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Letter To Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) A church should use its opportunities. This church stands out as a church that receives no criticism; they are reminded of the One they serve and exhorted to keep hanging on. |
Letter To Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)
A church should use its opportunities.
This church stands out as a church that receives no criticism; they are reminded of the One they serve and exhorted to keep hanging on.
- God Knows Our Opportunities:
- They have an open door (v8); either a door of salvation (no one could close; Jn 10:29), or, more likely, a door of opportunity (a city known for spreading Hellenism, would spread the gospel). We should pray for and use such open doors (Acts 14:27; 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3).
- This door was there because of their past faith-fulness in keeping God’s Word (1 Thess. 2:13; Rom. 1:16; Lk. 9:26). He trusts them and has confidence in them to use it (Lk. 19:17).
- God Knows Them That Are False: There were those who claimed to be the people of God, but He knew they were liars (v9; Rom. 8:28; Matt. 7:21ff).
- God Knows Them That Are His: These Christians are reminded of God’s love for them (v9); they have patiently endured and so would be safely brought through a time of trial (v10). What a com-fort to know that God knows His children and will protect them (2 Thess. 1:7-10). These faithful are assured to be counted among God’s special people (v12; 2 Pet. 2:5, 9).
