Title [Revelation 3:7-13] Philadelphia Church
7. To the angel of the church in Philadelphia wrote: The one who is holy and true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one can open said:
8. Behold, I have put a door open before you, and no one can close it. I know your deeds, though you have little power, yet you have kept my word and have not betrayed my name.
9. Behold, I will give you some of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but lie, that they may come and bow down at your feet, that they may know that I love you.
10. Because you have kept my word of patience, I will also keep you from the hour of temptation, which is to come when you come into all the world to test those who dwell on the earth.
11. I am coming quickly. Hold fast what you have, so that no one takes your crown.
12. The one who overcomes will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out no more.
13. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Philadelphia Church was the most exemplary church among the seven churches in Asia Minor. The Lord praised this church and promised to bless them. While examining the strengths of this church, I hope that we too will have a precious history of becoming like that church.
1. Even though he had little power, he kept the word and did not betray the name of the Lord.
You do not have to have great strength and ability to do the Lord's work. If you leave it entirely to the Lord and do it, you can do great things with the help of the Lord. Therefore, I should not neglect my work or give up because I have little ability. We often make excuses for not being strong enough. That's a big mistake. I hope that you will work with courage, following the example of the Philadelphia church, which did great things with little power. In particular, we need to know how precious it is to keep our faith and not betray the Lord. We must become saints who do not betray the Lord, no matter how difficult or difficult they are given tribulation or persecution. In that time of severe tribulation, the church in Philadelphia, although it seemed to have little power, kept the word and did not betray the name of the Lord. Let us not betray the Lord and forsake our faith for any reason.
Paul said, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword” (Romans 8:35). I hope we have such confidence and determination.
2. He promised them great blessings.
The Lord will surely reward those who are faithful in His work and do not betray.
① Allow the open door. That was that the windows of heaven opened against them (8). When the gates of heaven close, humans become unhappy. How blessed would it be if the prayers of the saints reached God through the open door and God gave them constant blessings. The Lord always leaves the door open, so there is no great blessing anymore.
② I love you. He said that he would declare his love to everyone (9). They claim to be Jews, but in reality, they will subdue some liars, who are members of the satanic synagogue, and make them bow down to show that God loves them. Letting our enemies surrender is a testament to God's love for us. God loves us. There is no such thing as a precious blessing. The truth is hidden now, but God will confirm his love for us by raising our hands.
③ He said that he would protect me (10). “Because you have kept the word of my patience, I will also keep you from the hour of temptation.” The time of trial is the time of great tribulation. In the last days, there will be great tribulation that will destroy the whole world. It is a promise that God will protect. As David sang, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me, and Your staff and staff comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). I hope you are sure that you will protect me.
④ It is said that He will make them the pillars of the temple (12). Columns are essential to supporting a building. To become a pillar-like figure in the Church of God is an infinite glory and blessing for the saints. Those who do not betray the faith are essential in the Church of God. A man who never betrays the name of the Lord. He is a person who perseveres to the end and endures all tribulation and tribulation. A person who avoids heavy (hard) work and only wants to do light work will never become a pillar.
Let our church be the pillar of the presbytery, the general assembly, and the Korean church. We want each of the members to become pillars of our church. Of course, we cannot be the pillars ourselves. It is only possible when the Lord makes you a pillar. Even if you have little power, if you keep the word and do not betray the name of the Lord, you will surely be used as a pillar like a worker. May this great blessing be given to all of us.
3. I have the loving counsel of the Lord (11)
“I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one takes your crown” (11). The words “You are coming soon” are great comfort and strength to the saints in tribulation. Also, the saying, “Do not let the crown be taken away” is a great hope for the suffering saints. Convinced of this promise, he said, “hold fast what you have.” All they have is faith. What we will have until the end is faith. Let's become all our members who keep the Word and keep the faith that does not betray the Lord to the end.