Small Churches (Part 3)

The church at Philadelphia had “a little strength”.

Verse 8 “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.”

-Greek culture, international commerce, and religious diversity dominated them. 

-The pagan goddess Dionysus was worshiped. This ancient Greek god of wine was credited with inspiring ritual madness and ecstasy. Worship of Dionysus was thought to bring an end to care and worry. 

-The city was also a center of orthodox Jewish worship.

This small church could have surrendered to the pressures around them. Yet they did not! 

-They had a little strength.

-They kept God’s Word.

-They did not deny His name.

They received this wonderful encouragement in Revelation, and history tells us that for nearly 1400 years, this city stood as a Christian city in the face of Muslim pressure. It was only after centuries of courageous resistance that the city was overthrown by an unholy military alliance of Byzantine and Muslim forces.

How did this church overcome inferiority and have a ministry that would last for 1400 years? They came to know the Lord of Opportunity. 

Verse 9 "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee."

Obedience always leads to opportunity! God promised this church the “key of David.” With God’s favor and their dependence upon His superiority, nothing could stop this body of believers!