Introduction

Good morning, dear church family. We are gathered here today under this roof, under the watchful gaze of our Lord, to take a closer look at His Word and to draw strength from His infinite wisdom. As we gather in fellowship, let us remember the words of the great Charles Spurgeon who once said, "Visit many good books, but live in the Bible." Today, we are going to live in the book of Revelation, specifically Revelation 3:7-13.

Let's read together. "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. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are lying—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command of endurance, 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. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 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."

In the heart of this passage, we find three main points that we will discuss today: Perseverance in Patience, the Promise of the Open Door, and the Power of Faithfulness. These are not mere words, but the very essence of our walk with Christ. They are the pillars upon which our faith stands, the guiding lights that lead us through the stormy seas of life.

But before we proceed, let us bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, as we come before you today, we ask that you open our hearts to receive your Word. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to you, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Guide us, Father, as we seek to understand and apply your Word in our lives. We ask this in the precious name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Perseverance in Patience

Patience is not simply about waiting. It's about how we behave while we're waiting. It's about maintaining our faith and our integrity, even when the circumstances around us are challenging. In trials and tribulations, the church in Philadelphia did not waver. They held on to their faith and the promises of God. They held on to the hope that is found in Christ. And because of their perseverance, they were promised an open door that no one could shut.

Perseverance is relying on God's strength. It's about leaning on His promises and trusting in His timing. The church in Philadelphia was described as having little strength, yet they were able to persevere because they relied on God, not on their own abilities.

Patience and perseverance require action. They require us to keep God's Word, not deny His name, to hold on to what we have. The church in Philadelphia was commended for its actions. They were not just waiting around for things to get better. They were actively living out their faith, even amid their trials.

Next, patience and perseverance have a reward. For the church in Philadelphia, the reward was an open door that no one could shut. It was the promise of being kept from the hour of trial. It was the promise of being made a pillar in the temple of God.

Promise of the Open Door

The open door in this context signifies service opportunities, for witness, and for growth in the Christian life ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO