Philadelphia: The Small Faithful Church Series

# Introduction — A Church With Little Strength

This morning, we move to hearing what Jesus says to the church in Philadelphia. But before we do that, let’s take a moment and briefly remember where we have been in this study.

We began in Revelation chapter 1, where Jesus revealed Himself to His church.

Before He corrects His church, He shows His glory. We saw Him walking among the lampstands, reminding us that the church is not the light — Jesus is the light.

We were given the pattern for how to approach these letters from Revelation 1:3: Read. Hear. Heed.

We then listened to what Jesus said to the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a hardworking church that defended the truth, but they had lost their first love. Jesus called them to remember, repent, and return to their love for Him.

Then we came to Smyrna, the persecuted church. They were suffering, but they remained faithful. Jesus encouraged them to stand firm, reminding them that the Victor has already won.

Next we looked at Pergamum, a church living in a difficult place — what Jesus called the place “where Satan has his throne.” Some in the church had begun to compromise with the culture, and Jesus called them to reject compromise and remain loyal to Him.

Then we came to Thyatira, where false teaching had begun to corrupt the church from within. Jesus warned them to reject deception and remain faithful to the truth.

Last week we looked at Sardis, the church that had a reputation for being alive, but was actually dead. Jesus called them to wake up, strengthen what remained, and return to true spiritual life.

And now we arrive at the church in Philadelphia — a breath of fresh air from the other churches who were plagued with problems. The letter to the church in Philadelphia is one of encouragement, hope, and love.

As we have with each of the churches, let’s take a look at the historical information and where the prophecy of Philadelphia fits in the global history of the church.

Video Ill.: Philadelphia — The Faithful Church by Lineage Journey

7 “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. 8 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. 9 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. 10 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.

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. || 12 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. || 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 3, NIV)

The name Philadelphia means “brotherly love.”

As was mentioned in the video, the city was named after King Attalus II of Pergamum, who was known for his deep loyalty and affection for his brother. Because of that devotion, he was given the title Philadelphus — “one who loves his brother.”

So the city itself became known as the city of brotherly love.

As we listen to this letter, it is fitting that this church receives one of the most encouraging messages from Jesus in all of Revelation.

Philadelphia was not the largest city. It was not the most powerful city. And the church there was not the strongest church.

In fact, Jesus says plainly in verse 8:

8 …I know that you have little strength. (Revelation 3, NIV)

But what this church lacked in strength, maybe even size, it made up for in faithfulness.

This church reminds us of an important truth:

God does not require great strength. He requires faithful hearts.

I believe today that we have the opportunity to most closely associate with the church at Philadelphia — a small church — a church that has great opportunities — a church with much reward if they remain faithful.