Embracing Our Mission: The Church at Philadelphia
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound nature of Jesus and the call to be a church on mission, drawing inspiration from the church at Philadelphia as described in Revelation 3:7-14. We began by reflecting on the character of God through prayer, acknowledging His generosity, faithfulness, and grace. This set the stage for our exploration of the church at Philadelphia, a community that exemplified living out the Great Commission with an Acts 1:8 vision. Philadelphia, strategically located as a gateway to the east, was a church that saw Jesus as awesome and was faithful to the gospel, despite having little power. They were commended for their endurance and faithfulness, serving as a model for us to emulate.
We also discussed the importance of being a church that lives by the promises of God, holding fast to the gospel and the mission, even in the face of opposition. Jesus' promise of His imminent return should not stir fear but rather joy and expectation, motivating us to remain steadfast in our mission. The imagery of being made into a pillar in God's temple was explored, symbolizing the strength and unity of the church, held together by Christ.
Our recent mission trip to India highlighted the global need for the gospel, with 89% of unreached people groups located there. This underscores the importance of our commitment to the Great Commission, both locally and globally. We celebrated the various ways our church has been engaged in mission work, from local outreach to global partnerships, and encouraged everyone to consider their next steps in being part of this mission.
Key Takeaways:
- The Awe of God's Character: Reflecting on God's nature—His generosity, faithfulness, and grace—should lead us to a place of awe and worship. This reflection is not just an exercise in gratitude but a call to align our lives with His character, allowing His attributes to shape our actions and attitudes. [25:46]
- The Strategic Mission of the Church: Like the church at Philadelphia, we are strategically placed to be a gateway for the gospel. Our mission is not just a local endeavor but a global one, requiring us to be faithful to the message and the mission of the gospel, leveraging our unique position to reach the unreached. [34:48]
- Living by God's Promises: The promise of Jesus' return should fill us with hope and urgency. We are called to hold fast to the gospel and remain active in our mission, knowing that our labor is not in vain and that there is a crown awaiting us. [51:11]
- Unity and Strength in Christ: The metaphor of being a pillar in God's temple illustrates the strength and unity we have as a church, held together by Christ. This unity is essential for fulfilling our mission, as we are each uniquely gifted and called to contribute to the body of Christ. [58:52]
- Engagement in Mission: Our involvement in mission work, both locally and globally, is a reflection of our obedience to the Great Commission. We are called to be active participants, using our time, talent, and treasure to advance the kingdom of God, ensuring that we are not just hearers of the word but doers. [01:02:50]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[25:46] - Reflecting on God's Character
[29:34] - Mission Trip to India
[32:09] - The Great Commission
[34:48] - Philadelphia: Gateway to the East
[36:04] - Jesus: The Holy and True One
[38:49] - The Key of David
[41:32] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[42:44] - Faithfulness to the Gospel
[44:44] - Right Actions, Right Motives
[47:16] - Living the Great Commission
[49:09] - Promises of God
[51:11] - Jesus' Imminent Return
[54:46] - End Times Discussion
[56:52] - Pre-Tribulational View
[58:52] - Pillars in God's Temple
[01:02:50] - Church on Mission
[01:04:10] - Next Steps and Baptism Celebration
[01:10:36] - Closing and Sending Out
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 3:7-14
- Matthew 28:18-20
- Acts 1:8
#### Observation Questions
1. What characteristics of God were highlighted in the sermon, and how do they relate to the church at Philadelphia? [25:46]
2. How was the city of Philadelphia strategically positioned for the spread of the gospel, according to the sermon? [34:48]
3. What commendation did the church at Philadelphia receive from Jesus, and what does this reveal about their faithfulness? [42:44]
4. What promise does Jesus give to the church in Revelation 3:10-13, and how is this significant for their mission? [51:11]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of Jesus as the "Holy One" and "True One" in Revelation 3:7 enhance our understanding of His nature and mission? [36:04]
2. In what ways does the strategic location of Philadelphia as a "gateway to the east" serve as a metaphor for the church's mission today? [34:48]
3. How does the promise of Jesus' imminent return in Revelation 3:11 influence the urgency and focus of the church's mission? [51:11]
4. What does it mean for a church to be a "pillar in God's temple," and how does this imagery relate to the unity and strength of the church? [58:52]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the attributes of God mentioned in the sermon. How can you allow these attributes to shape your actions and attitudes this week? [25:46]
2. The church at Philadelphia was strategically placed to spread the gospel. How can you leverage your unique position in your community to share the gospel? [34:48]
3. Jesus' promise of His return should fill us with hope and urgency. How can you cultivate a sense of urgency in your personal mission to share the gospel? [51:11]
4. Consider the metaphor of being a pillar in God's temple. In what ways can you contribute to the unity and strength of your church community? [58:52]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of being active participants in mission work. What specific steps can you take to engage in local or global mission efforts? [01:02:50]
6. How can you ensure that your motivations for serving in the church are aligned with the love of Christ rather than tradition or routine? [44:44]
7. Identify one person in your life who may not know Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to share the hope of the gospel with them? [01:04:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Awe-Inspired Alignment with God's Character
Reflecting on God's nature—His generosity, faithfulness, and grace—should lead us to a place of awe and worship. This reflection is not just an exercise in gratitude but a call to align our lives with His character, allowing His attributes to shape our actions and attitudes. When we truly grasp the depth of God's character, it transforms our perspective and compels us to live in a way that mirrors His love and righteousness. This alignment is not passive; it requires intentionality and a willingness to let go of our own desires in favor of His will. [25:46]
Psalm 145:8-9 (ESV): "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made."
Reflection: Consider one attribute of God that you find most awe-inspiring. How can you intentionally reflect this attribute in your interactions with others today?
Day 2: Strategic Positioning for Global Impact
Like the church at Philadelphia, we are strategically placed to be a gateway for the gospel. Our mission is not just a local endeavor but a global one, requiring us to be faithful to the message and the mission of the gospel, leveraging our unique position to reach the unreached. This involves recognizing the opportunities around us and being proactive in sharing the gospel, whether through direct evangelism or supporting global missions. Our strategic positioning is a divine appointment, calling us to be active participants in God's redemptive plan for the world. [34:48]
Acts 13:47 (ESV): "For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"
Reflection: Identify one way you can use your unique position or resources to support global missions this week. What steps will you take to act on this opportunity?
Day 3: Living with Hope and Urgency
The promise of Jesus' return should fill us with hope and urgency. We are called to hold fast to the gospel and remain active in our mission, knowing that our labor is not in vain and that there is a crown awaiting us. This hope is not just for the future but impacts how we live today, motivating us to persevere in faith and good works. The anticipation of Christ's return should inspire us to live with purpose, making the most of every opportunity to share His love and truth with others. [51:11]
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can live with more urgency for the gospel? How can you practically incorporate this urgency into your daily routine?
Day 4: Unity and Strength in Christ
The metaphor of being a pillar in God's temple illustrates the strength and unity we have as a church, held together by Christ. This unity is essential for fulfilling our mission, as we are each uniquely gifted and called to contribute to the body of Christ. Being a pillar means being steadfast and reliable, supporting one another in love and truth. Our strength comes from our connection to Christ and to each other, enabling us to stand firm in the face of challenges and to advance the kingdom of God together. [58:52]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on your role within the church community. How can you strengthen your connection with others to build unity and support the mission of the church?
Day 5: Active Participation in the Great Commission
Our involvement in mission work, both locally and globally, is a reflection of our obedience to the Great Commission. We are called to be active participants, using our time, talent, and treasure to advance the kingdom of God, ensuring that we are not just hearers of the word but doers. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones and being willing to serve wherever God calls us, trusting that He will equip us for the task. Our participation is a testament to our faith and commitment to seeing His will done on earth as it is in heaven. [01:02:50]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively participate in the Great Commission this month? How will you commit your time, talent, or treasure to this endeavor?
Quotes
"A great commission church sees Jesus as awesome. Let's read Revelation chapter three, verse seven. It reads this way. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia, right? The words of the Holy one, the true one who has the key of David. Who opens and no one will shut who shuts and no one opens." [00:36:04] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because he is true and because of what Jesus has done for us, even how he describes himself in John 14, 6, I'm the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me. Because we see him described here, he is the one who holds the key. Jesus alone has the key that allows us to find salvation and be part of the kingdom of God." [00:40:49] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Whenever we as individuals, individuals, whenever I've had three cups of coffee, maybe I need a fifth. Whenever we as an individual or any church places any person or anything on the throne that is exclusively meant for Jesus, it leads inevitably to death because he is jealous and only he sits on the throne that is ascribed to him." [00:42:44] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Philadelphia was a great church, and we see here in these verses, Christ is honoring them for their passion, but more so honoring them for their faithfulness to him, and to the gospel, and ultimately to the nations, because we know and understand from where they were planted strategically, was to send the gospel to the east, and so therefore, they were seemingly faithful to both the mission and the message, which should resonate to us." [00:45:54] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Hold fast what you have so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it. And I will write on him. This is beautiful. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven and my own new name." [00:51:11] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"This is not something, therefore, that should stir in us fear, but of joy and of expectation and of hope that he is coming. And he says here, I am coming quickly. This is not a threat of judgment. This is a promise of deliverance." [00:58:52] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And therefore he gives this amazing picture of the promise of his church. He says, I'm going to make of you a pillar in my temple. Now I want to describe what I think that may give us a picture to metaphorically here." [00:59:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"That we as his church are made into a pillar. And I would love to think metaphorically, this is the type of picture that it's not just me in and of myself being conformed to the image of his son. It is us together fit perfectly as a church. As individuals framing it fit together." [01:00:55] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"There are people in our city who don't know Jesus. There are people around the world who don't know Jesus. And I pray that as we fulfill our commitment to carry hope to the world, that we will see Christ change that. We are positioned here like Philadelphia was positioned there at a strategic place and at a point in time to be a beacon of hope to the world." [01:04:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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