Nov 22, 2020
Revelation 3:7-13


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Outline:


Over the last several weeks we’ve been working our way through a series of letters Jesus dictates to the Apostle John to be sent to seven different cities located in the Roman province of Asia Minor. Before we work our way verse-by-verse through this sixth letter addressed to the church of Philadelphia, let me establish a profile of this ancient city. 




Constructed in 189 BC by Eumenes II, the town was given the name “Philadelphia” or Greek for the city of brotherly love. In fact, the name intended to commemorate the love Eumenes had for his younger brother and would-be successor Attalus II. 




Though small, Philadelphia was prosperous as she was located along an important trade route that connected the East with the West. Philadelphia was the final stop before you enter more uncivilized areas beyond the Empire. While under Greek control, the city was an outpost (missionary center) for the spread of Hellenistic. By the end of the first century AD, Philadelphia was known by the Romans as the Gateway to the East!




While we understand this letter was written to an actual congregation of believers, we should discuss what movement of Church History Philadelphia represents. Though the Protestant Church (represented by the church in Sardis) was successful in bringing about much needed theological reforms, as we noted last Sunday, by in large, the Reformation failed to initiate any type of spiritual revival. Not only did the State Church remain, but the legacy of the Reformation was the dead, lifeless orthodoxy she left the church.




In truth, Protestantism fell short in returning the Church to her original commission. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus instructed His followers, in Matthew 28:18-19, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Historically, what we define today as mainline Protestant denominations ended up so entirely self-consumed they had no interest in being missionary-minded at all.




And yet, as is typically the case, there were two significant historical developments that would shift the Church’s inward-perspective outward. The first development occurred during the late 15th and early 16th centuries and is known today as the Age of Discovery




In the hopes of procuring areas of untapped wealth across the Atlantic Ocean, both Portugal and Spain invested heavily in nautical exploration. For example, “in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue” discovering the Americas. Six years later, in 1498, Vasco da Gama was the first to successfully sail from Europe around the Horn of Africa to India.




Not to be outdone by their Spanish and Portuguese rivals, the English immediately set to the seas hoping to establish colonies and trade networks of their own. As I’m sure you know it was during the late 16th century we saw the rise of the British Empire. 




Not only would the British colonize the Americas, but she would become the largest empire in history with a footprint in Africa, India, China, Australia, and New Zealand. By 1922, the British Empire held sway over 458 million people or roughly 1/5th of the world’s population. At the peak of power, Britain was known as the empire on which the sun never sets.




As a result of this Age of Discovery, not only did the Protestant churches that dominated the continent of Europe awaken to the existence of a world beyond her borders — most of which had little to no exposure to the Gospel, but the British Empire single-handedly provided the infrastructure by which missionaries could be sent around the globe. 




One historian makes an interesting connection between the times of the Apostles and this age of Church History, writing, “What Roman roads did for the spread of the Gospel during the 1st century, the British naval routes accomplished during the 17th and 18th centuries.”




And yet, the tipping point (and second of these historical developments coming after the Reformation) came with what’s known as the First Great Awakening — which took Protestant Europe and British America by storm during the 1730s and ‘40s. 




As a result of a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the impassioned preaching of the Bible by men like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, the Protestant church not only recognized her own need to return to a genuine relationship with Jesus but as a result the church was stirred with a heart to reach the lost across the world with the Gospel. 




Enter a simple, British cobbler by the name of William Carey who was deeply moved by the teachings of Jonathan Edwards. In the early 1800s, Carey would boldly take the Gospel to India and end up becoming known as the “father of modern missionaries.” His perspective was simple, “To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map.”




Carey would later write in his journal, “When I left England, my hope of India's conversion was very strong; but amongst so many obstacles, it would die, unless upheld by God. Well, I have God, and His Word is true. Though the superstitions of the heathen were a thousand times stronger than they are, and the example of the Europeans a thousand times worse; though I were deserted by all and persecuted by all, yet my faith, fixed on the sure Word, would rise above all obstructions and overcome every trial. God's cause will triumph.”




In the mid-1800s another Brit by the name of Hudson Taylor would take the Gospel to China. During the 51 years, he spent in the Orient, he and his organization the China Inland Mission would be responsible for bringing over 800 missionaries to the country. 




With time Taylor would start 125 schools and be directly responsible for some 18,000 Christian conversions. Amazingly, the China Inland Mission would establish more than 300 missionary stations in all eighteen provinces with more than 500 natives helping in the work.




While there is no doubt this period of Church History is characterized by the missionaries who carried the Gospel into uncharted parts of the world using the trade routes of the British Empire — David Livingstone’s heart for Africa included, it should also be noted how the Great Awakening would produce an evangelical emphasis in the Western world as well — largely brought about by a return to Biblical exposition and preaching. 




In the mid-1800s Charles Spurgeon would pastor the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. His contemporary DL Moody preached with similar passion, zeal, and tenacity for the lost at his Chicago Avenue Church. William Arnot heralded God’s Word tirelessly in Scotland. And in the late-1800s Andrew Murray would evangelize his native South Africa. 




As you enter the 1900s, these great men of faith would give way to others like J. Oswald Sanders, A.W. Tozer, Billy Sunday, J. Vernon McGee, Billy Graham, and Chuck Smith. 




Like the Persecuted Church of Smyrna, the Roman Catholic Church of Thyatira, and the Protestant Church of Sardis, this missional movement represented by this Philadelphian Church remains alive and active. Today, any Protestant Church that faithfully preaches God’s Word, relies on the power of the Holy Spirit, and possesses a deep commitment to reaching the lost world for Jesus Christ is addressed in Jesus’ sixth letter! 




Let’s dive into this letter… Revelation 3:7, “And to the angel (or pastor) of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘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.” 




For starters, one of the interesting things about Jesus’ letter to the church of Philadelphia and this missional period is that, like the Persecuted Church of Smyrna, He has nothing negative to say about either — zero criticisms! Instead, because Jesus found this church to be faithful to Him and her calling, the letter is chalked full of promises and blessings!




This fact may explain why this description of Jesus so unique. You see, unlike the other letters, none of these details are found in the original revelation of Himself presented to John back in Revelation 1. While all the other descriptions were designed to correct problems or provide encouragement, it may be that Jesus is emphasizing an aspect of Himself that, in the end, is really only relevant and applicable to the faithful church. 




Jesus begins His introduction, “These things says He who is holy.” This phrase translated “He who is holy” is actually one word in Greek literally meaning most holy. In this description, Jesus is emphasizing to this Church His unique distinctiveness. Because Jesus is holy, He’s by definition separate from all others. He’s separate from the world. He’s different from everything else. He’s completely and absolutely unique!




Jesus continues by also describing Himself as “He who is true.” Again, this is one word in Greek used to describe the opposite of that which is fictitious or counterfeit. In this reference, Jesus is emphasizing His genuineness and authenticity. Friend, in a world filled with imitations and cheap knockoffs, Jesus is the real deal!




Lastly, Jesus refers to Himself as “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.” In quoting directly from Isaiah 22:22 we understand “the key” represented the authority of the chief steward in Israel. In this detail, Jesus is emphasizing to the faithful His complete authority over both heaven and earth. Jesus wants this church to know He is distinct, genuine, and has complete authority overall!




His commendationRevelation 3:8, “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, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” While we know little about this ancient church in Philadelphia, what a wonderful adulation. Unique to this local body of believers, this church had taken advantage of the incredible opportunity to impact their world with the Gospel.




Towards the end of our study I’m going to expound on these things, but please know Jesus had “set before them an open door” that “no one could shut” and they had been faithful to maximize their opportunities. They used the “little strength” they had wisely. The believers in this church had been obedient to “keep His word.” And in the face of opposition, their witness had not wavered — the way they were living “had not denied His name.”




It’s not an accident this faithful church was located in a city named for brotherly love! Over and over again in the New Testament, the writers encourage the Church to have a Philadelphia, “brotherly love” for one another. Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” 




1 Thessalonians 4:9, “Concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you are taught by God to love one another.” Hebrews 13:1, “Let brotherly love continue.” 1 Peter 1:22, “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.” 




2 Peter 1:5-8, “For this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus would say, in John 13:35, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”




On account of this church, their love for one another, and faithfulness, Jesus makes some very specific promises to them… Revelation 3:9, “Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say 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.”




In His letter to the Persecuted Church, Jesus mentions “the synagogue of Satan” was filled with a group “who say they are Jews and are not, but lie” — adding their doctrine amounted to “blasphemy.” For now the second time Jesus mentions this synagogue was also located in Philadelphia and seemed to be responsible for the persecution the Christians were experiencing through the various lies and slander they were spreading in their community.




In what amounts to a specific promise targeted to this local church in Philadelphia, Jesus promises to deal directly with this problem. He says, “I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.” Please note, this phrase “worship before your feet” does not mean the Jews would come and worship these Christians. 




Instead, the word describes the prostrating of oneself in order to pay homage. The idea was to express respect. In light of this, we understand this phrase “before your feet” signified the act of a disciple yielding himself to the instruction of a teacher! At some point and through the direct involvement of Jesus, the enemy would become converts!




In a broader application for the Missional Church, Jesus is promising to those willing to carry the Gospel through the “open door” that even their staunchest enemies will ultimately recognize the error in their thinking. He’s telling this church that even when the opposition looks great, His work would be greater! In spite of the difficult journey, Jesus wants His church to know the world will come to see how deeply “He loved them!”




And that’s not all Jesus promises. He continues… Revelation 3:10-11, “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 am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” 




Because of their obedience and perseverance, Jesus promises these believers that He’d keep them “from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world.” For starters, this is a great example of the dual interpretation of these letters being applicable to a movement of the Church as opposed to just being addressed to a local body of believers.




Jesus is clearly promising to keep this church “from” a judgment that would be global in scope. In fact, the use of this definite article “the hour” implies He is not speaking of localized persecution, but something that will “come upon the whole world.” As a simple fact of World History, at no point since Noah’s Flood have we seen such a global judgment. As such we’re only left to see this “trial” as having a still future fulfillment.




It should also be pointed out this specific “trial” intends “to test those who dwell on the earth.” This word “dwell” is interesting because it spoke to more than just those who live in a place but those who inhabit an area. Additionally, every time this Greek phrase “those who dwell on the earth” is used in the Book of Revelation it always speaks of the unbelieving world and is never once used to describe Christians. 




It’s evident from the text that Jesus is promising to remove this faithful church from the earth before “the trial” designed to “test” the unbelieving world begins. This promised deliverance would also explain why Jesus then exhorts them with the admonition, “Behold, I am coming quickly!” Not only is Jesus promising to “come” before the trial, but this word “quickly” implies His coming will occur suddenly when it finally happens.




Revelation 3:12-13, “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. 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.”’




To those “who overcome” or those who remain faithful till His coming, Jesus promises to “make them a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more.” This idea of being made “a pillar” specifically “in the temple of My God” spoke of being given a permanent, unmovable position in heaven. For the faithful, Jesus is saying the day will come when you’ll be given a home in heaven you’ll never have to leave.




Jesus adds, “I will write on him the name of My God (possession) and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem (citizenship), which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name (new identity).” Christian, our destiny is simple — one day God will take possession of His own, we will be made citizens of heaven, and given a new identity in Christ Jesus that will last for all of eternity!




Jesus closes His letter exhorting these believers to “hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” First, keep in mind, in referencing “our crown” Jesus is specifically speaking of our heavenly rewards — not our eternal security. 




With that in mind, we don’t need to “hold fast what we have” out of a fear that someone might come along and take away our “crown.” Rather, Jesus is encouraging the faithful not to discard the opportunities He’d set before them (“the open door”)… For if they did, both the opportunity and the potential reward could be extended to another.




In light of these glorious promises, there is no question every church and Christian should want to be identified with this Philadelphian Church. How could you not!? No criticisms and nothing but glorious promises! Who wouldn’t want to have the Savior, God-King, the Man Jesus Christ examine their church or life and reach these same conclusions?




And yet, don’t forget this letter was not written in a vacuum. After evaluating this church, Jesus declared them faithful because… They — had — been — faithful! This church had as a part of their very DNA characteristics Jesus found commendable… Characteristics that must be part of any church or Christian for Jesus to also declare faithful! In fact, it was on account of these things that Jesus had provided them an open door to begin with!




In a way of applying the substance of this letter to our church — for don’t we all want to be found faithful, I want to take our remaining time, go back to His initial commendation, and quickly establish a profile of the Christian Jesus has determined to be faithful.




First, a Faithful Christian looks for ministry opportunities! Jesus began His letter, “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door!” In context to all that He’s saying, this “door” was open for two reasons: (1) It was in response to their faithful service, and (2) because Jesus had opened it — which is why “no one could shut it!” 




In a sense, Jesus is commending this church for taking advantage of the opportunities He’d placed before them. They not only recognized the opening but had proven faithful to seize upon the opportunity! And what opportunity had Jesus provided this church? 




Looking at the backdrop of this church in Philadelphia as being an outpost for the spread of Greek culture and the context of the Missional Church, the “open door” Jesus references was the opportunity to be missionaries of His Kingdom throughout the entire world. In application to you and me, the “open door” is whatever opportunities Jesus has given you!




In Colossians 4:2-4, Paul mentions the importance of such “open door” when he asked the believers to “continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”




I hope you understand when it comes to sharing the Gospel or opportunities to minister to someone in need it isn’t your job to open doors — that’s Jesus’. In actuality, I have discovered anytime you kick down a door you’ll be disappointed with what you find on the other side. Instead, if you want to be found faithful, your job is to be looking for the doors Jesus opens for you, and then be willing to walk through them. 




Secondly, a Faithful Christian depends on the Holy Spirit! Jesus commends them for “having a little strength!” While it would be easy to see this as a backhanded compliment, in actuality, this may be one of the greatest commendations Jesus gives to any of these churches! The reality was this church was weak enough to know their entire strength had to be found in the Lord. There was no room for self-sufficiency!




In his letter to the church in Corinth Paul speaks to this very issue. 1 Corinthians 1:27, “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise… the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.” In 2 Corinthians 12:10, he adds, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 




In fact, the stories of men like Gideon and King David illustrates the reality that, instead of calling the equipped, more often than not, God prefers to equip the inadequate! If you think God can’t use you because you lack some trait, you’re likely in for a surprise!




Christian, the key to your faithfulness is not found in your strength or resiliency but rather in your dependency upon the Holy Spirit’s strength and sufficiency. In Zechariah 4:6 we’re told, “'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts.”




In the end, the issue never centers upon the amount of strength you have but the source of that strength! A “little strength” placed into the right source will prove to be more than enough! True faithfulness is only found when you rely on Jesus’ sufficiency in the place of your insufficiency. His ability to fill the great chasm of your inability.




2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God…” 2 Corinthians 12:9, “Jesus said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”




Sadly, there are many people who are simply too able for God to use them in any type of tangible way. You see pride in one’s self, ability, or human ingenuity actually robs a person of the supernatural, world-changing, life-altering power that comes only from His Spirit! 




This church was faithful and effective for one reason… They were totally self-aware and therefore humble! They had a proper perspective of themselves and their inability. Their un-ableness made them very able to rely entirely on the power of the Holy Spirit.




Thirdly, a Faithful Christian centers their life on the Word of God! Look again at verse 8… Jesus commends them for “keeping His word!” This word “has kept” means to attend to carefully. It wasn’t that this Philadelphian Church was faithful to obey God’s Word. Jesus is commending them for how they approached the Word of God itself. 




Please never forget this key point… Historically, revival never happens apart from a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit! And yet, many fail to observe the singular thing that brings about this moving of God is a return to unashamed teaching of His Word. In the history of the church, there has never been a moving of God’s Spirit that wasn’t first initiated by a return to the study of His Word. The same is true in your life and for our church!




This church in Philadelphia, as we see in the Missional Church movement, experienced a Great Awaking brought on by the Spirit and a return to the Great Commission — because they were faithful to preach the Word of God to the people. The Word of God was central!




Famous preacher Charles Spurgeon said this concerning God’s Word, “If you wish to know God you must know His word; if you wish to perceive His power you must see how He worketh by His word; if you wish to know His purpose before it is actually brought to pass you can only discover it by His word… Now, mark this: by this shall you know whether you are a child of God, or not; by the respect that you have to your Father’s Word. If you have small respect for that Word, the evidences of a bastard are upon you.”




Fourth, a Faithful Christian is known by their love! As we noted Jesus also commends them for “not denying His name!” Here was a mission-minded church, dependent on the Holy Spirit, who held God’s Word in high esteem… And yet, the idea behind this phrase “not denying” is more than making a decision to stand for Christ in the face of opposition. 




The idea was that through their actions they were living up to the high standard of the “name” for which they represented… They were Christians and this was known by their love for each other! The name meant something. It was significant and separated them from the rest of their world. Can you think of any other Christ-like attribute than love?




Christian, if you’re to be found faithful, it is paramount you take seriously the “name” for which you represent. Your actions as a Christian and the way you treat others do not just reflect on you. They reflect Jesus! His standing in your community rests on the way you represent Him! How sad it is that so many of the misconceptions the world has of Jesus exist because of the way Christians so poorly represent Him.




Finally, a Faithful Christian perseveres! In verse 10, Jesus says, “You have kept My command to persevere!” It seems likely, in the context of this promise to “keep them from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world,” Jesus was referencing perseverance in the face of persecution. Again, the key to unpacking the deeper lesson is to put this commendation into the context of this ancient city and the Missional Church. 




As the final outpost between the Roman world and the Barbarians to the East, Philadelphia had to constantly defend against infiltration. She existed to influence the world beyond and not vise versa. In much the same way, the key to being a good missionary is to build a bridge with the culture you want to influence without compromising the message.




Please understand, faithfulness requires the willingness to persevere in the face of opposition. It demands the tenacity to stand for what is true — even if such a position goes against the tide of popular opinion. It necessitates the simple acceptance that following Jesus will draw the ire of this world and ultimately result in persecution for your beliefs. And it’s in such instances you’ll have a choice… persevere or compromise. 




I hope it’s your sincere prayer to hear Jesus say of you one day, “Well done good and faithful servant.” And yet, this will only happen if you’re a “good and faithful servant!” 




To be found faithful by Jesus, like this church in Philadelphia and the Missional Church, it is paramount you’re willing to walk through the doors Jesus opens, that you remain solely dependent upon the Holy Spirit, that you keep God’s Word at the center of your life, that you take seriously your call to represent Him in all that you do and your brotherly love for one another, and, when faced with persecution, may you prove willing to persevere regardless. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

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