Philadelphia: The Faithful Church/Rev. 3:7-13 

1.  Introduction-

As we look at the Church of Philadelphia we see a church located in a strategic place.

It was situated on the border between two other countries. 

Another relevant trait of the City of Philadelphia was that it was also situated near and active volcano.  This volcanic action sent earthquakes rippling across the land on a regular basis. 

2.  Christ’s Commission (vs. 7)

   A.  Christ is the Holy One (Mark 1:21-24; John 6:66-69)

   B.  Christ is the True One (1 John 5:20; Rev. 6:10; John 4:25-26)

   C.  Christ has the key of David

As is foretold in Isaiah, the true Messiah will have in His possession the key of David. This expression comes from Isaiah 22:22.

With this key comes much power.  It brought with it management of the king’s business and also authority to determine who would be allowed to enter the king’s presence. 

Now in His description of Himself Christ tells His faithful church that as the true Messiah, He has the key of David, the key that unlocks the door to allow those on the outside to enter into the King’s presence. 

Jesus’ heavenly Father can become your heavenly Father when you enter through the door which Jesus has the key (John 14:6).

 

3.  Christ’s Commendation (8-10)

   A. Christ Promises an Open Door (vs. 8-9)

When Paul and Barnabas returned from their missionary journey and gave a report to the Church of Antioch they spoke of the work of the Lord in terms of God opening a door (Acts 14:27).

Jesus will open the door for the advance of the gospel when we rely on His power and not ours.

This principle is of great importance to us today. 

-The Lord fulfills His plan by using our weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9).

-The church must not force conversions. 

Jesus promises that He will cause those who oppose the church to bow down.  He will set things right.

These people declared themselves to be Jews and in charge of the door to the Father.  Jesus calls them liars.  The Scriptures clearly declare that the true Jew is one who is not a descendant of Abraham but who has been transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 2:28-29).

When these Jews met at the Synagogue they called themselves, as did the Jews in the Old Testament, the assembly of the Lord (Num. 16:3;20:4;31:16).  Because they were persecuting the church, they were the enemy of Christ, the synagogue of Satan.

   B.  Christ Promises to Keep Them from the Hour of Trial (vs. 10)

Jesus tells them that they will be persecuted but He will keep them through it.  Remember Jesus’ prayer to the Father in the Gospel of John? (John 17:15)

If we are to understand this passage correctly, we should see Christ’s Words as impacting this congregation in Philadelphia.  Christ is referring to a persecution that they will endure and be kept through it. He is encouraging this church to endure faithfully.

   C.  Christ Promises Security (11-13)

Christ encourages them to hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.

Again this refers to the passage in Isaiah 22.  The faithless treasurer had his crown taken away while the faithful treasurer was given a crown. 

Christ encourages this church to endure what is ahead.  He uses the phrase of making them a pillar in the temple of my God.

The application is simple and straightforward-

-God will keep all that are His.  We as believers are eternally secure. 

-Through Christ’s own death, He has opened the door to eternal life.  He has made a way for His church to enter into the presence of God. 

Not only is Christ the door into God’s presence, but He is preparing a place for us.  He is preparing a heavenly city which will never be shaken. 

-We must hold tightly to the glorious gospel.  In doing so, we will live in the heavenly city as well.

[13] He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'