Rev'd Up Pt. 7 Series

Series: Rev’d Up – Book of Revelation

Thesis: We need to receive a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ daily so we do not fall asleep at our assigned mission. We need to know He is coming back soon! Having a vision of Jesus will also give us the inner strength to stand for the Gospel in a hostile world even to the point of death.

Key verse of Revelation: Text: Revelation 12:11: “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Summary of churches see power point map:

1. Ephesus – The loveless church

2. Smyrna – The persecuted church

3. Pergamos – The compromising church

4. Thyatira – The corrupt church

5. Sardis – The church of the walking dead

T.S: We need to adhere to the blessings of Revelation and especially to the one which tells us to STAY AWAKE FOR CHRIST!

Rev. 16:15 states, "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."

Sermon: Rev’d up 7

The church of Philadelphia – The faithful church

Thesis: This little church is commended by the Holy and True One. They are going to be greatly rewarded in heaven for staying faithful and not denying his name when persecuted.

Text: Revelation 3:7-13

"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. (Rev 3:7 NIV)

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. (Rev 3:8 NIV)

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. (Rev 3:9 NIV)

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. (Rev 3:10 NIV)

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Rev 3:11 NIV)

Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him 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 him my new name. (Rev 3:12 NIV)

1. Blessing of deeds done for Christ. The church of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).

A. Message to Philadelphia church – The name means “brotherly love.”

1. Historical Background:

i. Philadelphia was founded around 150 B.C. by King Attallus of Pergamum, whose nickname was Philadelphus.

1. This man was noted for the administration and love he had for his brother, Eumenes, and he named this city in honor of him.

ii. The city had been destroyed by an earthquake in 17 A.D. Sardis and other cities were destroyed by the earthquake and recovered quickly but Philadelphia suffered many after-shocks for a number of years. The result of theses after-shocks caused the people to flee regularly. It was even noted by some historians that some people lived in tents and huts outside the city for years until the shocks ceased.

1. Tiberius Caesar helped to rebuild the city and the city adopted the name New Caesar for a few years.

2. The Message to this church reveals more of the attributes of Jesus Christ.

A. More pieces to the puzzle are revealed about Jesus. The veil is removed more so we can see who He is, was and will be.

1. Words of Him who is:

• Holy -- morally perfect.

i. His character is without flaw or blemish.

ii. There is no evil in Him

iii. Thomas tells us this about the title Holy "Holy" he says characterizes - Jesus, ....as set apart belonging exclusively to God. Though He was opposed and rejected by the Synagogue and Jews. Christ is still characteristically Holy. Since He is Holy His words are Holy. Holy anointed words and messages therefore are to be obeyed.

iv. Remember the opposite of Holy is Evil.

• True -- He is the only thing which tells the truth – no lies – no deception – He is genuine reality.