The Church of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, meaning “Brotherly Love” in Greek, was one of the two churches among the seven that received only compliments from the Lord, alongside Smyrna. This church remained pure and served as light and salt to the world without being stained by secularism.
The Church of Philadelphia had only a small number of believers, and due to its geographical situation, large growth seemed impossible. Yet, in the midst of temptations, persecution, and suffering, they held onto Jesus alone as everything, and nothing could destroy their faith.
They clung to the truth of the gospel with their lives, persevering and keeping the faith until the Lord’s return. They lived out Jesus’ command, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” by building peace within their community and becoming examples of holiness and sincerity.
How glorious must be the reward God has prepared for such a faithful church! They will become pillars in the temple of God and will dwell with Him forever.
1) Christ as the Head of the Church of Philadelphia
Let us focus on the revelation of Christ as the head of the Church of Philadelphia.
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” (Revelation 3:7,NIV)
》Prayer Point
1. Jesus Christ, the head of the church, has given the key of David to the church. Let us proclaim that the church, with the authority of Jesus’ name, is a sacred channel to bring the kingdom of God into this world. The church reveals the eternal value of the kingdom of God and overcomes the world. Let us pray that we, and our church, will pray in the name of Jesus Christ so that victory over the world will fill all the nations.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:18–19,NIV)
2) The Church of Christ is a Victorious Church
Let us declare by faith that the church, as the body of the Lord, is victorious and cannot be defeated by the gates of hell.
》Scripture Prayer
(Revelation 3:8–13,NIV) 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.
13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. Let us remember how the Church of Philadelphia held onto Jesus alone amidst all temptations, persecutions, and hardships. Let us resolve to cut off every tie and habit that binds us to the world. Let us repent for blaming our circumstances and failing to live a life of faith and witness, and pray to live again as true witnesses.
2. Let us thank God that there are pure churches holding onto the truth of the gospel, persevering, and keeping faith until the Lord returns. Let us pray that victorious churches will continue to rise up, boldly proclaiming, “The gospel is enough!” so that the world cannot mock them. Let us pray that the churches fighting the good fight of faith will press on to the prize God has prepared for them, running the race with all their heart to the very end.
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