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Letters to Seven Churches (Part Nine): Philadelphia

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The letter to the church in Philadelphia, as found in Revelation 3:7-13, stands out among the seven letters in the early chapters of Revelation as the most positive and uplifting communication from Jesus Christ to His churches. Unlike the letter to Smyrna, which, despite commending a faithful church, focuses on suffering and martyrdom, the message to Philadelphia is one of commendation and encouragement. It serves as a divine affirmation, akin to a "good job, keep it up," recognizing the church's steadfast faithfulness. Jesus Christ identifies Himself to the Philadelphians with significant titles—He who is holy, He who is true, and He who holds the key of David, opening what no one can shut and shutting what no one can open. These titles establish the theme of the letter: likeness to Christ. He acknowledges their access to the Kingdom, having opened a door for them which they have utilized despite their little strength. Their obedience, righteousness, and faithfulness mirror His own character, setting them apart from other churches. In contrast, Jesus Christ points out their enemies—those who claim to be Jews but are not, labeling them as the synagogue of satan. These adversaries are unlike Him, lacking the qualities He shares with the Philadelphians. Because of their perseverance, He promises to preserve them through times of trouble, reflecting a reciprocal relationship where their faithfulness prompts His protection. However, Jesus Christ urges the Philadelphians to hold fast to what they have, ensuring no one takes their crown. This exhortation to endure is critical, as historical evidence suggests that within a generation or so after this letter, the church faced challenges. Under pressure from aggressive Judaism and the temptation of sanctuary from emperor worship, some turned to an overemphasis on prophecy, leading to the rise of the Montanist heresy around AD 150. This movement, marked by ecstatic visions and claims of new prophecy superseding scriptural authority, indicates a departure from the initial faithfulness commended in the letter. The rewards promised to the Philadelphians underscore the theme of likeness to Christ. They are to become pillars in the temple of God, identified with Him through the names of the Father, the New Jerusalem, and His new name. This signifies a permanent, eternal union with Him, an identity they will never lose, highlighting the ultimate goal of their faithfulness and endurance.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eight): Overcoming

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Philadelphia, like Smyrna, receives little criticism in the letter addressed to it, with the only noted concern being that they possess a little strength. Jesus Christ promises to make the overcomer a pillar in the temple where He will reside forever, symbolizing strength and stability in contrast to their current weakness. Additionally, the overcomer will bear the names of the Father, Christ, and the New Jerusalem, representing total identity with God. To achieve this, a Philadelphian must overcome their lack of power and strength, which may suggest a reliance on personal effort rather than drawing fully from Christ's strength. There is also an indication that they must resist and overcome those who falsely claim to be Jews but are described as a synagogue of satan, pushing Judaistic influences upon them.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part Ten): The Church

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The letter to Philadelphia, as part of the seven letters to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3, reflects Jesus Christ's deep concern for the church. Each letter, including Philadelphia's, addresses the ecclesia, the called-out ones, emphasizing both the individual congregation in a specific city and the universal body of believers. In these letters, Christ speaks directly to the angel of the church in Philadelphia, highlighting specific challenges and encouragements unique to their situation. At the conclusion of each message, He urges all who have an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the churches, underscoring the collective importance of His words to every assembly. These messages reveal that while Christ is the Head and directs the church's works perfectly, the human element within the church often falls short, facing both external persecution and internal corruption, as seen throughout the history of God's people.

Christ's Vital Final Warning to His Church

Sermon by Mark Schindler

We must be careful in our approach to our spiritual riches so we do not fall into the same trap that people with abundant physical wealth fall.

The Seven Churches (Part Eight): Philadelphia

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Philadelphia church is often considered the best of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3. Is it? Does it have faults? Is our judgment biased?

The Seven Churches (Part One): Overview

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Revelation's seven churches have intrigued readers for centuries. Were they just seven historical churches, eras, or attitudes ever-present in the church?

The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Christ favors the Philadelphia church, but such favor puts it under obligation. Sadly, God's favor causes some to think too highly of themselves.

The Philadelphia Syndrome (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The effect of the Worldwide Church of God seeing itself as Philadelphia has been profound, elevating organizational loyalty over faithfulness to God.

Motivation to Endure

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

Without daily contact with God in prayer and Bible study, and without continual contact with the brethren, we may lose the determination to persevere.

The Philadelphia Syndrome

Commentary by David C. Grabbe

The Worldwide Church of God considered itself to be the 'Philadelphia era,' but the fruit has been misplaced trust, idolatry, competition, and exclusivity.

The "Open Door" of Philadelphia

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Many have misunderstood the 'open door' reference in the letter to Philadelphia. It refers to Isaiah 22:15-25, which describes the role of Eliakim the steward.

The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The letter to Philadelphia speaks of a coveted 'open door,' a clear reference to a neglected prophecy in Isaiah 22 that calls many into account today.

A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In the Day of the Lord, Christ stands in the midst of all seven churches. We are to learn from the lessons from all seven, not get sidetracked by eras.

He Who Overcomes

Sermon by John O. Reid

Just as fighting to escape its cocoon strengthens the butterfly, our calling requires effort above what the world has to endure to become free of Satan's cocoon.

A Swift End

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When the end-time signs begin to be fulfilled, the time for long-term spiritual growth will be over. So Jesus commands us, 'Therefore you also be ready.'

A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Most of God's church believes that the seven letters of Revelation 2-3 reveal seven church eras. However, the Bible indicates an end-time fulfillment.

We Still Need a Sense of Urgency

Sermon by Kim Myers

God's selecting a particular candidate does not necessarily mean He has given America a reprieve from the results of her sins. We still need a sense of urgency.

The Remnant

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The subject of a remnant occurs 540 times in the Bible! What is a remnant? How does it apply in this end time? How does it apply to the church?

But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?

'Prophecy Watch' by David F. Maas

In the letters to the seven churches, Scripture foresees that a dearth of steadfastness marks the time of the end, but Christians are urged to hold fast.

Blessing Promises: Our Spiritual Inheritance

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

When we ask to be blessed, it should be exclusively on God's terms. What God has done in our lives is the best preparation for our future responsibilities.

Revelation 10 and the Laodicean Church

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Revelation 10 and 11 describe a time before the Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, a time when the last of the seven thunders rumbles to a faint whimper.

A Place of Safety? (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God has the ability to protect and save in a variety of methods. The Scriptures reveal various purposes for intervention, protection, and prudent escape.

Who Will Be Kept from the Hour of Trial?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

God promises some Christians that He will keep them from the Tribulation, the 'hour of trial.' Here are the characteristics of those whom God will protect.

I Know Your Works

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Contrary to Protestant understanding, our works emphatically do count - showing or demonstrating (not just telling) that we will be obedient.

Revelation 2-3 and Works

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The letters in Revelation 2 and 3 are for the end times, shortly before Christ's return. Each emphasizes repentance, overcoming, and judgment according to works.

What Is the 'Synagogue of Satan' (Revelation 2:9; 3:9)?

Bible Questions & Answers

The word synagogue comes from a Greek word meaning 'assembly of men' or 'congregation,' and is similar to the word 'church.' Satan counterfeits God's way.

Do You Desire the Day of the Lord?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Amos describes the Israelites as proud and secure in their special relationship with God, while God castigates them for presuming He approved of them.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Seven)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The letters to the seven churches of Revelation warn of losing our first love, heeding false teachers, compromising God's Truth, and forgetting right doctrine.

Power

Article by David C. Grabbe

The church of the Philadelphians has a 'little strength', suggesting that Christ commends them for being 'faithful in little' and will reward them with much.

Empirical Selfishness

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

While it is natural and harmless to identify with a teacher that we hear each week, that identification should not be the source of friction.

Don't Lose Your Focus!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul urged that we get our focus more balanced, emphasizing love over prophetic correctness, not remaining indifferent to what Christ deemed important.

Smyrna: Faithful Until Death

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

The biblical city of Smyrna may be one that many know the least about. The city's name reveals the themes that the Head of the church wants us to understand.

When the Trumpet Blows

Sermon by John O. Reid

In the context of biblical imagery and history, the sound of trumpets carries profound significance. For many, it evokes the longing to hear the trumpet that heralds the return of Jesus Christ, signaling the end of man's misguided rule influenced by satan, and the cessation of the pain inflicted on humanity. Biblically, in Israel's history, the trumpet often served as an immediate warning of imminent war, death, and destruction. It also recalls the intimidating blast that grew in intensity as the Ten Commandments were about to be given, and the commands in Numbers 10 where the sound of a trumpet directed the movement of tribes. Furthermore, there is a revealed insight among God's Family that a final trumpet will be blown, marking a critical moment of change and judgment, though the world remains unaware of the utter devastation that awaits until that sound is heard.

Where Is Your Trust?

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

In times of trouble, where is our trust? The Kingdom of God is what we should be seeking—not a self-satisfied avoidance of suffering.

What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The scattering of the church was an act of love by God to wake us from our lethargic, faithless condition. The feeding of the flock is the priority now.

Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Constitution, in some ways, makes a mockery of God's sovereignty, preferring a hodge-podge of syncretism of the world's religions.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Throughout the 'Christian' world, militant atheism may be decreasing, but religious indifference is also increasing at even a more dramatic rate.

A Place of Safety? (Part 5)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Obsessing about the Place of Safety is a sure way to disqualify oneself from it. God calls some faithful, zealous ones for martyrdom during the Tribulation.