Philadelphia – Rev 3:7-13
Christ’s Identification – “And to the angel (divine messenger) of the church in Philadelphia write:
“These are the words of the Holy One, the True One, He who has the key [to the house] of David, He who opens and no one will [be able to] shut, and He who shuts and no one opens:
Christ’s Commendation – ‘I know your deeds. See, I have set before you an open door which no one is able to shut, for you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not renounced or denied My name.
Christ’s Rebuke – ‘There was no rebuke to this church
Christ’s Exhortation – 9 Take note, I will make 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 [without any doubt] that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept the word of My endurance [My command to persevere], I will keep you [safe] from the hour of trial, that hour which is about to come on the whole [inhabited] world, to test those who live on the earth.
Christ’s encouragement – I am coming quickly. Hold tight what you have, so that no one will take your crown [by leading you to renounce the faith]. 12 He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will make him a [x]pillar in the temple of My God; he will most certainly never be put out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends out of heaven from My God, and My [own] new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches.’
28 miles Southeast of Sardis you find Philadelphia a city on a plateau. The king of Pergamenian, Attalus II established Philadelphia and he named it Philadelphia which meant “brother lover” in honour of his love for his brother. This city kept changing its name very often and therefore could never maintain its proper identity. This church was small in visibility, less influential but they endured patiently.
What we can learn from this insignificant church is much. Even though they were not known to society and they were blind to their own efforts the Lord found them beyond rebuke. They went on in spite of the odds with great endurance. Jesus commended them because the Church in Philadelphia kept His Word and didn’t deny Him. We must not forget to be faithful in our small beginnings. I speak to thousands and I also speak to 10 and 15 people. I must learn to be faithful rather than look for the results God will open doors to us that will never be shut. Because this church endured patiently the Lord place before them an open door that no one could shut. Scholars say it was an open door to mission work across the Asian region. Today most church like to keep their congregation with the walls of the church building. Jesus told this church that those who laughed at them would see who they really were and how much He loved them.
Today if you are frustrated and feeling like you want to give up hang on the Lord is commending your faithfulness and patient endurance so you could walk through the doors that the Lord will open to you. He also says that you would be kept form the hour of trial. Be safe my friend as you serve and glorify the Lord in true abandon.
