell on the earth? All except the brethren will be surprised, disappointed, chagrined, found, unprepared, and more or less overtaken. But the brethren, because they have been feeding at the Lord’s table and are strong in his might, will not be overtaken and avast. The apostle urges that because the brethren are children of the light, children of the day, they shall not act as children of the darkness, children of the night.

End of quote we are also reminded in the Scripture to be of good courage and he shall strengthen your heart all you that hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24 yes, dear brethren, we need the kind of courage that is rooted in faith, not in ourselves, but in the strength and promises of our Heavenly Father. It is not the loud, boastful kind of courage that the world admires, but a quite steadfast boldness that is willing to stand firm from the truth. Stand firm for the truth even when we stand alone.

We have a blessed promise from our Heavenly Father that should greatly strengthen and comfort our hearts in the midst of all the trials and dangers we may face. In this important work we read that From Scripture, Psalm 34. 7. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear that is reverence that fear him that reverence him, and delivereth them. Brethren, what a beautiful picture of divine protection.

The Lord’s providence, his invisible power and care, encamps like a God around those who truly reverence him. This is a real assurance, and this thought should make our hearts calm and our minds composed. When we understand this promise, we can stand firm, courageous and undisturbed, even in the face of sever opposition.

Let us remember, God is looking for but for faithful overcomers. It is only to such overcomers that any place in the glorified and the glorious kingdom will be granted. That means each of us if we would win the prize, if we would make the allotted crown our own, we must cultivate a faithful boldness grounded not in self confidence, but in loyalty to God and in full trust in His Word.

Because if we lack courage, we will falter under pressure. But if we are strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, we shall be able to demonstrate our faith wherever it is needed.

Courage is the fruit of loyalty and deep faith. We must develop such courage, dear brethren.

The measure of our courage is the measure of our trust in God.

Let us then stand firm with his holy courage, filling our hearts, ever ready for the Lord’s use in the work that lies ahead.

We would like to read from January 20, Songs in the Night.

It is for verse 1 Peter 4:16. If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.

The apostle was not ashamed of his sufferings because he realized that they were endued for Christ’s sake. Any man or woman would feel, and should feel deeply pained at a public arrest and imprisonment as a felon, as a violator of the law. But when these things are experienced and we can realize that they are coming to us because of our faithfulness to the Lord in following in his footsteps, we may rejoice in ignominy, rejoice in things which otherwise would be shameful and detestable. If, therefore, in the Lord’s providence, arrest or imprisonment or scourging should come to any who read this article, and if they can directly or indirectly trace their tribulation to faithfulness to the Lord and is true, let them not be ashamed. Let them glorify God on this behalf, rejoicing that they are accounted worthy to suffer for the name of Christ, and remembering that even thus also it was with our Lord Jesus.

He was placed under arrest, he was bound, he was couraged, he was publicly insulted, he was even crucified as a blasphemer against God. End of quote.

Brethren, let us conclude so. The time is short. Let no man take thy crown. So, therefore, let us be watchful, let us be sober, let us avoid lukewarmness, let us rest in God’s plan and the promises, and let us ever seek to know and to do the will of God.

Let us be on guard against spiritual slumber, against overconfidence, and against the distractions of the flesh or the world.

By doing so, by keeping us in that attitude, let us hold fast to our crown. Amen.

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