Philadelphia: The Faithful Church

Revelation 3:7-13

September 25, 2005

The first Sunday of our month was a day of REPENTANCE

EPHESUS – The bride who was so busy she forgot her husband

Overcome Hypocrisy

The second Sunday was a day of REDEMPTION

SMYRNA – The bride who contemplated quitting because marriage is hard.

Overcome Fear

PERGAMUM – The bride in danger of being seduced into an affair

Overcome Compromise

The third Sunday was a day of REVIVAL

THYATIRA – The bride having an affair with the world.

Overcome Worldliness

SARDIS – The bride whose marriage was falling apart, and didn’t care.

Overcome Complacency

LET TODAY BE THE DAY WHEN WE FOCUS ON THE RETURN.

We will see two churches who are as on opposite ends of the scale as possible. Philadelphia is not doubt the best of the 7 and Laodicea is no doubt the worst.

One could look forward to the return of Christ because of the reward.

One should head the return of Christ and get ready.

This morning we look at what a blessing it is to have walked this earth in obedience and to be able to have great anticipation at the return of the Lord.

Philadelphia was a church that could sing with the truest of joy:

“Behold He comes, riding on the clouds, shining like the sun, at the trumpet call, so lift your voice, it’s the year of jubilee, for out of Zion’s hill salvation comes.”

They could rejoice because they were ready to meet Him.

John gave this warning to the churches.

1 John 2:28-29 “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.”

They were a church who had walked in obedience.

They were “THE FAITHFUL CHURCH”

While Smyrna was faithful, Philadelphia is further down the road.

LET US LEARN HOW JESUS RESPONDS TO A FAITHFUL CHURCH

#1 THE COMPOSER

Revelation 3:7

HOW DOES JESUS REVEAL HIMSELF TO PHILADELPHIA?

Unlike the other 5, Jesus doesn’t draw from the chapter 1 revelation.

They get a special revelation – One that speaks of reward.

“He who is holy”

Holy is a title reserved for God.

Isaiah 6:3 “And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory."

A terrified demon screamed.

Mark 1:24 “saying, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!"

Peter proclaimed

John 6:69 "We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."

CERTAINLY JESUS REMINDS THEM HE IS GOD

BUT HE ALSO REVEALS HIS JUSTICE IN JUDGMENT

No one who deserves punishment will skip it.

No one who deserves reward will loose it.

Romans 2:9-11 “There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.”

“He…who is true”

NOT ONLY WILL HE ACCURATELY JUDGE,

HE WILL FAITHFULLY JUDGE.

John 5:30 "I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

John 8:16 "But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me.”

“who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one will open.”

In Rev. 1:17-18 He revealed He had the keys of death and hades.

He had the power to open and close death.

HERE HE HAS THE POWER TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE KINGDOM.

Isaiah 43:13 "Even from eternity I am He, And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?"

JESUS REVEALS HIMSELF TO PHILADELPHIA

AS THE HOLY JUDGE, WHO IS FAITHFUL TO REWARD.

#2 THE COMMENDATION

Revelation 3:8-10

WHAT DOES HE COMMEND THEM FOR?

(Vs. 8) – “I know your deeds.”

(Vs. 8) – “you have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”

(Vs. 10) – “you have kept the word of My perseverance.”

WHAT WAS IT THAT MADE THEIR OBEDIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE SO IMPRESSIVE?

(Vs. 8) “Because you have a little power”

NOT A DEGRADING STATEMENT

Maybe a poor congregation with few resources

Maybe a small congregation with little manpower

Maybe an isolated congregation with little support

WHATEVER THEIR WEAKNESS, IT DIDN’T STOP THEM

2 Cor. 12:10 “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Philadelphia is the second church with no rebuke

THEY CERTAINLY WERE NOT PERFECT,

HOWEVER, THEY WERE PERFECTLY PLEASING.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO PLEASE GOD?

Hebrews 11:32-40 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.”

GOD IS NOT LOOKING FOR A STRONG CHURCH

GOD IS NOT LOOKING FOR A WEALTHY CHURCH

GOD IS LOOKING FOR A TRUSTING CHURCH

PHILADELPHIA IS PRAISED BECAUSE THEY TRUSTED GOD.

“Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong.”

Matthew 17:20 “And He said to them, "…for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.”

Because they had little power, but great faith…

“Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one will shut.”

I HAVE OPENED WIDE THE KINGDOM TO YOU.

WHAT ELSE DID JESUS PROMISE THEM?

“I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie – I will make them come and bow at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.”

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

VINDICATION

GREAT OUTFLOWING OF SALVATION

Imagine of everyone who ever maligned you for Christ sake,

All of a sudden came to you in repentance,

And desired to trust Christ and serve Him along side of you.

WHAT ELSE DOES HE PROMISE THEM?

“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.”

MANY SEE THIS AS A PROMISE THAT THE CHURCH WILL SKIP THE GREAT TRIBULATION. (I have no problem with that).

HOWEVER, WE ARE TRYING TO EVALUATE THE CHURCH

The timing of the rapture is of little significance,

we are called to persevere no matter what.

DO YOU REMEMBER WHY SMYRNA WAS PROMISED PERSECUTION?

“for your testing”

It is important to know who is real, and who is not.

AT WHAT POINT DO YOU STOP TESTING?

Once a person has adequately exhibited they can pass the test.

PERSECUTION DOES HAVE MANY POSITIVE PURPOSES.

1) It can revive a dying relationship

Israel needed it to wake them up, and cause them to call on God.

Jeremiah 29:12 “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”

2) It can purify a cluttered relationship

Cause you to drop what is not important, and cling to what is.

1 Peter 4:1 “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,”

3) It can reveal who has a relationship and who does not.

This was the purpose at Smyrna

1 Peter 4:14 “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”

Matthew 5:10-12 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

4) It can serve to reveal how strong a person’s relationship is.

Such was the case with Job.

Job 1:20-22 “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.”

HOWEVER, ONCE THE PURPOSE IS ACCOMPLISHED

THERE IS NO NEED FOR ANY MORE

WHATEVER PHILADELPHIA’S TEST,

THEY HAD PASSED IT, AND HAD NO NEED TO TAKE IT AGAIN.

“I know these trials will make me stronger.”

NO THEY WON’T – BUT WHAT YOU DO WITH THEM WILL.

PHILADELPHIA HAD LITTLE POWER, BUT WERE STRONG.

THEY HAD ENORMOUS FAITH, AND PASSED THE TEST.

#3 THE COMMAND

Revelation 3:11

WHAT IS THE PROMISE TO PHILADELPHIA?

No matter the command, they won’t have to keep it long.

Their job is complete, they are almost finished.

WHAT IS THE COMMAND TO PHILADELPHIA?

IF THEY ALREADY PASSED THE TEST, WHY TELL THEM THIS?

He wanted them to finish strong.

WHY DO FANS LINE THE HOME STRETCH OF A MARATHON?

Fans know:

Although the home stretch

Is one of the easiest parts of the course,

It is one of the most difficult parts of the race.

IT IS TEMPTING FOR AN ATHLETE TO LET UP AT THE END.

I’m reminded of a football game I saw a couple of weeks ago.

There was a talented running back, he broke into the open field.

A touchdown seemed certain, BUT, he quit running before the goal line.

And the boy from Motley County was credited with a touchdown saving tackle.

He missed the touchdown, and the glory of that moment was stolen by someone who pushed a little harder.

“hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”

Don’t give up at the end, and let someone else steal the prize.

#4 THE CONNOTATION

Revelation 3:12-13

OVERCOME WHAT?

THE TEMPTATION TO LET UP AT THE END

THE TEMPTATION TO GIVE IN TO FATIGUE

THE TEMPTATION TO RETIRE

AFTER LIVING A LIFE FOR CHRIST,

IT IS TEMPTING TO COAST IN THE FINAL YEARS.

Charles Rogers – “I’m in my sprinting years.”

Travis Berryhill – “I don’t have much time left.”

IF YOU WERE FINISHED WITH THE RACE

YOU’D BE IN HEAVEN.

Smyrna was dead and faked life.

Don’t be alive and fake death.

Philip. 3:7-16 “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.”

WHAT IS THEIR REWARD FOR FINISHING STRONG?

“I will make them a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore.”

THEY CANNOT BE SHAKEN

THEY CANNOT BE MOVED

THEY “will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

“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.”

WHAT DOES A CHILD DO WITH A BELOVED POSSESSION?

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR LUGGAGE?

YOU WRITE YOUR NAME ON IT

IF YOU OVERCOME, YOU WILL BE MINE,

AND WILL BE WITH ME FOREVER.

Church if we want to be a church that can gladly anticipate the return of Christ, then we must be a church that is walking in faithfulness.

He doesn’t ask us to be rich

He doesn’t ask us to be large

He doesn’t ask us to be talented

HE ASKS US TO BE FAITHFUL

This may not be the attributes by which the world evaluate the health of a church, but it is the attribute by which Jesus evaluates the health of the church.

He could care less about the money – He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.

He could care less about the numbers – He could force people to be here.

He could care less about the talent – the singing in heaven is much better.

HE IS LOOKING AT THE HEART

He wants the church that will trust Him.

He wants the bride that no matter how hard it gets, she sticks with Him.

No matter how hard it gets, she never doubts Him.

No matter how hard it gets, she remains faithful.

If you want to anticipate the return of Christ, then be faithful!

Don’t quit, run the race full unto the end.

Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”