Jesus said, to the congregation at Philadelphia, “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it, for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (Revelation 3:8). Some thoughts from this passage follow.
1. The church at Philadelphia had a “little strength.” That is all that it takes if we are on God’s side and willing to work for God. God did not judge them based on what their assets were, financially and numerically. God judged them on their willingness to use those things for Him. We need to realize that it is not our list of abilities, but our use of those abilities that matters. Small congregations and large ones have the same responsibility in the eyes of God–to spend themselves in His service.
2. The church at Philadelphia kept His Word. In a time when many were denying the Word of God, even among some of the other six churches to whom Jesus speaks through John in Revelation 2-3, this congregation stood firmly in the Word of God. There is no strength for God at all, no matter what assets a church may claim, if its members do not stand with the Word of God. There was no doubt where these brethren stood, they stood with God. Too many today are going out from God’s Word, because they think they are “strong” enough to ignore God’s will, and think they are “smart” enough to know what is best better than God. I would rather be part of a church like Philadelphia, who put God’s Word first.
3. The church at Philadelphia had not denied His name. Despite tremendous pressure all around, the members of this church had consistently confessed the name of Jesus, both with their mouths and their lives. I am afraid that many who will not deny Jesus verbally are doing so with their lives. When one who claims to be Christ’s profanes his mouth with dirty, obscene, and/or profane words, he or she is denying Jesus’ name. When any “Christian” loses himself or herself in alcohol, immorality, etc., then he or she has without doubt denied Jesus. The members at Philadelphia stood firm for the most precious name on earth and in heaven.
4. The church at Philadelphia was given an open door that no one could shut. Based on its faithfulness to Him, Jesus said that this group of people was being given an open door. I pray that we will look for the open door for our congregations, no matter how small and seemingly weak they may be. If we serve God faithfully by keeping His Word, and never denying His name, I believe that we can receive the same kind of open door. We must, however, put all of our “little strength” into it, and we must be actively aware of our opportunities to serve God. May we find many more “Philadelphias” in the church today. The more there are, the greater our success will be.
