Hymn: “When We Walk with the
CENTRAL THOUGHT
Obedience to God’s word attracts divine recognition and reward.
TEXT: REV. 3:7-13
INTRODUCTION:
Philadelphia, which means “brotherly love”, is a city on the border of Lydia and Phrygia in Asia minor. It was the seat of one of the seven churches in Asia. The Lord Jesus Christ knew and saw the church in Philadelphia as true, faithful, and loyal. Though not strong (having little strength), they kept to Christ in obedience and service. God was pleased with them. The present day church has a lot to learn from this church. In this study therefore, we shall learn what made them stick and a model for today’s church.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson are to:
- Explain how the Lord introduced Himself to the church
- Why the church was commended
- Discuss the implication of “the open door” promised to the church
- Explain the clause “which say they are Jews and are not, but do lie”
- Appreciate what the Lord promised those that will overcome.
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) HOW DID CHRIST INTRODUCE HIMSELF TO THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA? (Rev. 3:7)
Right from the Old Testament Scriptures, God has been ascribed the attribute of holiness (Isa. 6:3). God is sinless and faultless; hence, His evaluation of His church is perfect, thorough, and indisputable. That makes Him the “True” God that He is. He is incomparable to any other being in heaven, on earth, and even beneath the earth. He has the key of David, “… he that openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth” demonstrated the supreme and indisputable power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ. The implication of this introduction is that our Lord is a just and impeccable judge of everyone. He does not fear anyone and righteously evaluates everyone’s conduct. On the judgement day, His verdict will be final. We must live to please Him to earn His commendation like the church in Philadelphia.
QUESTION 2) WHY WAS THE PHILADELPHIAN CHURCH COMMENDED? (Rev. 3:8,10)
In spite of the not too enviable condition of the Philadelphia church (for thou has a little strength), they kept and obeyed the word of God. Christ was pleased with them on account of this. Also, in the seemingly ugly situation of theirs, they stood in defense of the name of Christ. Jesus also commended them because they “… have kept my command to endure patiently” (NIV). This church distinguished herself in obedience to God’s word, defense of God’s name, and patiently endured in times of challenges. These qualities should be emulated by the church of today in order to please the Lord.
QUESTION 3) WHAT IS THE IMPLICATION OF THE “OPEN DOOR” PROMISED TO THE CHURCH? Rev. 3:8-9; 1 Cor. 16:9
The Lord Jesus Christ was so pleased with the commitment of the Philadelphia church that He set before them “an open door”. This could imply blessings in every area of life. God truly rewards faithfulness, He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). Believers who fully yield to God are made instruments of honor to be used by the Master (2 Tim. 2:20-21). Thus, they enjoy greater opportunities to serve God in different dimensions of life. The promise of “open doors” for the faithful servants of God also implies that the unfaithful will see the immense love of God the true believers enjoy. They will find themselves bowing to the rulership and authority of the faithful (Rev. 3:9).
QUESTION 4) EXPLAIN THE CLAUSE “WHICH SAY THEY ARE JEWS AND ARE NOT, BUT DO LIE”.
This simply relates to imposters in the body of Christ. The church (the gathering of believers) is a mixed multitude of the truly born again, the pretenders and the once-saved but have relapsed into ungodliness. Paul wrote to Timothy on this issue and declared that the Lord knows those who are truly His own (2 Tim. 2:19). There are still pretentious believers in church today. They are here because of the miracles and socializing benefits available in church. Others are in church as a cover while they secretly carry out their sinful and devilish activities. The call for genuine salvation still holds. “And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:19).
QUESTION 5) WHAT DID THE LORD PROMISE THOSE THAT WILL OVERCOME? (Rev. 3:12)
The Lord has attractive offers for all His children that will overcome and endure to the end. The first from the text is that He will make Him a pillar in the temple of His God. In architecture, pillars are used both as ornament and supports (1 Kings 7:6; Judges 16:26). All those who overcome their moments of tribulation will automatically become pillars of support for others in their own times of challenges. The testimonies of overcomers add color and beauty to the body of Christ. In the Old Testament, the high priest bore a name on his forehead which was “Holiness to the Lord”. In Isaiah 56:4-5, the Lord promised His faithful followers an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. Believers today are sealed with the Holy Spirit and branded “… a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9). The New Jerusalem is a name being used figuratively to denote the spiritual church in its final triumph and glory (Rev. 21:2). All overcomers in Christ are promised membership of this soon-coming celestial edifice. This is the ultimate hope of the believer. Like the Philadelphian church, we must endeavor to serve the Lord unto all pleasing.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
The church in Philadelphia did not receive any rebuke from the Lord or have any deficiency named against them. They were holy, truthful, loyal, and steadfast to the Lord. They did not allow their weaknesses to be a barrier to their faith and testimony in the Lord. Holiness is still a possibility hence the Lord commands it (Lev. 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15-16). By the grace of God and our personal determination to serve the Lord faithfully, we can measure up to the standard of the Philadelphian church.
MEMORY VERSE:
REV. 3:11
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man takes thy crown”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MON: Christ’s introduction of Himself. (Revelation 3:7; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Hosea 3:5)
TUE: Philadelphian church commended. (Revelation 3:7-8)
WED: Hypocrisy in church. (2 Timothy 2:19; Matthew 7:15)
THU: Promises of faithful service. (Revelation 3:12; 1 Peter 2:9; Exodus 28:36)
FRI: God’s final judgement. (Revelation 21:1-8)
SAT: Final victory. (Revelation 22:12-15)