June 7, 2020

Revelation 3:7-13

Sunday Sermons

The 6th letter of 7 was addressed to the church in the ancient city of Philadelphia. They were commended for their deeds and for their faithfulness to Christ, His Word and His Name. They had persevered under persecution and marginalization but they were exhausted, weakened and needed hope. Jesus reminded them that He could take their weaknesses and turn them into opportunities for His glory. Join Pastor Jim for this hope-filled message that still speaks to us 2,000 years later.

Speaker

Jim Thomas

Series

The Hope of Glory

Go to Series

Scripture

Revelation 3:7-13

Topics
Big Questions Growth & Discipleship Spiritual Disciplines Suffering

Sermon Notes

The Letter to the Church at Philadelphia

 

7 Letters to 7 Churches exhibit a common pattern

  • City/ name of the church
  • Reference to Christ of ch. 1
  • Commendation
  • Accusation
  • Exhortation
  • Motivating promise
  • The summons to hear/heed

Revelation is at one and the same time three
different genres of literature:

  1. Apocalyptic – Divine revelation vs. human discovery
  2. Prophecy – forth-telling and/ or foretelling
  3. Epistle/Letter – writer & recipients, occasion, purpose

Three metaphors we find in this 6th letter:

  • A key
  • A door
  • A pillar

“And I [God] will place on his [Eliakim] shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open”
John Stott, Christian Mission in the Modern World

“I have learned to kiss the wave that casts me up against the Rock of Ages”
Often attributed to C. H. Spurgeon

Three metaphors we find in this 6th letter:

  1. [v. 9] vindication before the foes of the Gospel
  2. [v. 10] deliverance in times of great testing
  3. [v. 11-12] assurance of security in God’s kingdom

“What is the point of saying Christ saves to the uttermost?’ We who know our hearts understand. We are to-the-uttermost sinners. We need a to-the-uttermost Savior”
Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly

“When Jesus comes back everything sad will become untrue.”
Tim Keller, King’s Cross

“The task of the church is to make the invisible kingdom visible through faithful Christian living and witness-bearing”
J. I. Packer,  Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discussion Questions

  • Read the passage together: Before today’s sermon, what did you already know or believe about this passage? Did anything in your understanding shift after hearing the message?
  • Challenge and Reflection: Was there a part of today’s message that was particularly challenging or surprising for you? Why?
  • Unpacking the Message: Pick a quote from today’s sermon notes. Discuss what it means to you.
  • Personal Impact: What’s one specific way you feel called to change or grow after hearing this message?
  • Practical Application: What’s one step you can take this week to put today’s message into practice?
  • Connecting Scripture: Are there other Bible passages or stories this message reminds you of? How do they expand or confirm this teaching?
  • Gratitude: What aspect of God’s character stood out to you in today’s message? How does it inspire praise or gratitude?
  • Pray the Scripture: After hearing the message, is there a specific area where you feel led to pray? How can we pray for one another in light of today’s teaching?