Sermon Exhortation: The Hour of Trial Is an Allegiance Test
Revelation says an hour of trial is coming upon the whole world to try the inhabitants of the earth (Rev. 3:10). That word “try” means to test, to prove, to expose. This hour is not just about suffering—it’s about showing who we truly serve.
And Jesus already told us what will separate His people from the world:
“My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
So the trial isn’t only economic pressure or political fear. The deepest trial is this: Will we stay loyal to Christ when the world offers another king?
Because counterfeit kingdoms always demand what belongs only to Jesus:
your obedience
your conscience
your silence
your worship
Scripture warns us: many antichrists are already at work (1 John 2:18)—not only against Christ, but in place of Christ. That’s why the hour of trial exposes whether we’ve confused Christianity with nationalism, the gospel with culture war, and the Kingdom of God with earthly power.
The faithful answer is simple and costly:
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
“Put not your trust in princes.” (Psalm 146:3)
“Here is the patience of the saints… that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12)
This is the hour to say it plainly:
My allegiance is not to a flag, a party, a leader, or a nation.
My allegiance is to Jesus Christ alone.
His Kingdom is not of this world.