Seven Churches(6): Message to Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13 I. Introduction. A. Philadelphia: 1. Important trade route(between Sardis & Laodicea). 2. Grape-growing area(in a valley). 3. Destroyed in 17 AD, rebuilt by Tiberius. 4. Said to be the city that had Christians in it the longest. 5. Still exists: Turkish name. 6. Literally: "Brother lover"(Named by a ruler who loved his brother). B. The nature of the community allowed the church to flourish. 1. Some call it the "open-door" church. 2. Nothing negative said about the brethren in Philadelphia(lived up to name?). a. Is there something in a name? b. Words do influence each of us. II. Body. A. The holy one: v. 7b. 1. Jesus holds the key of David(explain). a. The right of kingship. b. Note: I Timothy 6:14-15. c. Jesus is on David's throne. 2. The power of Christ: he opens and shuts(no one can oppose). a. Power of a ruler(spiritual). b. The Lord decides, not man. c. Some would usurp that power. d. The extent: Matthew 28:18. B. The holy one's knowledge: v. 8. 1. The Lord knew about Philadelphia as he did the other six. 2. The Lord protected them for their faithfulness. 3. They had a "little" power--why? a. Kept Christ's word. b. Did not deny the Master. c. Probably few in number, suffering persecution and had many difficulties. 4. The Lord opened more doors of opportunities. 5. It is not the size of the congregation, but what are you doing for the Lord.(It is not numbers, but fervor and zeal that counts). 6. Note: Galatians 6:9. C. A promise: v. 9. 1. Because of faithfulness, God would protect them. a. Will get the attention of their opposers. b. The persecutors will learn that God "loves" them. c. They will conquer the false teachers(false Jews). 2. God loved them because of their stand for truth. 3. Opposition from false teachers should make Christians stronger. 4. At judgment, all will have to admit the truth of Christ's gospel. 5. Note: Romans 10:10-12. D. Endurance of faith: v. 10. 1. Kept the word: patient. a. Endured the false teachers. b. Endured the temptations. 2. The Lord would "keep" them when they underwent trials: Psalm 56:11. 3. Too many give up too soon! 4. A calamity of some sort was coming. 5. In an hour of trial, it could be that we have only the Lord to help us. 6. Note: James 5:7. E. The Lord's coming and the crown: v. 11. 1. The Lord could come quickly in judgment against the evil. 2. Or, it may be a promise of the Lord to protect them. 3. Encouragement to "hold fast." 4. Even they could lose their "crown." 5. The faithful Christian will not be "surprised"(in a bad sense) when the Lord comes. 6. How will the Lord come? I Corinthians 15:51-52. 7. Hence: I Corinthians 15:28. F. The reward for overcoming: v. 12. 1. No faithful will be rejected. 2. These belong to God and belong with Him(pillar: something permanent). 3. Ever someplace where you felt you did not belong? 4. No rejection of the faithful: Matthew 25:34. 5. Share the blessings of eternity. 6. Discuss write name(brand). 7. Christians wear the mark of Christ. III. Conclusion. A. Would it not be wonderful to be a part of a church like Philadelphia? 1. Does not have to be large in number, just strong in the faith. 2. The brotherly love kept them together and sound in faith. 3. Any congregation can be like Philadelphia if the saints are willing to make the sacrifice. B. They loved God and that produced the love of others.-jy