Philadelphia - The Faithful Church

Tony Schachle
Red Letters  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  38:48
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The church in Philadelphia is known as the faithful church. It was one of only two churches that Jesus did not have a strong rebuke against. Was the church in Philadelphia perfect? No. Was it full of perfect people? No. But Philadelphia is a model church on how to remain faithful to Jesus and His Word.

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OPENING

We continue with our sermon series “Red Letters.”
Ephesus - The Loveless Church
Smyrna - The Persecuted Church
Pergamos - The Compromising Church
Thyatira - The Corrupt Church
Sardis - The Dead Church
This week we are looking at Philadelphia: The Faithful Church.

MESSAGE

Address
Revelation 3:7 NKJV
7 “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”:
Philadelphia means “brotherly love.”
Named after its founder Attalus II, who was nicknamed Philadelphos because of his love for his brother.
Very prosperous and young city.
Was established as a center for spreading Hellenism (Greek culture). It was a missionary city.
Very beautiful architecture. Known as “Little Athens.”
Known for frequent earthquakes.
Introduction
Revelation 3:7 NKJV
7 “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”:
Jesus is holy
Jesus is true
Jesus has the key of David
Isaiah 22:20–23 NKJV
20 ‘Then it shall be in that day, That I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah; 21 I will clothe him with your robe And strengthen him with your belt; I will commit your responsibility into his hand. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem And to the house of Judah. 22 The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder; So he shall open, and no one shall shut; And he shall shut, and no one shall open. 23 I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place, And he will become a glorious throne to his father’s house.
Compliment
Revelation 3:8 NKJV
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.
The church in Philadelphia was known for good works.
Jesus had opened up a door, probably referring to a door of evangelism.
“You have a little strength” means they were relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Have kept My Word” means they were faithful to God’s Word.
“Have not denied My name” means they were faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Character of the Church in Philadelphia:
Evangelistic opportunity (open door),
Reliance on God (little strength), and
Faithfulness to Jesus (have kept My Word, and have not denied My name).
Rebuke
Revelation 3:9–10 NKJV
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.
Jesus did not have any type of rebuke for the church in Philadelphia.
There were apparently some “Jews” who Jesus said were part of the “synagogue of Satan” that were persecuting the Christians in Philadelphia.
Jesus said He would make those Jews come and worship Jesus “at their feet” in their presence. Basically, Jesus was saying that He would make them admit they were wrong and that the Christians were the ones who were right with God.
Command
Revelation 3:11 NKJV
11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
Jesus is coming soon!
“Hold fast what you have” means keep doing what you’re doing.
Don’t let anyone take your crown. Don’t let anyone convince you to give up or compromise.
Promise
Revelation 3:12 NKJV
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.
A pillar is a symbol of strength and stability.
“He shall go out no more” refers to the earthquakes that ravaged this city. The people would have to flee the city to avoid the falling buildings. When they came back, often all that was standing was the pillars. They would have safety and security.
Jesus said He would write on them the “name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, and I will write on him My new name.”
This identifies the overcomer with God, with Jesus, and with New Jersualem. Basically, they will be saved and recieve eternity in Heaven.
Exhortation
Revelation 3:13 NKJV
13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’
Be Faithful Over the Little Things
Matthew 25:21 NKJV
21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Faithfulness is a Requirement
1 Corinthians 4:2 NKJV
2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
Faithfulness is a Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

CLOSING

Have Unshakable Faith in Jesus
Separate Yourself from the World
Always Do What is Right
Obey God’s Word
Step Through Open Doors

ALTAR CALL

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