To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 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. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

-Revelation 3:7-13

‭‭

The Book of Revelation came to the Christians just before or at the beginning of a major persecution.

We are having a heart check.

Hupomone: hyper endured

See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut…. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently...

-Revelation 3:8,10

Opened Door: the opportunity for success of progression of the Gospel.

I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

-Revelation 3:9

1 - The Door

I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

-Revelation 3:8c

Pathamata-Mathamata: “Suffering is education.”

Closed doors have enriched their lives, given them more wisdom and compassion, and made them much more humane.

Closed Doors can make you:

Better or Bitter

Soft or Hard

Break you or Mend you

But you will not be the same.

2 - The Key

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

-Revelation 3:7

Jesus says, “I have the keys!”

"What I open, no one can shut.”

"What I shut, no one can open.”

God determines opened and closed doors!

Suffering is only temporary. The Kingdom of God lasts forever.

There is no better testimony than your response to suffering.

When your children see your faith and trust in Jesus in the midst of tragedy, it is compelling.

Some doors were not opened by God, however, when repentance comes, He has the power to redeem them.

When suffering comes into your life…

What God opens, no one can shut.

What God shuts, no one can open.

3 - Pillar

The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.

-Revelation 3:12

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

-Hebrews 2:18

When Jesus faced the ultimate door, He found it closed.

His response?

“Not my will but yours be done.”

    

  

  

  What is your main take-aways from this message?

Make a Decision