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Daily Devotions

Revelation

Revelation 
Day 
Day 31

"I have set before you an open door"

Text: Revelation 3:8

THE TRIBULATION OF THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA

Each and every church faced trials and tribulation. No church is exempted. The church at Philadelphia had its own set of problems. But the Church had prevailed against the harsh circumstances of life at Philadelphia.

“I know your works.
See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it;
for you have a little strength,
have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan,
who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—
indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet,
and to know that I have loved you.”
Revelation 3:8-9

1. “I know your works”

a) It was heartening to know that the Lord takes notice.

b) All the works of the church were well known to the Lord.

2. “An open door”

a) God had given the Church an open door at Philadelphia.

b) The church must remember what the Lord had said earlier.

i) When He opens a door.

ii) No one can shut it.

iii) The church would do well to remember what the Lord had said.

3. “A little strength”

a) The Church at Philadelphia may have been conscious that it was not very strong spiritually.

b) The Lord nevertheless acknowledged the strength of the Church, even if it has but “a little strength”.

c) The church had held fast to its task faithfully with whatever strength it had.

d) This is a special word of commendation to the church.

4. “Have kept My word”

a) Each Church had been given the Lord’s word.

b) The Church at Philadelphia had faithfully kept the Word given.

c) This was commendable.

5. “And have not denied My name”

a) Persecutors wanted the church to deny the name of the Lord.

b) If the Church compromised, it would be left alone.

c) If the Church would not deny the name of the Lord, then persecution may well intensify.

d) The Church at Philadelphia chose to be faithful and refused to deny the name of the Lord!

6. The synagogue of Satan.

a) This could be a reference to hostile Jewish detractors.

b) They had opposed Christians everywhere they may be found.

c) They declare that they are Jews.

d) The Lord Jesus opposed this claim they had made.

7. The humbling of these Jewish detractors.

a) One day they would kneel before the Church in humility.

b) They would then realise the deep and genuine love the Lord had for the Church at Philadelphia.

c) They would even worship God with the brethren.