CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA - PART 1

Revelation 3:7 “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.”

When we meditate on the churches specified in the book of revelation, we can clearly understand the church pattern which the Lord has in his mind. The Lord highlights the drawbacks of these churches and also he perfects them. Just like how parents want their children to meet their expectations, we also need to fulfil the expectation of the Lord. We see Philadelphia was a small city with great potential for influence. The church there was commended by Jesus for its faithfulness, endurance, and obedience. Unlike other churches in Revelation, Philadelphia received no rebuke, only encouragement and promises. God honors a faithful and obedient church, opening doors for his purposes. Today as a part of meditation, let us learn lessons from the church in Philadelphia.

1. The Church Excelling in Brotherly Love

Revelation 3:7 'To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write..'

Although Philadelphia is the name of the city , it has got a significant meaning. The name Philadelphia comes from the Greek words “Philos” “Adelphos”. The word “Philos” means “love” or “friendship”. And the word “Adelphos” means “brother”. Both these words combined together to mean "brotherly love" or "friendship". Truly speaking, the church in Philadelphia excelled in brotherly love. Psalms 133:1 'How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!' Earlier, people used to socialise a lot with other people and we used to visit relatives houses mroe often. However, in these days nobody wants to visit anyone or have a mindset to mingle with people. There are some people who refuse to greet others in the church. Their faces will be very stern and they dislike to socialise in the church. Do we have the same brotherly love in our hearts ? Are we extending our support in the funeral services. If a church member is financially struggling, how are we helping them ? Do we make it a point to attend all the prayer meetings and family gatherings arranged ? We cannot expect church members to attend our family functions, when we ourselves avoid or boycott the meetings in the church or family. We need to reflect the love of the Lord in the church and in the society. Unity is Precious and
Pleasing to God.When there is unity in a family, there is peace and joy. When there is unity in the church, God’s presence and power are felt strongly. Disunity leads to confusion, pain, and loss of blessings. Today, we need to analyse how our brotherly love is found and how are we exhibiting in our lives. Let us excel in brotherly love.

2. The Faithful Church inthe Midstof Opposition

Revelation 3:8 '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.'

Here our Lord Jesus says 'I know your deeds'. The Lord is watching over us. He is watching each and every single thing. The Lord Jesus acknowledges their faithful work and assures them of opportunities to advance His Kingdom. Even in our lives, the Lord is watching the efforts we are taking for him. Just like the Lord witnessed the little strength of the Church in Phialdelphia, the Lord will acknowledge how we strive for the Lord amidst of oppositions. Despite their small size or resources, they remained obedient and steadfast in their faith. Today, we need to analyse, what are the works we do for God? amidst of our weaknesses.

In the scripture, we read Jesus was sat near the treasury and was watching how the people put money for the church. He noticed the faithful widow who gave all that she had. Also we read in James 2:21 'Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?' James 2:26 'As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.' The request placed by the Lord to Abraham was something which he cannot commit yet he surrendered himself to the command of the Lord. He was ready to give up his own child for the Lord. Are we doing the things the Lord expects of us, 'even if we have a little Strength'? When we do things for the Lord with the little strength, we can witness the power of the Lord. The church in Philadelphia wasnot large or powerful, yet they remained faithful. Jesus acknowledges their “little strength”, but He does not condemn them for it instead, the Lord encourages them. We read in 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." God’s strength works best in our weakness. Instead of worrying about our limitations, let’s trust God’s power. Let us serve God,give to the Lord, support the poor, and do such good works.

Lesson: God values faithfulness over strength or size. Even small churches or individuals can have a great impact when they trust and obey Him.

3. The Church That Received the Open Door

Revelation 3:8 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.

Despite challenges, the believers of Philadelphia remained true to word of the Lord. The Church of Philadelphia, though small, remained faithful and therefore received the blessing of the open door from God. Many of us say whatever efforts they take, the door is closed. If they wanted to buy something, it is all sold out. We need to do two things, reflect the brotherly love and be faithful amidst of oppositions. When we do these things, we can see the open door placed in front of us. An open door in the Bible represents God’s guidance, favor, and opportunities. We read in Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Paul asks for prayer that “God may open a door for the word”—showing that open doors can lead to ministry and spiritual growth. An open door means experiencing divine opportunities graciously given by God. No man, enemy, or circumstance can close a door that God has opened for his children. Amen.