Living with an overcoming hope in a secular world.

Is possible with Jesus? vs7-9

He is holy and true vs 7a

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true,

Jesus Christ presented Himself to the church at Philadelphia as “He that is holy.” This is tantamount to declaring that He is God, which, of course, He is. Jesus Christ is holy in His character, His words, His actions, and His purposes. As the Holy One, He is uniquely set apart from everything else, and nothing can be compared to Him. These do not describe “tendencies” within Jesus, but His very being.

But He is also the One who is true—that is, genuine. He is the original, not a copy; the authentic God and not a manufactured one. There were hundreds of false gods and goddesses in those days (1 Cor. 8:5–6), but only Jesus Christ could rightfully claim to be the true God.

It is worth noting that when the martyrs in heaven addressed the Lord, they called Him “holy and true” (Rev. 6:10). Their argument was that, because He was holy, He had to judge sin, and because He was true, He had to vindicate His people who had been wickedly slain.

There are two ancient Greek words that we might translate true. One means “true and not false.” The other means “true and not fake.” The ancient Greek word used here for true (alethinos) is the second, with the idea of “real” or “genuine.” Jesus is true in all of who He is; He is the real God and the real man.

He has all authority vs 7b

Jesus showed He is also the keeper of the keys and doors. In this quotation from Isa 22:20-23, Jesus expressed His power and authority, especially to admit and exclude.

In the New Testament, an “open door” speaks of opportunity for ministry (Acts 14:27; 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3). Christ is the Lord of the harvest and the Head of the church, and it is He who determines where and when His people shall serve (see Acts 16:6–10). He gave the church at Philadelphia a great opportunity for ministry.

But could they take advantage of it? There were at least two obstacles to overcome, the first being their own lack of strength (Rev. 3:8). Apparently, this was not a large or a strong church; however, it was a faithful one. They were true to God’s Word and unafraid to bear His name. Revelation 3:10 suggests that they had endured some special testing and had proved faithful.

It is not the size or strength of a church that determines its ministry, but faith in the call and command of the Lord. “God’s commandments are God’s enablements.” If Jesus Christ gave them an open door, then He would see to it that they were able to walk through it! Martin Luther put it perfectly in his well-known hymn:

Did we in our own strength confide,

Our striving would be losing.

Were not the right Man on our side,

The Man of God’s own choosing.

He is all knowing 8a

The second obstacle was the opposition of the Jews in the city (Rev. 3:9). But God knows. This was really the opposition of Satan, for we do not battle against flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12). These people may have been Jews in the flesh, but they were not “true Israel” in the New Testament sense (Rom. 2:17–29). Jewish people certainly have a great heritage, but it is no guarantee of salvation (Matt. 3:7–12; John 8:33ff).

How were these Jews opposing the church at Philadelphia? For one thing, by excluding Jewish believers from the synagogue. Another weapon was probably false accusation, for this is the way the unbelieving Jews often attacked Paul. Satan is the accuser and he uses even religious people to assist him (Rev. 12:10). It is not easy to witness for Christ when the leading people in the community are spreading lies about you. The church at Smyrna faced the same kind of opposition (Rev. 2:9).

The believers in Philadelphia were in a similar situation to that of Paul when he wrote 1 Corinthians 16:9—there were both opportunities and obstacles! Unbelief sees the obstacles, but faith sees the opportunities! And since the Lord holds the keys, He is in control of the outcome! So what do we have to fear? Nobody can close the doors as long as He keeps them open. Fear, unbelief, and delay have caused the church to miss many God-given opportunities.

1 Corinthans 16:8-9 8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Keeps His commands vs 8,10,11

seizes the open door vs 8

“Philadelphia had been built with the deliberate intention that it might become a missionary city. Beyond

Philadelphia lay the wilds of Phrygia and the barbarous tribes; and it was intended that the function of Philadelphia should be to spread the Greek language, the Greek way of life, the Greek civilization, throughout the regions beyond.” (Barclay)

The city gained its name after its founder - Attalus the Second - who was nicknamed Philadelphos.

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 for the gospel.

As most people know, Philadelphia means “love of the brethren.” Certainly, brotherly love is an important mark of the Christian. We are “taught of God to love one another” (1 Thes. 4:9): by God the Father (1 John 4:19), God the Son (John 13:34), and God the Spirit (Rom. 5:5). But it is not enough to love God and our fellow believers; we must also love a lost world and seek to reach unbelievers with the Good News of the Cross.

This was a prosperous city. “Philadelphia commanded one of the greatest highways in the world, the highway which led from Europe to the East. Philadelphia was the gateway from one continent to another.” This church had a vision to reach a lost world, and God set before them an open door.

A man once came to Spurgeon and asked how he could win others to Jesus. Spurgeon asked him, “What are you? What do you do?” The man said, “I’m an engine driver on a train.”“Then,” said Spurgeon, “Is the man who shovels coal on your train a Christian?” “I don’t know,” said the man. “Go back,” said Spurgeon, “and find out and start on him.”

Open door.—For the figure compare Act 14:27; 1Co 16:9; 2Co 2:12; Col 4:3. An opening for some form of missionary work is clearly suggested. The safety of a Church lies more truly in enterprising service than in self-culture.

The New King James Version Chapter 14

27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

The New King James Version Chapter 16

8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

The New King James Version Chapter 2

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,

The New King James Version Chapter 4

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

obeys the command to persevere 10

Once we see the open door, we then have to walk through it. God wants us to take every evangelistic opportunity that He gives us.

What was a serious problem at Sardis (v. 3) was not the case with the Philadelphian congregation, to whom the risen Christ said, “You have kept my word.” They had been faithful to the Gospel and the apostles’ teaching even during the trial of their faith alluded to in the words “and have not denied my name (cf. 2:13). Every church must function in three areas. Exalting their God that is worship holding fast to His Name, submitting to His commands, being obedient to do all things for His glory. Then we have to be involved in the edification of the saints - teaching believers to obseve them all things baptizing belivers and bringing the body to a place of maturity. Thirdly, we are called to amke sdiples to be actively involved in the minsitry of missions and evangelism in taking the open doors.

Remember that no one can shut it: The emphasis is on unhindered openness. There is nothing that can keep them from their access to this door. Since Jesus is He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens (Rev 3:7), He had the authority to keep this door open for the Christians in Philadelphia and for us. Does that mean that existing churches will never stop functioning? That church doors will never close? I know of a church that has been functioning for many years that closed its doors recently. I think Jesus says we need to labour on, because He alone has the keys. He opens the door and He alone can shut the door of opportunity. Later on in verse 20 when Jesus speaks to the chucrh in Laodicea he says

Revelation 3:20 NKJV

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Jesus is building His church. He is holy, He is true, He is aware of our frailties, our smallness, He gives us an open door and because He is God, He will complete the work He started. The astounding fact is that Jesus uses weak people, a small church, a people that the world is rejecting to build the mot significant institution on earth. And then Jesus uses the power of the gospel. A simple message of His life and death and resurrection to rescue souls from the pit of hell. Our task simply I think - is to stay faithful to the One who is holy and true.

“Neither wealth or influence, neither promotional schemes nor the eloquence of its pulpit, nor the harmonies of its musicians can give it an effective ministry. The Lord alone has opened the door; the Lord alone ‘giveth the increase.’” (H. Morris)

They were weak enough to be strong in the Lord. We can be “too strong” or “too big” or too sure of ourselves for God to really use us. The church in Philadelphia had the poverty of spirit to know they really needed God’s strength.

“It is not a matter of great strength, not great ability but great dependability. Samson had great ability but poor dependability. A little strength faithfully used means more than much strength flashily and fitfully used.” (Havner)

The Apostle Paul was a great example of this dynamic of weakness and strength. God’s strength was made evident in his weaknesses (2Co 12:7-10).

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

I want us to be careful as a church not to depend on gimmicks, worldly measures to build our church. The lOrd blesses simple faithfulness and obedience to His word, to His commands. We have to be careful not to get distracted from what is the most important ministries of the church.

“The church of Philadelphia is commended for keeping the Word of the Lord and not denying His Name. Success in Christian work is not to be measured by any other standard of achievement. It is not rise in ecclesiastical position. It is not the number of new buildings which have been built through a man’s ministry. It is not the crowds that flock to listen to any human voice. All of these things are frequently used as yardsticks of success, but they are earthly and not heavenly measures.” (Barnhouse)

• Evangelistic opportunity (I have set before you an open door).

• Reliance on God (You have a little strength).

• Faithfulness to Jesus (have kept My word, and have not denied My name).

In some ways, these features seem unspectacular. They should be commonplace among churches. Yet Jesus was completely pleased with this church. He had nothing negative to say to the church at Philadelphia.

The best way to destroy the enemies of the Gospel is to pray that God would change them into friends. vs 9.

Their is the promise of vindication before self-righteous “spiritual” persecutors. God promised that the church in Philadelphia would be vindicated before their persecutors.

Clings to His promises

He acknowledges the faithful because He loves us. 8-9

The Saviour knows their works and He gave them encouraging promises to this church. First, He would take care of their enemies (Rev. 3:9). One day, these people would have to acknowledge that the Christians were right! (see Isa. 60:14; Phil. 2:10–11) If we take care of God’s work, He will take care of our battles.

He keeps the faithful from tribulation. 10

Second, He would keep them from Tribulation (Rev. 3:10). This is surely a reference to the time of Tribulation that John described in Revelation 6–19, “the time of Jacob’s trouble.” This is not speaking about some local trial, because it involves “them that dwell on the earth” (see Rev. 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 12:12; 13:8, 12, 14; 14:6; 17:2, 8). The immediate reference would be to the official Roman persecutions that would come, but the ultimate reference is to the Tribulation that will encompass the earth before Jesus Christ returns to establish His kingdom. In many Bible scholars’ understanding, Revelation 3:10 is a promise that the church will not go through the Tribulation, but will be taken to heaven before it begins (see 1 Thes. 4:13–5:11).

vs 10 To test those who dwell on the earth: The test is directed against those who dwell on the earth. This phrase is used nine times in the Book of Revelation, and it speaks of those who are not saved in Jesus. Rev 17:8 makes the term synonymous with the lost: And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world. This test is for unbelievers, not Christians.

vs 10 The word persevere is in the past tense, because it is something that the Christians had already done before the hour of trial, which has not yet come upon the world. The promise is a reward for past perseverance, not the equipping to persevere in the future.

verse 11 hold fast is to keep on to truth, you must not depart from the solid foundation.

Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. No one can steal it from you, it will be given to another i think is the intention here. This was not a crown of royalty, given because of royal birth. This was a crown of victory. Jesus encouraged His saints to finish their course with victory, to “play the second half” just as strongly as they “played the first half.”

“As far as the Philadelphian church was concerned, the rapture of the church was presented to them as an imminent hope.” (Walvoord)

The admonition, “Behold, I come quickly,” would strengthen this view.

He call and claims the faithful as His own. 12

Can yousee the five-fold repetitions of "My" in Rev 3:12. This is a wonderful acknowledgment of intimacy with God. The name symbolized ownership (cf. Rev 7:3; Rev 14:1; Rev 22:4).

The New King James Version (Chapter 3)

12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. 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 out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

Jesus encourages those who are His own here in this passage. Overcomers were told that they would be as a pillar in the temple of My God. Pillars were pictures of strength, stability, and dignified beauty.

The ancient city of Philadelphia suffered from frequent earthquakes. When a building collapsed in an earthquake often all that remained standing were the huge pillars. Jesus offers us this same strength, to remain standing in Him when everything around us crumbles. The pillar holds up the building. The only thing supporting the pillar is the foundation. True pillars in the church support the church, and they look to Jesus as their support foundation.

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2

Ephesians 2:19–22 NKJV

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

vs 12 He shall go out no more: The overcomer would have a place of permanence and stability with God, in contrast to an uncertain place in this world.

I will write on him the name of My God... I will write on him My new name: The overcomer also received many names - of God, the New Jerusalem, and the new name of Jesus. These names are marks of identification because they show who we belong to. They are marks of intimacy, because they show we are privileged to know Him in ways others are not. (The mark of the Beast).

(ILLUSTRATION - BIG HOME - JOHN, OR CHURCH WILLIE)