February 27, 2022

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:12-13

These verses wrap up the message to Philadelphia from Jesus. He did not point out any sin or heresy, as He knows that, like Sardis, coming out from under the heavy, Satanic influences of the church of Thyatira—and Pergamos before that—is a monumental effort of swimming against the tide. There is a very appealing draw from the sheer enormity of the surrounding pagan environment, due to Thyatira’s “marriage” with paganism which began with the compromise in Pergamos. There can be no doubt that this impacted their spiritual life and witness for the gospel. Yet, unlike Sardis, the church at Philadelphia held on to their spark of faith and jewels of truth, with a commitment to continued growth toward the discovery of more truths, more light from heaven through time with the Lord in His Word. This characteristic is what set them apart from Sardis, who had been graciously blessed with the leadership of the Reformers, but the vast majority closed themselves off to continued learning.

It was a spirit of pride that fragmented God’s people in a way heretofore unprecedented. The modern-day Philadelphia, with its “little strength,” is given an open door of opportunities that Jesus Himself will hold open. To walk through this open door will require discipline in cooperation with the Holy Spirit to overcome, knowing that our adversary will exercise every muscle to thwart the spread of the everlasting gospel. We have available to us the Source of power to overcome:

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Beloved, the attitude of childlike faith and eagerness to grow in the knowledge of our Lord is the very opposite of pride, which causes so many to fall. Humility is the key to avoid getting caught up in the overpowering errors and delusions in the world. Each individual in the church at Philadelphia who overcomes the attempts at corrupting him is given an amazing promise: Jesus will make him a pillar in God’s temple! This is a powerful symbol for both stability and permanence. Beloved, think on these two things today. Without them, life is unstable and temporary.

Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgement has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water. Revelation 14:7 (see also Exodus 20:11)