Living as an Overcomer: Jesus’ Messages to the 7 Churches in RevelationSample

Day 6 – Accessing Spiritual Authority: The Church in Philadelphia

The city of Philadelphia was in an area known for earthquakes. In fact, in 17 BC, a harrowing earthquake almost destroyed it. Rome came and rebuilt the city, giving it another opportunity to exist.

Philadelphia was not a wealthy church. Neither was it a powerful church. It wasn’t even considered a significant church. They didn’t have all that much going for them. This is why Jesus begins His message to them with this reminder of who He is: “He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this” (Revelation 3:7).

God was the One opening doors for them. God was the One guiding them safely through each path. The church in Philadelphia had learned to live in true dependence upon the Lord because they needed to. They didn’t think too highly of themselves. They knew they were of “little power” and needed God’s intervention. They had lived in light of their name, which meant “brotherly love.”

What sets the Philadelphian church apart from the others so far is that Jesus isn’t talking about the life to come when He says, “I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you”; He’s talking about earthly success. He references the Jews in the synagogue there in Philadelphia. Overcoming isn’t only for eternity—although our rewards in eternity are important. Overcoming happens on Earth, as well.

Living with an eternal perspective will lead to earthly success. God can open doors for you that will amaze you. You may not have the degree to get yourself through the door, nor the pedigree or even the resume, but a sold-out, committed, faithful follower of Jesus Christ holds the keys of authority that can access a level of influence on Earth, greater than any human skills or strategies could do.

JESUS OFFERS US KINGDOM AUTHORITY

When Jesus introduces Himself to the church in Philadelphia, He refers to a key. Read it again: “He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens” (Revelation 3:7). When the Bible speaks of keys, it speaks of two things: access and authority. And when Jesus claims access to any door and has authority over every door, He’s letting the church know He holds the master key. He is the Master key. A master key is a unique key that locks or unlocks all the doors in a given space. Jesus is letting the church know He controls the kingdom because He has and is the Master key.

To put it in everyday language, He tells them He’s in charge. He runs the show.

Jesus asks you to do one thing, and we read what that is in verse 11: “Hold fast what you have.” Don't give up. When things look tough, and all hell breaks loose around you, hang on even more than before. Jesus is coming, and in this same verse, He also says He’s coming quickly. But until He does, hold fast to the hope you have within. Hold fast to the faith you have in Him. Hold fast so that you don’t throw in the towel just short of the victory He has in store.

Jesus wants to know that you’re all in - a full-time follower, not a part-time saint. He wants to know that you’ll not deny Him or disobey what He commands.

Trusting in Jesus Christ for your salvation will get you into heaven. But living your life as a fully invested kingdom disciple will allow your experience in heaven to be all you could ever hope for.

What you do while on earth, accessing the keys to kingdom authority available to you, will impact your experience of eternity.

As you seek to overcome the various trials and tests Satan throws at you, keep your eyes on Christ. Keep your perspective on His kingdom agenda. As you do, you’ll not only gain access to spiritual authority on earth but kingdom reward in heaven.