By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sermon Series: Jesus’ Message to the Churches
Sermon Text: Revelation 3:7-13
Sermon Theme
Philadelphia was not a major city. Its importance lay in the fact that it was a gateway, an “open door,” from Greece into Asia. It was a city that strongly supported the emperor. Yet it was also a city in turmoil due to numerous earthquakes. Jesus’ most positive statements are for the church in Philadelphia. They are not special. They have “little power” (Revelation 2:8). Yet they, more than any of the other churches, have held fast to the word of God and not denied the name of Jesus Christ. Christ sets before them an open door to share the gospel and empowers them to resist the temptations of the world. This church sets an example for us that should never be forgotten.
Sermon Outline
- Standard. Jesus calls the church to a high standard. Jesus himself is the standard. He is the holy one (Mark 1:23), the true one (I John 5:20). He has the key of David (Isaiah 22:22). The church of Philadelphia itself is not the standard. They, like us, have “little power.” Yet they, unlike the other churches in Revelation, have held fast to the word of God. They have not denied Christ. They have neither compromised nor tolerated heresies. The author, John of Patmos, was suffering persecution “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). This was the experience of the church in Philadelphia. This was probably a small church with no special gifts or resources. By human standards they were insignificant and unimportant (I Corinthians 1:26-28). They lived with the constant threat of earthquakes. These could be physical or symbolic, such as opposition and ridicule. They held on to the word of God and therefore had an open door of opportunity (Revelation 3:8; I Corinthians 16:9).
- Subversion. For the church in Philadelphia to remain faithful, they had to be consistent and constant in their testimony to the word of God and to Jesus, “the word made flesh” (John 1:14). Nothing suggests they were sinless or perfect (I John 1:8). However they did not back down in their standing for God’s word. This is the fourth church where the opposition of Satan is mentioned (cf. Revelation 2:9, 13, 24). Satan above all is deceitful (II Corinthians 11:14). Yet Satan will not be able to undermine this church (Revelation 3:9). Jesus promises to keep them from “the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth” (Revelation 3:10). This does not fit the picture of the final tribulation which is more brutal opposition than trial and testing (Matthew 24:9-21). In all probability they are being prepared for the emergence of the great whore who will entice the kings, merchants and shipmasters of all the earth (Revelation 17-18). But the church of Philadelphia will not be deceived. We need to follow their example.
- Soon. Jesus tells the church that he is coming soon and they are therefore to hold fast to what they have (Revelation 3:11). There is an urgency to their witness. Jesus has set before them an open door. This is the door of opportunity. If they have been so faithful why does Jesus urge them to “hold fast” and say, “if you conquer …”? The reality is that Scripture gives us many examples of those who, once being faithful, fell away. These include Jacob’s firstborn son, Reuben (Genesis 49:3-4), Saul (I Samuel 16:1), Solomon (II Kings 11:1-4) and Judas (Luke 22:3-4). The church of Philadelphia is being told they cannot become complacent. Jesus is coming soon. This isn’t necessarily the second coming. Jesus comes to us at different times and in different ways. He promises to come to several of the churches in Revelation (Revelation 2:5, 16, 3:3). This coming has the sense of a calling to account. The church of Philadelphia has been promised a crown (Revelation 3:11). They are to continue in their faith. In doing so Jesus promises them a place in the new Jerusalem and a new name (Revelation 3:12-12). Like them, we are called to finish the race of faith to receive our crown (II Timothy 4:6-8).
Questions for Us
- The church of Philadelphia lived with the constant threat of earthquakes. They were sustained solely by their dependence on God’s word. What lessons can we learn from their example?
- This church had little power but they had accomplished much. Do we use the fact of our “little power” as an excuse not to attempt more things for Christ? Why do we often hold back from the “open doors” which God may be placing before us?
- What does it mean for us to hold fast to what we have in Christ? What are the trials and tests that we face?
