https://www.bible.com/events/49124441
Church of the Nazarene – East Rock
The Seven Churches of Revelation Part 7
Church in Philadelphia
Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation”
Over the last few weeks, we have been seeking to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason.
Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church.
Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus’ words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor
Today we continue with the Church in Philadelphia
Esther 4:12-14
When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Throughout Esther’s life, God’s had been upon her. Guiding her, providing for her and she had been faithful to follow him. Now before her was an opportunity, an open door to step into God’s redemption story for his people.
Mordecai says, “Hey don’t think that just because you’re the queen that you won’t be killed too.” “Esther if you don’t do anything, God’s plan of redemption will come from somewhere else.”
“But what if, what if Esther God has so orchestrated your life that you are in the Kings house for such a time as this?”
Will you be faithful?
As we continue in our teaching series The Seven Churches of Revelation, we will hear Christs words of encouragement to the Christians who in the face of persecution and challenge remained faithful to the Lord.
The Church at Philadelphia was facing just as much difficulty as the churches around them – Yet Jesus commends them for a job well done, and encourages them to hold on, to keep up the good work.
In fact, of all of the letters to the seven churches, the one before us today is, by far, the most positive. The most affirming.
What made them different than the other Churches?
What can we learn from the Church in Philadelphia that might change our church here in Elkton?
Revelation 3:7-8
“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. 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.
The opening of the message to the church in Philadelphia begins with a focus on Jesus. He is the Holy one, pure, righteous, and true. He is sovereign and in control over all things, including his Church.
Many times, in the New Testament the phrase “open door” speaks of an opportunity to share the gospel of Christ. Jesus wants them to realize the opportunity that’s before them- It’s for such a time as this- I have given you this opportunity to take part in my redemption story and nobody can cut you off from that.
When it might have been easy for them to feel that they were too insignificant to make a difference- Jesus says, “I’m holding the door, I have a plan for you, let’s GO!”
Their lack of strength did not dis-qualify them from being used mightily by God.
While so many of the other churches in Revelation are called out for compromising with sin and denying Christ- The church in Philadelphia had been faithful.
Revelation 3:9-10
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. 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.
We see that these faithful believers found themselves amidst the heated contention between some professing Jews and the Christian community.
We read about this tension throughout the New Testament, especially in the book of Acts. Jewish leaders, more zealous for the law than for God, persecuted Christians severely, and it appears that was happening here too.
But, in the face of that opposition God makes it clear “I’ve God you. I will sort this out and they will know that you are my beloved”
Revelation 3:11
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Jesus’ one command for the Church in Philadelphia? HOLD ON! Keep doing what you’re doing, I am coming soon.
At his coming, the reward of the faithful will be realized for all eternity.
Revelation 3:12-13
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. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The message to the faithful church ends with the hope filled reality of Christ, and the culmination of his redemption story. They will be safe and secure in the presence of God for all of eternity.
Revelation is a Jesus Letter, and in that there is great hope for those in Christ. We have the steadfast hope of eternity in heaven. The Church had Philadelphia had a hope they could rejoice in, and so do we!
We began this morning asking two questions:
What made Philadelphia different than the other Churches?
What can we learn that might change our church here in Elkton?
I want to propose 3 simple, yet important things we can take with us for the church in 2023:
i.Remain faithful
ii.Rely on God
iii.Rejoice in Hope
Esther 4:15-16
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Esther realized the opportunity God had placed before her in that moment. In calling her attendants along with Mordecai and all the Jews to fast- she relied on the Lord. And through her faithfulness, God spared the Jewish people from certain death.
And about 600 years later, Jesus speaks to the church at Philadelphia: “I know that you have little strength, “Yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name”
We don’t know what was on the other side of that open door of opportunity for the Church in Philadelphia- We don’t know the specifics of what God was calling them to do.
But what we know beyond any doubt is that God was pleased with the faithfulness of his people in Philadelphia. In their time, in their city, they were faithful.
Will that be said of us? In our lives, at home, at work, in our community- will that be said of us?
Let us remain faithful, rely on God, and rejoice in hope!
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