Revelation 3:7-13 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things said he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David… I. THIS CHURCH WAS SMALL IN SIZE, AND POOR IN ITS TEMPORAL RESOURCES. 1. Its numerical power was small. 2. Its social power was small. 3. Its financial power was small. II. THIS CHURCH WAS FAITHFUL TO THE WORD AND NAME OF CHRIST. III. THIS CHURCH HAD OPENED TO IT MANY OPPORTUNITIES OF EXTENDED USEFULNESS. These openings are: — 1. Providential. 2. Welcome. 3. Progressive and useful. 4. Largely dependent upon the moral condition of the church. IV. THIS CHURCH WOULD BE HONOURED BY THE SUBJUGATION OF ITS ENEMIES, AND BY A TRUE RECOGNITION OF THE DIVINE LOVE CONCERNING IT. V. THIS CHURCH WAS TO BE FAVOURED WITH THE KINDLY GUARDIANSHIP OF CHRIST IN THE HOUR OF TRIAL. 1. Times of trial will come upon the church. (1) The extent of the trial. (2) The time of the trial. (3) The design of the trial. 2. In times of trial to the church, faithful souls shall be favoured with the Divine guardianship. (1) This safety is Divinely promised. (2) This safety is a recompense. (3) This safety is welcome. 3. That a church may be poor in its temporal circumstances, and yet faithful to Christ. 4. That a church may be poor in its temporal circumstances, and yet vigorous in Christian enterprise. 5. That a church, poor in its temporal circumstances, but rich in faith, will experience the guardian care of Heaven. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; |
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