Keys to a Successful Church

Introduction:

The Lord had a message to each of the 7 churches of Asia. Of the 7, there were only 2 that were commended for their actions. Five were told to change and repent. Today, we will look at the message to Philadelphia, one of the churches that Jesus praised for their commitment and success -

Since the Philadelphia church was such a positive group of saints who were successfully following Christ, we would do well to ask ourself, what was the key to their success?

The self-help industry is packed with books, blogs, and videos that offer motivation and tips on how to be your best self, be productive, and help you be successful. We focus a lot on individual success.

How do we define success? Some thing of it as obtaining more money and power. Others say it’s about living in accordance with your values. Still, others say that it’s about self-satisfaction.

“Keys to the game” provide a chart of helpful areas that you need to do well in if you want victory.

But how should churches be successful? Should churches be successful? Is that something we should strive for and seek to be?

Obey the One Who Has the Key of David

Jesus has the key of David -

Isaiah uses the same imagery in reference to Eliakim. Eliakim will become a “father” to Jerusalem and Judah and he is given the “key of David” -

“key of David” -

Shebna is removed as God’s steward in Hezekiah’s house; Eliakim replaces Shebna.

The key of David is to be understood as one who has charge and authority over the kingdom.

Jesus has the key of David. He is the Messianic King and Anointed One who was promised to David, who would establish an eternal kingdom and rule forever.

Other descriptive phrases to show that the church was focused on honoring Jesus as their King

“kept My word, not denied My name”

“kept My word, not denied My name” -

“hold fast”

“hold fast” -

The most important key to having a successful church is recognizing the authority of Jesus our King.

One of the most important keys to having a successful church is recognizing the authority of Jesus our King.

Jesus is the only way to access salvation and fellowship with God the Father

Biblical authority for all that we do since the Bible reveals the announcement and good news of Jesus

Understand that we are citizens in Christ’s kingdom; this church belongs to Jesus (we are “of Christ”)

Jesus deserves first place in everything, especially the church for which He died -

Use the Open Door

Jesus is the door - ; cf.

Jesus has they key of David (see above)

He opens the door and no one has the power to shut it or open it; He opens the door for the church -

Access to God, salvation, and the kingdom of God is available because Jesus is the Davidic king.

He opens the door for the church -

In another passage, Jesus says He is the door -

Jesus opens the door -

God opened the door of faith to Gentiles -

The New Testament mentions the doors that God opens:

God opened the door of faith to Gentiles -

Door of service and sharing the message -

Door of service and sharing the message -

An opening for the gospel was opened -

An opportunity for the gospel was opened -

Jesus has opened the door for us, so success isn’t based upon our own ingenuity or creativity. Success is about follow-through and using what has been provided for us.

Evangelism needs to become one of our strongest commitments (gospel meetings, Bible readings, Bible studies)

Evangelism begins with individuals (“personal work”)

Evangelism is a command from Jesus for all disciples -

A successful church uses the door of opportunity and works in the fields of the harvest -

Trust in the Love of Jesus

One of the amazing things about Jesus’ message to the church at Philadelphia is that He tells them “know that I have loved you” -

Jesus loves us and His love offers protection and judgment. He stands as our mediator, intercessor, and judge. He opposes the wicked and executes judgment -

Humble and cause enemies to bow down - v. 9

Offers protection in the time of testing - v. 10

Jesus, as King, establishes and upholds justice -

We think of “Jesus loves me” as a children’s song. But we forget that churches need to trust in Jesus’ love.

The Philadelphia church was reminded of Jesus’ love

Amazing things happen when we trust in the love of Jesus.

We know that no enemy can overtake us -

We know that we are protected from many of the weapons Satan has -

Satan is destroyed and judged - ;

Jesus’ love motivates us to be zealous -

The love of Christ gives us confidence and security!

Conclusion:

intercessor, mediator, and judge; opposes the wicked and executes judgment - ;

Conclusion:

Reward: we will be kings (with crowns) and priests (temple) in the eternal city of God - ; ;

There is the promised future of an eternal reward as being a special people in heaven with God!

We will be utter failures if we do not obtain this reward.

The church at Philadelphia shows us how we can be successful: obey our King, use the open door, and trust in the love of Jesus!