Behold, A Faithful Church

Introduction: Once again, we will return this morning to our study on the seven letters to the seven churches. As we have said before, these are real churches in real cities, but Jesus presents them to us as examples of kinds of churches. So far, in our study together, we have seen churches that hold the truth but lack love. Churches that love but lack truth. Churches that hate evil, and churches that tolerate evil. Churches that are spiritually alive and (as a result) suffer persecution. Churches that are spiritually dead and (as a result) don't suffer at all, and churches that think they have much but in reality have very little.

Now, in our study this morning, we find ourselves breathing the welcome, refreshing air of the church of Philadelphia. A church that, according to the words of Jesus in this letter, was a faithful church.

As with the other letters to the other churches, Jesus identifies Himself as the author of this letter by describing Himself. Only this time, the description is different than before. Up until this point, Jesus draws every characterization of Himself out of Revelation chapter 1, but here he gives us a unique description that clues us into this letter's distinctive nature.

This letter is unique in that it draws its description of Jesus from the Old Testament. First, Jesus identifies Himself as the Holy One.

As with the other letters to the other churches, Jesus identifies Himself as the author of this letter by describing Himself. Only this time, the description is different than before. Up until this point, Jesus draws every characterization of Himself out of Revelation chapter 1, but here he gives us a unique description that clues us into this letter's distinctive nature.

This letter is unique in that it draws its description of Jesus from the Old Testament. First, Jesus identifies Himself as the Holy One.

Holiness can never refer to anyone except for God Himself. This description of God transports us back to . In , Isaiah describes his vision where the seraphim cry one to another, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory."

Holiness is an attribute that belongs to God alone. Nothing in Scripture is ever referred to as holy except for God and people, places, and things designated as holy by God. God is holy. He is one of a kind. No one can stand beside Him, and nothing is Holy without His saying so.

Holiness can never refer to anyone except for God Himself. This description of God transports us back to . In , Isaiah describes his vision where the seraphim cry one to another, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory."

This letter is unique in that it draws its description of Jesus from the Old Testament. First, Jesus identifies Himself as the Holy One.

Second, Jesus identifies Himself as the True One. In , Jeremiah identifies God as the "true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King . . . "Jesus is the perfect realization of all the ideals of God. He is God very God, and at the same time, He is the perfect man. He is the realization of all that God ever intended. He is the real Messiah, and, as the real Messiah, he can be trusted to keep His promises.

Holiness is an attribute that belongs to God alone. Nothing in Scripture is ever referred to as holy except for God and people, places, and things designated as holy by God. God is holy. He is one of a kind. No one can stand beside Him, and nothing is Holy without His saying so.

Third, He possesses the key of David, and He alone has the right to open and shut, and no one can oppose Him. This statement is a definite reference to , where Eliakim, the king's steward, controlled access to the treasure house. Having the key of David, Eliakim had the final say in who had access to the blessings of the kingdom. Likewise, Jesus alone controls access to the blessings of the Messianic kingdom. He alone has the power to admit or dismiss from the kingdom of God, and no one can open or shut that door except for Him.

Holiness can never refer to anyone except for God Himself. This description of God transports us back to . In , Isaiah describes his vision where the seraphim cry one to another, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory."

Second, Jesus identifies Himself as the True One. In , Jeremiah identifies God as the "true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King . . . "Jesus is the perfect realization of all the ideals of God. He is God very God, and at the same time, He is the perfect man. He is the realization of all that God ever intended. He is the real Messiah, and, as the real Messiah, he can be trusted to keep His promises.

Now there might be some who would ask the question, "What about the keys given to Peter in ? Does Peter have the authority to open and shut the doors of heaven?"

Now, in our study this morning, we find ourselves breathing the welcome, refreshing air of the church of Philadelphia. A church that, according to the words of Jesus in this letter, was a faithful church.

The short answer is, "No." Peter and the other apostles were uniquely called and equipped by Jesus. Jesus appointed them as the inspired teachers of the gospel in the early church, and the church rightly understood the keys of the kingdom to be the doctrinal truths concerning Christ. In other words, Jesus entrusted Peter with the essential truths for salvation. It was not the person of Peter who had the power to open and shut the kingdom, but it was the message entrusted to Peter that could open and close the kingdom.

Third, He possesses the key of David, and He alone has the right to open and shut, and no one can oppose Him. This statement is a definite reference to , where Eliakim, the king's steward, controlled access to the treasure house. Having the key of David, Eliakim had the final say in who had access to the blessings of the kingdom. Likewise, Jesus alone controls access to the blessings of the Messianic kingdom. He alone has the power to admit or dismiss from the kingdom of God, and no one can open or shut that door except for Him.

Holiness is an attribute that belongs to God alone. Nothing in Scripture is ever referred to as holy except for God and people, places, and things designated as holy by God. God is holy. He is one of a kind. No one can stand beside Him, and nothing is Holy without His saying so.

Now, back to the church in Philadelphia.

Now there might be some who would ask the question, "What about the keys given to Peter in ? Does Peter have the authority to open and shut the doors of heaven?"

Because of their faithfulness, Jesus writes to them to encourage them. And it is this Jesus who is holy and true and has sole authority over the kingdom of heaven who addresses this church.

Second, Jesus identifies Himself as the True One. In , Jeremiah identifies God as the "true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King . . . " Jesus is the perfect realization of all the ideals of God. He is God very God, and at the same time, He is the perfect man. He is the realization of all that God ever intended. He is the real Messiah, and, as the real Messiah, he can be trusted to keep His promises.

The short answer is, "No." Peter and the other apostles were uniquely called and equipped by Jesus. Jesus appointed them as the inspired teachers of the gospel in the early church, and the church rightly understood the keys of the kingdom to be the doctrinal truths concerning Christ. In other words, Jesus entrusted Peter with the essential truths for salvation. It was not the person of Peter who had the power to open and shut the kingdom, but it was the message entrusted to Peter that could open and close the kingdom.

Wouldn't you like to be in a church like this?

Now, back to the church in Philadelphia.

In all other cases, except for the church in Smyrna, the words I know your works carried with them a sense of trepidation. But not this time. Philadelphia was a faithful church, and for this reason, Jesus calls us as readers to behold three things.

Behold, faithfulness opens the door.

Because of their faithfulness, Jesus writes to them to encourage them. And it is this Jesus who is holy and true and has sole authority over the kingdom of heaven who addresses this church.

The one who is holy and true and authoritative says to this church, "I have set before you an open door."

Third, He possesses the key of David, and He alone has the right to open and shut, and no one can oppose Him. This statement is a definite reference to , where Eliakim, the king's steward, controlled access to the treasure house. Having the key of David, Eliakim had the final say in who had access to the blessings of the kingdom. Likewise, Jesus alone controls access to the blessings of the Messianic kingdom. He alone has the power to admit or dismiss from the kingdom of God, and no one can open or shut that door except for Him.

Wouldn't you like to be in a church like this?

Now some commentators hold to the position that this open door is the door of gospel opportunity. Like the door Paul describes in , where he says, "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." Here Paul is describing the open door of effective ministry in Ephesus. However, Jesus, who knows the work of the Philadelphians, is promising them an open door into the Messianic kingdom. A door that no one can shut. We know this to be the case because Jesus has already identified Himself as the true Messiah who alone holds the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

In all other cases, except for the church in Smyrna, the words I know your works carried with them a sense of trepidation. But not this time. Philadelphia was a faithful church, and for this reason, Jesus calls us as readers to behold three things.

What a promise?! And it is here that this letter becomes both exciting and instructive for us. Jesus says, "I know your works." Before he even tells them what those works are, He makes sure they know that He enthusiastically approves of them. The door is open for you! That is exciting!

As with the other letters to the other churches, Jesus identifies Himself as the author of this letter by describing Himself. Only this time the description is different than the others. Up until this point, every description of Jesus in the letters to the churches has been drawn out of Revelation chapter 1. Instead, this is a unique description that clues us into the fact that this is a unique letter.

Now, in our study this morning, we find ourselves breathing the welcome, refreshing air of the church of Philadelphia. A church that, according to the words of Jesus in this letter, was a faithful church.

It is also instructive. Since the door of the kingdom is open to the Philadelphians, we would do well to pay careful attention to their example.

Behold, faithfulness opens the door.

So what are the works of a church that causes Jesus Himself to wholeheartedly endorse their ministry?

The one who is holy and true and authoritative says to this church, "I have set before you an open door."

Now there might be some who would ask the question, "What about the keys given to Peter in ? Does Peter have the authority to open and shut the doors of heaven?"

First, Jesus says to them something that might at first seems odd to us. He says, "You have little strength." Some commentators take the position that Jesus is referring to their spiritual weakness. However, this does not fit the context because this letter is Jesus' full endorsement of their ministry. Their little strength is also part of the good qualities that causes Jesus to open the doors of heaven for them. It would not make sense for Jesus to say, "You are spiritually weak, and so I will open the doors of heaven for you."

Now some commentators hold to the position that this open door is the door of gospel opportunity. Like the door Paul describes in , where he says, "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." Here Paul is describing the open door of effective ministry in Ephesus. However, Jesus, who knows the work of the Philadelphians, is promising them an open door into the Messianic kingdom. A door that no one can shut. We know this to be the case because Jesus has already identified Himself as the true Messiah who alone holds the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

So the NASB's translation might be more helpful for us in our understanding. The NASB translates this phrase, "You have little power." In other words, this church is a small church with limited influence.

Small churches with limited influence must not matter as much as large churches with an extensive reach, right? That's not what Jesus says. Sometimes we are tempted to think that the bigger the church, the better the church. That's not what Jesus says. Instead, Jesus looks at their limited size and influence and commends them for not caving to the pressures of society. He says, "You might not be the most prominent church or even the most influential church, but you are an obedient, faithful church.

What a promise?! And it is here that this letter becomes both exciting and instructive for us. Jesus says, "I know your works." Before he even tells them what those works are, He makes sure they know that He enthusiastically approves of them. The door is open for you! That is exciting!

"You have little power," he says, "but you have demonstrated great obedience and tremendous faithfulness."

It is also instructive. Since the door of the kingdom is open to the Philadelphians, we would do well to pay careful attention to their example.

The short answer is, "No." Peter and the other apostles were uniquely called and equipped by Jesus. They were appointed as the inspired teachers of the gospel in the early church, and the church rightly understood the keys of the kingdom to be the doctrinal truths concerning Christ. In other words, Jesus entrusted Peter with the essential truths for salvation. It was not the person of Peter who had the power to open and shut the kingdom, but it was the message entrusted to Peter that could open and close the kingdom.

Something to note here is that the first "you have" is present tense while the second two are past tense. So Jesus had in mind a specific trial that this church had faced. At some point, unbelieving Jews had tried to force this church to disobey the commands of Christ and deny His name. And even though they were not large in number or powerful in their influence, they were faithful in their character. And for that, Christ offers them nothing but commendation.

So what are the works of a church that causes Jesus Himself to wholeheartedly endorse their ministry?

So first, because Philadelphia was a faithful church, Jesus Himself had opened the door for them. They might seem insignificant, but as the Bible often reminds us: that which is trivial to man is often significant to God.

First, Jesus says to them something that might at first seems odd to us. He says, "You have little strength." Some commentators take the position that Jesus is referring to their spiritual weakness. However, this does not fit the context because this letter is Jesus' full endorsement of their ministry. Their little strength is also part of the good qualities that causes Jesus to open the doors of heaven for them. It would not make sense for Jesus to say, "You are spiritually weak, and so I will open the doors of heaven for you."

Behold, faithfulness will be vindicated.

One of the

This letter is unique in that it draws its description of Jesus from the Old Testament. First, Jesus identifies Himself as the One who is Holy and True.

The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

In addition to opening the door of the kingdom for this church, Jesus promises them that He will vindicate their faith in the end. Like the church in Smyrna, the church in Philadelphia faced hostile Jews from the synagogue of Satan. These are Jews who rejected the true Messiah, and though they claimed that they were true Jews, that claim was a lie.

So the NASB's translation might be more helpful for us in our understanding. The NASB translates this phrase, "You have little power." In other words, this church is a small church with limited influence.

Now, back to the church in Philadelphia.

Yes, they were Jewish ethnically, culturally, and ceremonially, but they were far from it spiritually. Paul defines a true Jews in : "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God."

Small churches with limited influence must not matter as much as large churches with an extensive reach, right? That's not what Jesus says. Sometimes we are tempted to think that the bigger the church, the better the church. That's not what Jesus says. Instead, Jesus looks at their limited size and influence and commends them for not caving to the pressures of society. He says, "You might not be the most prominent church or even the most influential church, but you are an obedient, faithful church.

Jesus defines a true Jew in the same way in , : "They answered and said to Him, 'Abraham is our father.' . . . 'You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do . . . but because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.'"

"You have little power," he says, "but you have demonstrated great obedience and tremendous faithfulness."

A true Jew is a Jew who has been forgiven by placing His faith in the true Messiah while a false Jew is one who rejects Jesus and those who follow Him. Jesus even emphasizes this point by calling these false Jews out as liars. They are not true Jews, but they are liars.

Something to note here is that the first "you have" is present tense while the second two are past tense. So Jesus had in mind a specific trial that this church had faced. At some point, unbelieving Jews had tried to force this church to disobey the commands of Christ and deny His name. And even though they were not large in number or powerful in their influence they were faithful in their character. And for that, Christ offers them nothing but commendation.

Now some commentators take the position that this verse is an indication that the historical, ethnic term for Jew has now been transferred to refer to the Christian church. However, there is no evidence for this in this passage. Jesus is simply stating that this particular group of Jews persecuting the church in Philadelphia was not worthy of being identified as the chosen people of God.

Something to note here is that the first "you have" is present tense while the second two are past tense. So Jesus had in mind a specific trial that this church had faced. At some point, unbelieving Jews had tried to force this church to disobey the commands of Christ and deny His name. And even though they were not large in number or powerful in their influence they were faithful in their character. And for that, Christ offers them nothing but commendation.

Because of their faithfulness, Jesus writes to them to encourage them. And it is this Jesus who is holy and true and has sole authority over the kingdom of heaven who addresses this church.

Jesus then predicts the future humiliation of these false Jews. There is coming a day when those who deny Christ and persecute genuine believers will be totally humbled.

So first, because Philadelphia was a faithful church, Jesus Himself had opened the door for them. They might seem insignificant, but as the Bible often reminds us: that which is trivial to man is often significant to God.

For a Jew, this prediction unthinkable since Jesus was using Old Testament imagery that specifically describes Gentiles bowing down to the believing Jews.

Behold, faithfulness will be vindicated.

says, "Also the sons of those who afflicted you shall come bowing to you, and all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you The City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel."

The church in Philadelphia, which included Gentiles, would one day see this same synagogue of Satan that persecuted them bow down and worship. Although it was unthinkable for these Jews, it was also hopeful for them as well. This prediction is a reference to the fact that the faithfulness of the church in Philadelphia would one day be rewarded by the salvation of the very Jews who persecuted it.

In addition to opening the door of the kingdom for this church, Jesus promises them that He will vindicate their faith in the end. Like the church in Smyrna, the church in Philadelphia faced hostile Jews from the synagogue of Satan. These are Jews who rejected the true Messiah, and though they claimed that they were true Jews, that claim was a lie.

Wouldn't you like to be in a church like this?

Neither of these attributes can refer to anyone except for God Himself. As we read this description we are reminded of where the seraphim cry one to another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.”

As with the other letters to the other churches, Jesus identifies Himself as the author of this letter by describing Himself. Only this time, the description is different than before. Up until this point, Jesus draws every characterization of Himself out of Revelation chapter 1, but here he gives us a unique description that clues us into this letter's distinctive nature.

Isn't the plan of the Lord incredible?! He will bless this church, and churches like it, by reaching the very Jews who persecute it. God intends to use us to fulfill His promises to Israel. How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

Yes, they were Jewish ethnically, culturally, and ceremonially, but they were far from it spiritually. Paul defines a true Jews in : "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God."

And not only will God bring these Jews to Himself, but He will also change their hearts to be convinced of God's love for the Gentiles. The false Jews mocked this church because they could not believe that God would love Gentiles, but all of that will change at the time of Israel's repentance.

Jesus defines a true Jew in the same way in , : "They answered and said to Him, 'Abraham is our father.' . . . 'You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do . . . but because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.'"

But God's vindication of this church is not over yet. Not only will they be vindicated in the eyes of these false Jews, but because of their faithfulness, they will also be delivered from the hour of testing.

A true Jew is a Jew who has been forgiven by placing His faith in the true Messiah while a false Jew is one who rejects Jesus and those who follow Him. Jesus even emphasizes this point by calling these false Jews out as liars. They are not true Jews, but they are liars.

In all other cases, except for the church in Smyrna, the words I know your works carried with them a sense of trepidation. But not this time. Philadelphia was a faithful church, and it is to this church that he says:

Even the world knows that the Bible predicts the coming hour of testing. We refer to it as the tribulation — the seven-year period when God will test the entire world. This period of time is intended to expose people for what they really are so that they can have the opportunity to repent. Unbelievers will either pass the test by repenting or fail the test by refusing to repent. There is no need for the Philadelphian church to go through this hour of testing because God already knows their works, and they are faithful.

Some commentators would argue that the church will go through this hour of testing and that this promise only refers to God's protecting their faith through the hour of trial. However, that is not what Jesus is saying at all. The promise to the faithful church is that God will keep them from the hour of testing, not protect them through the hour of testing. Jesus' promise truly is that He will remove faithful believers from the earth before the time of trial. As we have said before, God already knows the works of the faithful, and so they need not be tested.

Now some commentators take the position that this verse is an indication that the historical, ethnic term for Jew has now been transferred to refer to the Christian church. However, there is no evidence for this in this passage. Jesus is simply stating that this particular group of Jews persecuting the church in Philadelphia was not worthy of being identified as the chosen people of God.

And so, the One who is holy and true and authoritative says to this faithful church that the door of the kingdom is open for them and that their faithfulness will be vindicated and even result in great blessing.

Jesus then predicts the future humiliation of these false Jews. There is coming a day when those who deny Christ and persecute genuine believers will be totally humbled.

Finally, Jesus says, "Behold, I am coming for the faithful."

For a Jew, this prediction unthinkable since Jesus was using Old Testament imagery that specifically describes Gentiles bowing down to the believing Jews.

Behold, your faithfulness has opened the door.

Behold, I am coming for the faithful.

Holiness is an attribute that belongs to God alone. Nothing in Scripture is ever referred to as holy except for God and people, places, and things designated as holy by God. God is holy. He is one of a kind. No one can stand beside Him, and nothing is Holy without His saying so.

Christ's coming here is different than his promised coming to the other churches. The promises of his coming to the other churches were warnings for sinning congregations. The coming promised here is to take away these believers away from the world during the hour of testing. And when it happens, it will happen quickly. Which means it could happen at any moment. His return is imminent and unexpected, but it is also a source of great comfort for faithful believers.

says, "Also the sons of those who afflicted you shall come bowing to you, and all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you The City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel."

And because His return could be at any moment, this church is commanded to hold fast. What joyous words of comfort. To be told by Jesus Himself, "I am coming quickly. So be sure to keep doing what you have been doing. Keep it going! Be faithful!"

The church in Philadelphia, which included Gentiles, would one day see this same synagogue of Satan that persecuted them bow down and worship. Although it was unthinkable for these Jews, it was also hopeful for them as well. This prediction is a reference to the fact that the faithfulness of the church in Philadelphia would one day be rewarded by the salvation of the very Jews who persecuted it.

"Hold fast," he commands, "so that no one may take your crown." In a city known for games and festivals, the Philadelphian church knew exactly what this meant. In the ancient games, victors would receive a crown of victory as an achievement of their persevering athleticism.

Isn't the plan of the Lord incredible?! He will bless this church, and churches like it, by reaching the very Jews who persecute it. God intends to use us to fulfill His promises to Israel. How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

The one who is holy and true and authoritative says to this church, "I have set before you an open door."

So this is not a reference to the crown of life promised to the church in Smyrna, but rather the crown of honor described in : "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."

And not only will God bring these Jews to Himself, but He will also change their hearts to be convinced of God's love for the Gentiles. The false Jews mocked this church because they could not believe that God would love Gentiles, but all of that will change at the time of Israel's repentance.

So keep being faithful so that no one can deprive you of that crown of honor from the Lord.

Now we come to the final promise made to the faithful believers in this church. "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, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from God. And I will write on Him My new name."

But God's vindication of this church is not over yet. Not only will they be vindicated in the eyes of these false Jews, but because of their faithfulness, they will also be delivered from the hour of testing.

This is wonderful encouragement to genuine believers. In heaven, we know that there will be no temple because it will all be temple. In heaven, the glory of God will be seen and worshipped everywhere, and we will have complete access to Him. So this promise is a reference to the fact that believers will be a fixed and permanent part of the New Jerusalem. Just like there could be no temple without its pillars, there could be no New Jerusalem without God's faithful saints.

Even the world knows that the Bible predicts the coming hour of testing. We refer to it as the tribulation — the seven year period when God will test the entire world. This period of time is intended to expose people for what they really are so that they can have the opportunity to repent. Unbelievers will either pass the test by repenting or fail the test by refusing to repent. There is no need for the Philadelphian church to go through this hour of testing because God already knows their works, and they are faithful.

Now some commentators hold to the position that this open door is the door of gospel opportunity. Like the door Paul describes in , where he says, "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." Here Paul is describing the open door of effective ministry in Ephesus. However, Jesus, who knows the work of the Philadelphians, is promising them an open door into the Messianic kingdom. A door that no one can shut.

The idea of permanence is reinforced as Jesus states that the believer will never go out as union with God has been achieved for us by Christ, and we receive His new name and our new citizenship.

Some commentators would argue that the church will go through this hour of testing and that this promise only refers to God's protecting their faith through the hour of trial. However, that is not what Jesus is saying at all. The promise to the faithful church is that God will keep them from the hour of testing, not protect them through the hour of testing. Jesus' promise truly is that He will remove faithful believers from the earth before the time of trial. As we have said before, God already knows the works of the faithful, and so they need not be tested.

And in heaven, we will finally receive what we have been looking for all this time - the full revelation of Christ as he writes on us His new name.