Hearing and Conquest
Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches
Two things are mentioned to each of the six churches mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 and 3: conquest or victory and listening to the Spirit.
Conquest: It is expected that we be conquerors, overcomers, victors. The example given is that of Christ (Revelation 3:21). Just as Jesus overcame and conquered so can we. The result of Jesus’ overcoming was that He was raised from the dead and declared to be the Son of God with power (Romans 1:4). He is now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. We too will receive blessing and honour as conquerors (cf. Revelation 3:12). But we must realise that the overcoming comes in repentance and submission; in obedience to God, just as Jesus submitted to the Father’s will. Our place in God’s kingdom is based on abiding by His rules.
Listening: And how do we live by His rules? By listening to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. An army looks to its commander before taking action. An orchestra follows one conductor, yet we fail to even stop and listen, never mind obey!
We need to believe that God by His Spirit is speaking to us and we need to start listening.
Revelation 3:20 sums it up. Somehow we have managed to push Jesus out of our lives like some door to door salesman who is no longer welcome. But Jesus stands at the door of our lives and our churches knocking, seeking a real encounter with His people on a personal and a church fellowship level.
If we listen we will overcome!