Jesus’ Message to His Faithful Church

Revelation 3:7-13

Two Wednesdays ago, all major news sites reported that an angry mob attacked churches in Pakistani Punjab. After a rumor alleged Christians were blaspheming the Quran and their prophet, a manhunt ensued. It ended up with people attacking a Christian colony. An independent eyewitness reported that a crowd vandalized and set on fire the home of one of the accused. As a result, 22 churches and over 50 houses were ransacked and burned. The Christians fled and hid in fields to survive. Many lost their daily wage as day earners. Now, we don’t see this here in Singapore. In fact, following Christ is easier in our context. Churches are large, protected, and strong. But this doesn’t mean they’re spiritually strong or faithful. Sardis was a respectable church; busy, well-organized, many programs, but dying. Why? Because she was worldly. She wasn’t watchful. She didn’t resist but aligned herself with the world. Her robes weren’t white but defiled. The world wasn’t attacking her, they loved her! But many small and weak churches around the world face persecution. They’re not well-organized or have respectable programs - but they’re strong spiritually because they’re holy. This was the uncompromising and faithful Philadelphia. She served God, not mammon. Sardis wanted to do both. This dying church was worldly. Philadelphia the faithful church was godly. The gospel demands faithfulness and godliness. Too often, we want the world and Jesus. But Philadelphia’s response was simple. Take the world, but give me Jesus. In looking at this passage, we want to see how Jesus firstly, assured her of his kingdom, secondly, how he evaluated her faithfulness and their unfaithfulness, thirdly, how he exhorted her to press on despite weakness, and fourthly, how he promised her to establish her in his kingdom.

Firstly, he assured her of his kingdom. Verse 7 - “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.” The next church was Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. It was southeast of Sardis. And here Christ identified himself as holy and trustworthy Christ. He called himself holy and true - it was a title connected with his faithfulness to his people. In Revelation 6:10, the martyred saints in heaven cry out - “O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” They were asking him to act. In the Bible, the Messiah is called the Holy One. It describes more than his holiness; rather, that he’s been set apart to be prophet, priest and king - to do God’s work. He’s also true, meaning, he’s true to his calling. He can be trusted to keep his promises. As the Christ, he holds the key of David. What he opens, no one can shut; what he shuts, no one can open. In Isaiah 22, we see this. The chief steward of King Hezekiah controlled access to the king, but he was found to be unfaithful. So God would give the key to another. Isaiah 22:22 - “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.” The new steward would decide who’d get into the palace. This is the role of the Messiah - he’d have authority to admit or exclude people from God’s kingdom. Now why was this assurance important to believers in Philadelphia?

Because of their unique context. Philadelphia was once an important city. It was called the Gateway to the East because of its place on the major trade route. Its chief export was grapes and wine. Why? Because of the soil and climate. On the north of Philadelphia was a range of active volcanoes. This means fertile soil. But it also means many earthquakes. In fact, the latest one was on 23 July 2023 just 6 km north of the city. It registered 1.8 on the Richter scale. But in AD 17 a much larger earthquake destroyed the city. And many residents had to settle outside the city. Only the rich could remain inside. That’s the context. These poor Christians were kept out. Sardis was a respectable large church; but Philadelphia was poor and unsophisticated. She wasn’t glamorous. And She was ill-treated. But she persevered. That’s why Christ proclaimed his love for her. Despite being unloved by others, despised, ill-treated, kept out, Christ could open shut doors for them and shut open doors to heaven for others.

Secondly, he evaluated her faithfulness and their unfaithfulness. Verses 8-9 - “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” Christ knew her works. He saw her strong faithfulness and true heritage. That’s why he couldn’t wait to comfort her. To say he’d open doors for her. And this tells us what her works were. She hadn’t denied Christ, even though she was severely treated. Even though she had little strength, she kept his Word, despite the Jews’ persecution. So her faithfulness was not general, but peculiar to her situation. The verb tenses here show that at some point in the past, the church was challenged to deny Christ by these Jews. And now, she was facing the consequences of not denying him. She had little strength. Now, this refers to her small numbers, poverty, or low status. But many Christians were like that in the early church. Corinth was made up of those not wise or might by human standards, nor of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and base things to bring low that which is high. Sardis exulted in her respectable and wise status. But she was dying. But Jesus loved Philadelphia. She was lowly, insignificant, and kept out. We see she wasn’t well-treated by her fellow citizens nor also by the Jews. Possibly, the Jews said they weren’t God’s people. Maybe they prevented them from entering the synagogue. But Christ said she was his true people. In fact, verse 8 says, he already opened the door for her. That’s her heritage. Therefore, she shouldn’t fear the Jews who prevented her access to God or the city. Christ has opened true access to the heavenly city!

But he doesn’t only open up the gate, he closes it. Here we see the Jews’ great unfaithfulness and final defeat. The Jews thought they were the people of God. But Christ called them the synagogue of Satan. They said they were Jews but weren’t. Who are the true Jews? The remnant people who trust in Christ. But these ethnic Jews were liars. Christ even called the Pharisees children of the devil because of their lies. Meaning, here, those who called themselves God’s people, but ill-treated God’s real people were not really God’s people - no matter their ethnicity. As a result, Christ would make them bow at the feet of Christians. And they’d acknowledge God loves the Christians. And this is amazing doctrine. They were always denigrated - you’re not God’s people! Keep out of the city! Live in your colonies. But now, they’re residents of God’s city, and their enemies will acknowledge they were wrong. Now, this is only understood in the context of the Old Testament. Each time the prophets spoke of Israel’s future, they saw Israel beating her enemies who’d come and bow down to her. Isaiah 60:14 - “The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.” How do we interpret this? We interpret the Old Testament by the New Testament. Isaiah’s vision was not of a future earthly state of Israel that would be served by gentile nations. It was a vision of God’s people - Jew and Gentile - being called by all her oppressors the loved ones of Christ. Amazing!

These Christians were rejected as not being God’s people, but Christ said they were. And those who thought they were would be defeated. An important side note - Jews who reject Jesus aren’t real Jews. Believing Jews and Gentiles are the true Israel of God. That’s why Gentile churches of Revelation are described as lamp stands - this was an ancient symbol for Israel. What encouraging words. “We’re not allowed into the city, we’re poor, kicked out, the Jews despise us, we’re not relevant! But Christ sees your faithfulness and works. He’s opened the door to the real kingdom. You’re his people, not them.”

That’s why, as his people, he thirdly, exhorted her to press on despite her present weakness. Verses 10-11 - “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” She was told to hold fast. Why? A time of great trial was coming on all the world. She must persevere in the coming persecution. Verse 10 says she’d been obedient to Christ’s command to endure. But an hour of trial was coming - far worse than what she’d experienced. It’d affect the whole world. Now, this wasn’t some worldwide far future event, like the so-called Great Tribulation. How do we know? The phrase “all the world” is also used in Luke 2:1 - “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” it was not the whole wide world, but the whole Roman world. This period of intense trial would come upon all the inhabitants of the Roman empire. We also know it was soon. The NASB translates “that hour which is about to come upon the world inhabited world.” It was not some unknown distant future - it was soon. These words were relevant to those reading. And they’d all be affected.

And the purpose was to reveal the true nature of those who’d opposed Christians. It was meant to “try them that dwell upon the earth.” This phrase is used in Revelation to refer to God’s enemies. Revelation 6:10 - “And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” Also, Revelation 13:8 about the worshipers of the beast - “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life…” “Church of Philadelphia, whom I love, poor and outcast, there’ll be intense persecution where you live. Hold fast as you’ve been. What’s coming will reveal what your unbelieving neighbors are really like.”

Dearly beloved, maybe you experience no trials because of your Christianity. Why? You’re infected with Sardisitis - just look good enough as a Christian, go to church, be respectable, but not too obvious. That’s why they do nothing to you! Why persecute you? You’re their token tolerant Christian friend!“Yeah, I’ve a Christian friend, but he’s not like the rest. He’s normal.” How different from the church in Philadelphia. They didn’t want to be normal. They wanted to be holy and were called holy - even as Christ was set apart. They were true to their profession. And they’d face more trials because they opposed the beast. And we’re not exempt. Tribulation is a cycle - it’ll come. But if you’re Sardis, you’ll be fine. Dead and fine. But if you’ll be faithful to Christ, you’ll experience opposition. And the most painful thing is this - some Christians will be utterly shocked that even their fellow professing Christians will persecute them. “Why does he have to wear his religion on his sleeve? Why must he be so vocal? Can’t he have a more subdued Christianity? Weirdo!” But those who say this or desire a respectable Christianity, maybe you’ve been infected with Sardisitis. Worse still, maybe you’re the synagogue of Satan. You say you follow Christ, but where’s your deeper desire for holy things? How can you look at your more spiritual brethren and despise them? One day you will admit that Christ loves them more than you because they’re faithful. Where is your first love? Dead? Dying? Persevere. And you can. Why?

Because Christ himself perseveres in his preservation of his people. Verses 10-11 - “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation…Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Christ saw their perseverance. He exhorted them to press on. And he motivated them. I’ll keep you in the hour of temptation. I’m coming quickly. At the height of trial, Christ promises to spiritually protect his people. No, it doesn’t mean they won’t die. Revelation speaks about martyrs - those who died for Christ. He wasn’t going to spare their lives. You see, the phrase, “I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation” is the same thing Christ prayed in John 17. “I pray not to take my disciples out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.” Yes, most of them died. But while their bodies were destroyed, their souls were kept. Christ promised to keep them faithful until death. That’s why no one can take their crown. As the hymn says - “When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie, my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply; the flame shall not hurt you; I only design your dross to consume and your gold to refine.” And they could persevere because he’d preserved them.

Lastly, he promised to established her in his kingdom. Verse 12 - “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” When Philadelphia was destroyed in the earthquake, only the pillars of the pagan temples were left standing. These Christians were kept out of the city. But they themselves would be pillars in God’s kingdom. This shows their permanence. All along they were rejected - even Abraham and his descendants - living in tents, but they looked for a heavenly city - the New Jerusalem. The book of Ezekiel describes the city of God - the restored Jerusalem. Ezekiel 48:35 says, “It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.” Similarly, in Revelation 21:22, when John had a vision of heaven, he said, “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” Meaning, those who are holy, who persevere and don’t give in despite being kept out - are part of God’s temple, palace, and city. They will go out no more - they’re permanent. But it also shows their prominence. “I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” A triple name will be written on us - the name of my God, the name of the city of my God - which is the New Jerusalem, and also my new name. Simply speaking, overcomers will be marked out as belonging to God’s son, God’s city, and God himself. Like an entry stamp. But the rest have the mark of the beast. Good for earth, but can’t get into heaven. But these faithful, beloved of Christ, holy Christians have Christ’s name. What a wonderful promise to this little church of little strength. Not many wise, mighty, or noble - but God has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.

So how do we apply this word? How do Christians in Singapore, not Pakistan, apply this word? Sardis was a worldly church with people who were dying spiritually. But Philadelphia was a small despised church that was godly. They were loved. Firstly, let’s identify which church is most like us? Dearly beloved, many of us like a respectable Christianity. We come to church. But not to be challenged. We want to live as we’ve lived. Are we really giving our time to the Lord? Or do we engage in enough religious things to sayang our conscience. That’s Sardis. But maybe you’re all about doctrine. You talk, breathe, eat doctrine; but you’re argumentative. Everyone else is less spiritual, less knowledgeable; only you’re good. That was Ephesus. Or God forbid, are you living in some kind of fornication? Idolatry? You’ve sold yourself to some illicit pleasure? You’re so into the world with worldly friends, you’ve no spiritual desires. Instead, you’re so excited about the prospects in this world that you’re willing to keep yourself from God’s people?

Secondly, how can we grow in true personal and practical holiness? Yes, what does it take for us to be a loved church? What does it take for you to be loved by God? Yes, God loves all his children, but he takes special delight in those who obey him. Why? John 14:21 - “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” Does God love the holy ones of this church more than those who do not obey him? Of course he does. Why? Because they’re the ones who love him. What are ways in which we can be the Philadelphia church? Very clearly, there’s personal and practical holiness. How are you growing in personal holiness? What kind of spiritual appetite do you have? Do you love the Word, love to praise, read, listen to the Word? Do you pray? Do you desire to have fellowship with Christians? Not hee-haa fellowship, but deeper and closer fellowship? Those of you who don’t even have fellowship, you’re on severely dangerous ground.

In what way, when you’re confronted with your sins, do you seek to repent and walk aright before him? Will others acknowledge that Christ loves you? “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

1. He Assured Her of His Kingdom

A. He is the Holy and Trustworthy Christ

B. Her unique context

2. He Evaluated Her Faithfulness and Their Unfaithfulness

A. Her strong faithfulness and true heritage

B. Their great unfaithfulness and final defeat

3. He Exhorted Her to Press On Despite Weakness

A. She must persevere in the coming persecution

B. He perseveres in his faithful preservation

4. He Promised Her to Establish Her in His Kingdom

A. Her permanence

B. Her prominence

Conversation for Change:

1. What’s your desire to be holy compared to your desire to be relevant and worldly? Be honest, are you serving God and mammon? In what way has this diminished your service of God?

2. How does Christ’s assurance of love to those who were holy and hated affect us? Are we assured of his love or are we unsure because we are not pursuing holiness?

3. What is preventing you from pursuing after a radical, redeeming-the-time holy living?