Philadelphia: OpportunityRevelation 3: 7-13

Philadelphia: Opportunity Rev. 3:7-13

Dangerously volcanic, “a city full of earthquakes.” (Strabo)

Jesus again says “I know…”“…your deeds” & “you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”

Also they “have kept my command to endure patiently.”

We need to understand a key, a door, and a pillar.

Jesus is ‘the holy one’, “holy and true”

Philadelphia: Opportunity Rev. 3:7-13

“Key of David” from Is. 22Used of Eliakim, also 2 Kings 18:18“he will be a father to those who live in Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” (Isaiah 22: 21-22)

Eliakim prefigured authority of Christ.

Philadelphia: Opportunity Rev. 3:7-13

“Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matt 7:14)

Jesus owns the key, loans it out…Before them is an “open door that no one can shut.”

Opportunity 1) for Salvation.Opportunity 2) for service/evangelism.

“A great door for effective work has opened to me.” (1 Cor. 16:9)

Philadelphia: Opportunity Rev. 3:7-13

In Troas Paul “found that the Lord had opened a door for (him)” that he did not enter at that time.(See 2 Cor. 2: 12-13)

Many opposed God’s word… …and they “have little strength”BUT: These are not to stop them from spreading the Word, even to enemies!

And persecution is coming. Should that stop them?

Jesus keeps us from/through troubles!

Philadelphia: Opportunity Rev. 3:7-13

Promises in 11-12. What about pillars?Jesus is coming ‘soon’.Crown of Life -ruling creation with him.Pillars most stable part of buildingEternity totally secure & unshakable!Names on us – We’re triply registered, claimed, and owned by God!

Seize opportunity for salvation and service.

He unlocks every door in his will for us!