Stay Faithful
While there is an expectation placed on churches to be loving, compassionate, non-judgemental and happy communities, there is no such thing as a perfect church. In fact, the church is a collection of imperfect Christians who all fall short of the glory of God.
However, it’s possible to be a church that is genuinely faithful that pleases God in all of its conduct, whether corporately or individually. When we look to the book of Revelation chapter 2 and 3, we can find encouragement to seven first century churches in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). They are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea. They were young Christian churches who were experiencing persecution under the Roman empire. But the church in Philadelphia is unique among the seven churches because it is the only church Jesus has no complaint against. This is the church that delighted the heart of Jesus.
The characteristics of the church in Philadelphia
How did an early church receive such praise from Jesus? To know this, we look to their four distinct characteristics.
The church had an open door
The open door for the Philadelphian church was an opportunity to preach the gospel. Philadelphia, geographically, was positioned quite strategically at the very end of a mountain pass and you could not get to the northern and eastern parts of what was call called Asia Minor unless you passed through Philadelphia. That’s why the church of Philadelphia is a wonderful picture of a time in church history when great missionary ventures were starting. Now let’s ask ourselves, what doors do you need God to open in your life today? Or, are there any doors that God has opened for you? Taking the leap to share the gospel for example, no matter how uncomfortable or awkward it may be. When Christ opens the door for you, he says no one can shut it. When Christ opens that door, it is wide open.
The church had little strength
It seems a bit strange that Jesus is commending the church for not having much strength. However, it is a compliment in that they have little strength so that the source of power must ultimately be from the Lord.
2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
God has given them an open door but they didn’t have the ability to walk through that door in their own strength. As our own church grows, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking it is because of the work that you’ve done, forgetting that God is the sovereign one in the church - he is the one who blesses. He alone opens and shuts the door. It is He alone that gives us strength.
The church kept the Word of God
The church saw the Word of God as a source of authority and thus kept His word at the centre of all they did. This was one of the reasons the church was so blessed, and it wasn’t simply the church that kept God’s word at the centre. The word of God was central to each individual’s life. How are we keeping the word of God in our own lives? How often are we reading our bibles throughout the week? Are we finding sustenance, our daily bread? Are we meditating on the Word daily?
The church was loyal to Christ
A fourth characteristic was their deep loyalty to Jesus Christ. The church in Philadelphia stood strong in their belief as to who Jesus was. Through the trials and persecutions that the church faced, the faithful Christians in this church took it all and never wavered in their commitment to Christ. How are you standing for the name of the Lord today? Will you step in if someone makes a false statement about Christ?
Jesus’ encouragement for them (and us)
At the end of the appraisal, Jesus gives them His promise and encouragement. He promises that those who are against you - those who make fun of you, those who persecute you - someday they will bow their knees before you and know that Jesus loves you. Not only that, Jesus encouraged the Philadelphian Church by affirming them that for those who are victorious, “I will make a pillar in the temple of my God”. The Philadelphian Christians were like these pillars as no matter what trials or persecution appear in front of them, they maintained solid and unwavering in their faith.
Although we as Christians today do not suffer from such intense persecution as the Philadelphian Christians, it is true that we do suffer for Jesus’ name. However, as we look at the Philadelphian church, we learn an important lesson. Even if we are suffering from persecution, hatred for being Christian, and suffering in general, we have to recognise that we are weak, and that by only relying on Christ, can we obtain the strength to stay true to Him. Let’s be encouraged by the truth that Jesus is certainly coming soon and reflect on how our local church measures up to the church in Philadelphia.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us an example of a church that delights your heart. Help us to keep our priority right before you so we can be a church that stays faithful in our faith to You. We are constantly aware of how much we need you, your grace, your strength, your power working through event the toughest days. We look forward to all that You still have in store.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.