The Apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos during the cruel reign of Domitian. John’s crime was that he proclaimed and shared the saving message of the Lord Jesus (Revelation 1:9). On Patmos, John received a prophetic revelation concerning not only the future but also seven letters to seven churches that existed in that time in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These letters are filled with correction and encouragement not only for the believers in those days but even today.
In Jesus’ letter to the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13), the Lord provides four criteria that identify a faithful church. In this series of posts, we will explore each of these criteria as described in verse 8, where the Lord commends the church.
The first characteristic of a faithful church is that it takes advantage of the opportunities that the Lord provides them. The second characteristic is relying on the Lord's strength rather than their own. What is the third characteristic?
Upholding His Word
Continuing, Jesus indicates that the church in Philadelphia had been faithful in obeying His Word. It is one thing to hear, read, or know God’s Word, but doing it is altogether different. As it says in James 1:22 (NKJV) “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” The Lord desires us to not only cherish His Word in our hearts but allow it to guide our daily lives. It is worth noting that a special blessing is promised in Revelation 1:3 to those who read, hear, and obey His Word.
“This blessed book of God marks out all my path. As long as I seek to walk in obedience, I will never be found in circumstances where this Book cannot guide me.”[1]
To have a faithful church we must have a church that endeavors to obey the Lord’s Word. Merely hearing the Word is not enough, we must be committed to obeying it with all our hearts. Will you commit to this today?
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] H.A. Ironside, Revelation Commentary.