Truth Matters 89 (June 28-July 2)

Hello I'm Dr. Cheryl Davis with Truth Matters and we are continuing our survey of the letters to the seven churches where today we'll get into Philadelphia. We're in the next to the last church of the seven churches. Last week we discussed the church of Sardis and much like the city of Sardis they were unaware of their spiritual condition living under a false sense of security. I asked you a key question last time about your own spiritual condition. If our church's lampstand depended on you and you alone, how bright would your light be for the church?

How did that work out for you last week or last time? I'm looking at really where you are and doing a self-examination which I think all of us need to do that from time to time. But we are moving on from Sardis to Philadelphia. Today we get a glimpse of the model church, the church that God is pleased with. Let's get into the chapter of chapter 3 verses 7 through 13. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, these things says he who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens. 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 denied my name and have not denied my name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say they are Jews and are not but lie. Indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold I am coming quickly.

Hold fast what you have that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem which comes down out of heaven from my God and I will write on him my new name. He who has an ear let him hear what the spirit says to the churches.

Immediately off the bat this letter is very different from the letter to the church at Sardis. The destination of this letter as we've done every time is to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. Just to briefly give you some history about the city of Philadelphia.

The word Philadelphia is identical to the city that we know with the same name. It means brotherly love. The noun or adjective form of this word is mentioned really seven times in the New Testament. It is normally translated as kindly affectionate or brotherly love. We find these words in Romans chapter 12 verse 10. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love and honor giving preference to one another. In first Thessalonians 4 9 but concerning brotherly love have no need that I should write to you for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another Hebrews 13 1 let brotherly love continue first Peter 1 22 since you have purified your souls and obeying the truth through the spirit and sincere love of the brethren love one another fervently with a pure heart first Peter 3 and 8 finally all of you be of one mind having compassion for one another love as brothers be tenderhearted be courteous second Peter 1 7 to godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness love so if you're doing a self-examination of even your own church look at these characteristics I had a conversation with a friend who was actually setting up a church to say you know this is the model in which we should model ourselves by in organizing a church and being that remnant that the Lord is coming after that it will look like the church at Philadelphia I pray that your church as well as you would strive to be this example and you'll see as you bring yourself to life and as you depend on the Lord these doors will open so that you can expand your sphere of influence and can evangelize your community so much more effectively until next time I'm Dr. Cheryl Davis with Truth Matters