Revelation to the 7even - Philadelphia

/ NMBC/

This week during our Revelation to the 7even series we are studying Jesus' words to the church in Philadelphia from Revelation 3:7-13. You can see the notes below or download them here.

  1. What is unique about the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11)? What did they have in common?
  2. What do the words “holy” and “true” (Rev 3:7) mean as they pertain to Jesus? To what does the description “the key of David” refer (see Isaiah 22)? How does this description of Jesus’ authority over all things - even trials, encourage you?  How do trials and suffering help us to truly know ourselves, and to know what really lasts and is most important?
  3. What did God give the church of Philadelphia (Rev 3:8)? How did this churches’ “patient endurance” help open this door (Rev 3:10)? How can our faithfulness to the truth of Christ and the gospel in the face of persecution help open doors of evangelism today?
  4. Good news travels fast. Why isn’t the Gospel spreading more rapidly? Jesus taught that the fields are white unto harvest (Matt 9:37; Luke 10:2). Do you think this is still the case? If so, what are some positive ways you have found to talk to people about Jesus? How confident are you about sharing the gospel? What other ways can you help advance God’s kingdom?
  5. What does it mean that the church in Philadelphia has “but little power” (Rev 3:8)? How impressive is it that even with little power the church kept Jesus’ word, and did not deny his name? 
  6. What does it mean to “hold fast” (Rev 3:3)? Why does Jesus say, “hold fast that no one will take your crown” (1 Cor 9:24)? 
  7. How is the church like a “temple” (Rev 3:12; Eph 2:19-22; 1 Pet 2:5)? How does knowing that Jesus, who has the key to unlock any door, endured the locked door of suffering on the cross for us, help make you faithful and strong like a “pillar”?

Thank Jesus for his faithfulness to us. Pray that the Holy Spirit would give us strength to never give up or give in.