"I Stand at the Door and Knock": A Call to Open Our Hearts
Scripture Reading: Revelation 3:14-22
Introduction:
The image of Jesus standing at the door and knocking is a poignant picture of His persistent love and desire for fellowship. Today, we will examine this powerful passage from Revelation 3, exploring why a church might close its door to Christ, and how we can ensure we keep our hearts open to His presence.
I. Why Would a Church Not Open Her Door to Christ? (Revelation 3:14-22)
A. Lukewarmness (v. 16):
Apathy and indifference can cause us to drift away from passionate devotion to Christ.
B. Inflated View of Themselves (v. 17):
Pride and self-sufficiency can blind us to our spiritual needs.
C. Nakedness (v. 18):
Spiritual vulnerability and lack of genuine righteousness can prevent us from recognizing our need for Christ.
D. Blindness (v. 18):
Spiritual blindness can hinder us from seeing the truth and finding our way to Christ.
E. Unwillingness to Repent (v. 19):
A stubborn heart, unwilling to acknowledge its sin and turn to God, shuts the door to His presence.
II. When Does a Church Close the Door? (2 Timothy 4:2-5)
A. No Longer Endures Sound Doctrine:
When we reject the truth of God’s Word, we reject Christ Himself.
B. Has Her Own Desires:
When we prioritize our own desires over God's will, we push Him away.
C. Itchy Ears:
When we seek out teachers who tickle our ears with pleasant lies, we turn away from the truth.
D. Turns Her Ears Away from the Truth:
When we deliberately ignore or reject the truth, we close the door to Christ's voice.
III. Christ Was Once in That Church! (Revelation 3:14-20; Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 4:15, 16)
A. From In Their Heart to Outside the Door:
The Laodicean church, like many of us, once had Christ dwelling within them. But time, pride, and neglect can erode our faith, causing Him to stand outside, knocking.
They had fellowship with brethren, but allowed their heart to grow cold.
B. Time Can Test and Erode Our Faith:
We must remain vigilant, guarding against spiritual complacency.
C. Pride Can Drive Him Out:
Arrogance and self-reliance can create a barrier between us and Christ.
IV. "Have Need of Nothing" (v. 17); (Jeremiah 2:13; Galatians 6:3; 1 Samuel 15:17)
A. Broken Cisterns (Jeremiah 2:13):
"For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns––broken cisterns that can hold no water."
We often seek satisfaction in empty, temporary things, rather than the living water of Christ.
B. Deceiving Ourselves (Galatians 6:3):
"For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself."
We must humbly acknowledge our need for God.
C. Perceiving Our Smallness (1 Samuel 15:17):
"So Samuel said, ‘When you were little in your own eyes, were you not HEAD of the tribes of Israel? And did not the LORD anoint you KING over Israel?’"
Humility is essential for maintaining a close relationship with Christ.
V. Why Would Jesus Knock at the Door? (Revelation 3:14-20)
A. He Wants to Dine:
He desires intimate fellowship with us.
B. He Wants to Preserve You (3:18):
His knocking is an act of loving correction, seeking our restoration.
C. He Loves You (v. 19):
His knocking is a testament to His unwavering love and desire for reconciliation.
VI. How Does Jesus Entreat? (Revelation 3:14-20; 2 Thessalonians 2:14)
A. Knocking and Talking:
He speaks through His Word and the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit.
B. Desire Admittance:
He longs for us to open our hearts and invite Him in.
C. Free Will:
He respects our freedom of choice, refusing to force His way in.
D. Not Kicking, Pounding, or Keying:
He approaches us with gentleness and patience.
E. He Calls Through the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14):
"to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."
VII. No "Faith Only" in Revelation 3:20
A. ". . .If Anyone Hears My Voice" AND "Opens the Door. . .":
- True faith is demonstrated by action, by opening our hearts to Christ.
- He does not open the door for us, we must do it ourselves.
- He does not make us hear his word, we must listen.
- Preaching on Riches vs. Blessings (Ecclesiastes 6)
- Preaching on Generosity: The Measure of the Heart
- Preaching on Evangelizing: How to fulfill this mission
Conclusion:
Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, knocking. He longs for fellowship, for intimacy, for reconciliation. Let us not allow lukewarmness, pride, or stubbornness to keep us from opening the door. Let us heed His loving call, repent of our sins, and invite Him into our lives, experiencing the fullness of His presence and grace. Amen.
