WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:24.080 This one trick will cut your mortgage payment in half. 00:00:25.500 --> 00:00:29.780 Six easy exercises for burning off that belly. 00:00:31.000 --> 00:00:35.179 Twelve tips for looking great for bikini season this summer. 00:00:36.200 --> 00:00:52.640 If you are an astute cultural observer, you will recognize that sentences like this come from that great and sophisticated genre of magazines that hang out by the checkout aisle in the grocery store. 00:00:52.640 --> 00:00:55.859 And they make these strange promises. 00:00:56.759 --> 00:01:02.560 And perhaps you, like me, are confused that anyone actually buys these documents. 00:01:02.560 --> 00:01:22.500 But if we stop for a moment to consider why people might actually buy these things, I think we might notice that what's being sold is a solution to some perceived problem. 00:01:22.500 --> 00:01:25.459 You see, we think we have a problem. 00:01:25.640 --> 00:01:28.099 We're not quite sure what the problem is. 00:01:28.299 --> 00:01:31.879 But we have this nagging intuition that something is wrong. 00:01:33.280 --> 00:01:40.200 And here is an almanac, a solution for whatever problem ails us. 00:01:40.200 --> 00:01:45.920 Usually it's too large a stomach or too boring a sex life or too empty a bank account. 00:01:47.200 --> 00:01:55.939 When was the last time you walked up to one such rack of magazines and saw there in all caps blazing in front of you, 00:01:56.379 --> 00:01:59.700 do the same thing you're doing now? 00:01:59.700 --> 00:02:03.200 That would be strange. 00:02:03.799 --> 00:02:05.400 It would be counterintuitive. 00:02:05.659 --> 00:02:09.800 You would have very little desire to buy this document in front of you. 00:02:09.879 --> 00:02:13.460 After all, all you have to do is keep doing what you're doing. 00:02:14.879 --> 00:02:23.340 In fact, that might sit strangely with us, we Americans, who think that to be an American is to take yourself into your own hands 00:02:23.340 --> 00:02:34.699 and to create yourself however you desire yourself, always improving, taking more classes, taking more exercises, learning more things. 00:02:36.159 --> 00:02:44.259 But the message of Jesus tonight to the Church of the Philadelphians is precisely this strange one. 00:02:45.060 --> 00:02:47.280 Keep doing what you're doing. 00:02:47.280 --> 00:02:54.379 And to help us make sense of that claim, that desire Jesus has for His church, 00:02:54.979 --> 00:02:58.759 let's look there in Revelation chapter 3. 00:02:59.560 --> 00:03:04.099 Revelation chapter 3, verses 7 through 13. 00:03:04.099 --> 00:03:22.919 If you remember in context, this is Jesus, having appeared after His resurrection, many decades after His resurrection, 00:03:22.919 --> 00:03:28.500 to John, the beloved apostle who is in exile on the island of Patmos. 00:03:29.319 --> 00:03:33.900 John has this vision, and in this vision, Christ comes and says to him this, 00:03:34.099 --> 00:03:37.359 Revelation 3, verse 7. 00:03:38.299 --> 00:03:42.639 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 00:03:43.299 --> 00:03:49.879 The words of the Holy One, the True One, who has the key of David, 00:03:50.579 --> 00:03:57.139 who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 00:03:58.459 --> 00:03:59.879 I know your works. 00:03:59.879 --> 00:04:06.099 Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. 00:04:06.840 --> 00:04:15.299 I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 00:04:16.860 --> 00:04:24.920 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie. 00:04:24.920 --> 00:04:33.319 Behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 00:04:35.319 --> 00:04:43.500 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, 00:04:43.500 --> 00:04:46.259 to try those who dwell on the earth. 00:04:46.259 --> 00:04:48.879 I am coming soon. 00:04:50.019 --> 00:04:55.519 Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 00:04:55.519 --> 00:05:02.959 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. 00:05:03.439 --> 00:05:05.459 Never shall he go out of it. 00:05:06.339 --> 00:05:14.279 And I will write on him the name of my God, the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, 00:05:14.399 --> 00:05:19.359 which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 00:05:19.360 --> 00:05:25.220 He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 00:05:26.879 --> 00:05:27.939 Let's pray briefly. 00:05:30.580 --> 00:05:37.660 Lord, your desire that you spoke to John is that your people would have ears, that they would hear. 00:05:38.840 --> 00:05:42.280 I pray that we would have ears and would hear tonight, Lord. 00:05:43.160 --> 00:05:44.439 Speak to us from this passage. 00:05:45.080 --> 00:05:46.480 Encourage our weary souls. 00:05:47.259 --> 00:05:48.319 Cause us to love you more. 00:05:49.360 --> 00:05:54.120 And allow the words of my mouth and the meditations of our heart to be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. 00:05:54.759 --> 00:05:55.960 In Jesus' name I pray. 00:05:56.360 --> 00:05:56.699 Amen. 00:05:58.360 --> 00:06:02.420 If you've been joining us here in the evening service at Trinity over the last few weeks, 00:06:02.660 --> 00:06:05.259 you'll know that this is our current sermon series. 00:06:05.520 --> 00:06:08.800 There are seven brief letters, the beginning of Revelation, 00:06:09.420 --> 00:06:15.060 to seven different churches in the continent, the subcontinent of Asia Minor, which is now Turkey. 00:06:16.460 --> 00:06:18.220 This is the sixth one. 00:06:18.220 --> 00:06:26.360 Of those seven, Jesus says a mix of good and bad things to four different churches. 00:06:27.020 --> 00:06:32.920 He says only good things to two churches, of which Philadelphia is one. 00:06:33.820 --> 00:06:39.840 He says only bad things to one church, which is Laodicea, which is next week. 00:06:39.839 --> 00:06:46.599 So if this sermon doesn't have enough fire and brimstone for you, come back next week for Laodicea. 00:06:46.600 --> 00:06:53.180 From this text tonight, I hope we can learn and be encouraged by three things. 00:06:54.020 --> 00:06:58.220 First, the situation of the Philadelphians. 00:06:58.680 --> 00:07:00.360 The situation of the Philadelphians. 00:07:01.640 --> 00:07:07.580 Second, the beautiful reasons and rewards for patient endurance. 00:07:07.579 --> 00:07:13.279 Third, the application to Trinity Baptist Church. 00:07:14.839 --> 00:07:18.300 So first, the situation of the Philadelphians. 00:07:20.459 --> 00:07:28.360 Philadelphia was a relatively small city that received its name, which means brotherly love, 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:30.939 just like the city in Pennsylvania does. 00:07:30.939 --> 00:07:40.040 There are some stories that go back and forth. 00:07:40.040 --> 00:07:46.060 Essentially, one is that the older brother, the more powerful one, was rumored to be assassinated. 00:07:46.680 --> 00:07:52.680 And many people pressured the younger brother to take his place, to steal a throne from him. 00:07:52.680 --> 00:07:55.879 And the younger brother said, no, I'm far too loyal to my brother. 00:07:56.459 --> 00:08:04.420 And once the older brother was seen to be alive, the younger brother was vindicated and given this city named the city of brotherly love. 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:11.639 It was probably the youngest of all the seven cities mentioned in this section of Revelation. 00:08:12.620 --> 00:08:14.759 Its church was probably the newest. 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:22.160 And it was one of the smaller churches to which this book of Revelation is addressed. 00:08:22.680 --> 00:08:31.160 In AD 17, about 70 years before this letter was written, a large earthquake destroyed most of this city. 00:08:32.779 --> 00:08:40.560 And from this text, we learn that there was likely an important and influential synagogue in the city of Philadelphia 00:08:40.560 --> 00:08:44.860 that was strongly opposing the work of the Christians there. 00:08:45.980 --> 00:08:51.120 Perhaps some of the Christians were former members of the synagogue who had converted to Christianity 00:08:51.120 --> 00:08:54.659 and subsequently been excommunicated from the synagogue. 00:08:57.480 --> 00:09:02.360 It seems that this Jewish opposition is the greatest trial faced by the church in Philadelphia. 00:09:03.220 --> 00:09:05.860 Given how vehement John's language is about them. 00:09:05.919 --> 00:09:09.419 Look, he calls them in verse 9, the synagogue of Satan. 00:09:10.259 --> 00:09:11.620 The strong words. 00:09:11.620 --> 00:09:20.679 And given how much time John spends urging the Christians in Philadelphia to endure and stand fast in the face of that opposition. 00:09:21.299 --> 00:09:23.879 This was a beleaguered church. 00:09:24.100 --> 00:09:25.580 They were under opposition. 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:34.100 Still, as I mentioned, in spite of all this opposition, Jesus has only good things to say about this church. 00:09:34.940 --> 00:09:38.659 Small, relatively weak, and oppressed though it was. 00:09:38.659 --> 00:09:42.399 This church was no Antioch or Rome. 00:09:42.480 --> 00:09:48.480 In fact, I think many of them were probably quite surprised to receive this letter from Jesus himself. 00:09:49.480 --> 00:09:56.839 In terms of strategy, this might not be the city, the church that you're most interested in appealing to. 00:09:59.019 --> 00:10:02.679 But from that point, I think we should take great encouragement. 00:10:02.679 --> 00:10:08.500 From this brief message to the Philadelphians, 00:10:09.299 --> 00:10:17.919 I think we can learn that God does not overlook even the smallest faithfulnesses of his people. 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:25.139 Notice, the Philadelphians are not commended for taking the gospel to all of Asia. 00:10:25.779 --> 00:10:28.439 For having many teachers in their midst. 00:10:29.459 --> 00:10:32.579 For taking up huge collection of offerings. 00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:35.179 Or any such accomplishment like that. 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:37.079 No. 00:10:37.859 --> 00:10:45.199 The Philadelphians are commended because they have kept Jesus' word and not denied his name. 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:47.379 They have kept on. 00:10:48.120 --> 00:10:49.279 They have endured. 00:10:50.139 --> 00:10:52.599 They have stood in the day of opposition. 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:56.120 And for this, they were commended. 00:10:56.120 --> 00:11:06.179 We are right, I think, to have high and lofty ambitions for God to use our own lives powerfully. 00:11:06.679 --> 00:11:08.580 That's a good ambition that we ought to have. 00:11:08.580 --> 00:11:18.320 But perhaps your life situation does not look promising for the conversion of entire nations. 00:11:19.080 --> 00:11:21.540 Taking the gospel to some unreached people. 00:11:22.280 --> 00:11:24.379 The writing of great books about God. 00:11:24.820 --> 00:11:27.759 The sacrifice of incredible things for his glory. 00:11:27.759 --> 00:11:33.879 Perhaps your life looks like a fairly normal Christian life. 00:11:35.279 --> 00:11:36.840 Don't be discouraged. 00:11:38.139 --> 00:11:41.860 Let the letter to Philadelphia remind you 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:50.279 that every diaper change in the middle of the night for a screaming baby 00:11:50.279 --> 00:11:56.000 performed with a whispered prayer for that child is noticed by the Lord. 00:11:58.079 --> 00:12:03.259 Every Sunday school lesson taught to children and then forgotten almost immediately 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:05.259 is remembered by the Lord. 00:12:07.259 --> 00:12:12.179 Every time of prayer of raising up your children or your friends or your neighbors 00:12:12.179 --> 00:12:16.819 or sharing the gospel with them that seem to bear no fruit whatsoever 00:12:16.819 --> 00:12:19.159 is noticed by God. 00:12:20.759 --> 00:12:25.379 He notices the smallest things of our lives. 00:12:26.459 --> 00:12:31.379 Every small act of kindness and mercy done without any audience 00:12:31.379 --> 00:12:35.000 is known to God himself. 00:12:36.339 --> 00:12:37.659 He sees your work. 00:12:38.319 --> 00:12:41.120 He knows your works, he says to the Philadelphians. 00:12:41.120 --> 00:12:43.360 He says this also to us. 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:45.019 I know your works. 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:51.299 Though you are small, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:54.220 This is encouragement for us. 00:12:56.779 --> 00:13:01.799 The Proverbs say that the eyes of the Lord are in every place, 00:13:02.580 --> 00:13:04.779 keeping watch on the evil and the good, 00:13:05.539 --> 00:13:07.740 observing, not missing anything. 00:13:07.740 --> 00:13:13.159 Remember how Jesus was the only one in the temple courts 00:13:13.159 --> 00:13:16.940 who noticed the widow offering her two small mites. 00:13:17.580 --> 00:13:20.039 It was Jesus alone who saw that. 00:13:20.779 --> 00:13:22.100 And Jesus praised her. 00:13:22.980 --> 00:13:24.259 So it is with Philadelphia. 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:26.860 So it is with us. 00:13:26.860 --> 00:13:32.320 Jesus casts his eye upon the otherwise unimportant church of Philadelphia 00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:34.980 and encourages them to stand. 00:13:35.720 --> 00:13:39.399 This is the situation of the Philadelphians. 00:13:41.399 --> 00:13:47.779 Secondly, we see from this text the beautiful reasons and rewards of patient endurance. 00:13:47.779 --> 00:13:56.480 Quite simply, the reason and reward of patient endurance under opposition 00:13:56.480 --> 00:14:01.980 is nothing other than the person and the work of Jesus. 00:14:01.980 --> 00:14:11.060 He is introduced here, speaking of himself, as the Holy One, the True One, 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:14.779 as one who is trustworthy because he cannot deceive. 00:14:15.000 --> 00:14:19.480 And because he is trustworthy, his promises can be believed. 00:14:21.480 --> 00:14:24.159 He has, it says, the key of David, 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:26.759 who opens and no one shuts, 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:29.200 who shuts and no one opens. 00:14:29.200 --> 00:14:32.220 You see, this introduction of Jesus is the foundation 00:14:32.220 --> 00:14:35.700 for all that follows in the rest of this passage. 00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:37.520 He is holy and true. 00:14:37.680 --> 00:14:39.540 He is trustworthy and faithful. 00:14:39.860 --> 00:14:42.120 And he has power to open and shut. 00:14:42.420 --> 00:14:45.060 And no one can stand against him. 00:14:46.520 --> 00:14:47.980 Christ is the True One, 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:49.680 not the opponents of the church 00:14:49.680 --> 00:14:51.879 who say they are Jews but lie. 00:14:52.540 --> 00:14:56.080 Jesus is the true obedient One of God, 00:14:56.180 --> 00:14:57.259 the true Jew, 00:14:57.259 --> 00:15:01.379 the true Lamb of God that follows the law of God in every detail. 00:15:02.179 --> 00:15:05.179 Because he is this holy and true One, 00:15:05.419 --> 00:15:09.100 it is to him whom the Philadelphians must cling 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:10.639 with all of their energy, 00:15:11.019 --> 00:15:12.600 no matter the opposition. 00:15:12.600 --> 00:15:20.320 The reward for standing fast in the face of opposition 00:15:20.320 --> 00:15:22.340 is Jesus himself. 00:15:23.700 --> 00:15:27.480 The reason for standing fast in the face of opposition 00:15:27.480 --> 00:15:29.340 is Jesus himself. 00:15:30.860 --> 00:15:33.379 And notice that the opposition against the Philadelphians 00:15:33.379 --> 00:15:36.720 is precisely because they are being obedient to Christ. 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:39.139 It is not in the way of disobedience 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:40.360 that they have encountered hardship, no, 00:15:40.360 --> 00:15:41.879 but in the way of obedience. 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:44.879 Like Job in the Old Testament, 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:48.659 their trial cannot be attributed to their own specific sins. 00:15:49.379 --> 00:15:54.700 Rather, hostility is the price of following Christ 00:15:54.700 --> 00:15:56.419 in a fallen world. 00:15:57.759 --> 00:16:02.200 Hostility is the price of following Christ in a fallen world. 00:16:02.200 --> 00:16:07.680 This has always been the condition of God's church 00:16:07.680 --> 00:16:10.340 to more or less degrees 00:16:10.340 --> 00:16:12.700 in one place or another 00:16:12.700 --> 00:16:15.620 since the resurrection and the ascension of Christ. 00:16:16.120 --> 00:16:18.720 This is just what Christians do. 00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:22.080 We bear witness in obedience to Christ 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:25.020 and we face opposition for it. 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:31.120 We cannot put our final hope 00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:33.039 in any city, 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:35.019 in any nation, 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:36.819 in any government, 00:16:37.039 --> 00:16:38.019 or any administration 00:16:38.019 --> 00:16:40.500 to protect and care for the church, 00:16:41.039 --> 00:16:42.879 for us individually or collectively. 00:16:43.480 --> 00:16:43.779 No. 00:16:44.039 --> 00:16:45.600 The book of Hebrews tells us that 00:16:45.600 --> 00:16:48.279 here we have no lasting city. 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:53.419 Meaning that this world cannot hold 00:16:53.419 --> 00:16:55.120 the weight of our hope. 00:16:56.179 --> 00:16:58.000 We yearn for something 00:16:58.000 --> 00:17:00.139 in the deepest parts of our soul 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:03.139 that this world is not equipped to give us. 00:17:04.639 --> 00:17:05.279 Therefore, 00:17:06.000 --> 00:17:10.240 let's place that hope in a more sure foundation. 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:14.200 Place it in the solid rock of Christ. 00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:16.860 Again, there in Hebrews, 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:18.660 it says that the exiles, 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:19.299 the pilgrims, 00:17:19.380 --> 00:17:20.000 the wanderers 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:21.480 looked for a city with foundations 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:23.720 whose builder and maker is God. 00:17:24.220 --> 00:17:25.460 This foundation 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:28.640 is a theme that's used to describe Christ. 00:17:29.779 --> 00:17:31.380 The stone that builders have rejected 00:17:31.380 --> 00:17:33.080 has become the cornerstone, 00:17:33.420 --> 00:17:35.620 the most important stone in the entire edifice. 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:37.299 He is the foundation 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:39.160 of the eternal city of God. 00:17:40.019 --> 00:17:41.299 Do you notice from this passage 00:17:41.299 --> 00:17:43.660 where the city of God comes from? 00:17:44.200 --> 00:17:45.600 Look there in verse 12. 00:17:45.900 --> 00:17:46.840 The new Jerusalem. 00:17:48.680 --> 00:17:51.920 It comes down from God out of heaven. 00:17:55.140 --> 00:17:57.980 It's not achieved by voting 00:17:57.980 --> 00:18:00.140 the correct political party into office, 00:18:00.840 --> 00:18:03.059 by writing the wisest constitution, 00:18:03.759 --> 00:18:06.319 by having the best social welfare programs. 00:18:06.380 --> 00:18:08.480 We should strive for all of those things. 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:10.360 All the while remembering 00:18:10.360 --> 00:18:12.660 that here we have no lasting city. 00:18:12.660 --> 00:18:14.759 And the new Jerusalem 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:17.840 comes down from God out of heaven. 00:18:18.580 --> 00:18:20.920 This is where we should put 00:18:20.920 --> 00:18:22.620 our deepest yearnings. 00:18:23.580 --> 00:18:25.300 And it's toward that vision 00:18:25.300 --> 00:18:27.900 that John points the Philadelphians. 00:18:27.900 --> 00:18:32.280 You see, governments and armies 00:18:32.280 --> 00:18:34.860 can rage and have raged 00:18:34.860 --> 00:18:36.980 and will rage against the church. 00:18:39.380 --> 00:18:41.700 And society and elites 00:18:41.700 --> 00:18:45.160 can scorn and have scorned 00:18:45.160 --> 00:18:46.600 and will scorn her 00:18:46.600 --> 00:18:48.580 for her strange behavior 00:18:48.580 --> 00:18:49.660 in the way of obedience. 00:18:50.120 --> 00:18:53.860 But Christ remains still a solid rock. 00:18:53.859 --> 00:18:56.959 On Christ the solid rock I stand. 00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:59.679 All other ground, 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:03.679 all other ground is sinking sand. 00:19:03.680 --> 00:19:08.900 If all men therefore rise 00:19:08.900 --> 00:19:09.860 in opposition to you, 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:13.320 but Christ takes up your cause, 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:16.160 you cannot fail, 00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:18.000 but you will overcome. 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:21.640 And if throngs of men 00:19:21.640 --> 00:19:22.480 rally around you 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.580 to sing your praise, 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:25.860 yet Christ takes his stand against you, 00:19:26.400 --> 00:19:28.519 then heaven and earth 00:19:28.519 --> 00:19:29.900 will pass away 00:19:29.900 --> 00:19:31.019 before you make 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:32.440 one inch of progress 00:19:32.440 --> 00:19:33.879 against the Lord's anointed one. 00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:36.379 He is the one who opens 00:19:36.379 --> 00:19:37.619 and no one shuts. 00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:39.039 He is the one who shuts 00:19:39.039 --> 00:19:40.680 and no one opens. 00:19:42.200 --> 00:19:43.240 Christ, you see, 00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:46.099 is the only indispensable ally 00:19:46.099 --> 00:19:47.099 for the Christian 00:19:47.099 --> 00:19:49.200 in all of the world. 00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:54.319 May the shifting of society around us 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:56.139 give us ample occasion 00:19:56.139 --> 00:19:58.900 to reflect on the steadfastness 00:19:58.900 --> 00:19:59.980 of Christ. 00:20:01.019 --> 00:20:06.259 Look also at the way 00:20:06.259 --> 00:20:07.819 Jesus shows himself 00:20:07.819 --> 00:20:09.559 to meet precisely the needs 00:20:09.559 --> 00:20:10.079 of the Christians 00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:11.000 there in Philadelphia. 00:20:12.079 --> 00:20:13.079 Consider their circumstance. 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:13.660 As I said, 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:14.799 it's quite likely 00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:15.539 that they have been 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:17.559 excommunicated from synagogues 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:18.920 for their faith in Christ. 00:20:19.359 --> 00:20:20.359 If they were to go 00:20:20.359 --> 00:20:21.359 to the homes, 00:20:21.599 --> 00:20:22.000 businesses, 00:20:22.240 --> 00:20:23.139 and synagogues 00:20:23.139 --> 00:20:23.900 of those who were once 00:20:23.900 --> 00:20:24.420 their friends, 00:20:24.639 --> 00:20:25.980 perhaps even their family, 00:20:26.299 --> 00:20:27.119 they would meet 00:20:27.119 --> 00:20:29.559 nothing but closed doors. 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:32.740 bolted against their entrance. 00:20:33.299 --> 00:20:35.440 You're no longer welcome here. 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:37.919 You cannot access this. 00:20:39.919 --> 00:20:41.899 So Christ introduces himself 00:20:41.899 --> 00:20:43.639 by saying that he is the one 00:20:43.639 --> 00:20:44.819 who has the key of David, 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:46.839 who opens and no one will shut, 00:20:47.119 --> 00:20:49.099 who shuts and no one opens. 00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:50.399 Immediately after this, 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:51.619 he says that he has set 00:20:51.619 --> 00:20:52.839 before the Philadelphians 00:20:52.839 --> 00:20:53.699 an open door 00:20:53.699 --> 00:20:55.379 which no one is able 00:20:55.379 --> 00:20:56.039 to shut. 00:20:56.039 --> 00:20:58.339 What a beautiful reversal. 00:21:00.339 --> 00:21:01.019 In Christ, 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:03.000 all doors are open, 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:06.059 though on earth 00:21:06.059 --> 00:21:07.539 they seem barred 00:21:07.539 --> 00:21:09.399 and slammed in your face. 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:13.039 In Philadelphians, you see, 00:21:13.679 --> 00:21:14.779 Christ says, 00:21:15.079 --> 00:21:16.779 have not really been shut 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:18.879 out of any important assemblies. 00:21:18.880 --> 00:21:21.580 For Christ has opened 00:21:21.580 --> 00:21:23.720 to them every door. 00:21:25.880 --> 00:21:27.120 This is the conviction 00:21:27.120 --> 00:21:27.880 that allows the Philadelphians 00:21:28.520 --> 00:21:30.620 in the words of Martin Luther 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:33.240 to let good and kindred go 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:35.160 this mortal life also. 00:21:36.680 --> 00:21:38.340 In Christ, we lose nothing. 00:21:39.060 --> 00:21:40.200 He is the one who opens 00:21:40.200 --> 00:21:41.780 and no one can shut. 00:21:44.040 --> 00:21:45.240 Consider the example 00:21:45.240 --> 00:21:47.320 of David Livingston. 00:21:47.319 --> 00:21:49.339 A missionary 00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:50.839 who left the comforts 00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:51.200 of England 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:52.759 to preach the gospel 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:54.379 in the interior of Africa 00:21:54.379 --> 00:21:56.139 where he finally died. 00:21:56.339 --> 00:21:57.119 It's an amazing story. 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:58.599 I commend you to read it. 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:01.119 When asked by several 00:22:01.119 --> 00:22:01.899 Cambridge students 00:22:01.899 --> 00:22:02.980 about the sacrifices 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:03.859 he was making 00:22:03.859 --> 00:22:05.119 in going over to Africa 00:22:05.119 --> 00:22:05.859 for the advance 00:22:05.859 --> 00:22:06.700 of Christ's kingdom, 00:22:07.460 --> 00:22:08.460 Livingston said this, 00:22:08.460 --> 00:22:12.140 for my own part, 00:22:12.340 --> 00:22:14.039 I have never ceased 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:14.620 to rejoice 00:22:14.620 --> 00:22:16.640 that God has appointed me 00:22:16.640 --> 00:22:17.680 to such an office. 00:22:18.400 --> 00:22:20.120 People talk of the sacrifice 00:22:20.120 --> 00:22:20.960 I have made 00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:22.039 in spending so much 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:23.180 of my life in Africa. 00:22:24.559 --> 00:22:26.420 But is that a sacrifice 00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:28.880 which brings its own 00:22:28.880 --> 00:22:30.160 blessed reward 00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:32.440 in healthful activity, 00:22:33.059 --> 00:22:33.980 the consciousness 00:22:33.980 --> 00:22:34.819 of doing good, 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:36.140 peace of mind, 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:37.640 and a bright hope 00:22:37.640 --> 00:22:39.040 of a glorious destiny 00:22:39.040 --> 00:22:39.640 hereafter? 00:22:40.160 --> 00:22:42.400 It is emphatically 00:22:42.400 --> 00:22:44.640 no sacrifice. 00:22:45.540 --> 00:22:46.660 Say rather 00:22:46.660 --> 00:22:47.280 that it is 00:22:47.280 --> 00:22:48.259 a privilege. 00:22:49.200 --> 00:22:49.759 Anxiety, 00:22:50.380 --> 00:22:50.720 sickness, 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:51.580 suffering, 00:22:51.840 --> 00:22:52.340 or danger 00:22:52.340 --> 00:22:53.300 now and then 00:22:53.300 --> 00:22:54.540 with the foregoing 00:22:54.540 --> 00:22:56.120 of the common conveniences 00:22:56.120 --> 00:22:56.820 and charities 00:22:56.820 --> 00:22:57.580 of this life 00:22:57.580 --> 00:22:59.460 may make us pause 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.860 and cause the spirit 00:23:00.860 --> 00:23:01.580 to waver 00:23:01.579 --> 00:23:02.679 and the soul 00:23:02.679 --> 00:23:03.259 to sink. 00:23:04.639 --> 00:23:06.019 But let this be 00:23:06.019 --> 00:23:07.799 but for a moment. 00:23:09.699 --> 00:23:11.000 All these 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:12.099 are nothing 00:23:12.099 --> 00:23:13.399 when compared 00:23:13.399 --> 00:23:14.439 with the glory 00:23:14.439 --> 00:23:16.119 which shall be revealed 00:23:16.119 --> 00:23:17.939 in and for us. 00:23:18.899 --> 00:23:20.980 I never made 00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:21.899 a sacrifice. 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:25.339 Doesn't that stir you? 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:27.159 A man who dies 00:23:27.159 --> 00:23:28.799 in the interior 00:23:28.799 --> 00:23:29.439 of Africa 00:23:29.439 --> 00:23:30.059 for the advance 00:23:30.059 --> 00:23:30.559 of the gospel 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:31.019 says, 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:32.019 I never 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:33.359 made a sacrifice. 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.759 Have you known 00:23:36.759 --> 00:23:37.480 Christ 00:23:37.480 --> 00:23:38.559 to be sweet 00:23:38.559 --> 00:23:39.220 in this way? 00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:40.299 To be valuable 00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:40.859 and precious 00:23:40.859 --> 00:23:41.659 in this way? 00:23:41.879 --> 00:23:43.019 So that the giving up 00:23:43.019 --> 00:23:43.819 of all the world 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:44.339 for him 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:45.500 would be for you 00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:46.919 an easy choice? 00:23:48.919 --> 00:23:49.839 If not, 00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:51.099 meditate 00:23:51.099 --> 00:23:52.940 upon the way 00:23:52.940 --> 00:23:54.259 that Christ here 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:55.899 suits the needs 00:23:55.899 --> 00:23:57.000 of the Philadelphians. 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:58.640 he introduces 00:23:58.640 --> 00:23:59.160 himself 00:23:59.160 --> 00:24:00.099 in ways 00:24:00.099 --> 00:24:01.180 that precisely 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:02.559 target their needs. 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:05.599 Which of Christ's 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:06.700 names and titles 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:09.059 targets the need 00:24:09.059 --> 00:24:09.799 in your heart? 00:24:12.599 --> 00:24:13.160 Perhaps 00:24:13.160 --> 00:24:14.440 it's for one 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:15.220 who will be to you 00:24:15.220 --> 00:24:15.839 a father 00:24:15.839 --> 00:24:17.779 as God 00:24:17.779 --> 00:24:18.819 introduces himself 00:24:18.819 --> 00:24:20.579 in the Lord's prayer 00:24:20.579 --> 00:24:21.440 our father. 00:24:21.440 --> 00:24:24.080 perhaps 00:24:24.080 --> 00:24:24.680 yours 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.299 has been a life 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:25.960 of loneliness 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:28.080 and so 00:24:28.080 --> 00:24:28.660 he says 00:24:28.660 --> 00:24:29.460 to you 00:24:29.460 --> 00:24:30.360 no longer 00:24:30.360 --> 00:24:31.140 do I call you 00:24:31.140 --> 00:24:31.840 slaves 00:24:31.840 --> 00:24:32.720 I call you 00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:33.799 friends. 00:24:37.320 --> 00:24:37.880 Perhaps 00:24:37.880 --> 00:24:38.380 the world 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:38.960 around you 00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:39.580 seems 00:24:39.580 --> 00:24:44.220 to lack 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:45.500 any steadfastness 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:47.420 to be at every 00:24:47.420 --> 00:24:48.000 moment 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.299 full of anxiety 00:24:49.299 --> 00:24:51.519 and Christ 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.539 says that he is 00:24:52.539 --> 00:24:53.420 a rock 00:24:53.420 --> 00:24:55.140 he is one 00:24:55.140 --> 00:24:56.559 who provides 00:24:56.559 --> 00:24:58.359 for his people 00:24:58.359 --> 00:24:59.420 even in the 00:24:59.420 --> 00:24:59.779 wilderness. 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:03.960 For Christ 00:25:03.960 --> 00:25:04.579 to be sweet 00:25:04.579 --> 00:25:04.940 to us 00:25:04.940 --> 00:25:05.460 I think we 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:06.299 must meditate 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:08.000 on the nature 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:09.000 of our needs 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:10.839 and the names 00:25:10.839 --> 00:25:11.859 he gives 00:25:11.859 --> 00:25:12.420 to himself 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:13.160 to meet 00:25:13.160 --> 00:25:13.920 those needs. 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:16.500 it seems 00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:17.300 the Philadelphians 00:25:17.300 --> 00:25:18.240 saw Christ 00:25:18.240 --> 00:25:18.860 in this way. 00:25:20.560 --> 00:25:21.460 The Philadelphians 00:25:21.460 --> 00:25:22.440 knew it seems 00:25:22.440 --> 00:25:23.900 that to be a Christian 00:25:23.900 --> 00:25:24.560 is to gain 00:25:24.560 --> 00:25:25.440 the whole world 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:26.420 as an enemy 00:25:26.420 --> 00:25:27.300 temporarily 00:25:27.300 --> 00:25:29.160 and to gain 00:25:29.160 --> 00:25:29.960 the whole world 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:30.840 as a trophy 00:25:30.840 --> 00:25:31.840 eternally. 00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:35.360 To be a Christian 00:25:35.360 --> 00:25:36.120 is to trade 00:25:36.120 --> 00:25:37.800 two widow's mites 00:25:37.800 --> 00:25:39.060 for a pearl 00:25:39.060 --> 00:25:40.140 of great price. 00:25:42.380 --> 00:25:43.300 There is 00:25:43.300 --> 00:25:43.740 you see 00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:44.960 no good thing 00:25:44.960 --> 00:25:45.620 that Christ 00:25:45.620 --> 00:25:46.279 will withhold 00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:46.960 from those 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:47.720 who love him 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.980 from those 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.700 who patiently 00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:50.819 endure in their 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:51.579 faithfulness 00:25:51.579 --> 00:25:52.640 no matter how 00:25:52.640 --> 00:25:54.099 small or great 00:25:54.099 --> 00:25:55.160 it may be. 00:25:55.319 --> 00:25:56.019 These are the 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:56.940 promises of Christ 00:25:56.940 --> 00:25:57.539 that he makes 00:25:57.539 --> 00:25:58.019 here and I 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:58.680 remind you 00:25:58.680 --> 00:25:59.240 that they are 00:25:59.240 --> 00:25:59.819 not for 00:25:59.819 --> 00:26:01.579 grand displays 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:03.039 of faithfulness 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:03.859 they are for 00:26:03.859 --> 00:26:04.779 the daily 00:26:04.779 --> 00:26:05.759 endurance 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:06.819 under difficulty. 00:26:06.819 --> 00:26:10.879 the promises 00:26:10.879 --> 00:26:11.639 Christ makes 00:26:11.639 --> 00:26:12.099 here are not 00:26:12.099 --> 00:26:12.899 only of himself 00:26:12.899 --> 00:26:13.679 but they are 00:26:13.679 --> 00:26:14.279 promises of 00:26:14.279 --> 00:26:14.980 access 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:16.359 access to his 00:26:16.359 --> 00:26:17.179 very presence 00:26:17.179 --> 00:26:17.819 which no one 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:18.379 will take 00:26:18.379 --> 00:26:19.299 from him. 00:26:19.839 --> 00:26:20.379 Consider this 00:26:20.379 --> 00:26:20.939 promise in 00:26:20.939 --> 00:26:21.720 verse 12 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:23.500 the one who 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:24.179 conquers I will 00:26:24.179 --> 00:26:24.639 make him a 00:26:24.639 --> 00:26:25.079 pillar in the 00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:25.619 temple of my 00:26:25.619 --> 00:26:26.159 God never 00:26:26.159 --> 00:26:26.799 shall he go 00:26:26.799 --> 00:26:27.359 out of it. 00:26:29.039 --> 00:26:29.799 By the writing 00:26:29.799 --> 00:26:30.259 of this text 00:26:30.259 --> 00:26:30.879 the temple in 00:26:30.879 --> 00:26:31.399 Jerusalem had 00:26:31.399 --> 00:26:31.799 already been 00:26:31.799 --> 00:26:32.579 destroyed and 00:26:32.579 --> 00:26:33.339 that produced a 00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:34.319 serious theological 00:26:34.319 --> 00:26:35.059 problem for how 00:26:35.059 --> 00:26:35.579 the Jews were 00:26:35.579 --> 00:26:36.139 going to meet 00:26:36.139 --> 00:26:36.759 with and 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:38.279 experience God. 00:26:39.460 --> 00:26:40.559 In response to 00:26:40.559 --> 00:26:41.119 this theological 00:26:41.119 --> 00:26:42.519 problem Jesus 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:43.079 says that the 00:26:43.079 --> 00:26:43.720 access of the 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:44.519 Philadelphians to 00:26:44.519 --> 00:26:45.220 the inner sanctuary 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:46.960 of God is as 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:48.359 permanent as the 00:26:48.359 --> 00:26:49.759 very pillars of 00:26:49.759 --> 00:26:50.220 the temple 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:51.179 themselves. 00:26:52.500 --> 00:26:53.779 The Jews attempt 00:26:53.779 --> 00:26:54.440 to kick you out 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:55.399 of their synagogues 00:26:55.399 --> 00:26:57.980 no one can kick 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:58.819 out the pillars 00:26:58.819 --> 00:26:59.819 from the temple 00:26:59.819 --> 00:27:01.559 and you shall be 00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:02.539 as a pillar in 00:27:02.539 --> 00:27:03.319 the temple of my 00:27:03.319 --> 00:27:03.659 God. 00:27:05.059 --> 00:27:06.819 Not only permanence 00:27:06.819 --> 00:27:08.440 and presence but 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:09.259 God also makes 00:27:09.259 --> 00:27:10.000 promises of 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:10.720 possession. 00:27:11.339 --> 00:27:13.039 Look here in 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:14.319 verse 12. 00:27:15.639 --> 00:27:16.240 I will write on 00:27:16.240 --> 00:27:17.079 him the name of 00:27:17.079 --> 00:27:17.879 my God and the 00:27:17.879 --> 00:27:18.599 name of the city 00:27:18.599 --> 00:27:19.359 of my God the 00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:20.399 new Jerusalem which 00:27:20.399 --> 00:27:21.279 comes down from 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:22.000 my God out of 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:23.440 heaven and of my 00:27:23.440 --> 00:27:24.779 own new name. 00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:27.339 Jesus desires to 00:27:27.339 --> 00:27:28.519 claim those for 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:30.200 his own who 00:27:30.200 --> 00:27:31.079 endure faithfully. 00:27:31.559 --> 00:27:32.740 He gives us the 00:27:32.740 --> 00:27:33.539 reasons and the 00:27:33.539 --> 00:27:34.460 rationale and he 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:35.559 says on top of it 00:27:35.559 --> 00:27:36.779 all I desire for 00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:37.640 you to be my 00:27:37.640 --> 00:27:38.100 own. 00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:40.140 I desire for you 00:27:40.140 --> 00:27:41.220 to bear my name. 00:27:42.360 --> 00:27:43.559 And for those who 00:27:43.559 --> 00:27:44.420 bear the name of 00:27:44.420 --> 00:27:45.819 Christ that name is 00:27:45.819 --> 00:27:47.620 like a passport into 00:27:47.620 --> 00:27:49.000 the very inner courts 00:27:49.000 --> 00:27:50.600 of intimacy with God 00:27:50.600 --> 00:27:50.980 himself. 00:27:52.660 --> 00:27:53.900 This is the promise 00:27:53.900 --> 00:27:55.759 of possession, of 00:27:55.759 --> 00:27:56.840 presence, of 00:27:56.840 --> 00:27:57.460 permanence. 00:27:57.460 --> 00:28:02.840 how do we know this 00:28:02.840 --> 00:28:04.400 promise shall appeal 00:28:04.400 --> 00:28:04.900 to us? 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:06.840 Because the 00:28:06.840 --> 00:28:07.900 Philadelphians stand 00:28:07.900 --> 00:28:08.840 firm in heeding the 00:28:08.840 --> 00:28:09.559 words of Jesus. 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:11.579 Which I think is what 00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:12.840 is meant by verse 10. 00:28:12.940 --> 00:28:14.059 You have kept my word 00:28:14.059 --> 00:28:15.120 about patient endurance. 00:28:15.680 --> 00:28:16.440 They have heard the 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:17.680 voice of Jesus, the 00:28:17.680 --> 00:28:18.420 word of the Lord, 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:20.000 endure, and they have 00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:20.500 obeyed it. 00:28:20.600 --> 00:28:21.380 They have done it. 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:23.140 And this is the 00:28:23.140 --> 00:28:25.079 grounds for thinking 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:25.839 that they will 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:27.299 access and they 00:28:27.299 --> 00:28:28.519 will benefit from 00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:29.439 all of these glories 00:28:29.439 --> 00:28:30.019 of Christ. 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:32.439 Because Christ is the 00:28:32.439 --> 00:28:33.399 one who opens doors 00:28:33.399 --> 00:28:34.220 and no one can shut 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:35.299 them, who shuts doors 00:28:35.299 --> 00:28:36.240 and no one can open 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:37.500 them, then it follows 00:28:37.500 --> 00:28:38.619 that Christ alone is 00:28:38.619 --> 00:28:39.839 the one whose word we 00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:40.419 must heed. 00:28:40.859 --> 00:28:42.159 He is our only ally. 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.919 His is the voice we 00:28:43.919 --> 00:28:44.859 must hear. 00:28:45.740 --> 00:28:46.720 The church as the 00:28:46.720 --> 00:28:47.699 bride of Christ and 00:28:47.699 --> 00:28:48.579 we as individual 00:28:48.579 --> 00:28:49.679 members of it all 00:28:49.679 --> 00:28:50.539 have the single 00:28:50.539 --> 00:28:51.439 great need of 00:28:51.439 --> 00:28:52.699 listening to and 00:28:52.699 --> 00:28:54.000 obeying the one 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:55.019 voice of Christ. 00:28:55.140 --> 00:28:55.839 It is the greatest 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:56.779 need of our lives. 00:28:58.680 --> 00:28:59.859 The church at its 00:28:59.859 --> 00:29:00.640 best has done 00:29:00.640 --> 00:29:01.640 precisely this. 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.440 It was Luther's 00:29:03.440 --> 00:29:05.039 conviction and 00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:07.500 dogmatic desire to 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:08.720 hear the very voice 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:09.640 of Jesus and to 00:29:09.640 --> 00:29:10.480 heed that voice 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.619 alone which 00:29:11.619 --> 00:29:12.759 enacted a recovery 00:29:12.759 --> 00:29:14.579 and a recentering 00:29:14.579 --> 00:29:15.599 on scriptural 00:29:15.599 --> 00:29:16.380 doctrines that had 00:29:16.380 --> 00:29:17.420 been confused. 00:29:19.160 --> 00:29:20.400 And hundreds of 00:29:20.400 --> 00:29:21.180 years later when 00:29:21.180 --> 00:29:22.160 Hitler attempted to 00:29:22.160 --> 00:29:22.700 take over the 00:29:22.700 --> 00:29:23.519 German church to 00:29:23.519 --> 00:29:23.980 support his 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:24.799 political agenda, 00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:26.500 Karl Barth and 00:29:26.500 --> 00:29:26.920 the German 00:29:26.920 --> 00:29:27.819 confessing church 00:29:27.819 --> 00:29:28.519 opposed his 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:28.900 attempts. 00:29:29.579 --> 00:29:30.379 In the Barman 00:29:30.379 --> 00:29:31.460 Declaration, their 00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:32.619 manifesto against 00:29:32.619 --> 00:29:33.680 Hitler's church, his 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:34.559 claim to have 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:35.799 control over the 00:29:35.799 --> 00:29:37.299 church, they wrote 00:29:37.299 --> 00:29:38.019 that, quote, 00:29:38.839 --> 00:29:40.819 Jesus Christ, as he 00:29:40.819 --> 00:29:41.819 is attested to us 00:29:41.819 --> 00:29:43.559 in holy scripture, is 00:29:43.559 --> 00:29:45.339 the one word of God 00:29:45.339 --> 00:29:46.259 whom we have to 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.639 hear and whom we 00:29:47.639 --> 00:29:48.980 have to trust and 00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:50.639 obey in life and 00:29:50.639 --> 00:29:51.000 death. 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:53.059 So it was for the 00:29:53.059 --> 00:29:54.339 Philadelphians in 00:29:54.339 --> 00:29:56.119 90 AD, so it 00:29:56.119 --> 00:29:57.279 was for the 00:29:57.279 --> 00:29:58.380 Germans in 00:29:58.380 --> 00:30:00.039 1930, so it 00:30:00.039 --> 00:30:01.220 was for us in 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:02.180 New Haven in 00:30:02.180 --> 00:30:02.799 2015. 00:30:03.460 --> 00:30:04.779 We need to hear 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:06.460 the very word of 00:30:06.460 --> 00:30:06.799 God. 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:09.740 And this then is 00:30:09.740 --> 00:30:10.539 the conclusion of 00:30:10.539 --> 00:30:11.359 the second point, 00:30:11.640 --> 00:30:13.279 the rationale and 00:30:13.279 --> 00:30:14.299 the rewards for 00:30:14.299 --> 00:30:15.700 patient endurance. 00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:18.059 it takes us to our 00:30:18.059 --> 00:30:19.840 final third point for 00:30:19.840 --> 00:30:20.799 the evening, briefly, 00:30:21.120 --> 00:30:21.980 the application of 00:30:21.980 --> 00:30:22.640 this text to 00:30:22.640 --> 00:30:23.360 Trinity Baptist. 00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:24.880 I've already made 00:30:24.880 --> 00:30:25.440 plenty of 00:30:25.440 --> 00:30:26.880 applications, and I 00:30:26.880 --> 00:30:27.580 hope you see that 00:30:27.580 --> 00:30:28.259 this text has 00:30:28.259 --> 00:30:29.039 something for us 00:30:29.039 --> 00:30:29.360 now. 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:31.100 I want to hearken 00:30:31.100 --> 00:30:32.559 back to this point 00:30:32.559 --> 00:30:34.539 about the church 00:30:34.539 --> 00:30:36.700 not being chastised, 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:38.900 not being warned 00:30:38.900 --> 00:30:40.200 against its evils, 00:30:40.340 --> 00:30:41.319 but of being 00:30:41.319 --> 00:30:42.299 commended for its 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:42.799 strengths. 00:30:42.799 --> 00:30:45.159 If God were to 00:30:45.159 --> 00:30:46.019 write such a 00:30:46.019 --> 00:30:46.839 letter of 00:30:46.839 --> 00:30:47.759 commendation to 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:48.759 the church at 00:30:48.759 --> 00:30:49.859 New Haven called 00:30:49.859 --> 00:30:51.559 Trinity Baptist, what 00:30:51.559 --> 00:30:53.039 good things would 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:54.299 he find in us? 00:30:55.639 --> 00:30:56.700 I think there are 00:30:56.700 --> 00:30:57.039 many. 00:30:58.539 --> 00:30:59.519 I think there are 00:30:59.519 --> 00:31:00.579 many ways in which 00:31:00.579 --> 00:31:01.579 I see daily 00:31:01.579 --> 00:31:02.879 faithfulness, both 00:31:02.879 --> 00:31:03.839 from the elders of 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:04.799 this church and 00:31:04.799 --> 00:31:05.740 for the people who 00:31:05.740 --> 00:31:06.539 sit in the pews 00:31:06.539 --> 00:31:07.159 like myself. 00:31:08.659 --> 00:31:09.819 I said here that 00:31:09.819 --> 00:31:11.059 it is the one 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:12.220 great need of us 00:31:12.220 --> 00:31:13.400 to hear the very 00:31:13.400 --> 00:31:14.500 words of God, to 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:15.559 understand the 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:16.940 word of God, and 00:31:16.940 --> 00:31:17.960 that is what the 00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:18.680 elders of this 00:31:18.680 --> 00:31:19.700 church desire to 00:31:19.700 --> 00:31:20.460 do for us. 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:23.539 I said that God 00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:24.559 does not think it 00:31:24.559 --> 00:31:25.779 too small a thing 00:31:25.779 --> 00:31:28.120 to look at the 00:31:28.120 --> 00:31:29.180 small deeds of 00:31:29.180 --> 00:31:29.779 faithfulness that 00:31:29.779 --> 00:31:30.500 the Philadelphians 00:31:30.500 --> 00:31:31.259 do. 00:31:32.220 --> 00:31:33.240 I think we should 00:31:33.240 --> 00:31:34.279 cultivate that same 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:34.720 sense. 00:31:36.160 --> 00:31:37.839 So, consider 00:31:37.839 --> 00:31:39.160 where have you 00:31:39.160 --> 00:31:39.900 seen faithful 00:31:39.900 --> 00:31:41.519 endurance in this 00:31:41.519 --> 00:31:42.680 church, in the 00:31:42.680 --> 00:31:43.639 people around you, 00:31:44.059 --> 00:31:44.539 in the people in 00:31:44.539 --> 00:31:45.940 the pews, in the 00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:46.299 elders. 00:31:47.680 --> 00:31:48.539 The word is 00:31:48.539 --> 00:31:49.220 preached faithfully 00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:49.879 from this pulpit 00:31:49.879 --> 00:31:50.879 week after week. 00:31:51.940 --> 00:31:53.019 This morning we 00:31:53.019 --> 00:31:54.440 commissioned our 00:31:54.440 --> 00:31:55.779 first church plant. 00:31:56.680 --> 00:31:57.420 The church is 00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:58.339 making disciples. 00:31:59.559 --> 00:32:00.839 Who do you see in 00:32:00.839 --> 00:32:02.019 this church who's 00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:02.879 doing that good 00:32:02.879 --> 00:32:03.220 work? 00:32:04.799 --> 00:32:05.839 Find them and 00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:07.079 encourage them. 00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:08.700 Commend them the 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:09.819 way Jesus does with 00:32:09.819 --> 00:32:10.579 the Philadelphians 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:10.919 here. 00:32:12.099 --> 00:32:12.919 Do you know 00:32:12.919 --> 00:32:15.019 that those who 00:32:15.019 --> 00:32:16.159 labor for the 00:32:16.159 --> 00:32:16.639 ministry of the 00:32:16.639 --> 00:32:17.539 word can often 00:32:17.539 --> 00:32:18.259 get discouraged? 00:32:19.079 --> 00:32:19.759 Do you know that 00:32:19.759 --> 00:32:20.759 those who are most 00:32:20.759 --> 00:32:21.720 encouraging toward 00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:23.599 others often fall 00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:24.200 through the cracks 00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:24.859 because there's no 00:32:24.859 --> 00:32:25.480 one to encourage 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:25.839 them? 00:32:27.179 --> 00:32:28.119 Find the people 00:32:28.119 --> 00:32:29.799 around you who 00:32:29.799 --> 00:32:30.439 you see to be 00:32:30.439 --> 00:32:31.139 faithful in the 00:32:31.139 --> 00:32:31.879 work of the Lord 00:32:31.879 --> 00:32:33.240 and encourage them 00:32:33.240 --> 00:32:33.740 this week. 00:32:34.779 --> 00:32:35.960 Start small this 00:32:35.960 --> 00:32:36.099 week. 00:32:36.159 --> 00:32:36.659 I'd say do it 00:32:36.659 --> 00:32:37.839 once a day. 00:32:37.839 --> 00:32:39.480 An email, a text 00:32:39.480 --> 00:32:40.599 message, a slap 00:32:40.599 --> 00:32:41.419 on the back even 00:32:41.419 --> 00:32:43.199 before we leave the 00:32:43.199 --> 00:32:43.939 church tonight. 00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:46.379 Encourage people, 00:32:46.919 --> 00:32:47.539 encourage your 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:48.879 fellow congregant in 00:32:48.879 --> 00:32:49.759 this church, your 00:32:49.759 --> 00:32:50.679 brother and sister in 00:32:50.679 --> 00:32:52.220 the Lord to hear the 00:32:52.220 --> 00:32:53.359 words of God, to 00:32:53.359 --> 00:32:54.879 heed them, to keep 00:32:54.879 --> 00:32:55.819 the name of Christ 00:32:55.819 --> 00:32:57.119 for himself, to 00:32:57.119 --> 00:32:58.579 stand in the day of 00:32:58.579 --> 00:32:58.959 trial. 00:33:01.419 --> 00:33:02.480 I think this will 00:33:02.480 --> 00:33:04.379 cultivate both a 00:33:04.379 --> 00:33:05.079 spirit of Christ 00:33:05.079 --> 00:33:07.319 likeness and also a 00:33:07.319 --> 00:33:08.259 spirit of gratefulness, 00:33:08.799 --> 00:33:10.019 to look at just how 00:33:10.019 --> 00:33:11.599 graced and blessed we 00:33:11.599 --> 00:33:13.000 are to be in a place 00:33:13.000 --> 00:33:14.419 surrounded by brothers 00:33:14.419 --> 00:33:15.839 and sisters who love 00:33:15.839 --> 00:33:17.240 the Lord and who 00:33:17.240 --> 00:33:18.139 desire with everything 00:33:18.139 --> 00:33:19.579 in us to stand. 00:33:20.859 --> 00:33:22.259 I pray that this text 00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:23.679 to the Philadelphians 00:33:23.679 --> 00:33:26.039 tonight encourages us 00:33:26.039 --> 00:33:26.980 on that journey. 00:33:27.679 --> 00:33:28.159 Let's pray. 00:33:30.659 --> 00:33:31.519 Lord, we thank you 00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:32.240 that you have seen fit 00:33:32.240 --> 00:33:33.399 to speak to the 00:33:33.399 --> 00:33:34.240 Philadelphians in this 00:33:34.240 --> 00:33:35.799 way, that you preserve 00:33:35.799 --> 00:33:36.819 this letter for us. 00:33:37.159 --> 00:33:38.399 They were small and 00:33:38.399 --> 00:33:39.399 weak, yet they were 00:33:39.399 --> 00:33:40.779 faithful and they 00:33:40.779 --> 00:33:43.240 form an example for 00:33:43.240 --> 00:33:44.500 us to be faithful, 00:33:44.700 --> 00:33:44.799 Lord. 00:33:45.419 --> 00:33:46.000 I pray that we would 00:33:46.000 --> 00:33:46.740 be encouraging to those 00:33:46.740 --> 00:33:47.259 around us. 00:33:47.599 --> 00:33:48.259 I pray that we would 00:33:48.259 --> 00:33:49.419 strive for greater and 00:33:49.419 --> 00:33:50.839 greater faithfulness, to 00:33:50.839 --> 00:33:52.319 endure in the midst of 00:33:52.319 --> 00:33:53.440 trial and tribulation, 00:33:53.720 --> 00:33:55.319 and to see every small 00:33:55.319 --> 00:33:57.940 work as one day to be 00:33:57.940 --> 00:33:58.919 written down in the book 00:33:58.919 --> 00:34:01.039 of the annals of your 00:34:01.039 --> 00:34:02.500 people and your history, 00:34:02.659 --> 00:34:02.799 Lord. 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:02.879 Lord. 00:34:03.839 --> 00:34:04.579 Now give us a heart of 00:34:04.579 --> 00:34:05.779 worship as we conclude 00:34:05.779 --> 00:34:07.119 this service with singing. 00:34:07.680 --> 00:34:08.360 In Jesus name I pray. 00:34:08.599 --> 00:34:08.840 Amen. 00:34:08.840 --> 00:34:08.940 Amen. 00:34:17.940 --> 00:34:19.340 Brothers and sisters, as we 00:34:19.340 --> 00:34:20.380 think about the word that 00:34:20.380 --> 00:34:22.440 Justin just encouraged us 00:34:22.440 --> 00:34:24.139 with, we want to use this 00:34:24.139 --> 00:34:25.719 final worship time as a 00:34:25.719 --> 00:34:27.800 means to focus our hearts 00:34:27.800 --> 00:34:28.860 back on Christ. 00:34:29.500 --> 00:34:31.500 And this is what these last 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.360 two songs are about. 00:34:32.880 --> 00:34:33.760 So please stand and 00:34:33.760 --> 00:34:34.440 worship with us. 00:34:34.440 --> 00:34:34.559 Amen.