Philadelphia - Laodiceans Series

Opener

We are excited to be here this morning. We are making progress in our study of the seven churches that John addresses in the book of Revelation. In fact, we are concluding our study on these churches in Revelation.

To date, we have looked at the church in Ephesus, who had forsaken their first love. The second church we looked at was Smyrna, who experienced persecution and were encouraged not to fear the second death. The third church at Pergamum, where some were engaged in a morally compromised lifestyle. The church of Thyatira, where some believers chose to be tolerant regarding sin and teaching that was misleading believers. Last week, we looked at the church of Sardis who looked alive outwardly, but inwardly they were spiritually dead.

Every one of these churches were encouraged to have an ear to hear. Meaning that they were open to listening to what the Spirit was conveying to them. After listening, they were called upon to respond. For some, it was to repent and follow Jesus, and for others to hang on during times of suffering.

This morning, we are going to tackle our final two churches and close up our series. This first church we are looking at was alive and faithful. This church was located in Philadelphia. This city was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. It was founded by the king of Pergamum around 190 B.C. The town received its name from his nickname, Philadelpus or brotherly love. The king was known to have a special devotion to his brother. The city stood in a wine producing area and was the so called gateway to central Asia Minor. This church in Philadelphia is unique among the seven churches because it is the only church that the Lord registers no complaints against. One reason for this may have been because they had been beaten down through persecution and rejection and they were in a place that they really needed a word of encouragement. Jesus encouraged these believers that even though they were small in their strength and their sense of value, they were a little church that could do great things as long as they keep their eyes on Jesus.

Let’s hop right into our text found Revelation 3:7-13 NKJV7 “And to the angel 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”: 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. 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. 10 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. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 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.13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

I. The promises of God

A. No worry

a. The believers at this church had no reason to fear or worry at all, because they kept the commandments of God.

b. This church was patiently enduring whatever suffering or attacks that came their way.

c. It is interesting here in the early part of this text that Jesus is the One recognized as the One who is addressing the angel of the church.

d. Jesus is referred to as the One who has the key of David.

e. Jesus is letting the church know that only He has the power to open and shut doors. That is so important for us to understand.

i. In fact, that is an awesome prayer. Lord you open and close the doors that You desire in my life.

B. The Deity

a. This word picture that is being painted speaks to the deity of Jesus. It points to His power and authority.

b. Jesus is holy and set apart as the only true way into heaven.