Rev - Ch3: Letter to - Philadelphia
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· 2 viewsExamine the 2&3rd nd chapter of Revelation. Looking at the messages to the Ephesus and
Notes
Transcript
Handout
What we cover tonight
What we cover tonight
Chapter 3: letter of Jesus to: Philadelphia
Welcome
Welcome
(Opener for each class ) who am I: Ken Geer
Thanks for visiting our church. If your a member of another church, you remain a member of that church, and we bless your church, and thank you for joining us for this study. We look foreword to more unity in the body of Jesus.. each church of Jesus is a candle in the dark and we are praying that we may all grow brighter, in these end times. we must all work together.
Other churches may have slightly different perspectives on Revelation . That is just fine. I am comfortable with that . It is OK to have differences. I will give you my view, and why I hold my view. I will do my best to accurately represent other major views. we are looking to study the Bible, not confirm our bias. so we must be willing to study.
Our desire is to be like the good Bereans. they were challenged with a strange new teaching that Jesus was the messiah and had been crucified. they had to deal with a pretty unsettling set of thoughts. but they got through it.
If you do have corrections for me. you may briefly state you concern in the class in the form of a question, but it would be best for others if we hold our discussion/or disagreements on these things till after class. - I am happy to learn and grow. I am not the final authority on revelation. For that I refer you to Jesus.
Pray
Pray
Invite the Holy spirit, ask him to give us a spirit of humility unity and love. Make us more like Jesus.
Jesus let us know and LOVE with our whole heart: “Your word, your Will and your Ways”
Intro (Read this)
Intro (Read this)
In the study of Revelation many are in a hurry to get into the “future things” but this section of the letters of Jesus to the Churches may be among the most important for us to understand clearly.
As we read each of these letters to the 7 churches, we are being asked to hear, (if we have ears to hear), what the spirit is saying to the churches. (plural). Not just saying to the 7 churches of revelation, but to all churches. Ours included. We are learning what it means to be Over-comers, and Conqueres in our time in our place.
We are being challenged with issues, both alike and different to what the Churches in Revelation are facing. But we have the same savior and the same spirit. And we have an angel(s) over our church. The overcomer messages are all designed to show us how Jesus will help us in our weakness. Provide for us what we need in our testing. It is important that that we listen carefully with the ears that we have. Let us not be deaf to his messages.
Summary: 7 Letters to 7 churches.
Summary: 7 Letters to 7 churches.
We are at the start of revelation inside the first vision described in Revelation. Jesus among the 7 lampstands (churches) dictating his letters to the 7 angles of the 7 churches, who bear their 7 lamps. The messages are both specific to the church, and general to all churches, just like the other letters to the churches in the New Testament.
Seven is for completeness of God’s work. On the seventh day he rested.
See Chart on page 3 of Jack Hayford’s handout. https://www.jackhayford.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Studies-in-the-Book-of-Revelation.pdf
Summary: church in Pergamum Rev 2:12–17
Summary: church in Pergamum Rev 2:12–17
City: Pergamum
Video Pergamum: Where Satan Dwells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2ND_5JBnIw
Called “the most famous place of Asia” by the Roman historian Pliny the Elder (AD 23–79) (Pliny, Natural History, 5.126). Before the capital was moved to Ephesus.
The Temple of Athena was filled with Prostitution
The Temple of Zeus was constructed to look like a giant throne. And perhaps this was called Stan’s Throne? Hitler thought so and had it move to Berlin.
The Temple of Dionysius (DI-OH-NEES-IUS)- the god of Wine and festivity. and fertility and again sexual sin.
The Temple of Asclepius (ASS-KLEEP-IUS) - A god who heals with the use of snakes.
Plus Many more temples!
Christ’s Person: sharp two-edged sword. sharp two-edged sword. Penetrating sou & spirit. dicerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Heb 4:12
Christ’s Commendation: They live where Satan's throne is at. But have not denied Jesus
Christ’s Accusation & Approval: They are falling into the trap of Balaam Num 22 - 24 allowing themselves to continue to be exposed to stumbling blocks of of sexual temptation and eating food sacrificed to idols, perhaps even getting some financial benefit to this compromise. This allows unsteady souls to be enticed into sin. (see 2 Peter 2:14–16)
Nicolaitans (skip) They are also holding to the teaching of Nicolaitans. We cover them in the letter to the Church Ephesus.will get to them soon And lean more about who they are.
Christ’s Consequence(Rev2:16): Therefore repent. If not, Jesus will come and the words of his mouth (the sharp double edged sword), will war against them.
Christ’s Promise to overcomers: To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’
Overcomers will receive some of the hidden manna - It will be Jesus, who is the hidden manna. As in the passover seder, The hidden matzah is the greater part. The promise of the future time with Jesus. Were he will be our Manna. He will be the WORD that is our sustenance, and our Life.
White Stone with a secret name.
Summary: church in Smyrna Rev 2:8–11
Summary: church in Smyrna Rev 2:8–11
City: Smyrna
Video Smyrna | The 7 Churches of Revelation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlLRxFlnLo8
Famous beautiful pubic buildings on the hill, Population of 100K people!, Temple to emperors, Many guilds and membership required sacrificing to a pagan god
Christ’s Person Rev 2:8: The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.
Christ’s Commendation Rev 2:9-10: they are in Tribulation & Poor, but He calls them “rich”!
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. We do not like suffering! Jesus was willing to suffer out of love for us, because it accomplished a greater purpose. It was painful and heart wrenching not just for Him, but for His mother and all his followers.
The devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. What is clear is that this life is not the important thing. The important thing is exiting this life as Overcommers! This message is repeated for us in James. James 1:12.
“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Some of them may indeed die. But this message is preparing all of us for that day of the first death. For it is appointed once for man to die, and then the judgement. Heb 9:27.
No need to multiply crowns. simplest explanation is often best. I feel there is only 1 crown because we only have one head. The simplest explanation is that we will receive an imperishable crown of Life, Glory, and Righteousness indicating our Righteousness and Glory in Jesus our Messiah. It will be a crown that somehow connects to our works of love don in and for Jesus that resulted in the Salvation and Growth of others in God’s kingdom.
Jesus tell us that there are reward (fruit) in heaven. And we can loose them, when we have wrong motives. The hypocrites who act religious in order to be seen publicly; have their reward already, but the Father will reward those who act in secret, or are not looking for an earthy reward or advantage (Matt 6:1–18). They were disqualified for their reward and crown.
Christ’s Accusation: What there is no accusation. (like church in Philadelphia) This church is doing well, other than going through tribulation, poverty and slander.
Christ’s Promise to overcomers: (Rev 2:11) Not be hurt by the second death. the one that happens at judgement (the lake of fire - glad we miss that one!) see Rev 20:14-15
Summary: church in Ephesus Rev 2:1–7
Summary: church in Ephesus Rev 2:1–7
City of Ephesus - 250K people
video: Ephesus | The 7 Churches of Revelation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpJ-IWw5_Mc
Video: What would Ancient Ephesus have looked like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcemMtXm9Ns
The formre most city of the roman empire, major trade route thriving city. But its harbor was filling with silt. It’s days were numbered.
Christ’s Person: Walking among the lampstands (churches)
Christ’s Commendation: Working and not grown weary
Christ’s Accusation & Approval: This against You, you have Lost first love
This is a hazard of the last days: one of the signs of the last days. Matt 24:12, “the love of most will grow cold. BECAUSE of Lawlessness. It is happening Now to us. we must be willing to sacrifice to love others.
Christ’s Call to Repentance and Action: repent, and do the works you did at first. OR I will remove your lampstand from its place.
It the Church is loosing the culture war, (and it is in America) it is because we are No longer in love with Jesus.
TO be in love with Jesus like Jesus described, with all our heart, all our soul, and all our Mind can be best described by studying the Shema in … Deut 6:4-5
Every morning and night Israelites will say. “Hear O Israel, the LORD is our God, the Lord is one. and as for you, you shall LOVE the Lord your God, with all of your HEART “Lev”, with all of your SOUL “Nephesh”, and with all your STRENGTH “Me’od”.
The best thing God has to say is that they are HATING you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. AND THIS IS IMPORTANT. Nicolaitans promoted a class structure in the church. God hates this. It is OK to have love and respect for your apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers and those that help you in the Lord. - But they are not your overlords, not closer to God.
Christ’s Promise to overcomers. Paradise of God & the Tree of Life! Those who overcome will get to gain the intent of the original garden state were we can eat of the tree of life. The future paradise is particularly important for Ephesus to know. This world, as amazing as Ephesus was as the center-point of much of the known world the pinnacle of civilization at that time, was passing away, and the real world is with God. will we also receive this same reward if we overcome? Yes we will.
Do not love the world or 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 desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Summary: church in Thyatira
Summary: church in Thyatira
Read out loud Rev 2:18–29 The Message to Thyatira
Video Thyatira & Philadelphia | The 7 Churches of Revelation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUsm9dZPrcY
a smaller city, but longest message. Many Guilds required people to worship the patron greek& roman gods to be members often with sexually imoral acts. This left Christians either compromise their faith, on the outside of society and struggling to feed their families
The principal deities worshiped at Thyatira were Apollo and Artemis.
Christ’s Person: Rev 2:18: eyes like a flame of fire! Eyes are the lamp of the body: Luke 11:33–36. if your eyes are bad, your whole body is full of darkness. Jesus’ Eyes are flames of fire because there is no darkness in Him at all. He is altogether Holy. Feet like burnished bronze indicates extreme Holiness Clean, Pure, Refined, Valuable, Holy, without blemish. Both Daniel’s reaction to Jesus in Dan 10, and John’s reaction in Rev 1:17 when seeing God reviled with this description is to be “slain in the spirit” (fall at his feet as though dead) - and must be strengthened by God to get up and not fear. The Christians at Sardis are in dreadful danger and are being seduced into deadly sin. They need to sense the incredible holiness of God and repent.
Christ’s Commendation: Your love & faith & service are growing!
Christ’s Accusation: In contrast to Ephesus that has lost it’s first Love in Jesus, yet can still hate false teaching, in Thyatira they Love well, but are unable to take a strong stand against an evil woman who like Jezebel of 1 & 2 Kings is leading them into sexual sin and destruction. TOLERANCE is not a Virtue! Her deep sounding prophetic words are making people think it is ok to sin sexually.
READ 2 Peter!
God had given her time to repent, and time for the church to remove her out — if neither happen God will intervene and throw her and those who listen to her prophetic words (her children) her onto a “sickbed”. and “great tribulation” (“ (megas), ADJ., ADV. great; loud” “Affliction, distress, oppression) same as Rev 7:14, and Matt 24:21. Few times do we see God say He will strike someone dead. Rev 2:23 Yet it happens Acts 5:1 to her children as an example to the churches.
Christ’s Promise to overcomers: Give authority over nations. Like Jesus Psa 2:9 who will rule with a “rod of iron” Rev 12:5 so will the Christian overcomers most likely during the Millennial reign of Christ in Rev 19:15. How Ironic for woke leftist deep state Overlords that think they have all the power. Finally those who overcome will receive the Morning Star, (which I believe is a a reference to being with Jesus in His new kingdom)
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
why is this phrase is moved to the end of the chapter after the overcomming/conquering.
Summary: church in Sardis Rev 3:1–6
Summary: church in Sardis Rev 3:1–6
City: Sardis
Sardis was built on a mountain and had a virtually impregnable citadel on a spur of the mountain, But it had twice been taken because of un-vigilant guards. The church also was being taken by Satan because the Christians were asleep. Sardis was worshiping many gods… and as long as your ok with that you wont be cast out. Christian shop keepers with Jewish shop keepers side by side. In Cities were Jesus was being boldy preached this would not happen because the Christians would be marginalized out of the culture because of the exclusive message of the Gospel.
Christ’s Person: Rev 3:1 who has the 7 spirits & 7 stars. 7 Spirits = “complete”Holy Spirit. The 7 spirits are before the throne of God as 7 torches of fire Rev 4:5. In Rev 5:6, the 7 spirits are now seen as 7 horns and 7 eyes on the Lamb. And they are sent out into all the earth. representing complete power and wisdom
Christ’s Accusation: they are Dead/asleep. They have a reputation for being alive. but like the Devil’s marketing department dead stuff is often presented as desireable. We judge by external appearances God judges the heart. Any church in any denomination can be dead/asleep. To judge the church Jesus asked us to look at the fruit. Matt 12:33-37. Jesus is judging by the words they speak. The work they produce. Jesus found this church’s works are incomplete. this means there FAITH is also incomplete. James 2:17-26.
Jesus is slow to make this judgement. Consider his parable He give both time and blessing But he expects us to be fruitful! Luke 13:6-9.
I believe some Christian denominations are dead But lets not them! Finger-pointing is not helpful, we must first check the log in our own eye first, corrections are to be made directly not by gossip. We must be careful lest we become arrogant and prideful. We should fear to raise an accusation against the Lord’s anointed unless instructed by God to do so. (a prophetic role). Jesus is the head of the church, and may be able to address it better. It is the Godly grief of the holy spirit that leads to repentance. We cannot produce that change without God. 2 Cor 7:10 We must be ever vigilant to be ALIVE in JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus will come like a thief to those that are not awake. 1 Thes 5:2-4. This language of a thief in the context of staying awake is specifically used by Jesus himself in Matt 24. Jesus is coming like a thief at an unknown hour so that we will stay awake and ready.
Approval to a few who have not soiled their garments. Let be like them. Do not compromise with the World/Devil.
Christ’s Promise to overcomers: white garments for those that come out of the great tribulation. & NOT blot his name out of the book of life (in OT and NT and Revelation) To those who have an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches!
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia
To the angel of the church in Philadelphia
Read out loud Rev 3:7–13 The Message to Philadelphia
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.
“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go 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 comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
City: Philadelphia
City: Philadelphia
Video Thyatira & Philadelphia | The 7 Churches of Revelation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUsm9dZPrcY
Revelation Philadelphia (3:7–13)
Philadelphia was a prosperous little commercial center. Its one main drawback was that it was subject to earthquakes. In fact, after the quake of AD 17, many of its inhabitants were too nervous to return to the city and settled in the surrounding countryside. For the little church in Philadelphia, the source of instability was the local synagogue where the Jews may have taunted the Gentile Christians, saying they had no right of access or belonging to the kingdom of God. In addition, commercial discrimination and even outright mob violence were possibilities.
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Three: Christ and the Churches, Part 2 (Revelation 3)
Philadelphia was situated in a strategic place on the main route of the Imperial Post from Rome to the East, and thus was called “the gateway to the East.” It was also called “little Athens” because of the many temples in the city. The church was certainly located in a place of tremendous opportunity.
The only major problem with the location was that the area was prone to earthquakes. Philadelphia sat on a geological fault, and in 17 B.C. it was destroyed by a severe earthquake that also destroyed Sardis and ten other cities. Afterward, some of the citizens refused to move back into the city and remained in the surrounding countryside, which they called “the burnt land.” There did not seem to be much security in the city of brotherly love!
Philadelphia means “brotherly love.”
Christ’s Person:
Christ’s Person:
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.
Holy one
Holy one
Jesus is Holy. (a clear claim to deity) The Bible refers to God 59 times (in the ESV) with the title of “Holy One”
True one
True one
Jesus is True, that is genuine, he is not one of the many false gods of limited demonic power that is worshiped in this place. The martyrs in heaven address the Lord “ holy and true in Rev 6:10
What are Keys, and the Key of David
What are Keys, and the Key of David
It looks like Jesus having the Key of David is significant.
what does it mean?
The first place the key of David is mentioned is in Isaiah 22. but before we go there lets examine other keys that Jesus has.
In Rev 1 we learned that Jesus has the keys of “Hades”(also translated grave) and of “Death” as described in Rev 1:18.
Note that Hades is not hell. Hell is most often translated from the greek word geenna. Hell is the place of tormented souls and surprisingly this word is not used in Revelation.
rev 1:18
and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
what does it mean to have a key? A key allows you unlock or lock, open and shut. and thus have authority over that portal. or doorway.
We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.
acts 2:31 ...
he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
So it could fit. Jesus overcame both!
Death and Hades are personifications that show up in revelation several times.
And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.
see here that they are “given authority. because Jesus has it.
And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.
they are now again acting in obedience to God to give up their dead
Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
there will be no more death and hades/grave and there will be more more use for them.
looking again a the Keys of David the only other place this key is mentioned is in Isaiah 22:22
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.
This is an interesting passage Isa. 22:15–25 about 2 different leaders in Israel…
Be Comforted Chapter Four: The Burdened Prophet (Isaiah 13–23)
The unfaithfulness of the leaders (Isa. 22:15–25). Had the leaders been faithful to the Lord and called the people to repentance, there might have been hope; but too many of the leaders were like Shebna, thinking only of themselves. As treasurer (steward), Shebna was second to King Hezekiah in authority (see chaps. 36–37); but he used his authority (and possibly the king’s money) to build himself a monumental tomb (22:16) and to acquire chariots (v. 18; see 2:7). Shebna was not a spiritual man, and he probably sided with the pro-Egypt party in Judah.
God judged Shebna by demoting him (he became “secretary” according to 36:3, NIV), disgracing him, and deporting him. Eventually he was thrown “like a ball” (22:18) into a far country (Assyria?), where he died. He could not have an expensive funeral and be buried in his elaborate tomb.
God chose a new man, Eliakim (“God will raise up”), and called him “My servant.” Instead of exploiting the people, he would be a father to them and use his “key” (authority) for the good of the nation. He would be like a dependable peg, hammered into the wall, on which you could hang many burdens. But even a godly leader like Eliakim could not prevent the ultimate fall of Judah, for one day the whole nation would fall (v. 25). Eliakim is a picture of Jesus Christ (Rev. 3:7), the greatest Servant of all.
There is a clear connection in this passage of revelation between Eliakim and Jesus. This passage established this concept of leadership having divine authority.
who opens and no one will shut
who opens and no one will shut
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.
we need to pause here and learn about what the bible says about opening and shutting of doors, because it is going to be important in the next vers for this church. Rev 3:8.
Search the bibgl for opening nad shutting…
what is the living way jesus has opened?
Jesus has opened a new and living way
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
When Jesus died on the cross, the current separating the holy of Holies was torn top to bottom, and at that moment a door was opened to humanity.
shuts and no one opens
shuts and no one opens
We are reminded of the way God has closed doors in the past.
Often the first instance is important to note for understanding significance.
God shuts the door of Noah's ark. Genesis 7:15–16.
But before he did, God first made a way of salvation. By having Noah build and Ark. and for hundreds of years. He kept that door open. That was an opportunity for those to repent and join with Noah and find favor in God’s eye’s like Noah.
But the did not.
But there came a special year & day when the rains began and the fountains of the deep burst forth to flood the earth.
In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened.
Did you know what day that was? (this is very interesting)
it was the very year that Methuselah died.
Did he die in the flood? No
unlikely as He was the son of one of the most godly men in the bible.. Enoch.
When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah.
Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters.
Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years.
Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.
Methuselah’s name literally means “This name signifies, "He dieth, and the sending forth,"
Could it be he was prophetically named by Enoch that upon his death there would be a sending forth of some kind? sure. Enoch was a prophet
It was like God was keeping the door open on the ark and the time of salvation available until this Saint (perhaps we can say intercessor) Methuselah died a natural long life (the longest life), and then it was time to shut the door.
Jewish tradition holds that it was the very day he died that God closed the door.
When God shuts a door it cannot be opened.
When God shuts a door it cannot be opened.
God shut the Ark’s door and we remember that this might have been because of the temptation for Noah and his family to open it and try to save others after the rain had begun. There is a time were it is too late to be saved. (salvation was closed)
Imagine a criminal doing evil crimes and never heeding the warning of others or god’s conviction, even in the court room he believes he will get off and refuses to take the pea deal. But then upon arriving at the prison and realizing that his punishment has come upon him, then goes, oh, yeah, well I guess I will take that plea deal. Nope it is too late. he is now on death row, and the time to repent and get a lighter sentence is over.
“Methuselah’s life, was a symbol of God’s mercy in forestalling the coming judgment of the flood. Therefore, it is fitting that his lifetime is the oldest in the Bible, speaking of the extensiveness of God’s mercy. “ Chuck - Missler
many names in the Bible are prophetic.
Ages of the Patriarchs from Adam to Noah
Ages of the Patriarchs from Adam to Noah
Patriarch / Age / Bible Reference / meaning of name
1 Adam / 930 / Genesis 5:4 / “man”.
2 Seth / 912 / Genesis 5:8 / “appointed”.
3 Enosh / 905 / Genesis 5:11 / “mortal, frail, or miserable”
4 Cainan / 910 / Genesis 5:14 / “sorrow, dirge, or elegy”.
5 Mahalalel / 895 / Genesis 5:17 / “Blessed God”.
6 Jared / 962 Genesis 5:20 / “shall come down”
7 Enoch / 365 (translated) / Genesis 5:23 / “teaching, or commencement”.
8 Methuselah / 969 / Genesis 5:27 / "He dieth, and the sending forth,"
9 Lamech / 777 / Genesis 5:31 / “lament or lamentation”.
10 Noah / 950 / Genesis 9:29 / “to bring relief or comfort”,
That’s rather remarkable series of names :
Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow; (but) the Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) His death shall bring (the) despairing rest.
Here’s the Gospel hidden within a genealogy in Genesis!
Methuselah name suggested that when he dies something comes forth.
and in the Gospel story, it is jesus that when he dies he comes forth. and a new beginning for all who will be saved begins.
This new begging foretold in Methuselah's name and death has another clue, on the day that the Ark comes to rest and finish it’s voyage on the mountains of Ararat.
RABBIT TRAIL: (from Bible study at work this last week)
17th day of the 7th month the Ark rests on the mountains of Ararat
and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.
Jesus’s Resurrection just happens to be on the anniversary of this day?
Jesus died on 14th of Nisan, in grave 3 days and resurrection on 17th of Nissan the 7th month and the 17th day.
The presence of the sevens is interesting.
the Bible is full of fascinating details and treasures!
We learn from this Rabbit trail that
the saving message of the gospel is hugely important, that the very names of the earliest patriarch were used to declare the salvation message.
that the Flood was a picture of Gods plan of salvation for the earth, not just in Noah’s time, but it was prophetically pointing to the first coming of Jesus were his resurrection would be salvation for the world just like the Ark landing on Mountains Ararat.
We should expect this all to tie into revelation as well…
>>back from the rabbit trail.
This doctrine of opening an shutting will become important in this next verse. Message will repeat of the shut/open power of Jesus!
Christ’s Accusation:
Christ’s Accusation:
Philadelphia has no accusation, instead they are supported strongly by Jesus.
SO this verse is not really and accusation - but just pointing out that they are trying hard without much power, and a holding on.
Christ’s Approval:
Christ’s Approval:
rev 3:8-11
“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
I know your works
I know your works
Revelation 3:8 (ESV)
“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Jesus does not say they are good or bad, acknowledged that they are trying. I get the feeling that they may have been discouraged. doing “work” without the strength of the Lord is hard work. and Can lead to burn out. But it is still work for the lord and a sacrifice. For they had been working hard, (without much power) and perhaps not seeing much fruit for their efforts.
They need some encouragement from God. So he tells them about this Open Door they he has opened:
I have set before you an open door
I have set before you an open door
Revelation 3:8 (ESV)
“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
what is the open door that no one can shut?
Perhaps we cannot know for sure, but it is of God’s doing, and I have an idea that ties in with the rest of the message tot he church, and I will share that soon, but before we get to it. it is useful to see that doors are important… we have mentioned a few in the OT already, and we see them allot in this section of scripture:
A door shows up in the letter to the church of Laodicea
At the next church Jesus will be standing at a door, and Knocking and is waiting for the Christians to open the door to invite him in. I think this might be reminding us of Luke 12:35–40 parable of the master’s return on purpose.
The Open Door Shows up next chapter. as John is invited to some up to heaven to see what must take place in the future. Rev 4:1.
No one is able to shut
No one is able to shut
Revelation 3:8 (ESV)
“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Sometimes God’s will is subject to “change” as when an intercessor ask God though prayer to do something. Or when a people repent line the Assyrian land of Ninivah.
Other times What God plans to do is unalterable. This open door was of God’s will and appears to be unalterable.
I know that You have but little power
I know that You have but little power
Revelation 3:8 (ESV)
“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
They were not a powerful church. They were in many ways at the mercy of their enemies. It must have been hard because Jesus commends them for their faithful witness.
You have Kept my word and Not Denied my Name
You have Kept my word and Not Denied my Name
Revelation 3:8 (ESV)
“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
The Christians in Philadelphia, were faithful witnesses.This is a POWERFUL THING. and not to be taken lightly. This is a hard time, and the pressure was great.
this consistent witness is important. It is establishing their Character and the reality of the relationship they have With Jesus.
The Synagogue of Satan will bow
The Synagogue of Satan will bow
Revelation 3:9 (ESV)
Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.
Are they Jews? No they lie.
They have been in trouble with the same group that troubled and slandered the church of Smyrna. They quite obviously hate the Christians, and are attempting to get them into trouble. They may be slandering Christians in order to keep their own position safe. It would be tempting to take matters into their own hands and try to get justice for themselves. to get some “sweet revenge”. Instead they have conducted themselves with Godly propriety. “You have kept my word about patient endurance” v10. They must have had a prophecy at some point about how to handle the situation, and they have been obedient to the Lord, and now he gets to work. There is a partnership here.
Jesus tells them that he will come bring some justice for their cause, and in a most amazing way their enemies will be both humbled and see God’s love. They may or may not convert and repent, but they will have the very best of opportunities to do so. This shows God’s love for both the Christians and the “synagogue of satan” for they
Jesus is going to cause them to humble themselves before the church in Philadelphia. We are not to seek vengeance. Let God fight your battles.
Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.
Instead, these lying slanderous deceivers will be confronted by Jesus in some way, such that they will find themselves needing to humble themselves before the Philadelphia Christians and will need to acknowledge at least internally that God actually loves the Christians. find out that their lies and falsehoods are empty since God loves the Christians in Philadelphia the very ones they were slandering.
what were the Christians in Philadelphia doing while they were being persecuted and slandered by the Synagogue of satan?
the next verse shows us:rev 3:10
Revelation 3:10 (ESV)
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
they were keeping God’s word ABOUT “patient endurance”.
The reward of God for that patient endurance is to save them from the hour of trial that was coming on the whole world.
I believe that the church in Philadelphia received a word about what they were to do in the face of the slanderous persecution of the synagogue of satan.
they were to “Endure patiently”. and they were doing it!!! they were obeying! and they were going to get a reward for doing so.
The hour of trial to try
The hour of trial to try
Revelation 3:10 (ESV)
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
What is the hour of trial coming upon the who world?
“to try those who dwell on the earth”
LONG-TERM it looks like it could be the great tribulation covered later in Revelation. The coming of Jesus is called an “hour” and that before that hour was a great trial. and makes the most sense in the the context of Jesus saying “I am coming soon/quickly” in the very next verse. SO clearly there is in this message to the local current immediate church of Philadelphia, a general message to all the churches and especially the Churches in these last days that if we endure patiently God will save us, and I think we can expect a Door of .
SHORT-TERM: This must have ment something specific to the Philadelphia church at that time.
One idea I had: Philadelphia ad so many Earthquakes, and that is a trial that will come upon the whole world (it might have seamed like it within there limited news area), and it could be that in one of the big earthquakes that truck Philadelphia, was such that the Christians were spared while the others were devastated by it. clearly showing God’s love and favor upon them.
Another idea: the fall of ROME.(stronger case)
the entire known world was seeing the deterioration of ROME and the collapse of it’s power. One day Rome would not be able to support a synagogue of satan, and when they were in trouble it would be to the Christians that they would go to get help, and at that tie they would see that God loved the Christians.
Christ’s Commendation:
Christ’s Commendation:
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
Open Door that is set before them
Open Door that is set before them
what is this Open Door?
To Answer, we simple read our bible and see what God says about open doors..
Paul asked that the church in colossi would pray that God would open a door for for the WORD to be preached. Col4:3
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—
and again in 1 Cor 16:9
for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Again a door for the work of sharing the Gospel. and agian...
When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord,
my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
Therefore it is almost certain that this Open Door given to the Christians at Philadelphia is a opportunity to share the Gospel.
Remember that Philadelphia means “love the brethren...” this an important part of our faith.
God the Father teaches us to love other Christians. 1 Thes 4:9
Jesus teaches us to love other Christians 1 John 4:19
And the Holy spirit teaches it. (of course all three) Rom 5:5
and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
The people of Philadelphia may have had a “reputation” for loving each other. But the presence of the synagogue of satan that slandered the Christians showed that they only loved those that they agreed with. The church at Philadelphia was given the Job by Jesus to do the real deal… to really love those outside the church… to love their very enemies. God had opened a door for them, to do this with the synagogue of satan.
I feel that God is opening a Door of evangelism to us as well. are we willing to love those who are the come against us?
A similar authority is seen again with Peter the Disciple. with the “keys of the kingdom of heaven”. Are the Keys of the kingdom and Key of David are similar? they do appear to have a parallel.
Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
What was the reveled to Peter? who revealed it?
The Identity of Jesus.
What is “this rock?” (literally Petra)
Whatever it is is going to have a church built on it!
Did God build his Church on top of Peter? ( no of course not!)
but some churches believe this very thing and the bad fruit that comes from it is truly horrible - essentially the Nicolatin beliefs that there are men closer to God.)
Jesus is using a word-play (a Pun) to help them remember this moment.
Jesus gives Simon a nickname, “Petros” (translated “Peter” in our English Bibles).
He then uses nearly the same word “Petra” to mean a (Rock/foundation) .
to state that the Church of Jesus the Messiah will be build upon this truth that “Jesus is the Christ/Messiah, the son of the Living God”.
Simon’s new nickname is so strong that the gospels call Simon way before he gets his nickname from Jesus here at this confession. (my opinion)
The foundation was not a man “Simon son of Jonah” now called “Petros/peter” The foundation was the reviled Identity of Jesus as the Christ the Jewish Messiah.
This is the very thing that the disciples and Paul went about preaching. “This Jesus you crucified is the Messiah!” that is what caused the thousands to come to Jesus, and got the Jewish leaders upset all over again.
The gates of Hades/grave
The gates of Hades/grave
The gates of Hades/grave (Not Hell = Gaheena) would not be able to stop this truth. ( jesus would literally raise from the dead because Jesus was the Christ/Messiah the gates of the grave could not hold him. 3 days and nights in the grave, and he arose!
what comes next?
Keys of the Kingdom of heaven
Keys of the Kingdom of heaven
Was God giving Peter only these keys or all the disciples. it is not clear but it does not make sense to be only Peter, if in revelation with the Church of Philadelphia we again have these keys mentioned.
Christ’s Promise to overcomers:
Christ’s Promise to overcomers:
What does the Christians at Philadelphia need to do to overcome?
The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go 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 comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
Pillar in the Temple of my God
Pillar in the Temple of my God
There were 2 pillars in Solomon’s temple. 1 Kings 7:13–22 & 2 Chronicles 3:15–17. One to the south was called Jachin (meaning “to prepare, make ready, to erect, set up; to determine”), and the other to the north was called Boaz (strength) . This show that pillars are important. It describes there decorations, and the height
a tent pole and upright support
can also be an overseer, a governor or a sentry.
significant church leaders care called Pillars in Gal. 2:9.
this is reminiscent in the “I will give authority over the nations” Jesus said to the overcomers in THYATIRA Re 2:26.
Names written on Us
Names written on Us
Name of my God:
This is a great honor. When the name of God is in an Angel the Israelites are asked to pay careful attention to him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against him, for he will not pardon the transgression. (Exod. 23:21 -22);
Name of the City of my God: “New Jerusalem”
Daniel in is intercession for Israel, claims that both your city and your people are called by your name Dan. 9:19.
This shows that these may be the same names or be so closely related. as to be the same.
Later in revelation we will see… 1444,000 who have his name (the Lamb Jesus) and his Father’s name written on their foreheads Rev. 14:1
we are going to be so closely identifying with Jesus and our adoption so complete that our very names will be connected.
Like a bride traditionally takes the last name of the groom, she identifies with him, and he with her, that they are one, and the share the same family name.
this happens all through scriptures...
Israelites: You are called by the name of the Lord Deut. 28:10
And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you.
my people who are called by my name 2 Chr. 7:14
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
everyone who is called by my name Isa. 43:1-7 particularly the house of Jacob but perhaps also all who are called by the name of God.
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.
Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.
I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
all the Gentiles who are called by my name Acts 15:17
“ ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it,
that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things
quoting form Amos 9:11-12
“In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old,
that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by my name,” declares the Lord who does this.
they will put my name on the sons of Israel Num. 6:27
“So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”
the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord (2 Sam. 6:2; 1 Chr. 13:6).
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
Next week Laodicea
Next week Laodicea
Chapter 3- Jesus’ letter to Laodicea - Dec 20
Chapter 3- Jesus’ letters to the 7 churches - Dec 27
Chapter 4 - the Throne of God in Heaven - Jan 3
Basic approaches in interpreting Revelation
Chapter 5 - The lamb and the scroll - Jan 10
Outline of revelation
Intro
5 LESSONS: Bible is one unified story, Keys to eschatology 1,2,3,4 Matt 24, Daniel 9, Matt 25.
ch1 The Introduction: The revelation of Christ’s Person, Authority, and Presence
1 LESSON: Its all about Jesus
ch2, 3 The Epistles to the Churches: The revelation of Christ’s Administrating of His Church
7 LESSONS: Each of these Letters from Jesus are important! Don’t speed past these.
ch4, 5 The Throne of God in Heaven: The revelation of Christ’s Right and Claim to Earth (The Lamb receives title to this planet.)
3 LESSONS: Basic approaches to Rev, Throne in heaven, Lamb of God,
ch6 The Breaking Open of Seals 1-6: The revelation of Christ’s Ministry as Savior and Judge (Savior, “going forth”; Judge, “great wrath”)
ch7 The 144,000–The Redeemed Host: The revelation of Christ’s Own: Sealed and Delivered (Both are the Church; on earth/in heaven)
ch8, 9 The 7th Seal–the first 6 trumpets : The revelation of Christ’s People Precipitating release Through Prayer (Opening a mighty concept)
??? NOTE: The 7th Trumpet–The Last Trump 1Cor. 15:52; 1Thess.4:16–appears as Revelation 11:15-19.
ch10 The Mighty Angel Announcing the End: The revelation of Christ as Consummator of History and as Commissioner of the End Times’ Message
ch 11, 13 Two Witnesses Christ’s, The Wonder Woman, The Beast: The revelation of Christ’s Church in Confrontation with Evil (In persecution, in spiritual warfare, and in conflict with the world-system)
ch 14 The 144,000 and Six Angelic Actions: Christ’s Own Redeemed in Triumph (Each angelic action indicating victory)
ch 15, 16 The 7 Vials of God’s Wrath: Christ’s Commission Unto Final Judgment (Set in an atmosphere of worship)
ch 17, 18 The Destruction of Babylon: Christ’s Sovereign Triumph Over Evil’s Spiritual and Economic Control of Mankind
ch 19, 20 The Two Last Battles: Christ’s Final Triumph Over and Banishment of All Evil (Pre- and post-millennial)
ch 21, 22 The New Heaven and New Earth: Christ’s Ultimate and Eternal Union With His Own Bride
Tribulation
Wrath
How long is the tribulation?
Is the Tribulation 7 yrs? or 3.5 years? or longer? Good teachers have decide there is a credible proposition that it could be much longer. (Jack Hayford). Jack thinks the tribulation started with Jesus leaving. In the World you have “tribulation” but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.
Come Quickly (for god it is quick)… and if you are upset about it that he has waited 2000 yr, it is not His fault. It is your fault for not recognizing that it could be up to him to decide what it means.
Rapture
Who will be taken when the Lord returns? Question Jack Hayford asked his mom as a young boy. His Mom came back with this after prayer. Those that are taken up with him now, will be taken up with him then.
Cessationism (distortion of scripture)
Often caused Christians to be filled with hate. Came up with the idea of Dispensation. Dispensationalism, is been given such a great spotlight, but not well defended by scripture. filmsy.???