THE WORD OF PERSEVERANCE?

KEEPING THE WORD OF HIS PERSEVERANCE? What is that?

Before we dive into this most incredible subject, let me say the following to the Date Setting Police. Here's my clear, scriptural statement:

TO THE SELF APPOINTED "DATE SETTING POLICE,"

I make no apology for obeying Scripture, especially not to you.

Matthew 6:33: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness"

2 Timothy 4:8: "in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing"

Titus 2:13: "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus"

Hebrews 9:28: "so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him"

Luke 12:37: "Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes"

I am WATCHING, WAITING, and LOOKING in hope. I LOVE HIS APPEARING. Remind me, why aren't you?

This is my obedience, His obedience, and not my error.

Show me ONE Scripture that commands me NOT to watch.

Show me ONE Scripture that forbids loving His appearing.

Show me ONE Scripture that condemns eagerly awaiting Him.

JUST ONE... you have the entire Bible at your disposal, use it.

You can't? Because they don't exist.

I love you enough to speak truth: Your mockery fulfills prophecy (2 Peter 3:3-4).

The question isn't why I'm watching. The question is why you stopped.

Living Like Philadelphia

Lazarus and the Two-Day Delay

Before we understand what “the word of My perseverance” means, we must see the pattern Jesus gave us in John 11:

THE STORY

John 11:1-4: “Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany… So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, ‘Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.’ But when Jesus heard this, He said, ‘This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.’”

Jesus made a promise: This sickness will NOT end in death.

John 11:5-6: “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was”

Jesus deliberately delayed TWO DAYS.

WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE DELAY

John 11:17, 21, 32, 39: “So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days… Martha said to Him, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died’… Mary… said to Him, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died’… Martha said to Him, ‘Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days’”

During the delay:

Lazarus died
Was buried four days
Body decomposing (“he stinks”)
Martha and Mary thought Jesus was “too late”
They believed He COULD HAVE prevented death
But now it seemed impossible

Yet they still had faith:

John 11:22, 27: “Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You… She said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God’”

WHY THE DELAY?

John 11:40, 42: “Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’… but I said this for the sake of the people standing around, that they may believe that You sent Me”

The purpose:

For God’s glory (not for Lazarus’ sake primarily)
For our sakes (“for the sake of the people standing around”)
To demonstrate His power over death
To test and strengthen faith during apparent delay
To be recorded for future generations (us today)

THE RESURRECTION

John 11:43-44: “When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth.’ The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go’”

Key details:

Lazarus couldn’t resurrect himself
Lazarus couldn’t unwrap himself
He was BOUND in death clothes
Jesus commanded others to unbind him
Only then could he walk free

THE TYPOLOGY: LAZARUS POINTS TO THE HARPAZO

The Two-Day Pattern

2 Peter 3:8: “But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day”

Psalm 90:4: “For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes by”

THE PATTERN

Lazarus Account |Harpazo Reality
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Jesus said “not end in death”               |Promise of resurrection/harpazo

Jesus stayed TWO DAYS                      |It’s been 2000 YEARS (2 “days”) since resur...

Martha thought He was “too late”         |World thinks He’s “late” now

“By this time he stinks” (4 days dead).  |World says it’s impossible, over

Yet Martha still believed                        |Philadelphia still believes

Jesus came anyway, raised him             |Jesus WILL come, fulfill His word

Third day journey began                       |Third millennium (1000-year reign) coming

For God’s glory, not Lazarus                  |Harpazo for Father’s glory, not us

Lazarus couldn’t unbind himself             |We can’t resurrect ourselves

Others unbinded him                             |Body of Christ serves each other

Lazarus had no power in death               |We have no power grace alone

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US TODAY

The world says:

“It’s been too long”
“September 23rd passed, nothing happened”
“You were wrong”
“Give up watching”
“It’s over”

But Philadelphia knows:

Jesus DELIBERATELY delayed with Lazarus

The delay was NOT failure it was FOR OUR SAKE

The delay was to GLORIFY GOD

The delay TESTS AND STRENGTHENS FAITH

Jesus came EXACTLY when He intended

The promise was kept: “This will not end in death”

Lazarus WAS raised just not on Martha’s timeline

For us:

Jesus’ return seems delayed

TWO DAYS (2000 years) have passed

Many think it’s “too late”

World says “it’s impossible now”

Mockers appeared after Gregorian September 23-24

But like Martha, we still believe

The promise stands: He IS coming

His “delay” is intentional for God’s glory

Recorded for OUR sake those alive today

THE PHILADELPHIA RESPONSE

We are like Martha:

Thought He was late

Yet still believed: “Even now I know”

Didn’t understand the delay

But trusted His promise anyway

Kept faith during the waiting

This is “the word of My perseverance”

We understand:

We can’t resurrect ourselves (like Lazarus couldn’t)

We’re bound in “death clothes” of flesh

We need HIS voice: “Come forth!”

We need HIS power to unbind us

It’s ALL grace nothing we can do

The delay is FOR GOD’S GLORY

The delay is FOR OUR SAKE

He will come EXACTLY on time

This is why we persevere:

Not because we’re strong.

Not because we figured out the date.

Not because we’re worthy.

Because He said He would come.

And like with Lazarus:

His delays are intentional

His timing is perfect

His promises are sure

His purpose is glory to God

And it’s recorded for our sake

John 11:42: “for the sake of the people standing around, that they may believe”

We are “the people standing around” TODAY.

Watching Martha doubt, then believe.
Watching the delay, then the miracle.
Watching impossibility become resurrection.
Watching God’s glory revealed.

For our sake. So we would persevere.

WHAT IS “THE WORD OF MY PERSEVERANCE”?

Revelation 3:10: “Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

THE GREEK MEANING

“Perseverance” = hupomone

hupo = under
meno = remain, stay, abide
Literal meaning: “Remaining under” or “abiding under”

NOT:

Passive resignation
Grim “grin and bear it”
Self-effort endurance

BUT:

Triumphant facing of trials
Steadfast bearing up under heavy load
Patient endurance with forward hope
Remaining faithful despite opposition
Not surrendering to circumstances

WHAT JESUS ENDURED

Hebrews 12:2: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”

Jesus’ perseverance:

Endured the cross
Despised the shame
Had joy set before Him (forward hope)
Completed the work
Now sits at Father’s right hand

“The word of MY perseverance” = The message/teaching/example of how JESUS persevered

WHAT PHILADELPHIA DID

They “kept” (tereo = guarded, protected, treasured) the word of Christ’s perseverance.

This means:

They remembered HOW Jesus endured
They followed His example
They didn’t quit when trials came
They held fast to His teaching
They treasured His example of patient endurance
They had forward hope like He did

WHAT PHILADELPHIA LOOKED LIKE

Revelation 3:8-9: “I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.”

Philadelphia’s characteristics:

“Little power” They were weak, not mighty

“Kept My word” Guarded the teaching despite pressure

“Not denied My name” Stayed faithful under opposition

Faced “synagogue of Satan” religious opposition/persecution

Yet had “open door” from Jesus

They were NOBODIES by world standards.

Not powerful
Not influential
Not impressive
Just faithful

WHAT THE WORD OF PERSEVERANCE LOOKS LIKE TODAY

FOR THOSE ALIVE AND REMAINING AT THE HARPAZO

This is what keeping “the word of My perseverance” means:

1. REMAINING UNDER TRIAL WITHOUT QUITTING

James 1:2-4, 12: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing… Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”

This means:

When mocked for watching remain faithful

When called foolish keep watching

When persecuted for truth don’t deny His name

When crushed by this world hold fast

When losing everything treasure His coming more

2. FORWARD HOPE LIKE JESUS

Hebrews 12:2 Jesus endured “for the joy set before Him”

For us:

Joy set before us = His appearing, the Harpazo, being with Him

We endure present suffering by looking forward to glory

Not focused on current pain, but future hope

Like Jesus, we see beyond the cross to the crown

Philippians 3:20-21: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory”

3. NOT LOVING THIS WORLD

1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever”

Philadelphia character:

Didn’t cling to position
Didn’t protect reputation
Didn’t love this world’s approval
Had “little power” not seeking influence
Treasured Jesus more than earthly things

4. PATIENT ENDURANCE UNDER PERSECUTION

2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”

What this looks like:

Being called “date setter” when you’re date watching (obeying Scripture’s command)

Being mocked for loving His appearing

Being labeled “deceived” for believing the harpazo is imminent

Losing friends, family, reputation for watching

Being considered foolish by the world and religious establishment

BUT:

Not fighting back in anger
Not seeking revenge
Not defending SELF
Remaining humble, like child, like thief
Keeping the word of His perseverance

5. LIKE THE THIEF EMPTY HANDS, NO SELF

Luke 23:42: “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”

The thief’s perseverance:

Dying on cross
Empty hands nothing to offer
Still hoped in Jesus’ coming kingdom
Didn’t give up even in death
Forward hope: “when You come”

For us:

Crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)
Dead to SELF
Empty hands
Still hoping, still watching
Forward hope: “when You come”

6. LIKE A CHILD COMPLETELY DEPENDENT

Matthew 18:3: “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven”

A child’s perseverance:

Can’t save self
Completely dependent on Father
Trusts despite not understanding everything
Simple faith
Not trying to earn, just receiving

For us:

Can’t figure out exact timing by our wisdom
Completely dependent on Holy Spirit for truth
Trust His Word even when mocked
Simple obedience: He said watch, so we watch
Not earning reward, receiving grace

THE HARPAZO: FOR JESUS FIRST, NOT FOR US

This is critical to understand:

THE HARPAZO IS ABOUT CHRIST’S GLORY

1 Corinthians 15:24-28: “then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET. But when He says, ‘All things are put in subjection,’ it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.”

The purpose:

Glorify the Father complete the plan

Fulfill what is written Scripture must be fulfilled

Complete redemption rescue both dead and living believers

Defeat death the last enemy abolished

Present the Bride to Himself without spot or wrinkle

Begin the final sequence leading to God being “all in all”

MOST ARE ALREADY DEAD

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord”

THE REALITY:

MAJORITY of the Harpazo:

Believers who died in past 2,000 years
Spirits already with Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:8)
Bodies in graves awaiting resurrection
They rise FIRST

MINORITY of the Harpazo:

“We who are alive and remain”
Only one generation experiences this
Tiny fraction compared to all the dead

The timing implications:

If Harpazo happened next week:

Every believer who dies between NOW and next week: resurrected from grave

Every believer alive next week: caught up with them

If someone dies today as believer:

Spirit immediately with Christ
Body awaits resurrection at Harpazo
Doesn’t “miss” anything

JESUS IS WAITING FOR THE WEDDING

John 14:2-3: “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also”

Jesus waits for:

Father’s appointed time
To receive ALL His Bride (dead + alive)
To complete the redemption work
To defeat death finally
The marriage supper
To see God’s wrath destroy rebellion
All enemies under His feet
God to be “all in all”

HE wants this more than we do.

NO SELF IN THE HARPAZO

The Harpazo is NOT about:

Our worthiness
Our SELF
Our achievement
Our understanding
Primarily our reward

The Harpazo IS about:

Christ’s glory
Father’s glory
Completing redemption
Defeating death
Fulfilling prophecy
Presenting the Bride

We are beneficiaries, not the focus.

LIVING LIKE PHILADELPHIA TODAY

THE PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN TODAY

Based on Revelation 3:7-13, a Philadelphia believer:

Has “little power” Nobody by world standards

Total dependency upon His Grace

Not influential
Not impressive
Weak in self

Crushed by this world
Keeps His word Guards the truth
Treasures Scripture over tradition
Obeys commands to watch
Doesn’t deny what Bible says about readiness
Doesn’t deny His name Stays faithful
Under mockery doesn’t recant
Under pressure doesn’t compromise
Under persecution holds fast
Faces opposition “Synagogue of Satan”
Religious leaders opposing them
False brethren attacking
Being called deceived, foolish, date-setter
Standing alone if necessary
Keeps “the word of My perseverance” Endures like Jesus
Patient endurance under trial
Forward hope like Jesus had
Not quitting despite opposition
Treasuring His example
Receives the promise “I will keep you from the hour of testing”
Not because worthy
Because faithful
Special blessing for perseverance
Crown for loving His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)

WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE PRACTICALLY

TODAY, for those alive and remaining:

You are like Philadelphia if:

You’ve lost reputation for watching
You’ve been mocked for loving His appearing
You’ve been called foolish for believing harpazo is near
You’ve been crushed by this world’s rejection
You have “little power” nobody listens to you
Yet you KEEP WATCHING anyway
You treasure His Word over human opinion
You don’t deny His name despite pressure
You have forward hope: “He’s coming!”
You’re like the thief: empty hands, trusting Him
You’re like a child: dependent, simple faith

You persevere by:

Not fighting back in anger
Not defending SELF
Remaining humble despite attacks
Keeping your eyes on the joy set before you
Remembering: He endured the cross, you can endure mockery
Knowing: This world is passing away
Treasuring: His appearing more than this life
Waiting: With oil (Holy Spirit), ready

You understand:

The Harpazo is for Jesus’ glory first
Most who experience it are already dead
You’re a beneficiary of grace, not the focus
Your perseverance isn’t earning salvation
Your watching is obedience to His command
Your hope is forward: He’s coming!
Your reward: Crown for loving His appearing
Your promise: Kept from hour of testing

THE MESSAGE FOR THOSE ALIVE TODAY

If you’re alive today waiting:

YOU ARE PHILADELPHIA IF...

You have:

Empty hands (like the thief)
Child-like dependence (like infant)
Little power (crushed, mocked, rejected)
Kept His word (despite pressure)
Not denied His name (stayed faithful)
Patient endurance (like Jesus’ example)
Forward hope (He’s coming!)

YOUR PROMISE

Revelation 3:10-11: “Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown”

What this means:

“I will keep you from the hour of testing”

Not just through it, but FROM it
Harpazo before tribulation
Because you persevered

“I am coming quickly”

Imminent return
Could be any moment
Keep watching

“Hold fast”

Don’t let go under pressure
Don’t stop watching because mocked
Keep persevering

“So that no one will take your crown”

There’s a crown for those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)
Can be lost if you quit watching
Hold fast to receive it

YOUR POSTURE

Luke 12:35-37: “Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes”

Like the five wise virgins:

Oil in lamps (Holy Spirit)
Watching at the door
Ready to open immediately
Not sleeping, not indifferent
Expecting Him

Not like the five foolish:

No oil (no Spirit)
Sleeping, unprepared
Door locked when they arrive late

YOUR DAILY LIFE

Titus 2:12-13: “instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus”

Live:

Righteously because He’s coming
Godly in this present age
Looking actively watching
Hoping the blessed hope

Don’t:

Love this world
Cling to reputation
Protect SELF
Stop watching because mocked

YOUR COMFORT

1 Thessalonians 4:18: “Therefore comfort one another with these words”

The comfort is:

He’s coming
Dead in Christ rise first
We who remain are caught up
Always with the Lord
Escape the wrath
Marriage supper awaits
Crowns for faithfulness

This is Philadelphia living:

Weak by world standards.
Mocked by religious establishment.
Rejected by those protecting positions.
Yet faithful.
Yet watching.
Yet persevering.
Like Jesus endured the cross.
For the joy set before us.
His appearing.
His glory.
His kingdom.

Hold fast.

He’s coming quickly.

Written by a nobody crushed, mocked, rejected yet kept the word of His perseverance. Empty hands. Child-like faith. Forward hope. He’s coming.