Philadelphia: A Faithful Church

I don't try to find it now, okay. Revelation chapter number 3 will begin reading and verse number 7. It had to be Congress who came up with this time of setting. The time to change your clocks during the wee morning hours of Sunday morning. The bad idea. A better idea would be to do that on a Friday afternoon, right? Get off work a little early. You don't have to I don't sleep well during the time change cuz I'm always afraid. I know these new phones and all these alarm clocks are supposed to do it themselves, but I don't trust them. And a lot of times, it was not just a couple years ago. I would always have my mom mom. Please call me. Make sure I'm up, because I didn't, I never want to sleep in on Sunday morning. But anyway, Revelation chapter 3 and verse number seven. We're continuing our series preaching, through the letters that Jesus wrote. To the churches in Asia Minor. It says, number 7 into the angel of the church in Philadelphia, right? These things says, he who is Holy, he who is true, he who has the Key of David. He who opens? And no one shuts and shuts and no one opens. I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door and no one can shut it for you have a little strength. You have kept my word and have not denied my name. Indeed. I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie. Indeed. I will make them come and worship before your feet and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept my command to persevere. I also will keep you from the hour of trial, which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the Earth. Behold I come quickly. Hold fast. What you have that? No one may take your crown. He who overcomes I will make him a pillar in the temple of God. He shall go out no more. 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 out of Heaven, from my God and I will write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says, to the churches. Let's pray. Our Father. we thank you, Lord for This beautiful day. Lord, you've allowed us to come together and meet in your house. We thank you. Lord, for the songs that we have sung this morning, that remind us of your grace remind us of your mercy. And father, we are blessed. Beyond measure, we are undeserving of anything good that will come from your hand. But father, you have poured out upon us. Immeasurably your grace and your mercy. Father, I pray as we look at this passage of scripture, father. I pray that you would be our teacher. I pray that you would fill me up in your spirit and or allow me to be poured out as a vessel. Father, I pray that we would apply. These truths are heart. And we ask all these things in Christ name and all of God's people said, amen. We're looking at the church that was located in Philadelphia. And we're naming this Philadelphia. A faithful church, and we're continuing to move throughout these letters that the Lord Jesus wrote to the seven churches who were in the Asia Minor. Martin modern-day turkey. We have covered this far, five of the seven churches in today. Come in looking at the 6 church, the church in Philadelphia, not the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but the Philadelphia in Asia Minor youngest of all the cities that Jesus wrote to in Revelation Chapter 2 and 3. It was a city that was established in 189 BC and so is relatively young compared to the other cities such as Sardis that was started in 1200 cc and is also a more or less smaller city than the other cities that we have looked at such as Ephesus. In Smyrna and so forth. I just said he was located in a narrow pass between two mountain ranges. It was located in a valley and because of its strategic location. It was used as a military buffer City. That way, if enemy our armies came through, passing, through this narrow pass, it could be delayed by a small Force at Philadelphia. Philadelphia was established by King human. He's the king of pergamus. And the King named it, after a great love that he had for his brother younger brother King at Alice, which hints the name Philadelphia, the name Philadelphia means the city of him, who loves his brother. We know the more concise version of that, the city of Philadelphia means the City of Brotherly, Love. What being that the city of Philadelphia was a part of the Roman Empire. Philadelphia was a home of to numerous temples and to numerous gods and goddesses of ancient Greece. And so, it is to the church in Philadelphia that Jesus speaks these verses, and he comes to them, is very amazing. He comes to them with words with no words of complaint. He comes that there was no words of condemnation, but rather he comes to them with words of Praise. He comes to them with words of encouragement, with words of promise. I think the Lord's words to this week church, but faithful church have a lot to say to our hearts today. If we're going tomorrow model our church after any of the seven churches. It would have to be this church here at Philadelphia. So I want us this morning to look at the words of Jesus and find find out why this is such a model church. This faithful Church. Notice number one, the church and its Master the church and her master. Each of the seven messages to the churches, had a purpose, especially in the opening phrases opening lines of each letter of focusing. The Believers upon the person and work of the Lord, Jesus Christ Christ himself was to be the great reality that shaped their thinking. Whether they were anticipating persecution, whether they were going through and having to stand up against false teaching and against the temptation to sin. This is why that in each opening of each letter. There is a description of Christ himself. There is a description of his attributes. We notice this. A number one. It says, in Christ is riding and he says to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. The words of the Holy One in true one, who has the Key of David who opens, and no one will shut and who shuts and no one opens. So, right out of the gate of the very beginning of the sweater, Jesus presents himself as holy. He presents himself as true as holy. Jesus is set apart. That's what holy means. It is to be Sanctified to be above all other. Jesus is saying that he is Holy. He said above all others that why is set apart? Well, he is set apart because he is pure, he is righteous. This endless this alone sets him apart from everything else. Jesus is speaking to a church that is striving to be. Holy. They're, they're striving to be set apart, even though they live in the midst of corruption in a sinful world. Am I so what a great reminder? This is to us that we must remember that Christ is Holy Christ is set apart and we who are Saved. We are to be holy as he is. Holy. This world is against us. We know that, right. This world with its Ian is pressing on us on every side. But listen to me. Jesus has the power to help us to live, holy lives. That we should desire to live. So he says that he is wholly. But he also says, he is also true. The word true here means. Genuine authentic details, his people here at the church of Philadelphia that he is the real savior. He is their only genuine authentic. Lord. I remember these early Believers were surrounded daily by that which was false. They were surrounded daily by that, which was fake, false gods and thoughts worship. Absolutely abounded in this day. And Jesus wants them to know that he is the true savior. That they are not wasting their time serving him. They do not make a mistake when they turn their backs on their idols and pagan gods. Like the Thessalonians in Paul's day. These Believers had turned to God from Idols in Jesus and saying, hey, remember, I am the true savior. I am the genuine savior. Oh my, this is that there is a word for us today. Amen. Because we live in an age. We live in a world where many things are mere imitations.

I mean my soul. We have sugar substitute. Salt substitute. We even have meat substitutes. We have fake fur, fake leather. Today. We are surrounded by that, which is fake and pretend. It's so it is a comfort for us to be reminded that Jesus is not a substitute of anyting. The coffee is true. Think about that because Christ is true because he is genuine salvation is real. Right, because he is true prayer is real. His word is real, his his presence and power is real. So we see his attributes. Reminds us of who Christ is, but then noticed we also see his authority again into the angel, the church in Philadelphia. Write these things say he who is Holy, he who is Troon and noticed this it's been quotation marks. He who has the Key of David? He who opens and no one shots and shots and no one opens. Now when Jesus says that he has the Key of David, he is here. Identifying himself as the one who is in complete control. Okay, if any person holds any key, That person has a measure of responsibility.

But if a person holds the key of one who was King. Such as David. This is a person who has great Authority. And look, listen, we see that Christ has the Key of David and to possess a key. Then it is to control the access and the entry of any door. Now. What is he talking about here? When it says that ice has the Key of David will Christ, here is using in a quoting, an Old Testament reference. In Isaiah, we fine. There's a story of a wicked Man by the name of shabnur. He was in charge of the entire Royal household. He was in essence, the palace secretary. He was a secretary of the palace, but she have no was a wicked and vile, man. And the Bible tells us and Isaiah 22. That God brings judgment upon this man, and he strips schoeffner from this position. We pick up and Isaiah 22 in verse 20. Verse says, then it shall be in that day that I will call my servant. Eliakim the son of hilkiah. I will close him with your robe and strengthen him with your bell. I will commit your responsibility into his hand. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah noticed, the key of the House of David, I would lay on his shoulder. So, he shall open, and no one shall shut. And he shall shut. And no one shall open until this man named to like them was given this honored position because he was wicked, he was vile. And now, a liar. Come this. God appointed man War. Now, the Royal garments that this honor position would require, he was in charge. He had authority over the Royal household, when he open the door, the door was open, when he shut a door, it was shut. And if he shut a door, no man could open it. And so this faithful Steward would control the access to the king. He would dispense the resources of his kingdom. He had a full. Now listen eliakim. Is symbolic, he is a prosthetic picture of the Lord. Jesus Christ who has the Key of David opens and no one will shut who shuts and no one opens Ellison. The fact that Jesus holds the key here shows that he is the Fulfillment of the davidic Covenant. He is the ruler of the New Jerusalem Jerusalem. And if he can hold the key.

The key holder has control and power over the doors. Abyss description here, makes two really essential statements. First of all. The first is that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. Salvation comes only through, Jesus Christ, Jesus. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved. Jesus also said, I am the way, the truth and the life. And he insisted no one comes to the father, except through me. So we can therefore enter to God's kingdom of Salvation, only through faith in Christ. Jesus, God's son, the holy and true one. Jesus as David's, Royal are possessed, the only key and he alone, he alone can open up the way into the kingdom of God. And praise the Lord. We're living in the day of the open door of salvation, Salvation door is wide open. We are preaching today. I don't spoil of the news, a gospel of grace, a gospel of Mercy. And the door. The only Christ can open. Is open until today?

Listen. That door will not always stay open. The door of opportunity to be saved, is not always going to be there. We think about Noah and the Ark. How God told Noah to prepare in Ark for 120 years. Noah and his sons built in art and also Noah preached righteousness.

He preached that those who would want to be saved from the flood was to get in the ark. but the day came, And God said to Noah and his family, get into the ark. Sadly only Noah and his family entered into that are in the Bible says that when his family entered into the ark that God shut the door. No, I did not. Shut the door. God, shut the door. There opportunity had left them. I'll listen to me as far as a door salvation goes. There Comes A Time. When The Keeper of the keys closes the door of salvation. That Jesus speaks of this in Luke Chapter 13 and a parable. Luke 13 and verse number 23. Then once said to him, Lord, are there few, who are saved? And he said to them strive to enter through the narrow gate for many, I say to, you will seek to enter and will not be able when Once the Master of the House has risen up and shut the door and you begin to stand outside and not at the door. Saying Lord, Lord, open for us. You will answer and say to you. I do not know you. Where are you from? Then you will begin to say, well, we ate and drank in your presence and you taught in our streets, but he will say, I tell you, I do not know where you are from depart from me all you workers of iniquity and there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. When you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and yourselves Thrust out. Jesus is saying that there is a time limit on the offer of salvation.

But listen to me, the very fact that you can hear me preach to you, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Means that you can respond if you so wish. You can respond even now and come to Christ.

Don't wait. Today is the day of salvation. We're not promised tomorrow. We're not even promised the remainder of the day. We're not even promised. The next hour. Now, is the accepted time to come and be saved. So that's what this door speaking about this door salvation, but it's not only speaking about the door salvation. It's also speaking about a door of service. a door, a service elsewhere than in the New Testament and opened, or we refers to Opportunity for Ministry, opportunity, for evangelism of residents. Paul talked about this. She said I will tarry at Ephesus and 1st Corinthians 16. I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost for there is a great and effectual door opened unto me. God opens doors of service. I think about 2nd Corinthians chapter 6, where Paul said, furthermore, when I came to troas and preach Christ gospel, a door was open on to me of the Lord. And so it is the Lord who opens up the doors of opportunity of service of opportunity of evangelism. And as a church, listen to meet, we must always prayed to the one who holds the key. Who is the one who has the control of opening and close. Doors that if the Lord so fit for us to have an Open Door of ministry, and Open Door of evangelism, that he would grant that to us. We don't ever want to be guilty of trying to pry, open a door that the Lord has not opened up. And we certainly don't want to be guilty by not entering in any door service, our ministry that the Lord has opened until we see the church and her master. But notice also the church and her Ministry, the church and her Ministry. Philadelphia was a small City, and within that City, there was a small church, but my soul did this church have a great impact for the glory of God. It did. A lot of opportunities. We see this and verse number 8. Jesus says, I know your works. See, I have set before you an Open Door. No one can shut it and opened or a service and Ministry opportunities. And we see that this sovereignty of our Lord Jesus Christ. He gives them his church, a powerful Open Door of ministry. Now. The question is, why did the Lord open up such a Ministry of evangelism for this church? Will he did? So, because it goes on to say that you have little strength. And what does that mean? You have a little strength? Well, again, a church was small. The church was small in numbers. Most of their members were very, very for most of the members were on the Bottom Rung of these societal ladder so to speak. Enter those who live in the city of Philadelphia. When they looked at the church at Philadelphia. They saw this very small, this very seemingly insignificant number of Believers, especially when they looked at them through the lenses of the Roman Empire. And yet, this is God's vehicle for advancing his purposes in the world.

What God did for this church, was not because of the church's own ability. What God did for the church was not because of some great program or because their intellectual learning it was not the cause of their Financial Resources. It was not because of their great numbers.

Listen, those things do not mean anything to God. God is not impressed with figures and finances. And so against the mounting odds, in the weight of Rome, this church of little power of little strength, has a powerful impact for the glory of God. They were weak. But they were making a tremendous impact on their City. Why is that burst a tells us? They had kept his word. That's why. This means that even though they were weak especially by the world's definition of week. They were yet sure and strong in their doctrine. That is a cook. God's word. Seriously. They did not deviate from the word of God. Another reason they were greatly used, it goes on a date to say that they did not deny his name. There were not ashamed of Jesus. They were not ashamed of their relationship to him and listen to spite. Of all the pressures to do so they remain faithful to the Lord. Jesus Christ. No matter what. It may had cost them. My soul, what a encouragement. This is to us in a day that we are constantly pressured. To give in. Remember this little church in Philadelphia, how For them to follow Christ, for them to not deny his name meant to be cut off from society. And it's gone to give them the power to persevere. So to can God give us the power to persevere. Amen. So we see their Ministry opportunity. Notice also with any opportunity with Ministry, comes off position.

Verse 9 tells us. Indeed. I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say there are Jews and are not but lie indeed that will make them come and worship before your feet and to know that I have loved you. By that phrase, synagogue of Satan refers to those local Jews who were persecuting these Believers, these local Jews appeared outwardly religious, but they were not committed to Christ and they certainly did not have any love for Christ Church. And so that phrase there where it says, which say they are Jews and are not And we understand that racially, they were Jews culturally. They were Jews. I ceremonially they were Jews, but spiritually. They were not G's. Andrew the best commentary on this is Jesus words. Found in John. Chapter 8. Where Jesus is confronting the Pharisees and he says, to the Pharisees. I know that you are Abraham's, descendants. I know that you are racially juice, but you see the kill me. Why do they seek to kill him? Because my word has no place in you. I speak Jesus said, I speak what I have seen from my father and you do what you have seen from your father. And Jesus they said well Abraham is our father for the Pharisee said. And Jesus said, If Abraham was your father, you would do the works of Abraham, but you seek to kill me. Abraham did not do this and then Jesus makes a stinging comment. You are of your father, the devil.

You may be a few racially culturally ceremonially, but you're not a drupe Jew spiritually, because if you were spiritually, you would love an honor, the father, and you would love and honor the father's. Only begotten son. I told this church is suffering at the hands of people who claim to love God, but they are lying and just as the Jews rejected and ultimately had the Lord Jesus crucified on the cross. These Jews, here are still persecuting the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. And Jesus tells them that he is aware of their mistreatment, but he wants them to know that a day is coming when they will see those who oppose them Valley before, then as a 9, the last part, I will make them come and worship before your feet. And I know that I have loved you. I believe this speaks of those who were in this trip to Philadelphia and they were persecuted. They were mistreated by these unbelieving Jews. But God would use the True Believers. These Christians, he would use their witness who would use their testimony as a means in which their persecutors would come to know Christ themselves. Praise the Lord for that. That's why we are to love our enemies. This is why I, even though we are persecuted, we are to love those who persecute us because it very well may be. The very means that Johnny uses to draw them to their to, his son, the Lord. Jesus Christ a very quickly. I want to look at the first 10. The optimism, we see the ministry opportunity than Ministry opposition, but noticed the optimism something that they can look forward to her stent Alice's because you have kept my command to persevere. I will also keep you from the hour of trial, which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth because they have been faithful because they have obey the command to endure. What the Lord Jesus says that they will be kept from the hour of trial or the hour hour of testing which shall come upon the whole world in and that is a positive thing. Right? Absolutely. And another positive thing is verse 11 where it says Jesus has behold I am coming quickly.

Behold, I am coming quickly. In other words, this world is not all that. There is

The bridegroom is coming there for hold fast to what you have. That no one may take your crown. Notice thirdly. The church and her message.

The promises that are given in verses 10 and 11 are wonderful promises. But as we keep reading a verse 12, the promises just get even sweeter and more precious. We have this beautiful promise of those who overcome. And it's really pictured in such a way and such a beautiful language. And most assuredly language that the Jewish people would have been able to clearly. Understand verse 12 says, he who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of God and he shall go out and no more. 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 out of Heaven, from my God, and I will write on him my new name. We think about that first part. I will make him a pillar in the temple of my Donna. What does that mean? Well, is speaking here of permanence. He speaking, something that is fix the speaking, something here. That is secure. This small group of Christians who have little power by. The world's standards will become and immovable pillar in the temple of God.

A temple that is not made with hands a temple. That is not made with physical material. This is a spiritual Temple that God is building and the Very pillars of this Temple are the people who have believed upon godson. If words you to hear this? My cell had to be absolutely shocking. Can you imagine the average Jew that have what they must have felt when they heard these words read? Because listen, did you not even the Jew was able to step foot? Inside the Jewish temple Under The Roof. They were not allowed to even get close. To the entrance Door. But we see here in priced. In Christ, there is permanent within the walls and in the very presence of God. You become the pillars in the temple of my God, think about this pillars or some something that cannot be removed. They cannot be moved. They are fixed. You can move the furniture in your home. You can move it all around but you cannot remove the pillar. Of a building. If you remove the pillars of a building, the whole building will collapse.

But you see what price is saying here. He who protects us. He who secures us is on this Earth is also he who will secure us before the presence of our God. We are secure in Christ. Not only that verse 12 goes on 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 out of Heaven, from my God. You know, you write your name on something that belongs to you, right? That's yours. If your name is on something, that's yours. That is your possession. It's all we have the Seal of ownership of all who believe and remember this church was one who did not deny Christ name until the promise hear of Christ? Because you have not denied my name. I will write on you the name of my God. The name of the city of my God, the New Jerusalem in my name. Remember Christ is the one over the Royal household holding the Key of David.

I notice this riding. Of his name on them. It is not just an admission into some buildings. It is not just an admission into one getting to Heaven, know it's much more intimate than that. I will write the name of my God upon them. Listen. This is not the branding of a Slave. But it's the adoption of a child. That's what it signifies and he will write on us. The name of God, you realize this morning. If you've been say that you have been adopted into the family of God, that you have a new identity. You have a new family.

show us a picture of Full citizenship. Unlike the slaves in Rome who had no rights in the Empire. No, listen, those who overcome will become full citizens.

And not on a patch of dirt on this Earth. And not in a city that is built by man's hand, but with a city whose foundation and whose architect and Builder, is God himself and those who dwell there. There will not be removed. They will have all rights. Another words. Christ is saying to these believers who are living in difficult times. Hey, listen to me one day, you will be home. One day, you will be home. No more. Will you be a Sojourner? No more. Will you be a foreigner in this land? You belong to that City? You will be home, never to move again. Antichrist to finish this up and verse 12. He says he will write his new name on them. A new name that we do not know yet, but it's smoking oven Revelation chapter 19, but this here, speaks of marriage speaks of marriage. In other words, as a bride, takes the name of her husband in marriage, you too. As the bride of Christ will be joined to your husband and will be given a new name. So this is a beautiful, beautiful promise. We seeing verse 12, the adoption certificate. We seeing verse 12, the citizenship papers in the marriage license, but notice this is not just applied to these Believers in Philadelphia. The same is true for us. If you belong to Christ, he has written his name on him. Who is on our who is in the Lord Jesus Christ.

And yet. And the spirit of these letters to the seven churches. I cannot walk away. From this without issuing, a warning. There is a warning for those who do not love the savior. There is a warning for those whose Deeds reflect the ways of the world. There was a warning for those who do not confess his name.

He holds the key. He is. The only way he has the authority. He is the one that determines how one must enter in. So, therefore you cannot sneak your way in. You cannot come into heaven your own way. It does not matter how many Bible verses you know, it is not matter your family history or your lineage, how religious your family history. Maybe. Hey, listen, if you don't come to Christ on his terms you will find the door. Shut.

You experience that hour of judgment? You will then experience that hour of testing that will expose you to be faults and fake. The only thing you will find his rejection. You be barred from that City cast out into the Lake of Fire. And so I beg of you. Please. Be reconciled unto God through Christ Jesus. That again, I say today is the taste of Salvation today. The door salvation is wide open.

In Christ and his outstretched to you all day long. To come today because you're not guarantee tomorrow. You're not even guarantee the next hour. Do not wake, do not tear it. Even as I speak to you now. The Lord is drawing, you leave upon him right where you are at. Salvation is not found in someplace. Salvation is found in a person. If you're lost the, holy spirit is speaking to you right now. Just look up to the Lord and say God I believe.

It's a magical prayer.

No, listen salvation is something that happens to us. And we respond in love to him. As we cling to him.

We think about this church. In Philadelphia. There's nothing really appealing about this church in Philadelphia from the outside. They were small. They had seemingly a little influence in society, but they were faithful in their love and their walk and their Witness. Listen. The exact same thing is required of us at Beryl Baptist Church in Vilonia, Arkansas.

May the Lord grant us to take advantage of all the open doors that we have before us. And trust me church. We have a lot of open doors. Is a lot of people outside these four walls that are going to die and go to hell. If they are not told the gospel of Christ.

And church. Listen to me. We must at his church and Philadelphia time, Comfort. Find Hope and these promises a verses 10 through 12. If you feel weak. If you feel unstable in your walk, look forward to that day, when you will be a pillar. And the temple of God. If you feel cold. If you feel distant, if you feel the struggle and you're fighting to walk by faith and not by feeling it. Please know that there will be a day when your heart cannot escape the warmth. Of his abiding presence when you're with him in heaven. If you're plagued with doubt, if you're plagued with depression, if you're plugged with loneliness, if you're tired, and and you're overwhelmed with physical pain of an aging body. Look to Christ. If your swallowed up with fear by just looking around the world around us.

Be encouraged because one day. This will all be no more. We will be home. I'll leave you with with verse 11. Jesus says, behold I come quickly. If he should come. Would you be ready?

Would you be ready?

I pray that. Even at that, pray at the conclusion of the service. That you two would pray. Price of the only God who can save your soul. And Christian pray. The only one who can restore you. And give you his strength and this hour. A gracious and kind Heavenly Father.

I pray.

That the words. Never spoken.

Will be stamped upon our soul.

I pray that. Those who are here.

You have not been saved. Oh Lord. I pray that today would be the day of salvation. Today would be the day that they leave.

And they continue to follow you the rest of their days. And Lord I pray for the church for its members, those who are struggling with so many difficulties. We have bad news on every scene. Father, help us to look not in the temporal things. Lord help us to see the things that are to come. We are Overcomers because you have already overcome sin and death. Because of the Cross and your Resurrection from the dead. So, Lord, help us to live in that light. Help us to be reminded to be encouraged that we fight from victory.

You've already won the battle.

We give you all the glory and praise. It's due under your name. West, all these things in Christ name. Amen.

Related Media

Related Sermons

Earn an accredited degree from Redemption Seminary with Logos.