Throughout this sermon series we are looking parts of God’s Word that involve the church, and what it looks like for us to be the church that God created us to be. Today, we’re looking at a message in Revelation that Jesus has for the church in Philadelphia. His message to this church helps us to the outcome of faithfulness, and how to continue on in our faith even when we’re exhausted.
We need to realize that the reward for faithful work and service onto God is more work!
Rev. 3:8, Matt. 25:21-23, Luke 19:17
How do we avoid burnout and giving up?
1. Rely on God's power
Rev. 3:7, Eph. 3:20, Col. 1:16, Heb. 1:3, Ex. 14:14, Ps. 28:7, Jer. 32:17
2. Remember that God sees you
Rev. 3:8, Col. 3:23, Gen. 16:3, Prov. 15:3, Jer. 12:3, Ps. 33:18, 2 Chron. 16:9
3. Recognize the opportunities God has given you
Rev. 3:8, Eph. 5:16, Gal. 6:10, Matt. 9:35-38, Luke 12:47, Eph. 5:11, 2 Tim. 4:2
4. Realize that God is the judge, not you
Rev. 3:9, 20:11-12, Ps. 50:6, 75:7, Matt. 7:1-5, Luke 6:35-36
5. Recall God’s faithfulness and protection
Rev. 3:10, 21:4, Is. 54:17, Ps. 46:1, 2 Thess. 3:3, Deut. 31:6, Prov. 18:10
6. Remember the reward
Rev. 3:11, Matt. 5:12, Luke 6:23, 35, 1 Cor. 3:14, 2 Cor. 5:10, Gal. 6:7-9, Ps. 16:11
7. Rest in God’s presence
Rev. 3:12, John 15:1-11, Matt. 11:28-30, John 7:37, Ps. 116:7, Ex. 33:14, Phil. 4:6-7

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever studied or hear this passage or topic preached on before? What stood out to you?

2. Read Matt. 25:21-23 and Luke 19:17. Have you ever thought about the outcome of faithfulness being more work? Have you experienced being rewarded with more work because you were faithful in something? If so, what?

3. When Jesus addresses the church in Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13 He doesn’t address anything bad that they have done, as He does with most of the other churches in Revelation 2 and 3. Rather, He encourages them to continue on in their faithful works and patient endurance. From this, we can assume that the church in Philadelphia is tired and worn out. Think about your own life. If Jesus addressed you right now, would He have anything negative to say about your faithfulness? Do you feel worn out and tired in this season of your life? If so, why?

4. Looking at your answers from question #3, what of the 7 things Jesus encourages the church in Philadelphia with do you need to keep in mind so that you don’t burnout and give up?

5. What would it look like for you to be faithful over the next decade of your life? What of these 7 things do you need to work on the most to make sure that you don’t burnout and give up?

6. How can you help others not burnout in their faithful work?

7. What is your biggest take away from this message? What did God teach you? Do you feel led to put anything into action? If so, what, and what practical step(s) do you need to take to be obedient to what God has led you to do? Who can keep you accountable to accomplishing this?