Doors Opened by Christ

Introduction

The church (6 of 7) of Philadelphia got no scolding, just encouragement.

In this passage though we see a lot of reference to doors and references to trials.

Often the pathways to doors are paved with trials.

What can we learn from today’s passage about doors in life and the paths that lead to them?

Key of David

Doors vary in how they function and how they open. Key of David refers to Isaiah 22:22.

Isaiah 22:22 ESV

And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

Key of David is referring to the authority Jesus holds, It is referring to His right to lead and be in control.

Point #1: Jesus has complete control over what doors open and close for you.

Their are times we try to avoid the open door by running. (Jonah)

This ends with a longer and more turbulent route to the door (example Jonah).

Running is wasted time and energy that does not have the end results you desire.

Sometimes we try to pick the lock. Which is like trying to become our own God. (Saul)

1 Samuel 15:22–23 ESV

And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”

Their are times when we see a door we think is the right one for us or see a door we know is going to open, but in God’s timing. And instead of listening to God we try to pick the lock.

Picking the lock is trying to become God. We are pathetic and disappointing gods.

God knows everything on this side of the door and what lies on the side of every door. He knows what paths cross behind what doors. God knows the best how to orchestrate those paths.

Then other times we go kamikaze on the wall, which is rebelling so bad death comes.

Then their are times we get so far from where God has us and harden our hearts so deeply that as an act of grace God lets us die on impact against the wall.

Set Before You an Open Door

God has a path before you, their is an open door before you. God has a path for you.

Point #2: There is an open door before you, with a path to it.

That sounds simple does it not? But what is on that path?

At times that path is hard to see due to fog or darkness.

How do we find clarity? How do we find light?

Does that path always reveal completely? Sometimes it is step by step

At times that door is there but the path to it seems perilous.

The perils are to prepare us for what lies through that door.

Kept My Word

What is the easiest way to go through a door?

The easiest way through the door is to walk through it by keeping the word

Point #3: Walk through the door by keeping the word.

The best way to navigate life is by keeping the Word. Things will very seldom make sense, but the word of God will always make sense and be stable.

What are alternatives of walking through the door?

Jonah was vomited through the door after spending three days in the belly of a fish.

Paul was blinded and then led through the door.

Samson died to go through the door.

God was using Samson to glorify His name among the Philistines, but Samson fell prey to a lust trap, but ultimately God was glorified, even though Samson died.

They Will Learn

This passage goes on to talk of the Jews learning of the love of God.

Point #4: The door you are called through is not to just teach you about God, but also the world

What are you to learn from the open door?

What is God using the open door to teach the world about?