Introduction:

Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse was an American Christian preacher, pastor, theologian, radio pioneer, and writer. He was pastor of the Tenth Presbyterian Church in the city of Philadelphia he was noted for preaching straight the word of God. His radio broad-cast are still heard around the world some sixty two years after his home going. When I think of Philadelphia I think of this special preacher. The church of Philadelphia in our text is also commended for keeping straight the Word of the Lord and not denying His Christ.

I The Commendation 3:8-10

1. Christ also says in verse 8, . . . thou hast a little strength . . .. This does not mean the believers in Philadelphia were weak, but they were few in number, and probably in monetary resources. What we can accomplished for God is not determined by money, buildings, or numbers of people, but by the willingness of the believer to do God will. This is what makes up a mature church. We must never forget that “little is much when God is in it.”

2. Jesus commend the Philadelphian believers, thou hast kept my word. When teaching about the church of Philadelphia Dr. Barnhouse stated, “The church of Philadelphia is commended for keeping the Word of the Lord and not denying His Name. Success in Christian work is not to be measured by any other standard of achievement. It is not the number of new buildings which have been built through a man’s ministry. It is not the crowds that flock to listen to any human voice. All of these things are frequently used as yardsticks of success, but they are earthly and not heavenly measures.

3. The Jews whom Christ called the synagogue of Satan in Revelation 3:9 were probably using the same tactics as the Jews who were persecuting the church at Smyrna. The synagogue of Satan seems to describe a Jewish element that denied Christ as the Messiah and actively persecuted those who did proclaim Him as Messiah. (Note Zec. 12:10) The Christians in Philadelphia were persecuted by Jewish people (the synagogue). However, these persecuting Jews were Jews in name only (who say they are Jews and are not, but lie).
“In name only” is a common idiom used to describe a person, thing, or action that does not have the qualities that its name suggests. It is a person or agent that has a title but not the power or duties required for the role. Like Mr. Jones is a board member in name only. The board simply needed a physician in positon and he’s happy to get paid to do nothing. Or like a president, he in the office and really does not fulfill that role he is there “in name only”. This idiom is use in relationship to a segment of Jew in the church of Philadelphia
In fact, they had no spiritual connection to Abraham or to the people of faith. Jesus did not speak against all Jewish people. Jesus spoke of this specific group of Jewish people in Philadelphia who persecuted the Christians during that period.

3. In verse 9 The Lord says of them someday they will come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee (3:9). This is reminiscent of what Philippians 2:10-11 describes of all who have denied Christ. You can clearly see the church at Philadelphia had both opportunities and obstacles. A church that has no faith sees all the obstacles, while a church that has faith sees the opportunities and knows Christ has all the keys, and thus can open any door. As with the church at Smyrna, our Lord has no word of condemnation for the believers at Philadelphia.

From the standpoint of Christian history, this church of Philadelphia foreshadows the great Evangelical Awakenings of the 18th and 19th centuries encompassed this time period.

4. Christ comforts this church by saying thou hast kept the word of my patience meaning they have obeyed the command to endure / hoop-pom-on-nay’ / persevere . . .
I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world. .. (3:10). What is the hour of temptation? Though there is much disagreement over this verse, it seems most logical to conclude that to the original recipients of this letter it referred to the coming persecution by the Romans. It is something future, it is something limited, it is something that exposes. It is a test. That’s what a test does. A test exposes you, it reveals what you know.

It reveals your character. This is (peirasmos, pi / rest / mos) the Greek word used in the Bible for trial, put you on trial to see what you’re made of, the word used in the Bible for temptation, it puts you under a severe test to see what you’re going to do. It exposes you for what you are. So to all other believers it is a reference to the worldwide Great Tribulation described later in this book. The little Greek preposition “ek” means out of; not “dia” through it. Dr. Jack Van Impe states that some Philadelphia era Christians will be alive during the time of the rapture and will not experience the Tribulation.

“This hour of testing, is about to come upon the world. Let me tell you, folks, it is not to test believers. We skip the final as it were; it is not a time of testing designed for the church. Our Lord is saying to the true church, “I’ll keep you out of the future time of testing coming on the earth to test the unbelievers.”

II. The Command (3:11)
1. Christ will reward his church He assures the believers of their reward by saying…. hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown (verse 11). He says hang on with a persevering faith. I love this, “In order that no one take your crown.”You might be wondering, “Will I receive a crown when I get to heaven?” The answer is “yes,” if you are faithful to the Lord. Jesus will reward all those who faithfully serve Him with a crown.
There are five different crowns in the NT. the crown of life, an incorruptible crown of rejoicing, the crown of righteousness and the Shepherd’s crown.

III. The Conclusion vv. 12

1.Further comfort is given by the Lord in Revelation 3:12, Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God. … It was a common practice at this time to memorialize the deeds of a distinguished municipal leader, a great senator, or an outstanding citizen by inscribing that person’s name on a special pillar in one of the city’s temples. This would serve as a permanent reminder of that person and his deeds. Thus, the faithful believer at Philadelphia was assured of special honor in heaven.

2. The phrase … he shall go no more out … (3:12) would have special significance to the believers at Philadelphia. They spent their lives fleeing the city at the slightest tremor and only returning when they felt safe. If they lived inside the city walls, these believers were always insecure and fearful of earthquakes. However, Christ is saying when you come to live in the Father’s house, there will never be a need to flee in fear, for you will be secure and safe.

At the end of verse 12 Christ says, . . . I will write upon him my new name. No one knows for sure what this new name is, but whatever it is, it will be the new name for Christ (see Rev. 19:12).

We need not seek to be recognized. I can give honor to God whether or not I’m openly appreciated by others. A Christ-first attitude can subdue any petty jealousies or unhealthy competition.