Philadelphia: The Faithful Church

Intro

“You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin – to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours – closer than you yourself keep it. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo. Anyway: there it is. We know most of what Gandalf has told you. We know a good deal about the ring. We are horribly afraid–but we are coming with you; or following you like hounds.” J.R.R Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Faithfulness means loyal, constant, and steadfast

Stick with you no matter what the circumstances

Today, we will be talking about a faithful church

Recap Series

Philadelphia known as “The Faithful Church”

One of two churches that does not receive a correction from Jesus

Background of Philadelphia

Known as the gate or door

Stood at the junction of 2 major road systems

Located in a volcanic area and had great soil

Known for it’s large vineyards

Worship of the God Dionysus (God of Wine and Festivals)

In 17AD suffered massive earthquake

Aftershocks were still happening over 20 years after

Many people were anxious and on edge not knowing when the next disaster would happen

Group of Jews that would not let other believers in the synagogue

The believers in Philadelphia were shut out and excommunicated from the synagogue

Known as the city of “Brotherly love” as Attalus II gifted the city to his brother

Revelation 3:7 NIV

7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

Jesus describes himself as holy and true

Key of David shows Jesus as the holder of the keys

Speaks to his authority

1) Open and closed doors both present real opportunities

It is easy for us to see open doors as opportunities

Job openings

New homes

New relationships

How many of us take the time to see that closed doors are opportunities as well?

I can think of countless opportunities that have come my way because doors were closed.

Open doors offer invitations and closed doors offer protection

Home example

Jesus says to the church in Philadelphia

They won’t let you in, I am closing that door

And I’m opening a door to where you have access to me and no one can shut it

Aren’t you glad that Jesus is still in the business of opening and closing doors?

He holds the keys

What is Jesus inviting you to?

What door do you need to close that you have been trying to close by yourself?

Relationship

Addiction

Revelation 3:8–9 NIV

8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

2) In our weakness is where God reveals His glory

We do not like to admit weakness

It’s painful to admit our weaknesses

It makes us vulnerable

I’m not a handyman

I don’t like to admit it because it makes me feel like less of a man

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 NIV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Christ’s power rests on us when we admit our weaknesses

Jesus glory is revealed when we admit areas of weakness

His strength is beyond comparison

The only way to tap into that type of power is to admit your weaknesses

The church in Philadelphia had little strength

A church that seems weak to the outside world is where God can display his glory

A honest humble person that admits weaknesses can do great and mighty things because they rely on the strength that only god can give

What’s an area in your life where you are trying to act strong, but you are really weak?

Do you want Christ’s power in that area?

Revelation 3:10 NIV

10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

3) Great moves of God are preceded by simple acts of patience and obedience

It is difficult to wait

It’s even more difficult when you are suffering

ER for Kidney stone

Impatience causes us to seek our own agenda, rather than God’s

Have you ever just got tired of waiting on God?

What could God be trying to teach you while you wait?

Obedience often requires faith

The first step is always the most difficult step

Delayed obedience is disobedience

Jesus promised the believers that they would not experience the hour of trial because of their patience and obedience

Is there an area of your life where you have grown tired of waiting on God?

Are you being totally obedient or are you hesitant to take the first step?

Revelation 3:11–13 NIV

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

4) Perseverance through trials will eventually lead to victory

Land navigation through forest. Could not see the hill

It’s difficult to see the end when you are in the thick of it

Jesus says he will make the victorious one a pillar in the temple of my God

They would be a permanent fixture

No longer shut out

We may never experience true victory in this life

If we hold on to what we have and let no one take our crown

If we persevere through trials, we will one day see victory

Have you been thinking about giving up?

Are you expecting a victory that may not happen in this life?

Where is Jesus telling you to hold fast?

Summary

Open and closed doors both present real opportunities

In our weakness is where God reveals his glory

Great moves of God are preceded by simple acts of patience and obedience

Perseverance through trials will eventually lead to victory