Today’s Message Revelation 3:7-13 The Church of Philadelphia The church that is faithful and alive

Rev 3:7-13 Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Rev 3:7-13 Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Rev 3:7-13 Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name. Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches

Introduction Have you ever seen a church that is alive and faithful to Christ? A church that focuses on Jesus? A church that makes Jesus Christ the center of all of it’s operations, ministries, and activities? A Church that focuses on teaching people to love Christ and each other. That was the church this letter was sent to. Philadelphia means brotherly love or one who loves his brother.

The Believers at Philadelphia The believers at Philadelphia loved Christ and gave their lives, energy, time to reaching out to those in need. They were evangelistic, They were benevolent, They were faithful at all times. This Church shows us exactly what God wants a church to be!

Note There was no correction given to the Church at Philadelphia…no complaint, no warning against the church. There was only praise and exhortation for the Church that is alive and faithful.

About the Community FIVE HISTORICAL FACTS FIRST : Philadelphia was founded on a border town to spread it’s message to a Greek culture. Bordered by Mysia, Lydia, Phrygia. The church knew exactly what it meant to be missionary minded, to have an open door for the spread of the Gospel Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

In a Living Church there are Frequent Testimony Services Acts 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

IN a Living Church there is opposition 1Cr 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries.

There is Continual Praying for ministry opportunities to open Col 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Second Fact About Philadelphia 2- The name meant Brotherly love and gave the Church a constant reminder of that they must love one another if they were to fulfill the missionary calling.

Third Fact About Philadelphia Philadelphia knew what it was to live in the midst of insecure surroundings and under constant stress and strain. The city sat on a great earthquake fault. In A.D. 17 a terrifying earthquake hit a huge area. I completely destroyed Sardis and ten other cities Philadelphia was spared but for more than 10 years was hit with tremors which cracked walls and reminded them where they lived. The population was terrified. The Church preached hope to the poulation. See (vs12)

Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

Fact Four Philadelphia, after it’s destruction was given to Emperor Tiberius for rebuilding. The city was renamed New City of Caesar. The Church knew the name God had given it. (vs 12)

Fact Five Philadelphia had a Jewish synagogue within it’s city limits. These Jews claimed to be the only true followers of God. (vs 9) Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

These Jews claimed they alone had the keys of David (Right of authority) (vs7) Rev 3:7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;Rev 3:7 Jesus alone held the Keys of authority and power and rule. The Church at Philadelphia knew Christ and knew he alone held the Key of David…He opens and He Shuts.

What Jesus Says to the Faithful Church at Philadelphia 1- He commended the Church for being Faithful! 2- He guarantees an open door for evangelism and missions! 3- He promises no one will ever close it’s doors!

The Church at Philadelphia Went from house to house. Witnessed to fellow laborers, neighbors, friends,& family. They were always looking for new ways and opportunities to share Christ. They were well versed in a knowledge of the Word of God! They lived what they preached! They proclaimed the Word of God to believers and unbelievers alike.

Note How Strong The Church is that does three things: Evangelistic and Missions Minded That Keeps the Word of Christ That confesses Christ in all that it does, in all of it’s services, meetings, programs, and activites.

Finally: Great Promises Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Rev 3:12Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.Rev 3:12

1-Christ is coming back for a faithful Church and will by his own words keep them from the hour of temptation. 2- Jesus will make them a pillar in the temple of my God 3- he shall go no more out: Never has to leave God’s presence. 4- Three names written upon Him: God The Father, New Jerusalem, Jesus New Name (Not known)

Conclusion When Christ comes in all His majesty and Glory and conquers all, we will be marked as His Servants and shall share in His Glorious Triumph. Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

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