Good morning, dear friends. It's a joy to welcome you to this moment of shared faith, a time of communion in the Word of God. We gather here, not merely as individuals, but as a community united by the love of Christ, a love that transcends our differences and binds us together as one family under the Father.
[Title: Taking Up Our Cross]
Today, we turn our hearts and minds to a passage from the book of Revelation, a book that often elicits a sense of awe and wonder, sometimes a sense of fear and uncertainty. Yet, it is in these very pages that we find a message of hope, a call to faithfulness, an invitation to seize open opportunities, and a promise of strength in the face of future trials. As we continue our series on the seven churches, we find ourselves at one of the two churches that did not receive any condemnation, the church of Philadelphia. So, let’s open our bibles to Revelation 3:7-13.
“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”: “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. 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.
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.
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.” ’
What a powerful passage! It reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our faith, of seizing the opportunities God places before us, and of preparing ourselves for the trials that inevitably come our way. It is not a message of despair, but a message of hope. For even during trials, we have a promise from our Lord - a promise of protection, a promise of victory.
Know that trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil and let us see what we are made of. It is a wonderful thing to know that in the face of trials, we are not left alone. We are not abandoned. We are held in the loving arms of our Savior, who uses these trials to reveal our true nature, to shape us, to mold us into His image.
So, dear friends, let us now turn our attention to this message of faithfulness, opportunity, and strength in the face of trials. Let us listen, let us learn, and let us live out these truths in our daily lives.
Faithfulness to the Gospel
The essence of the Gospel is faithfulness. It's about holding steadfast to the teachings of Jesus Christ, even when the world around us seems to be pulling us in different directions. Even when friends and family are telling us how crazy we are in following a Christ we cannot see. It's about standing firm in our beliefs, even when it's easier to compromise or to simply go along with the crowd. It's about living out our faith in a way that is consistent, authentic, and true.
In the book of Revelation, the church in Philadelphia is commended for its faithfulness. Despite having little strength, they have kept God's word and have not denied His name. They have remained true to the Gospel, even in the face of adversity. This is a powerful testament to the strength of their faith and their commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Each of the letters to the churches points out things in the church then, as well as now that need correction. So, I hope that the only issue with the church of Wilmington is that of Philadelphia, where we are faithful, but sometimes feel that life is kicking our teeth in.
This faithfulness is not a passive act. It's not about simply believing in the right things or saying the right words. It's about actively living out our faith in our daily lives. It's about making choices that reflect our beliefs, even when those choices are difficult or unpopular. It's about standing up for what we believe in, even when it would be easier to stay silent.
The church in Philadelphia is a shining example of this active faithfulness. They have not just believed in the Gospel; they have lived it. They have not just heard the Word of God; they have kept it. They have not just professed their faith; they have demonstrated it through their actions.
This active faithfulness is a challenge to all of us. It's a call to live out our faith in a way that is consistent and authentic, to make choices that reflect our beliefs, and to stand up for what we believe in. It's a call to be like the church in Philadelphia, to keep God's word and not deny His name, even in the face of adversity.
But this active faithfulness is not just a challenge, it's also a promise. For those who remain faithful, who keep God's word and do not deny His name, there is a promise of protection and victory. There is a promise that they will be kept from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world. There is a promise that they will be made a pillar in the temple of God, that they will never again leave it. So, we are called to be faithful until the end, and we too we rise to our spot in heaven, and have your name proclaimed to God and His angels by Christ Jesus.
This promise is a powerful reminder of the rewards of faithfulness. It's a reminder that our faithfulness is not in vain, that our efforts are not wasted. It's a reminder that even in the face of trials and adversity, we can have confidence in the promises of God.
So let us strive to be like the church in Philadelphia. Let us strive to be faithful, to keep God's word and not deny His name. Let us strive to live out our faith in a way that is consistent and authentic. And let us hold fast to the promises of God, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded.
Finding Open Opportunities
As we turn our gaze to the open door that God has placed before us, we are reminded of the opportunities that come with it. The door is not merely a physical entity, but a symbol of the divine invitation extended to us. It is an invitation to step into the unknown, to embrace new possibilities, and to experience the transformative power of God's love.
This open door is the opportunity for growth. In the book of Revelation, the church in Philadelphia is commended for its perseverance despite having little strength. This is a testament to the transformative power of faith, which can turn our weaknesses into strengths and our trials into triumphs. The open door, in this context, represents a chance for us to grow in our faith, to deepen our relationship with God, and to become more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions.
And He 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.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Where else but in the arms of Jesus can your weakness be your greatest strength?
Growth, however, is not always a comfortable process. It often involves stepping out of our comfort zones, confronting our fears, and overcoming our limitations…these are some of our weaknesses. Yet, it is through these challenges that we are refined and shaped into the people God wants us to be. As we walk through the open door, we are not merely entering a new phase of our lives but embarking on a journey of spiritual transformation.
The open door is the opportunity for service. In the Bible, doors often symbolize opportunities for ministry and service. In Acts 14:27, for example, Paul and Barnabas report to the church in Antioch how God had "opened a door of faith" to the Gentiles. This open door was not just an opportunity for the Gentiles to hear the gospel, but also for Paul and Barnabas to serve God by spreading His word.
Similarly, the open door in Revelation represents a call to serve. It is a call to use our gifts and talents for the glory of God, to be His hands and feet in the world, and to make a difference in the lives of others. As we walk through the open door, we are not merely seizing an opportunity but answering a divine call to service.
The open door is the opportunity for witness. The church in Philadelphia is commended for keeping God's word and not denying His name, even in the face of opposition. This is a powerful testimony to the power of faith and the importance of standing up for what we believe in.
The open door, in this context, represents a platform for us to share our faith, to testify to the goodness of God, and to inspire others with our story. As we walk through the open door, we are not merely embarking on a new journey but becoming ambassadors of Christ in the world.
In the original Greek, the word for "open" in Revelation 3:8 is "anoigo." This word is used throughout the New Testament to describe not only the physical act of opening something, but also the spiritual act of opening one's heart and mind to God. In Luke 24:45, for example, it is used to describe how Jesus "opened" the minds of the disciples so they could understand the Scriptures. This gives us a deeper understanding of the open door in Revelation. It is not just a door that has been physically opened, but a door that has been spiritually opened, inviting us to enter a deeper relationship with God.
Building on these insights, we see that the open door also represents an opportunity for communion. Communion, in this context, is not just about partaking in the Lord's Supper, but about cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with God. It is about spending time in His presence, listening to His voice, and allowing His love to fill our hearts. As we walk through the open door, we are not merely entering a new space but stepping into a divine encounter with God.
Finally, the open door represents an opportunity for victory. In Revelation 3:11, Jesus promises to keep the faithful from the hour of trial and to make the victorious a pillar in the temple of God. This is a powerful reminder that our struggles are not in vain, and that our victories are not just personal achievements, but divine appointments. As we walk through the open door, we are not merely overcoming our challenges but claiming our victory in Christ.
Facing Future Trials
As we continue to unpack the richness of Revelation 3:7-13, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of a new understanding. We've talked about the importance of faithfulness and the opportunities that God places before us. Now, we turn our attention to a theme that is woven throughout the tapestry of Scripture - the reality of facing future trials.
Trials, my friends, are an inevitable part of our earthly journey. They are the pot in which our faith is tested and refined. But let's be clear: trials are not punishments from God, nor are they signs of His displeasure. Rather, they are tools in the hands of a loving Father, used to shape us, to mold us, and to draw us closer to Him.
The first thing we need to understand about facing future trials is that we do not face them alone. The church, the body of Christ, is a community of believers, bound together by the love of Christ. We are called to bear one another's burdens, to encourage one another, to pray for one another, and to stand with one another in times of trial. This is the essence of what it means to be the church.
In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul them and us this:
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
This is not a suggestion or a recommendation; it is a command. It is a call to action. It is a call to live out our faith in tangible, practical ways helping our fellow Christian brother and sister.
Research conducted by the Barna Group, a leading research organization focused on the intersection of faith and culture, found that one of the primary reasons people remain connected to their faith community is the support they receive during times of personal crisis or difficulty. This underscores the importance of the church in providing a supportive, caring community for believers as they navigate the trials of life.
The second thing we need to understand about facing future trials is the role of Jesus in our trials.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Jesus tells His disciples this, and it is not just lip-service…it is a promise, a guarantee, from the lips of our Savior. During our trials, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus has already overcome the world. He has already won the victory. And because we are in Christ, that victory is ours as well.
I love this quote from C.S. Lewis about going through tribulations. "God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain." This quote beautifully encapsulates the promise of Jesus in John 16:33. Yes, we will face trials. Yes, they will be painful. But through it all, we are not alone. We are not abandoned. We are held in the loving arms of our Savior, who has already overcome the world.
As we move forward, let's remember that trials are not just about enduring hardship. They are also about growth. They are about becoming more like Christ. They are about learning to trust God more fully, to rely on Him more completely, and to rest in His promises more confidently.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4
This passage reminds us that trials have a purpose. They are not random, meaningless events. They are part of God's plan to mature us, to grow us, to make us complete.
Finally, let's remember that our response to trials is a powerful witness to the world. When we face trials with faith, with hope, with joy, we demonstrate the reality of Christ in our lives. We show the world that our faith is not just a set of beliefs or a list of rules. It is a living, vibrant relationship with the living God.
So, my friends, as we face the trials that lie ahead, let's remember these truths. Let's remember that we are not alone. Let's remember the promise of Jesus. Let's remember the purpose of trials. And let's remember the power of our witness. Let's not just remember these truths. Let's live them out. Let's put them into practice. Let's be the church that God has called us to be - a church that stands together, that supports one another, that follows Jesus, and that shines His light into a dark and hurting world.
Conclusion
As we draw our time together to a close, let's remember the powerful message from Revelation that we've explored today. It's a message that speaks to us in our moments of weakness, in our moments of doubt, and in our moments of fear. It's a message that reminds us of God's unchanging love, His unwavering faithfulness, and His unfailing strength.
In the face of trials, we're not alone. We're not abandoned. We're held in the loving arms of our Savior. He's the one who opens doors no one can shut and shuts doors no one can open. He's the one who sees our deeds, who knows our hearts, and who promises to keep us from the hour of trial. He's the one who calls us to hold on to what we have, so that no one will take our crown. He's the one who promises to make us victorious, to make us pillars in the temple of our God.
