Sermon on 4 October 2020 by Pastor Justin
Introduction
This is the sixth instalment of the church series, about the faithful church in Philadelphia. Remember there are three instructions as we approach the book of Revelation.
1) The book is about the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1). Only God can unveil His truth to us and not man.
2) This book is given to His servants (Revelation 1:1). It is meant only for servants of God, to the willing-hearted.
3) This book is given for us to obey (Revelation 1:3). Obedience is an act of humility. God will teach the humble.
There are two indispensable qualities if we want to receive the revelation of God:
1) Fear of the Lord – The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant – Psalm 25:14.
2) Humility – He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way – Psalm 25:9.
Message
“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”; Revelation 3:7
“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut; or you have a little strength have kept My word, and have not denied My name. – Revelation 3:8
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 fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. – Revelation 3:9
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. – Revelation 3:10
Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. – Revelation 3:11
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 also write on him my new name. – Revelation 3:12
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Revelation 3:13
1. Jesus opened a way for us to walk in (verse 7)
Philadelphia means “brotherly love”. Jesus has no charge against the church of Philadelphia at all. Jesus has the key of David, and has the authority to open and close every door. Jesus will open a way for you to walk in. This is very comforting. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). His way is the narrow way. Matthew 7:14 tells us this. The narrow way brings life to us; the broad way brings destruction.
When God called the Prophet Jonah to preach repentance, he refused. Jonah was thrown into the sea and into the mouth of a fish, but God opened the mouth of the fish and threw Jonah onto dry ground. Whatever situation you are in right now, God will never allow you to walk through a path without His permission.
With faith, we will inherit the promises according to His time. We need to be patient. He wants the best for you. If we keep forcing a closed door, or reject the door He opened for us, God has a way to close the door. You will find yourself going one round and back to where you started. Remember, He holds the key. He opens every door for us. Let us walk in confidence.
2. Obey the word of God and confess the name of Lord (verse 8)
The church of Philadelphia had little strength but was strong in faith (verse 8). This is the church that we should be and can be. Your life reflects your belief. You bear fruits of the Spirit. You are obedient and an overcomer, regardless of temptation. Obedience is to abide, to depend on God.
3. Divine protection for the overcomers (verse 10)
If you are an overcomer, the door will be open for you. God will grant you protection. Verse 10 tells us there will be the hour of trial and tribulation. But if you are an overcomer and keep the commandments, God will keep us safe. We still go through the trial, but He promises protection. Come with faith, and abide.
And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. – Luke 21:17-19
Rest in the word of God and His promises.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! - Psalm 46:10
Who are those who will be tested? Those who love the world.
Closing
We must hold fast to the truth. Jesus will come in the hour that we do not know. Let this motivate us to put in our best to serve Him. Expect suddenness from God. Expect suddenness for Jesus to appear. If we are disobedient, we can lose our crown. Faithful believers will be pillars. Overcomers will constitute the bride of Christ. Matthew 25:1-13 tells us about the ten virgins, five wise and five foolish. Let us be wise, prudent and always ready, bearing fruit of the Spirit. Only the wise will enter the door of the kingdom. Let us be ready for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
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