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. THE DEBASEMENT OF THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST AND OF HIS PEOPLE FORETOLD. Haughty, presuming, and persecuting characters must be brought down. They shall one day be compelled to do honour to those whom they have ignorantly despised and cruelly tormented. They shall be irresistibly convinced that the objects of their cruel hatred were the objects of the infinite love of the Almighty Redeemer. Jesus can easily conquer His most potent adversaries and protect His weakest friends. II. THE DISTINGUISHED PRIVILEGE OF REAL CHRISTIANS SHALL BE PERCEIVED BY THE AGENTS OF SATAN. "They shall know that I have loved thee." This is to know, that they are the' most highly honoured, that they are inviolably secure, and that they shall be eternally blessed. To be loved by the adorable Immanuel is to be raised to the summit of honour, and to be interested in a source of never-failing felicity. The love of Jesus Christ to His people is the source of all their consolation in time, and the basis of all their hopes for immortality. III. THE REDEEMER'S APPROBATION OF THE PHILADELPHIAN CHURCH. "Thou hast kept the word of my patience." 1. The doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ is fitly called the word of His patience, because it describes His persevering patience under the cruel persecutions of ungodly men — the fiery temptations of Satan. The patience of our blessed Lord in bearing, and in forbearing, is most amazing. 2. The commendation expressed in the text may refer to the patience which the Philadelphians had exercised in keeping the word of Christ whilst they had been enduring reproaches, and temptations, and afflictions. It requires more than an ordinary degree of patience to keep the word of the Redeemer when we are called to suffer for its sake. The stronger is our faith, the more lively is our hope, and the more lively is our hope, the more steady is our patience in waiting for promised blessings. Patience is the grace that preserves the tried and tempted Christian from yielding to despondency: it keeps his mind peaceful in the storms of adversity by counteracting the baneful influence of pride and unbelief in the heart, which tend to produce discontent and impatience under trying and distressing circumstances. Nothing more recommends the religion d Jesus Christ than the exercise of the grace of patience under severe trials and cruel reproaches. IV. THE PROMISE BY WHICH OUR LORD ENCOURAGED THE PHILADELPHIANS. "I also will keep thee," etc. The Lord foresees all the seasons of persecution which His servants will experience upon earth. ( J. Hyatt.) 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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