1. Revelation 3:7–13 (ESV)
  2. Application

The Church's reaction to opposition

Revelation 3:7–13 (ESV)

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

Having little power is not a negative. The being and well being of the church ultimately depend not on its members (or their strength) but on the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens (Revelation 3:7). In a context of trial, this good news is most encouraging.

Despite weakness, the church is nevertheless called to responsible reactions to opposition. Knowing Jesus’ identity provides every incentive to keep his word even when faced with an hour of trial. His identity ensures that the reward is certain: those with little power today become pillars in God’s temple. The naked eye does not see the full reality of things!

A person who today opposes the gospel is not forever lost. He who has the key of David is able to break hard hearts so that those belonging to a synagogue of Satan will acknowledge that the gospel indeed is true.