November 10, 2024

The Church In Philadelphia – Revelation 3:7-13

Ice Breaker

1. What is a nickname you had (or wished you’d had) as a child? Go around your group and allow everyone to answer.

Loving God Unreservedly

2. Read Revelation 3:7-13. Of the seven churches only the churches in Philadelphia and Smyrna received nothing but praise and promises. Why would a weak church be encouraged by Jesus’ promise of an open door of opportunity (v. 8)?
3. The title, the True One, means historically reliable, the quality of being real in contrast to imaginary. The title, the Holy-One was used for Yahweh (Ps. 89:10; Is. 40:25), it was the title of the Messiah (Mk. 1:24; Jn. 6:69; Lk. 1:35; Acts 3:14). What does this describe about the exalted Christ (vs. 7)?
4. What is meant by Christ having the key of David? (vs. 7) Additional references (Is. 22:22; Jer. 30:9; Ez. 34:23; 37:24; Hos. 3:5; Lk. 1:32; Rev. 1:18)

Loving People Sacrificially

5. How can we obey Christ and keep standing up for Him even when we are physically exhausted?
6. What three things did the exalted Christ describe about their work? (vs.8)
7. Who are some of the “pillars” of your church (faithful, godly members who give their full support)?
8. Three clauses appear behold (vv. 8, 9). Are the three clauses (behold) meant to be encouragements or calls to greater service? (vv. 8, 9)
9. What was promised to the believers in Philadelphia because of their patient endurance? (vs. 10)
10. How did Jesus instruct believers in Philadelphia to prepare for his coming? (vs. 11)
11. What promises were made to the one who overcomes? (vs.12)

Making Disciples Purposefully

12. Where can you go for encouragement when you need to keep walking with Christ in a hostile world? (Rom. 15:30-32; 1 Cor. 16:9; Col. 4:3)
13. How can you share what you have learned so far in Revelation with a non-Christian friend who is looking for spiritual answers? (Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Tim. 4:1-8)

Dig Deeper (Optional/Personal Study)

14. Research: How should believers measure success? The primitive church understood the phrase, open door (Acts 14:27). The Old Testament Passage (Is. 22:22). Consider if the phrase open door relates to the work of evangelism/missions or does it emphasize the eternal gospel? (Rev. 14:14:6-7)
    1. Paul used the metaphor for wider ministry opportunities (Rom. 15:30-32; 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3)
    2. In Revelation, Christ’s authority over the eternal destiny of people (Lk. 1:32; Jn. 10:9; Heb. 10:19-25; Rev. 3:7^b, 9, 11; 5:5; 22:16) and guarantees that no one can take it away (vs. 8b).
    3. How can this strengthen your devotional life this week?