The Faithful Church

Background Scripture: Revelation 2-3
Lesson Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11; 3:7-13

Introduction

The early church faced many difficulties as Satan troubled them in a very open and belligerent manner. The believers had surrendered their lives and properties for the cause of Christ and were trusting God for direction in the work of spreading the gospel. God was opening doors in remarkable ways for His truth to be carried to the uttermost parts of the earth. At the same time, God was asking believers in individual congregations to look introspectively at the needs of their own hearts and to develop their God-given abilities. The apostle John wrote a letter to admonish some of these churches.

Key Verse

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Eph. 5:27).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia were the only two churches in Asia that received a positive endorsement from Christ in the book of Revelation.

Smyrna, a principle city in Roman Asia, had built and consecrated a temple to the worship of the Roman emperor. Refusing to worship the emperor was considered an assault on the state, and this was one of several reasons Christians were persecuted. The members in Smyrna knew what it meant to be baptized in fire and blood. Perhaps some of them were losing courage in the constant persecution and needed encouragement to persevere.

A tremendous earthquake struck the city of Philadelphia in a.d. 17, greatly reducing its wealth. By the time of John’s writing, Philadelphia had recovered somewhat, though some of her neighbors languished. Perhaps this was the “open door” spoken of. Because they had little ability in their own eyes, God was able to open up doors of possibilities with their poorer neighbors. The result was an increase in their strength through His grace. In their determination to emulate Christ, they had found the secret to faithfulness—a complete surrender to His will.

John exhorted them to continued faithfulness in the ceaseless harassment they were experiencing. John even specified a period of time for their sufferings. There would be an end to their ordeal. They needed to continue in patience, knowing that either persecution or their lives would soon end; the will of God would be accomplished either way. God gave them a glorious promise that even though these were difficult times, a crown in heaven awaited each one who remained faithful until the end.

The process of sanctification they were experiencing was for an eternal purpose; it was to draw them closer together in Christ and to strengthen their resolve to be victorious. Their eternal salvation would be accomplished through trials and suffering. This seemingly cruel process they were experiencing would fulfill God’s purpose to enrich their lives on earth and secure their eternal reward. By sacrificing their lives for the living God, His truth would shine forth and lead to the conversion and consecration of more souls.

The message to the Philadelphian church was positive but quite different from the instructions given to Smyrna. Instead of waiting for God’s purpose to be performed, they were exhorted to step through the open door which only Jesus could open or shut. A myriad of opportunities to labor in the kingdom were present through this open door.

The Philadelphian church had “a little strength.” This should not be taken as a condemnation. On the contrary, they possessed the ability and discernment that comes from being little in one’s own sight. They were a humble group of believers actively bringing converts to the faith.

Practical Truths for Today

The faithfulness of the church begins with the commitment to God of the individual believer. Members of the local congregation together with other faithful members make a faithful congregation in the conference; many faithful congregations constitute the faithful church. As the conference meets to consider current concerns, the Holy Spirit gives direction. Those who love the Lord will conscientiously follow these guidelines. Congregations of faithful members who seek to do the will of their heavenly Father are an asset to the church.

The church has passed from the era of physical persecution and presently enjoys an open door of opportunity to preach the gospel of Christ. North America is a land of religious freedom, one that still retains some moral values. Neighbors often express an appreciation for the way we live and what we stand for. We may be lulled into the false assumption that we are beyond the reach of persecution. We need to remember that this world is not a friend to the Christian. Neighbors may test our faith and nonresistant spirit by taking advantage of us. Political climates can change rapidly. Already we perceive forces that are militating against the church and some of her core doctrines. As we move toward the end of time, we may well need to draw from the same fountain of grace and courage as Smyrna did and be willing to drink from the same cup of woe.

Even as the church in Philadelphia, the church today looks through an open door with seemingly endless possibilities. Voices are crying for the gospel to be brought to them. God is providing missionaries, along with the accompanying funds to support them. Travel to areas of disaster to attend to the physical and spiritual needs of the distressed is relatively easy. Brethren can come together for conferences, which helps to preserve unity of faith and strengthens our resolve to stand fast together against the world. We live in an age when conditions are conducive to bringing the gospel to the world.

When natural disasters occur near our communities, God opens doors for service. The call goes out for assistance in cleanup and construction. Can enough brethren donate their time and talents to accomplish the work and fulfill the need? Do we have the vision necessary to explore these opportunities? As we look introspectively at our individual Christian lives, are we doing our part of the whole? If the church at large would be composed of members like me, would it meet the challenges of today, and will she endure the trials of tomorrow?

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). When multiple opportunities for local service occur, we must use discretion to decide how and when we give assistance. We cannot help every situation. A small congregation may become involved in too many projects, even though with good intentions. We must remember that the needs of one’s family and congregation are the priority. As we humbly walk together as the staff and the laity, we can be faithful to the end.

Questions

1. What is the meaning of the term “key of David”?
2. As a congregation, can we open and close doors of opportunity for the gospel?
3. Persecution was very real to the early church. Do we consider it a possibility today? If so, how should we prepare?
4. What letter would God write to your congregation today?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).