THE CHURCH JESUS COMMENDED
REVELATION 3:7-8
REVELATION 3:7-8 NKJV
7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,
'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens": 8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
OBSERVATION:
Chapters two and three in the Book of Revelation contain Jesus' message to the seven churches. Six out of the seven require some form of correction. But the church at Philadelphia was commended and not corrected.
Jesus, as He reveals His message to the apostle John, calls Himself the One who can open and shut. And when He opens or shuts, no one can reverse those actions.
As in all the messages to the churches, Jesus starts with their works. He knows what they do for His Kingdom. He is aware of what is being done in His name. He is not casual or apathetic. He knows.
Then Jesus refers to a door that He has opened for this church. The cross reference in my Bible lists (1 Corinthians 16:9), where the apostle Paul wrote about an open door. Paul speaks of staying in the City of Ephesus because a great and effective door was opened to him. This had to be a door for preaching the gospel because Paul also mentioned that with the open door came many adversaries. Because of Paul's mission and calling, we can easily determine this open door was not a business opportunity. Although God can open those doors as well.
To this church in Philadelphia, Jesus has opened a door to them because they had three qualities that Jesus approved of.
They had a little strength. This church displayed enough for Jesus to note their spiritual strength. He did not say they were abounding in strength, but they did have a little.
They kept His word. This is another quality worth noting. Jesus, during His time on earth, said to His followers. Why do you call me Lord and not do what I say? (Luke 6:46) So we can reverse that and say that keeping His word reveals His Lordship in the church and individual lives.
The church in Philadelphia did not deny His name. In that time identifying with Jesus was a sure ticket to persecution. But this church persevered and would not back off their visible commitment to the Lord.
APPLICATION:
The application of these two verses appears straightforward. Having the strength to persevere. Keeping God's word and not being ashamed to be identified with Christ. Doing these things positions us to be commended by Jesus the Lord of the church.
PRAYER:
Lord, strengthen me to keep Your word and walk worthy of You. I will not deny your name.