Revelation – Lesson 6

 

Revelation 3:7-22

Revelation 3:7-13 – Philadelphia, The Faithful Church

Philadelphia was located at the east end of the broad valley.  Its soil was rich and good for agriculture.  It was on the main road from Sardis.  They had a lot of trade and was famous for its temples.  Its name means “love of a brother”.

John wrote to the church at Philadelphia telling them that these are the words of Him who is holy and true and holds the keys of David. 

Jesus is described as holy, true, and holds the key of David.

Holy is described in Hebrews 7:26 as someone who is blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  

True is described in 1 John 5:20.  It is exactly what it says – we know that Jesus, the Son of God has come and we have been given understanding that we may know Him who is true.

Isaiah 22:22; Matthew 16:19; Revelation 1:18 tell us that Jesus has been given key to heaven, the honor and authority that only He controls.  No one can shut and what He shuts no one can open.  The door of heaven is opened only by Jesus.  He Himself is the door.  “I am the door; if anyone enters through me, he shall be saved…” – John 10:9.  This means Jesus has great power and is in control of all that happens. 

Jesus commends the church at Philadelphia.  He knows their deeds.  He knows they have little strength, but they have kept His Word and haven’t denied His name.  They remained faithful.  Jesus will make those of the “synagogue of Satan” fall down at Philadelphia’s feet.  These were a group of unbelieving Jews who were persecuting Christians. One day our enemies and the enemies of God will be forced to bow down before Him.  They will know that Christians were right in following Jesus.

Believers can hold on to the promise that Jesus is coming soon and they are to hold on to what they have and let no one take their crown.  The crown is the crown of eternal life.  More about the crown is found in 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 timothy 4:8; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10. 

Jesus promised He will never leave those who are victorious. If we keep His commands and endure patiently, Jesus said He would keep us from the trials to come.  Jesus promised to protect His church from the time of trouble.  Some believe this implies pre-tribulation rapture.  This is what I believe.  Christians will be removed from the earth before this real trouble starts.  This great trouble is also known as the Great Tribulation.  We will learn more about this later in our study of Revelation.  This removing of the church is what is called the rapture.  But remember, Jesus does not promise that Christians won’t suffer in this world and we should not assume that we will be removed before this great trouble takes place.  We don’t know when this will happen or when Jesus will return.  Until then, Christians must continue to believe in Him and not be deceived.  Revelation 4-22 tells us the things which will happen to those who dwell on the earth during the Great Tribulation.  He will write on them His name.  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Rev. 3:13.

Revelation 3:14-22 – Laodicea, The Lukewarm Church

Laodicea was about 40 miles southeast of Philadelphia.  It was the riches of the cities.  It was the major commercial and financial center.  They were famous for their medicines and medical school.  They had indoor plumbing, but they had no water supply so they brought water in from about 6 miles away. 

John wrote to the church at Laodicea telling them that these are the words of the Amen who is faithful and a true witness, the ruler of Gods’ creation.  The Amen acknowledges that Jesus is valid, binding, true, and trustworthy.  Jesus was there when God created all things.  Here again, Jesus knows all and sees all things.  He knows their deeds and He knows ours.  They are neither hot nor cold.  He wishes they would be one or the other, but they are lukewarm.  Because they are lukewarm, Jesus is about to spit them out of His mouth.  In other words, He is about to vomit them out. -  It sounds much worse when you say it like that.  They are rich and are proud of their wealth and think they don’t need anything.  Jesus told them they didn’t realize they are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

This describes some churches today.  Many are prideful, complacent, and indifferent.  They have become preoccupied with what they have or even the work they do.  They work for sake of working.  They just go through the motions.  They, like the Laodiceans are self-sufficient, have material comfort, and think everything is OK.  Does this describe you?  Remember if this is you, Jesus is about to vomit you out of His mouth.

Jesus talked about true riches and white clothing.  The true riches are not earthly wealth the Laodiceans had, but heavenly riches.  White clothing is a symbolic of innocence through the blood of Christ for our sins that are taken by the cross.

Those Jesus loves He rebukes and disciplines.  Jesus told them to be earnest and repent.  “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and they with me.” – Rev. 3:20.  Discipline is always hard but it benefits the person.  Believers response to God’s corrective discipline should be – to recognize the hand of God, to repent of your sin, and rejoice in the Lord for His love us.

“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcome and sat down with my Father on his throne.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Rev. 3:21-22.

The 7 letters in Revelation close with a promise to those who overcome.  Who are overcomers?  Overcomers are followers of Christ who successfully resist the power and temptation of the world.  They have complete dependence on God for direction, purpose, fulfillment and strength.   They are those who overcome the world, the anti-Christ, and Satan. 

God promises rewards to those who overcome:

Rev. 2:7 – will be given the right to eat from the Tree of Life.

Rev 2:11 – will not be hurt by the second death.

Rev 2:17 – will be given hidden manna, a white stone with a new name.

Rev 2:26-28 – will be given authority over nations.

Rev. 3:5 –name will not be blotted from the book of life.

Rev. 3:12 – a pillar will be made in the temple and he never will leave it and the name of God will be written on him.

Rev. 3:21 – will be granted right to sit on His throne.

Do you have any characteristics like that of the 7 churches?

Are you faithful?    

How are you true to Him Name?

In what ways do you tolerate false teaching?

Are you lukewarm?

Do you need to repent?

Next week we will study Revelation 4. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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