I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. – Revelation 3:8
Of all the letters that Jesus wrote to the churches in the book of Revelation, I believe the church in Philadelphia is the one he enjoyed the most. Of all the seven churches I could have joined back in that day, I could have easily moved to Philadelphia and joined this church.
They probably heard of some of the other letters that Jesus had written to other churches and were nervous when they opened up their envelope, but they had no reason to be. Jesus had absolutely nothing negative to say about this church. It wasn’t a perfect church, but it was a blameless church.
So as we take a closer look at the church in Philadelphia over the next couple of days, we are going to learn this lesson: when you stay true to God, God will come through for you. When we stay true to God, three things happen. Let’s look at those three things together. We’ll look at the first today and the other two tomorrow.
The first thing that happens when we stay true to God is that God gives opportunity to our faithfulness. One important thing to note about the church in Philadelphia was their relationship with God’s Word. They believed in the Bible. They preached the Bible. They lived the Bible. Their moral and spiritual compass was always going to point north to the truth of God’s Word. They were living proof that God honors the person and the church that honors His Word.
They also stood firm for the Son of God. Everywhere they went they were unashamed of the name of Jesus. They would not deny the Lord Jesus. They were willing to die for the Lord Jesus. And as they stood strong for Christ, God rewarded them with opportunities to share the gospel and further His Kingdom. He opened doors for them because of their faithfulness.
Are you wanting God to give you opportunities to practice your faithfulness? Are you wanting more chances to point people to Christ boldly? That all can start when you choose to stay true to God. Remember, when you stay true to Jesus, He comes through for you.
Dear Lord, help me to choose faithfulness to you even when it’s difficult. I want to stay true to you and your Word so that I can have more opportunities to point other people to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Topics: Faithfulness
