Scripture:
[8] “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
[10] Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. [11] I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
Observation:
..you have kept my word and have not denied my name – Not only did they live by the Word of Jesus, the church at Philadelphia remained faithful to the name of Jesus.
..you have kept my word about patient endurance – the church is told that they will be rewarded for holding fast and endured persecution for living by the Word and staying faithful to Jesus.
I will keep you from the hour of trial – The hour or trial is the tribulation, a time of God’s wrath when he punishes sinners with immense pain and suffering described later in Revelation. When Jesus comes, He will bring the the faithful living saints, and those who are sleeping, to Him. This will be a glorious day and will keep the saints from enduring the tribulation. This is the rapture of the church.
I am coming soon – it could happen at any time so be ready.
Hold fast to what you have – unlike some of the other churches, the church at Philadelphia has remained reliant on God and faithful to Jesus. They must remain this way.
Application:
I’ve heard it said that while God allows the righteous and wicked to live together, when the day of judgement comes, “God rescues the righteous before punishing the wicked. As true believers and faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we should find peace in knowing that if Jesus were to come this instant, as we stay faithful to Him and live by His Word, we will go with Him and not endure His wrath during the seven year tribulation.
When Jesus returns, it will be soon, there will be no signs (like a thief in the night), and it will be sudden. We need to stay ready and alert. Stay immersed in, and guided by the Word and His Spirit.
Even when, or especially when, the world is crashing down around us, we should strive to be like the church at Philadelphia in these ways – reliant on God and faithful to Jesus. Build our lives around Him and never waiver. This is God’s expectation of us.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for choosing me. Thank You for the promise that I will rise with the saints to be with You for eternity and that I will not endure Your just wrath during the tribulation. Until You come again Lord, help me use the open door you have provided to spread the Gospel to the lost. Amen.