Letter #6 "Dear Philadelphia: The Door Is Open!" Series

The History of Philadelphia:

1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." (HCSB)

Philadelphia: means "city of brotherly love."

1) Jesus presents Philadelphia with an opportunity! Vs. 7b-8a "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." (NIV)

Doors that are Sought!

Colossians 4:3

Doors that are Shut!

Galatians 6:10

Doors that are Sent!

1 Corinthians 16:8-9 "But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me yet many oppose me." (HCSB)

2) Jesus Commends Philadelphia! Vs. 8 "I know your deeds... I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." (NIV)

Their Obedience was being all Ears.

2 John 1:6 "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love." (NIV)

Their Obedience was Enlarging!

Luke 19:17 "Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities." (NIV)

Question: Will you do whatever God asks of you?

3) Jesus Commands Philadelphia! Vs. 11-12 "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God." (NIV)

Hold on in the Face of Opposition of Persecution!

Your Prayer: "Dear Lord, I want to obey you in all things. By your power keep me faithful."