The Church of Philadelphia
One is introduced to the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13. Philadelphia is the second church to which the Lord had nothing negative to say. Christ identified Himself as the One holy and true, having the key of David, and who opens and shuts the doors of opportunity.
Right doctrine and right living were characteristic of the Church of Philadelphia. The right doctrine and belief system will manifest itself in right living. This church was known as the loving church and its name carried the meaning of brotherly love. The love expressed was the agape love, God-like love, not the world’s kind of love.
The Christians of the Church of Philadelphia were evangelistic and engaged in missionary activities. Yet, they encountered persecution. Regardless of the persecution, the saints continued to hold fast and remain obedient to the word of God. “Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution”, 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV). The Christians persevered through the persecution and remained faithful to Christ.
The Lord made several promises to the Church of Philadelphia. First, He promised to humble their enemies, the false Christians, and cause them to know of His love for the saints of Philadelphia. This may not happen until the time when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, nevertheless, the promise will be fulfilled. Jesus will be glorified and the enemies of righteousness will be humbled.
Second, Christ promised to deliver the church from the “hour of temptation.” Many believe this to refer to the Christian’s deliverance out of the Great Tribulation. The saints of God will be delivered from the wrath to come, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. This seems to be evident from the Lord’s following statement, “Behold, I come quickly.” What a beautiful reminder of our Lord’s soon and certain return!
Third, Jesus promised the overcomers He would be their security and stability, symbolized by the pillar in the temple. O what comfort is issued forth to the faithful children of God! We are secure and safe from the devil’s grasp. Jesus is our strong tower, our shield, and our place of refuge! Christians are covered in the blood of Jesus, secured in the hand of God, and sealed with the Spirit of God!
Fourth, the Savior would write upon the believers the name of His God, the name of the New Jerusalem, and His new name. These names could be a depiction of relationship, citizenship, and ownership.
Lord, help us, Your children, to exemplify Your love in ministry to others and sharing the gospel of Jesus. Enable us to live godly obedient lives, to live surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s control, and remain faithful to You.
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
Right doctrine and right living were characteristic of the Church of Philadelphia. The right doctrine and belief system will manifest itself in right living. This church was known as the loving church and its name carried the meaning of brotherly love. The love expressed was the agape love, God-like love, not the world’s kind of love.
The Christians of the Church of Philadelphia were evangelistic and engaged in missionary activities. Yet, they encountered persecution. Regardless of the persecution, the saints continued to hold fast and remain obedient to the word of God. “Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution”, 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV). The Christians persevered through the persecution and remained faithful to Christ.
The Lord made several promises to the Church of Philadelphia. First, He promised to humble their enemies, the false Christians, and cause them to know of His love for the saints of Philadelphia. This may not happen until the time when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, nevertheless, the promise will be fulfilled. Jesus will be glorified and the enemies of righteousness will be humbled.
Second, Christ promised to deliver the church from the “hour of temptation.” Many believe this to refer to the Christian’s deliverance out of the Great Tribulation. The saints of God will be delivered from the wrath to come, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. This seems to be evident from the Lord’s following statement, “Behold, I come quickly.” What a beautiful reminder of our Lord’s soon and certain return!
Third, Jesus promised the overcomers He would be their security and stability, symbolized by the pillar in the temple. O what comfort is issued forth to the faithful children of God! We are secure and safe from the devil’s grasp. Jesus is our strong tower, our shield, and our place of refuge! Christians are covered in the blood of Jesus, secured in the hand of God, and sealed with the Spirit of God!
Fourth, the Savior would write upon the believers the name of His God, the name of the New Jerusalem, and His new name. These names could be a depiction of relationship, citizenship, and ownership.
Lord, help us, Your children, to exemplify Your love in ministry to others and sharing the gospel of Jesus. Enable us to live godly obedient lives, to live surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s control, and remain faithful to You.
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
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