Kailua Assembly of God
Sermon Series: The Seven Churches of Revelation Title: “Faithful and Favored: Persevering with Power”
In this encouraging message to the church in Philadelphia, Jesus honors a body of believers who remained faithful despite their limited strength. While other churches struggled with compromise or spiritual complacency, Philadelphia stood firm. Jesus, the One who is holy, true, and holds the key of David, promises to open doors no one can shut and to reward those who persevere. Even when we feel weak or unnoticed, God sees our obedience and faithfulness. This sermon reminds us that Jesus doesn’t measure strength by size, but by steadfastness. To the faithful, He promises open doors, protection through trials, and a permanent place in His presence. This is a call to every believer to persevere with power, knowing that when we are faithful, we are favored.
Locations & Times
Kailua Assembly of God
669 Iliaina St, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
Saturday 7:00 PM
[1] Barry J. Beitzel, ed., Lexham Geographic Commentary on Acts through Revelation (LGC) (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019), 629.
1. Power in Weakness (Rev. 3:7–8)
1. Power in Weakness (Rev. 3:7–8)
· Jesus introduces Himself with divine authority: Holy, True, and holding the key of David—He alone grants access to the kingdom opportunity.
· He sees their little strength, but celebrates their persistent obedience: “You have kept my word and not denied my name.”
· Power here isn’t physical—it’s spiritual perseverance.
Application:
Your weakness is not a limitation when your faith is in Christ. He honors your faithfulness more than your fame. When you trust and obey, He opens doors that your strength could never force open.
· Jesus introduces Himself with divine authority: Holy, True, and holding the key of David—He alone grants access to the kingdom opportunity.
· He sees their little strength, but celebrates their persistent obedience: “You have kept my word and not denied my name.”
· Power here isn’t physical—it’s spiritual perseverance.
Application:
Your weakness is not a limitation when your faith is in Christ. He honors your faithfulness more than your fame. When you trust and obey, He opens doors that your strength could never force open.
2. Preservation Through Testing (Rev. 3:9–10)
2. Preservation Through Testing (Rev. 3:9–10)
Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament
3:8 Christ issues three promises to this faithful church. First, he has granted them open…access to the presence and kingdom of God.
3:9 Second of three promises Christ…promises to vindicate them in the sight of their enemies.
3:10 In the third of three promises Christ…promises that he will protect them from the time of testing that will come on the whole world.[2]
· Jesus promises to vindicate His people—those who mocked or marginalized them will know they are deeply loved by God.
· He also offers protection, not always from the test, but through it. Obedience doesn’t guarantee escape, but it secures endurance.
Application:
God never wastes your perseverance. He sees every silent stand, every unseen act of faith. He will preserve what the world tries to crush and protect what the enemy tries to steal.
[2] Douglas Mangum, ed., Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament, vol. 3: General Letters and Revelation, Lexham Context Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament
3:8 Christ issues three promises to this faithful church. First, he has granted them open…access to the presence and kingdom of God.
3:9 Second of three promises Christ…promises to vindicate them in the sight of their enemies.
3:10 In the third of three promises Christ…promises that he will protect them from the time of testing that will come on the whole world.[2]
· Jesus promises to vindicate His people—those who mocked or marginalized them will know they are deeply loved by God.
· He also offers protection, not always from the test, but through it. Obedience doesn’t guarantee escape, but it secures endurance.
Application:
God never wastes your perseverance. He sees every silent stand, every unseen act of faith. He will preserve what the world tries to crush and protect what the enemy tries to steal.
[2] Douglas Mangum, ed., Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament, vol. 3: General Letters and Revelation, Lexham Context Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
3. Promise of Grace (Rev. 3:11–13)
3. Promise of Grace (Rev. 3:11–13)
· Jesus urges His people: Hold fast—don’t loosen your grip.
· For the victorious, He offers unshakable security:
o A crown no one can steal.
o A pillar-place in His presence.
o A permanent identity written with God’s name and Christ’s new name.[3]
Application:
Your faithfulness now prepares you for a forever place with Christ. He doesn’t just reward your endurance—He seals you with belonging, purpose, and His name.
[3] Bruce B. Barton, Revelation, ed. Grant R. Osborne, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2000), 45.
· Jesus urges His people: Hold fast—don’t loosen your grip.
· For the victorious, He offers unshakable security:
o A crown no one can steal.
o A pillar-place in His presence.
o A permanent identity written with God’s name and Christ’s new name.[3]
Application:
Your faithfulness now prepares you for a forever place with Christ. He doesn’t just reward your endurance—He seals you with belonging, purpose, and His name.
[3] Bruce B. Barton, Revelation, ed. Grant R. Osborne, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2000), 45.
Conclusion:
1. Power in Weakness (Revelation 3:7–8)
2. Preservation Through Testing (Revelation 3:9–10)
3. Promise of Grace (Revelation 3:11–13)
Conclusion & Altar Invitation:
Have you been walking in obedience with “little strength”?
Do you feel like your faith is tested, unnoticed, or under pressure?
Jesus sees. He’s holding the keys. And He’s opening a door for you, no man can shut.
Come forward today and say:
“Lord, I may feel weak, but I will remain faithful. I trust You to finish what You started in me.”
Final Exhortation:
Revelation 3:13 NLT “The Faithful Church”
13 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.
Final Truth (Rhyming):
Though strength may fade and trials persist,
Christ rewards those who still resist.
Faith that endures will wear the crown—
What man lifts, God won’t let down.
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, You are holy, You are true, and You hold the key that no one else can turn. Thank You for seeing us even when we feel small, for honoring our faith when our strength feels faint. You open doors that no man can shut, and You walk with us through every test and trial. Lord, we want to be counted among the faithful—those who obey, endure, and hold fast. When we feel weary, remind us of the crown You’ve promised. When we feel forgotten, remind us that our names are written on Your heart. When the pressure mounts, give us perseverance by Your Spirit. Seal us today with fresh hope. Write your name on our lives. Make us pillars in Your presence—steadfast, unshaken, and secure. We give You all the glory, all the trust, and all our love. In your faithful and powerful name, we pray. Amen.
1. Power in Weakness (Revelation 3:7–8)
2. Preservation Through Testing (Revelation 3:9–10)
3. Promise of Grace (Revelation 3:11–13)
Conclusion & Altar Invitation:
Have you been walking in obedience with “little strength”?
Do you feel like your faith is tested, unnoticed, or under pressure?
Jesus sees. He’s holding the keys. And He’s opening a door for you, no man can shut.
Come forward today and say:
“Lord, I may feel weak, but I will remain faithful. I trust You to finish what You started in me.”
Final Exhortation:
Revelation 3:13 NLT “The Faithful Church”
13 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.
Final Truth (Rhyming):
Though strength may fade and trials persist,
Christ rewards those who still resist.
Faith that endures will wear the crown—
What man lifts, God won’t let down.
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, You are holy, You are true, and You hold the key that no one else can turn. Thank You for seeing us even when we feel small, for honoring our faith when our strength feels faint. You open doors that no man can shut, and You walk with us through every test and trial. Lord, we want to be counted among the faithful—those who obey, endure, and hold fast. When we feel weary, remind us of the crown You’ve promised. When we feel forgotten, remind us that our names are written on Your heart. When the pressure mounts, give us perseverance by Your Spirit. Seal us today with fresh hope. Write your name on our lives. Make us pillars in Your presence—steadfast, unshaken, and secure. We give You all the glory, all the trust, and all our love. In your faithful and powerful name, we pray. Amen.
Bibliography
Barton, Bruce B. Revelation. Edited by Grant R. Osborne. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2000.
Beitzel, Barry J., ed. Lexham Geographic Commentary on Acts through Revelation (LGC). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019.
Mangum, Douglas, ed. Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament. Vol. 3: General Letters and Revelation. Lexham Context Commentary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020.
Barton, Bruce B. Revelation. Edited by Grant R. Osborne. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2000.
Beitzel, Barry J., ed. Lexham Geographic Commentary on Acts through Revelation (LGC). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019.
Mangum, Douglas, ed. Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament. Vol. 3: General Letters and Revelation. Lexham Context Commentary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020.