A Truly Graced Church 2: Philadelphia
- Church in Philadelphia– The church in Philadelphia was a people of little strength. Perhaps they were not so prominent and influential in the society. They probably did not have any ‘members of parliament’ or senators or people of power among them that could defend or help them. It is to such people that God’s grace is sufficient; for my power is made perfect in weakness -2 Cor 12:9. Yet, they chose to keep the Word of God. They were faithful witnesses of Christ, through obedience, in the midst of a perverse society. They did not compromise or cut corners yet claiming, ‘the end justifies the means’. They gladly identified with the name of Christ. That name that was so hated; community and religious leaders didn’t want to hear of it; the name that some didn’t want to see spread, is the name they embraced. They were not ashamed of Jesus Christ when others refused to associate with Him. This was the reason they were persecuted by those who falsely claimed to know and serve Christ yet they were a synagogue of Satan- workers of iniquity, who had a form of godliness but deny and oppose its efficacy in those who are true.
God promised to preserve this church from a time of testing (some believe this refers to the Rapture but the text does not suggest a taking away but a preventing from hurt) that would come upon the earth. This is the Sovereign act of God displayed toward this church. Whereas God said to the church in Smyrna, be steadfast unto death…, He said to this, I will preserve you from the hour of temptation. The default for Christians is suffering. God may however preserve or deliver if He chooses to. The impact on the world when church or Christians suffer is far reaching than when they do not.
- “I have set before thee an open door…” Those who are desiring worldly advantages are quick to say ‘Amen’ to this. This is not first about open doors to get along in this world or to get what we want. It is an open door to continue to share the faith- to be witnesses for Christ. It is as if God was saying to the church, “I will protect you from harm so you can continue to make me known in this community.” Like Paul, when faced with opposition and blasphemy by the Jews, when he testified that Jesus was the Messiah, he was afraid. But God assured him, and said,
“Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city” Acts 18:9-10. The result was that “And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them” Acts 18:11. This was the opened door that no man could shut that God promised again to the church in Philadelphia. Again Paul, testified of this open door before King Agrippa. Though he was constantly the aim of the Jews for attack and death, yet, “Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great…” Acts 26:22 was his testimony. God still opens doors for His people today but His primary concern is the advancement of His Kingdom. His purpose is that we might be able to extend His name and fame to those who are ignorant of it. It is never for self-accomplishment or self-aggrandizement.
Those who overcome in this way (steadfastness in faith) will receive the blessing of being pillars in the temple of God; the name of God will be written upon them and the name of the city of God- New Jerusalem. They will also have Christ’s new name written upon them. These may presently sound insignificant but you don’t want to miss out on it. If God says it, it is going to be more than you can ever imagine!