SEVEN WORDS TO THE CHURCH TODAY
(Hold on to the gospel - September 17, 2023)
Series Big Idea: "God has already revealed His intentions for the end of human history"
Sermon Big Idea: “The most important thing on this side of eternity is faithfulness to the gospel“
Key Scripture (Revelation 2:7-13)
The church at Philadelphia is the sixth of the seven churches that Jesus addressed during the vision He gave the Apostle John. This church and the church at Smyrna are the only two whom Jesus had no words of condemnation or rebuke. “Dr. Clovis Chappell said, ‘Were it my privilege to go back across the years and attend a service at one of these seven churches, I think I should choose the church at Philadelphia.’”
(Revelation 3:7-13)
7 “Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: “The Holy One, the True One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and closes and no one opens says: 8 I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close. 9 Take note! I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying—note this—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. 12 The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. 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 My new name. 13 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
Right from the start, there are two things that Christ said about Himself to this church that is important for us to highlight. First, He is the “Holy and true One,” which says something about the character of Christ. He is wholly and without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) and He is truth (John 14:2). Second, He holds the key to the door that only He can open or close, which speaks of His control. Christ controls the eternal destiny of the sinner. He also reminded them just as He had done with the previous churches, He knew their situation of suffering well and He would act accordingly.
In verse 8 Christ expounds on the “open door” symbol He had placed before them. He had opened a door of service for them. Because God is the source of power, He can and will open doors for you to serve in the most unlikely places. While it is true Christ does open the door, it is our responsibility to act when these opportunities present themselves. Serving should be high on the priority list of every Christian. It is a privilege to serve the Lord. But be aware, Satan and evil doesn’t like open doors for the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:9). Just remember, opposition is always a possibility and almost certain when we serve the Lord.
Jesus commended this church for remaining obedient to His Word no matter the circumstance. He also commended them for not denying His name. But there were phonies in the church who claimed to be God’s people but were not. This will always be the case here on earth. Those people will have to answer to God. The day is coming when the Lord will show who is right and what is right.
Verse 10 is a debated issue of end times theology. Whether Jesus is speaking of the great tribulation or some other period, it is speaking of specific judgement on unbelievers which He promises that God’s people will not experience. But Jesus expounds on this in verse 11 by saying “behold I come quickly,” which should get our attention because of the word “behold.” His coming should be prominent in our minds. Jesus Himself is coming back (Acts 1:11). When He comes it will be lightening fast. With God time is not determined like it is with us (2 Peter 3:8).
Then Jesus says “hold fast” to what you have, meaning the gospel. The best way to prepare for the coming of Christ is remaining faithful to Him and His Word. Stand true to Him and be ready for His return.
Conclusion:
In every letter to the churches, Jesus gave a message of encouragement to the “victor” or “overcomer.” The message He had for this church was two-fold. “I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again.” The symbol of the pillar Jesus used tells us two things about the reward of the victor. First, a pillar is what holds up part of a building. I am sure you think of power and strength when you hear this illustration. We as God’s people will have a certain power in eternity, ruling with Christ in the millennium. Second, a pillar is usually something that is permanent. Heaven is permanent. Earth is temporary. The people in Philadelphia were often subjected to earthquakes. Sometimes the pillars of a building would be the only thing left standing after a quake. This is symbolic of the permanent place in heaven for believers!
Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:
Holman Christian Standard Bible
English Standard Version Bible
King James Version Bible
Christian Standard Bible
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Duvall, J. Scott. Revelation. Edited by Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton. Teach the Text Commentary Series. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2014.
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Barclay, William. Revelation of John. Vol. 2. The New Daily Study Bible. Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004.
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Willmington, H. L. Willmington’s Bible Handbook. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997.
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