Today we continue our teaching series called “The Seven Churches of Revelation”

Over the last few weeks, we have been seeking to understand the importance and relevance of this text in our lives today. Just like the rest of our Bible, we believe that Revelation is valuable and integral to our faith- It’s there for a reason.

Through this study we want to hear and understand the warnings and instructions to these churches. As we do that, we also want to discern how we can learn from these warnings in our lives and through our local church.

Our desire is to renew and refine our vision of life and what the church should be. Our series is specifically focused on Jesus' words to the 7 Churches in Asia minor

Today we continue with the Church in Philadelphia

Throughout Esther’s life, God’s had been upon her. Guiding her, providing for her and she had been faithful to follow him. Now before her was an opportunity, an open door to step into God’s redemption story for his people.

Mordecai says, “Hey don’t think that just because you’re the queen that you won’t be killed too.” "Esther if you don’t do anything, God’s plan of redemption will come from somewhere else."

"But what if, what if Esther God has so orchestrated your life that you are in the Kings house for such a time as this?"

Will you be faithful?

As we continue in our teaching series The Seven Churches of Revelation, we will hear Christs words of encouragement to the Christians who in the face of persecution and challenge remained faithful to the Lord.

The Church at Philadelphia was facing just as much difficulty as the churches around them - Yet Jesus commends them for a job well done, and encourages them to hold on, to keep up the good work.

In fact, of all of the letters to the seven churches, the one before us today is, by far, the most positive. The most affirming.

What made them different than the other Churches?

What can we learn from the Church in Philadelphia that might change our church here in Elkton?

The opening of the message to the church in Philadelphia begins with a focus on Jesus. He is the Holy one, pure, righteous, and true. He is sovereign and in control over all things, including his Church.

Many times, in the New Testament the phrase “open door” speaks of an opportunity to share the gospel of Christ. Jesus wants them to realize the opportunity that’s before them- It’s for such a time as this- I have given you this opportunity to take part in my redemption story and nobody can cut you off from that.

When it might have been easy for them to feel that they were too insignificant to make a difference- Jesus says, “I'm holding the door, I have a plan for you, let’s GO!”

Their lack of strength did not dis-qualify them from being used mightily by God.

While so many of the other churches in Revelation are called out for compromising with sin and denying Christ- The church in Philadelphia had been faithful.

We see that these faithful believers found themselves amidst the heated contention between some professing Jews and the Christian community.

We read about this tension throughout the New Testament, especially in the book of Acts. Jewish leaders, more zealous for the law than for God, persecuted Christians severely, and it appears that was happening here too.

But, in the face of that opposition God makes it clear “I’ve God you. I will sort this out and they will know that you are my beloved”

Jesus’ one command for the Church in Philadelphia? HOLD ON! Keep doing what you’re doing, I am coming soon.

At his coming, the reward of the faithful will be realized for all eternity.

The message to the faithful church ends with the hope filled reality of Christ, and the culmination of his redemption story. They will be safe and secure in the presence of God for all of eternity.

Revelation is a Jesus Letter, and in that there is great hope for those in Christ. We have the steadfast hope of eternity in heaven. The Church had Philadelphia had a hope they could rejoice in, and so do we!

We began this morning asking two questions:
What made Philadelphia different than the other Churches?
What can we learn that might change our church here in Elkton?

I want to propose 3 simple, yet important things we can take with us for the church in 2023:

i.Remain faithful
ii.Rely on God
iii.Rejoice in Hope

Esther realized the opportunity God had placed before her in that moment. In calling her attendants along with Mordecai and all the Jews to fast- she relied on the Lord. And through her faithfulness, God spared the Jewish people from certain death.

And about 600 years later, Jesus speaks to the church at Philadelphia: “I know that you have little strength, “Yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name”

We don’t know what was on the other side of that open door of opportunity for the Church in Philadelphia- We don’t know the specifics of what God was calling them to do.

But what we know beyond any doubt is that God was pleased with the faithfulness of his people in Philadelphia. In their time, in their city, they were faithful.

Will that be said of us? In our lives, at home, at work, in our community- will that be said of us?

Let us remain faithful, rely on God, and rejoice in hope!