You're Preaching, But Do You Know Who's Listening? Revelation 3:7-13 Previous 1 Corinthians 1:1-26, Enriched Next Daniel 6:1-28, Prayer and the Lions Den Next Events Tomorrow Sunday Worship Services 10:30 am and 2:00 pm Jan 4 Cornerstone Christian Women 9:45 am - 11:30 am Jan 4 Wednesday Night Service 7:00 pm Latest Sermons "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Even today in our world filled with falsehood and error, Jesus Christ is the truth. Presbyterian/Reformed, The Church at Philadelphia: A Committed Church - Revelation 3:7-13 - 2/14/10 3. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, Embedded video for Philadelphia - The Church that was Faithful - Revelation 3:7-13. As you examine your heart this morning regarding this letter, ask yourself these questions: What is the door that God has opened in my life giving me opportunities for service to Him? 7 "And to the [ a]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, andshuts and no one opens": 8 "I know your works. David was the king who God promised that his throne would last forever, that he would always have a descendant to sit upon his throne. II. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. Indignant, the affluent man replied, You cant do this, Im a Peter uses this title in John 6:69 when he says, We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God. (John 6:69, NASB95)[4] By declaring Himself to be holy, Jesus Christ makes a clear and direct claim that He is God. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My Godthe new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My Godand My new name. They understood their weaknesses and longed for the grace and strength of God to fill their lives and it did. In verse 9 we read of the second promise Christ made to this church, Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lieI will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. (Revelation 3:9, NASB95)[9] Just like in Smyrna, the Christians in Philadelphia faced persecution and hostility from unbelieving Jews. God prevented the Gospel from going to Asia, but opened the door for the Gospel to go to Europe in Pauls missionary journey. In Revelation, Jesus tells the Church at Philadelphia that He is opening a door for them which no one can shut. New Testament Reading: Revelation 3:7-13. A. In Revelation 13, we are introduced to two of Satan's cohorts, two beasts. Their place amongst the people of God was denied. 3 Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. The Seven, part 13 Philadelphia: The Church of Persevering Witness Revelation 3:7-13 August 25, 2013 The Revelation was written to address specific issues with seven churches in Asia Minor at the end of the first century yet they are as relevant to us today as they were to the church then. By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. [email protected] Thesis: We need to receive a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ daily so we do not fall asleep at our assigned mission. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Login or Register. The point here is that if you are going to persevere, you have to real. It is as immovable as we will be in His presence. The symbol of the open door represents accessibility to the Lord and assurance before the Lord. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. They had held up under the pressure without wavering, without giving in or giving up. However, oftentimes, Jesus wants to teach us through a life experience in which we have to endure. Since the start of the year I have been sharing with you how we are in a battle. What does Revelation 3: 7-13 mean to us now? I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My Godthe new Jerusalem, which. In these seven letters we find an Series: Revd Up Book of Revelation He knows their works. for God is on your side. They were circumcised outwardly, but not circumcised in the heart. Opening Reading: Psalm 145 Outline: Living for Christ Growing in Christ Abundant Thanksgiving Remember Lot's Wife Verses Read or Referenced in Sermon (Bold passages on screen): Philippians 2:12 2 Corinthians 13:5 Philippians 1:6 Psalm 145:20 Luke 17:32 Colossians 2:6-7 Colossians 1:9-10 Isaiah 64:6 Ephesians 2:8 John 3:3-5 Mark 10: . Revelation 3:7-13, IGNITE: Secure In Christ. Later in the vision, John would record this sight Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. In particular, since Jesus has the power over death, He also has the power over opportunities in my life. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. But I think we can say that this declaration would have been hugely significant for the first readers, and should be for us as well. You can be a fake and try to make in the Christian life. THE PROMISE AND THE COUNSEL (Revelation 3:12-13). Introduction to Revelation, Part 1. The people are the same problems are the same. [9]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lyingnote thisI will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. (Revelation 3:9, HCSB). Why? God has given us limited strength. But while the description here does not connect with the vision of chapter 1, it does connect with other parts of the book. Sermons on Revelation 3:7-13. -Jews. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, [7]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. A series of messages from Jesus to the 7 churches in Revelation. Then prayerfully seek the answers to those questions. read more, Scripture: The hour of testing is also called Daniels Seventieth Week, the time of Jacobs trouble, the seven-year tribulation period. The Church of the Open Door 7. read more, Philadelphia: The Church of Persevering Witness, The Seven, part 13 It succeeded in this mission so well that by 19 A.D. the Lydian language of the region had been completely replaced by Greek. God's People: Philadelphia. Revelation 3:7-13. - Revelation 3:7 read more, Scripture: Jesus reminded Paul of this when He said: But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christs power may reside in me. (2 Corinthians 12:9, HCSB), It is not the size or strength of a church that determines its ministry, but faith in the call and command of the Lord. So God is unique, He is dependable, and because of first two traits, I can trust Him to show me opportunities which I can seize upon in my life. But in this letter, I think we find three more reminders for a suffering, reminders that can and should also give us comfort and courage when we face various trials (I Peter 1:6) or trials of various kinds (James 1:2). 1:18 does mention the keys of Death and Hades, but here only one key is mentioned, the key of David. Persecution grows the church. [13] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.. Because Jesus is unique, He is dependable. read more, Scripture: It became a prime destination for African-Americans in the Great Migration and surpassed two million occupants by 1950. I am coming soon. Scriptures: Rev. The analysis of Christ's message to Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13 teaches us that a church may be feeble but faithful. When things are tough, the church learns to get innovative. I have opened a door that can never be shut. Yet he had power when he hit. INTRODUCTION/REVIEW How should I follow Him? Well, this certainly isn't a unique promise in terms of Revelation. God is telling the church to hang in there. Well the language of verse 7 comes right out of Isaiah 22:22, talking about a man named Eliakim And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. Because it was located near a fault line, earthquakes were a constant threat. read more, Scripture: November 9, 2014 He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, [2] who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. He holds the decisive key in His hand. In Revelation, Jesus tells the Church at Philadelphia that He is opening a door for them which no one can shut. The Protestant Reformation in Europe is dead. And just like in His message to the Smyrnan church, Jesus refers to these Jews as a synagogue of Satan, since they have unwittingly aligned themselves with the devil by positioning themselves against God and God's people. Because these Jews had rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah, they were not a synagogue of God, but a synagogue of Satan. He knows. Eliakim is a type of Jesus, Eliakim decided who would be allowed access to the king. Lets pray and then get into our passage for this morning. And don't forget that description of what God has promised for the conquerer, the overcomer. This has importance in decisions about my life: where I will work, where I will live, who I will associate, and who I will share the Gospel. Scriptures: Rev. As a 16-year-old Romanized Briton in 406/7AD, Patrick was sold to a cruel warrior chief whose opponents' heads sat atop sharp poles around his palisade in Northern Ireland. I'd encourage you to go to that message online if you want to dig into those ideas a little deeper. Other. The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. ATTRIBUTES OF THE LORD - Vs. 7 ACTIONS FOR THE LORD - Vs. 8 Second, Jesus says that the believers of Philadelphia were obedient. Revelation 3:8. What an encouragement that must have been for the Philadelphian church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jimerwin/2016/01/31/revelation-21-322-seven-tests-of-a-healthy-church/, Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book ", How to Respond to My Former Church-Going Friends. From concerns about our health and relationships, to fears about our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, trials can feel so dangerous. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, [10]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. He tells them plainly who he is and what he does. Sometimes, He closes the door to opportunities in our lives. As a 16-year-old Romanized Briton in 406/7AD, Patrick was sold to a cruel warrior chief whose opponents' heads sat atop sharp poles around his palisade in Northern Ireland. More Reminders for a Suffering Church. Here the context is most certainly one of comfort. read more, Philadelphia: The Church of Persevering Witness, The Seven, part 13 By writing His new name on us, He is claiming that we forever belong to Him, His name identifies us with the risen, glorified and exalted Lord Jesus Christ for all eternity. See, I have set before you an open door, [ b]and no one can shut it; for you have a little . INTRODUCTION/REVIEW Revelation 3:7-13, Denomination: Get Bible verse every day in your inbox. The people are the same problems are the same. In the end of verse 11 Jesus commands the faithful believers in Philadelphia to hold fast to what they have so that no one can take their crown. I have focused on the spiritual battle that we are fighting against Satan but starting with this message I will be shifting to the Letter To The Church At Philadelphia . Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2014), 7071. 4Jim Erwin, Revelation 2:1-3:22 Seven Tests of a Healthy Church, sermon, Internet, 31 January 2016, http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jimerwin/2016/01/31/revelation-21-322-seven-tests-of-a-healthy-church/, accessed on 17 March 2016. I. Speaker: Bryce Morgan Series: Happy Ever After (Revelation), Topic: 11 I am coming soon. Passage: Revelation 3:73:13, Philadelphia: Powerless, But PerseveringRevelation 3:7-13(One Mission: Through Many Tribulations)November 9th, 2014. DOORS OF DESTINY Revelation 3:7-13 records the letter to the church at Philadelphia, a city about 35 miles southeast of Sardis. If they are right, What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. he that openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth; he opens the scriptures, which are shut to a natural man, as he did in his own personal ministry, when here on earth, and now by his spirit; and none can shut them, either men or devils, or hinder the spread of light and knowledge by them: he opens the door of the gospel, and This message used the illustration of a Zombie to explain how Christians can walk on this earth and not beaware of the spiritual power and impact that they are supposed to have and exhibit. When He returns for the church, we will meet Him in the air, when He comes at the second coming He will come to the earth. Rev. Now listen to how the Lord spoke to New Covenant Israel, that is, the church, made up of both Jew and Gentile, through John the Apostle: "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 'The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who . Scrapbook. Denomination: The Greek word translated from means from, out from, or away from. If the Lord Jesus intended to convey to the church that He would preserve them through the tribulation there are Greek prepositions that would have more clearly conveyed that, prepositions that mean in or through. Another clear objection to this being a promise to preserve us through the tribulation is that believers will not all be preserved, in fact many will be martyred. It is a quality of endurance. Depiction of Jesus The Holy One, The True One, the One Who Has the Key of David (Revelation 3:7), 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: (Revelation 3:7, HCSB). He has loved us. read more, Scripture: When it comes to suffering 1) Jesus reminds us of the fact before the fight, 2) Jesus reminds us of the purpose behind the pain, and 3) Jesus reminds us of the crown beyond the cross. It is a spiritual hospital for those who know they are sick and needy.[1] The church in Philadelphia understood this, and they are an example to us today of a church that was faithful, despite their weaknesses, they brought glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ by their faithful walk with Him, by their obedience to His Word, this is only the second letter out of the seven that receives no condemnation, only commendation. His new name which He will write upon us and we will be privileged to call Him will reflect the glorious revelation of His Person. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My . My strength can only help me go so far. Normally when that happens you kind of walk into the door and its embarrassing. The city of Philadelphia was 28 miles southeast of Sardis. Series: Revd Up Book of Revelation And right away we see a connection to the phrase key of David from verse 7. Give me your money, he demanded. Jesus ends by promising to write on those who overcome His new name. Jesus is Christs earthly name that told us He was our Savior. By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. [email protected] It is from this name that the city received her name. Whatever we might feel or think about God's involvement in our suffering, we cannot say He is distant and distracted. This describes for us that Jesus Christ is the ultimate and final authority, and it stresses His awesome power. We will be firmly established as pillars, as those marked, as citizens of a heavenly city. INTRODUCTION Sermon #11 Revelation 3:7-13 THE CHURCH OF THE OPEN DOOR Intro: We are continuing to move through the letters of our Lord to the seven churches of Asia Minor. This is confirmed when we look at the structure of the letter: Write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. As we continue the series of The Seven Churches in Revelation, today we will be looking at the great church at Philadelphia. We need to know He is coming back soon! He uses other titles to describe himself. This would have been important for those from Philadelphia who always had to be worried about being shaken by an earthquake, their homes were not stable or permanent. These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. Again, as each of the five previous letters, the author begins by naming the church, the city and finally giving a description of Himself that identifies Him as the risen, glorified, exalted Lord Jesus Christ. Philadelphia was one of the nations capitals in the Revolutionary War, and served as temporary U.S. capital while Washington, D.C., was under construction. Number three, present feelings of serious danger can never change future blessings of certain delight. As I said earlier, this church receives no condemnation, but instead Christ outlines four realities that characterize this church. 3:5-6; 15-16; Heb. He named it in honor of his brother, Attalus II, who was called Philadelphus, which means, he who loves his brother. 10:23-25; James 2:14-24 Lets begin with the author and then we will look at the church and the city where it is located. The Church of the Open Door This letter to Philadelphia, the church that was faithful shows us that the holy and true God pours out His blessings on churches, on individuals that are faithful to Him in all circumstances. This little church is commended by the Holy and True One. Christ also wants to give his people a feeling of security. For many of you, Philadelphia is the town in Pennsylvania, founded by William Penn in 1682. How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me during my time of trial? The Revelation was written to address specific issues with seven churches in Asia Minor at the end of the first century yet they are as relevant to us today as they were to the church then. These seven letters represent the types of churches that have existed throughout history. Message 11 from Revelation exploring Jesus' letter to the church at Philadelphia. 10 Must-Have Tips For Giving A Public Invitation, I'd Rather Preach To Angels Than A Megachurch Crowd, Five Preaching Applications From The Movie Gravity. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. read more, Scripture: As we return this book, I pray those words encourage, sober, humble, captivate, and excite you in light of what we're studying. "6 God said, Let there be a dome in the middle of the water; let ", "this is an excellent analysis. 5 Michael Wilcock, The Message of Revelation: I Saw Heaven Opened, The Bible Speaks Today (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1986), 54. In this study of Revelation 3, Dr. J. Vernon McGee tells us about a church that was true to the Word of God. Hear the Word. The Philadelphian church is the recipient of this letter. I think you end up in the right place regarding how the "zombies" ", "a helpful review of a very solid guide for us! Once again, Jesus makes it clear to His readers that He is perfectly acquainted with the who, what, how, and why of this church and its ministry. But it's either suffer for Jesus now, or suffer without Jesus then. What is the difficult time I am experiencing? 1 J. Scott Duvall, Revelation, ed. 3:5-6; 15-16; Heb. I am coming quickly. In this letter, however, Jesus makes no reference to that vision. He'll open that same door for us if we desire it! A pillar can also represent honor and often were carved to honor a god or goddess in the pagan temples. We are God's covenant people. Trust Him today. As we continue the series of The Seven Churches in Revelation, today we will be looking at the great church at Philadelphia. 3:7-13) Read Revelation 3:7-13 (NIV) REV 3:[ 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. Not only was this church the last in the Revelation churches but it was the worst of the churches. More important than this reward is the eternal life in the presence of God that belongs to those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. It is tempting to forget who is for us when everything and everyone seems to be against us. A long time ago, in the 70s I took Romans at Billy Graham in Europe: An Interview with Uta Today, Europe is a predominantly secular continent, but that is not how Have churches recovered from COVID? At times one can feel overwhelm .. Todd Linn; Revelation 21:9-22:5. Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle . TEXT SERMONS SERIES: REVELATION CHAPTERS 1-3 Message #9 PHILADELPHIA "THE CHURCH OF THE OPEN DOOR" Rev. Give. This open door given by the Lord Jesus also symbolizes His giving this faithful church opportunities for service. This is the distinction that Paul made between true Jews and false Jews in Romans 2:28-29. Zombie Christians 35, The Preachers Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1982), 143. Number two, present feelings from actual animosity can never change future blessings of affirmed affection. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and 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. The message is from the Lord Jesus Christ through an angel . My limited strength reminds me that I need to lean on Gods strength. We, as overcomers will be identified as eternal citizens in heavens capital city. You can be a fake and try to make in the Christian life. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lostthe world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. The great preacher and pastor of 19th century England, Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), stated that aside from the Scriptures, his other favorite book, which he had read over a hundred times, told the story of a follower of Jesus Christ who was headed to the "Celestial City". Church history tells us that some Christians from Philadelphia were martyred with Polycarp in Smyrna. The Revelation of Jesus Christ Sermons on Revelation. look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close. EVER CONSIDER WHY SOME DOORS OPEN AND SOME DOORS CLOSE? The younger brother resisted pressure from Rome to turn against his older sibling, earning him the nickname Philadelphus (brotherly love).1. Philadelphia is the birthplace of theUnited States Marine Corps, and is also the home of many U.S.firsts, including the first library (1731), first hospital (1751) and medical school (1765), first Capitol (1777), first stock exchange (1790), first zoo (1874), and first business school (1881). Being in a volcanic area has its drawbacks and in 17 A.D. the city along with Sardis and 10 other cities in the area were destroyed by a powerful earthquake, and Philadelphia experienced aftershocks for several years. The "power" the church possesses is power before the Lord: spiritual power with God derived from their faithfulness to Him in the face of trial. In this passage we find the sixth letter, or mini-letter, that was dictated by Jesus to John in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. Well, if some of these Christians were converted Jews, then there could have been all sorts pressure and slander from friends and family members. It seems that: 1. You don't know when the door will shut and your chances will run out. Hebrews 10:23-25, Revelation 3:5-16, James 2:14-24. read more, Scripture: Commendation or Praise They have kept My word, and not denied My name (Revelation 3:8), I know your works. Click here to listen to this lesson. Today we look at the last letter to the seven churches of Asia who represent church congregations throughout church history. DOORS OF DESTINY Revelation 3:13-22. First, He put an open door which no one can shut before them. So far most of these descriptions have come from Johns vision of the Lord Jesus Christ in chapter one, but in our letter this morning the description of Him is unique and not drawn from Johns vision. 10 Must-Have Tips For Giving A Public Invitation, I'd Rather Preach To Angels Than A Megachurch Crowd, Five Preaching Applications From The Movie Gravity. Take note! And look at how verse 11 continues this encouragement in a directive to action. by Attalus II Philadelphus, which means brother-lover and this name was given to him because of his loyalty to his brother who reigned in Pergamum before him. We also see in 5:5 and 22:16 that Jesus is called the root of David. No one can shut the doors to the kingdom or to blessing if Jesus Christ opens them, and no one can open them if He shuts them. The Lukewarm Church of Laodicea for God is on your side. (Revelation 14:1), III. read more, Scripture: In every case, it is power to live for God. Philadelphia was situated on a major Roman road that led from Troas in the west through Pergamum, Thyatira, and Sardis, and then to Philadelphia in the east. He holds the decisive key in His hand. One of the important doctrinal features of this sixth letter is found in its very basic and forthright theology of evangelism. Throughout the New Testament numerous crowns are mentioned as rewards for different things, Jesus had promised the church in Smyrna that if they were faithful until death that they would receive the crown or wreath of life. Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : The Church At Philadelphia: A Committed Church. The fact that the church is not mentioned by name throughout the entire period of tribulation described in Revelation 4:1-19:10. We have Moses and the law. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. We want to continue on today, looking at the question, What does God think of His church? Here in Revelation 1, That does not mean we are perfect, but instead that we are aware of our weaknesses and flaws and that we are each redeemed sinners at different stages of growth and spiritual maturity, but I see in you that desire to remain faithful to Gods Word and to obey it and to be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. In both ways, Jesus can protect you. Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13 Denomination: Baptist Philadelphia - The Faithful Series Contributed by Dan Campbell on Feb 24, 2003 based on 39 ratings | 3,206 views Philadelphia was established by the Pergamenian king Attalus II who had the nickname, philadelphus, because of his love for his brother Eumenes II, the former king of Pergamum. August 25, 2013 They are in some sense powerless against the forces which oppose them. Turn with me to Revelation 3:7-13. Through the series of movies, Rocky perseveres as an underdog. This may be a yet future experience, but I like to think that this indicates that some of those that were hostile toward the church came to salvation through the testimony of these faithful Christians even in the face of persecution. Life can be a maze of options, choices, decisions and goals. The one who possesses the key has control. 7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: 'The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. After introducing Himself to the church Jesus Christ immediately begins to commend the church and this takes up the bulk of this passage. We have David. In fact, it has clearly Old Testament features. - Revelation 3:7 Life can be a maze of options, choices, decisions and goals. The main The analysis of Christ's message to Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13 teaches us that a church may be feeble but faithful. You are loved now, I am love now, and one day, that love will be confirmed before all creation. (2:25) So what did Jesus mean when He said He was coming soon? We are rightly concerned about violations of our privacy. Turn in your Bibles this morning to Revelation 3:7-13, our passage for this morning. The crown, the winner's wreath is yours. Late one night, a mugger wearing a ski mask jumped into the path of a well-dressed man and stuck a gun in his ribs. They have kept his word (v. 8), and not denied [His] name (v. 8), and patiently endured (v. 10), the call of Jesus is simply to continue the race. But what does He mean when he says he has the key of David? And no, I don't mean Pennsylvania. Matthew 24:1-14, Mark 13:1-13, Luke 21:7-19, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, John 14:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Timothy 3:1-7, Revelation 3:10, Revelation 19:11-21 This city was the youngest of the seven cities, it was founded in 189 B.C. And even if we find ourselves in the midst of that hour of trial, the prayer of Jesus from John 17 will be answered "Holy Father, keep [same word as Revelation 3:10] them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. . And God's possession of them will be sealed forever, as they bear not only the name of God, but also the name of God's city, and Jesus' own new name. Assembly Of God. Or youve tried to push a door open which was supposed to be pulled? We will also see that this opening and shutting also refers to opportunities for service. So don't put the Lord to the test. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. The city of Philadelphia was about 30 miles from Sardis. This one is addressed to the church in Philadelphia. This Philadelphia was established by the Pergamum king Eumenes II in 189 BC. read more, Scripture: No amount of banging or weeping could get the door to open. They had little strength, yet they kept God's word (his promises) and did not deny the Name of the Saviour. The same is true for you and me. Laodicea has become synonymous with being lukewarm. Get personalized recommendations, and learn where to watch across hundreds of streaming providers. The death of Jesus long ago means life for us now, power to live today, and power to live forever. We'll never share your email. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, [3]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. (view less), Denomination: Jesus goes on describing Himself as the One who opens and no one can shut and the One who shuts and no one can open. And like the church in Smyrna, the Philadelphian church is being persecuted by Jews in that city. Revelation 3:7-13 LOVE LETTER In Revelation 2 & 3 our Lord Jesus Christ gives messages to 7 churches in Asia. The Lord Jesus Christ goes on to describe Himself as the One who has the key of David. Todd Linn; Revelation 22:6-21. This is yet another promise of security, safety, and glory. They have no real influence. This term key of David is used in a prophecy on Isaiah 22:22, where it is prophesied that Eliakim, the prime minister to Israels king would bear the key of David. There are three qualities that define Jesus in this verse: Jesus is holy. Revelation 7:13-14. The word in both letters translated crown is the word that refers to the victors wreath. This is a love letter from the Lord Jesus to this church. Dr. McGee loved one verse in this passage so much it became Thru the Bible's theme verse. Baptist, As a helpful model of Godly faithfulness we can learn from this congregation in considering 1) The Church, City, and Correspondent (Revelation 3:7), 2) The Commendation (Revelation 3:8-9), and finally 3) The Command & Counsel (Revelation 3:10-13), This weekend, people are celebrating St. Patricks Day. Fourth, the test has a world-wide scope, Jesus said this test will come upon the whole world. Fifth, Jesus says the purpose of this testing is to test those who dwell upon the earth, a phrase that is used to describe unbelievers in the book of Revelation. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. They claim, falsely, to be the holy people of God. Most Searched. Introduction: There are more than a few scholars who view the seven churches in Revelation as representative of church ages. Subscribe. We are currently in a series of messages titled, Christs Message to the Seven Churches, that is based on the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation. The church of Philadelphia represents all churches the world over that remain true to preaching and living out God's Word. The city derives its name from the loyalty between the two brothers who were influential in founding the city: Eumenes II and his younger brother, Attalus II. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Unlike the other gods that are made of stone or wood, Jesus is real and He can be trusted to help you. Philadelphia: The Church of Persevering Witness New International Version (NIV) Subscribe. Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no Help support this site: Sermon List Search About. Know Peace: Why Is God Making Me Wait? Condemnation or Rebuke To the liars, but not the church (Revelation 3:9), Take note! Revelation 3:7. We are promised that when we see Him in heaven we will see Him just as He is (1 John 3:2), and whatever we may have known of Him will not compare with the reality in which we will then see Him. Lets take a moment to look at several details of this wonderful promise to the church: First, the testing is still future. This church was a small church in numbers, but it was having a powerful impact on the city. But for me, the town will always remind me of Rocky Balboa. We are currently in a series of messages titled, Christs Message to the Seven Churches, that is based on the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation. 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. Philadelphia is the only church to receive a praise. When we feel weak, we still have His strength, and our faith and resolve to continue to grow our faith will become a mighty pillar that others can look to for encouragement and as an example. I have focused on the spiritual battle that we are fighting against Satan but starting with this message I will be shifting to the 22:22 is substituted for of death and of Hades: the one having the key of David, who opens and no one shuts, and who shuts and no one opens. The substitution is meant to amplify the idea of the original phrase in 1:18b by underscoring the sovereignty that Christ holds over the sphere of death and Hades. Thus, Eliakims temporary control of the kingdom as prime minister to the king of Israel was a prophetic historical pattern pointing forward to Jesus Christs greater and eternal sovereignty over a greater kingdom.2. Turn with me this morning to the last book in the Bible, the book of Revelation, chapter 3. Do you remember the three reminders Jesus gave us through His letter to Smyrna? Jesus promises four eternal blessings to the one who overcomes. So there is a uniqueness to this description, but in more ways than one. An open door in Scripture often depicts freedom to share the Gospel. We have the promises. Just as in the other letters, Jesus chooses to introduce himself in this letter in a way that has particular relevance for the Philadelphian church. Event Pictures. A series of messages from Jesus to the 7 churches in Revelation. They believe each individual church represents a certain era in history leading up to the rapture of the church. One day you will tie your shoes and the undertaker will un-tie them. When the door shut, the opportunity for salvation from the flood was over. "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: 'I know your deeds. Sermons; Topics Easter 1; Test Topic 1; Series God Gives New Gifts - Advent 2022 3; Advent Season at HFBC 10; . (view less), Denomination: Know who Jesus is! Scripture He has told us how to use power to persevere in these verses. Run!. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. read more. Philadelphia still exists today as the city of Alaehir in modern Turkey and has a population of more than 41000 people. He fails in the first fight in the 1978 movie Rocky. Revelation 3:7-13 Therefore: Keep your passion, and Spread your passion Know: Who is Jesus? Sounds like Jesus Christ wanted to tell them something very important. I'm not sure we can fully answer all the questions that statement raises about the timing of all these things. Why? Box 1671, Buckeye, Arizona. 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: Whereas the keys in 1:18b are called the keys of death and of Hades, in 3:7b a quotation from Isa. God has the power to show us opportunities in our lives. And if there wasn't already enough encouragement for this struggling church, Jesus heaps on the promises in verses 12 and 13. This is confirmed when we look at the structure of the letter: SEVEN PARTS OF THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA, 1. We are to warn everybody that this world is headed for destruction, and He is on His way. When you are in the midst of a season of suffering, it is a fight to feel safe. Third, Jesus said, you have not denied My name. In spite of pressures that they faced in the city, they remained loyal no matter the cost. That view is unlikely, both on linguistic and biblical grounds. We are His example to others; even at our lowest, we can excel for His highest. There will be unbelievers on the earth at this time that will repent and be saved, but others will refuse to repent. Dr. Alan Cairns | Studies in Revelation Revelation 3 Play SUN 01/18/1976 2,880+ | 47 min I Stand at the Door and Knock Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Revelation 3 Play FRI 12/24/2010 2,860+ | 2 min Blotted Out of the Book of Life Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Revelation 3 Play THU 09/18/2014 2,760+ | 2 min (view more) October 9, 2022; Jeremy Mew; Galatians 6:11-16, Isaiah 22:22, John 10:7b-10, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 51:16-17, Revelation 3:7-13; Details Listen Latest Sermons. [1]MacArthur, John, Because the Time is Near. January 1, 2023; by Jordan Massey; God Meant it for Good- Genesis 50. I am the King of this kingdom. Jesus said for His second promise, I will write the name of My God on the one who overcomes. But if He closes one door, He opens another door. The "open door" granted to this church is the direct result of the power they possess with God. Revelation 3:7-13 Having a vision of Jesus will also give us the inner strength to stand for the Gospel in a hostile It is Jesus Christ who opens and shuts. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, [5]New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. Because Jesus Christ is holy, His church must also be holy. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Lessons teach principles of love, humbleness, repentance, trust in God's word, and not compromising with the world. 6 Earl F. Palmer and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, 1, 2 & 3 John / Revelation, vol. Look with me at the description of Jesus that introduces this letter in verse 7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.'. The Church at Philadelphia I. In verse 7: Jesus begins by defining Himself as the "Holy One." Who is the holy one? Revelation 3:7-13 records Christ's message to the sixth of the seven churches addressed in Revelation 2-3. But in person he has proclaimed the gospel and has pointed countless men to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ." -J. HamiltonOther Illustrations:The Framed Picture of Revelation 11-16144,000 sealed6 trumpet plagues (7-9)True Prophet John (10:1-11)Persecuted Church (11:1-14)Christ is King (11:15-19)Persecuted Church (12:1-13:10)Satan's . Sermons. Call to pay attention to the Holy Spirit (Revelation 3:13), Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 3:13, HCSB). Jesus promises that some of these Jews who were persecuting the church would come and bow down before these Christians showing their total submission to them and acknowledge that these Christians were loved by God. We will learn more of this city in chapter 21. Jesus closes with those now familiar words of counsel, He who has an ear, let Him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. We must not only listen to the words, but obey the truths found in each letter. They believe each individual church represents a certain era in history leading up to the rapture of the church. God grant us open doors! Since the start of the year I have been sharing with you how we are in a battle. He can take you away from the danger. Jesus wants his churches to be motivated by love, founded on the truth, strong under pressure, and unashamed of his name. And no, I don't mean Pennsylvania. Revelation 3:7-13: Pulpit Commentary Homiletics. Revelation 3:7 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open." "These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;" As we have studied these churches I have asked myself which of these churches are we most like and I believe it is this one. Number one, present feelings of duress can never change future blessings of access. James T. Batchelor *All Saints' Day (Nov 1) Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hoopeston, IL. Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : The Church At Philadelphia: A Committed Church. and the seven stars; I know thy works, that you have a name that you are alive, but really you are dead ( Revelation 3:1 ). Scripture The church is dead. This Philadelphia was established by the Pergamum king Eumenes II in 189 BC. A continuation of the bible study on the seven churches. He has and will intervene. In the 2006 movie Rocky Balboa, Rocky tells his son Robert: to succeed in life, it aint about how hard you hit; its about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward., Philadelphia was situated on a major Roman road that led from Troas in the west through Pergamum, Thyatira, and Sardis, and then to Philadelphia in the east. Philadelphia: The Church of Persevering Witness So Philadelphia represents perseverance in the midst of difficulty. **What Scholars Say** DESTINATION Rev.3:7. These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. While Patrick minded his master's pigs in the nearby hills, he lived 2023 Way of Grace Church: Buckeye, AZ All Rights Reserved, Keep What is Written (Revelation 1:1-22:21)(overview), A Tour of Our Future Glory (Revelation 21:9-22:5), Way of Grace Church | P.O. Doesn't that excite you and encourage you. What opportunities are we missing? Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lieI will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. In this message to the church of Philadelphia, Christ tells them about the sure . While Patrick minded his master's pigs in the nearby hills, he lived 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. Each message is to a certain type of church. Because of their faithfulness and perseverance, the Lord Jesus made some amazing promises to this church. Presbyterian/Reformed, The Church at Philadelphia: A Committed Church - Revelation 3:7-13 - 2/14/10 Philadelphia was a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) on the Imperial Post Road, an important trade route. Jesus Christ presents Himself to this church as the holy and true God, who is the ultimate and final authority. I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lyingnote thisI will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Recent Sermons. For example, Jesus is called holy in 15:4, true in 19:11, and holy and true in 6:10. Revelation 3:1-13. All Other Translations Images Videos Commentaries Devotionals Sermons Related Scriptures Podcasts Blogs. This message used the illustration of a Zombie to explain how Christians can walk on this earth and not beaware of the spiritual power and impact that they are supposed to have and exhibit. Indignant, the affluent man replied, You cant do this, Im a ", Revelation 3:7-13 How to Persevere During Difficult Times. The main In his role, he controlled access to the top leader. About a church may be feeble but faithful ( Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1982,! 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