2. The Church at Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13
A Struggling Church
The Church at Philadelphia
Revelation 3:7-13

3. Review Christ is examining 7 churches
Ephesus – Loyal but lacking love
Smyrna – Poor but rich
Pergamum – A compromising church
Thyatira – A weak strong church
Sardis – A dying church
Now we look at the church in Philadelphia, again beginning with the historical setting

4. 28 miles southeast from Sardis
On main east- west and north-south roads

5. Philadelphia, the city
Called “The Gateway to the East” due to location on the east-west trade route
Founded to promote Hellenism
Main industry: vineyards, wineries
Main temple: Dionysus (god of wine)
Called “Little Athens” because it had so many temples, cults, and festivals
Jews had a large, beautiful synagogue here
City completely destroyed during the crusades

6. Philadelphia, the church
No condemnation
Like the church at Smyrna
A church that is “on the right track”

7. Philadelphia, the church
Rev 3:7
He who has the key of David
A quote from Isa 22:22
There Eliakim was given the key of David (symbolizing authority) as steward
But Eliakim was prophesied to eventually fail under the weight of responsibility as people pinned their hopes on him
Christ would not fail, He is able to carry out His responsibilities, no matter how many hope in Him
His decisions are final

8. Philadelphia, the church
Rev 3:8
“I know your deeds you have a little power”
Not insulting the church, just a fact
Small children have little strength, just a fact
But what strength they had, they used
Kept God’s word, did not deny Christ
“An open door”
Jesus sees the struggle and opens the door
He is helping the church through problems they could not handle alone
But only because the church was giving it all they had to give

9. Philadelphia, the church
Rev 3:9, the struggle
Synagogue of Satan
Identified as Jews who are not really Jews
True Jews would have accepted the Christ
These are those who refuse Jesus
Who worshipped in a large, beautiful synagogue
But God calls it a Synagogue of Satan
They aren’t worshipping Him because they rejected His Son
One day (Judgment Day) they would acknowledge the truth (Phil 2:9-11)

10. Philadelphia, the church
Rev 3:10, a temporal reward
Since they have done so well persevering, Jesus promises future relief
“the hour of trial” – a time of intense persecution
“keep from” or “bring through”
Whatever trials are coming won’t be enough to break them (1 Cor 10:13)

11. Philadelphia, the church
Rev 3:11, encouragement
“I am coming quickly”
You’re doing well, keep it up
Hold fast
You already have a crown waiting (2 Tim 4:6-8)
Don’t let someone keep you from getting your crown

12. Philadelphia, the church
Rev 3:12-13, the future reward
To be a pillar – a symbol of strength and stability
For a church that is probably feeling weak and shaky
He will not go out anymore
No more struggles, already entered through the door
New names
Possession and citizenship (Eph 2:19-22)

13. Conclusion God doesn’t expect more from us than we have
God does expect us to use ALL we have
Even if it is a little power
God will help us through any obstacles
But only if we are giving it our all
Don’t be bothered by those who insult or persecute us
They will one day acknowledge the truth
Have you given God the best you have to give?