6. Philadelphia – Christ`s Character and His Purposes. (Rev. 3: 7 – 13)
Christ reveals His Character (Holy) & His Purposes (True) to this group of believers, and then He opens up to them His riches of wisdom & knowledge.
`These things says He who is Holy, He who is true, .....
See I have set before you an open door...`
(Rev. 3: 7 & 8)
Christ`s Character
“`He who is holy .....` (Rev. 3: 7)
Holy – Gk. Word `hosios,` meaning right by intrinsic or divine character.
As Christ reveals His divine character to these believers they are changed into His likeness. (2 Peter 1: 4) They are not partial or sectarian but have a love for all the brethren, the Body of Christ. This is shown by their name which reveals their character..
Philadelphia - `Philos` - fond, & `adelphos` - brother, meaning - love of the brethren.
They have a desire to see the Body of Christ come to full maturity.
`...speaking the truth in love,
may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ - `
(Eph. 4: 15)
Christ`s Purposes
These believers are given the true riches in Christ, a full understanding of Him, His character & His purposes so they can help the Body of Christ come to full maturity. This is symbolised by `the key of David.`
`He who has the key of David,
He who opens & no one shuts, & shuts & no one opens.`
(Rev. 3: 7)
The key of David unlocked Israel`s national treasures, but Christ unlocks His treasures, the true riches of wisdom & knowledge of Himself. An `open door` means access to this true wisdom & knowledge of Christ. (Phil.3: 8 – 10)
`Christ,..... in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge.`
(Col. 2: 3)
The wisdom & knowledge of Christ`s purposes involves an understanding of the 3 groups -
The Body of Christ, Israel & the Nations. ( 1 Cor.10: 32)
Knowing Christ`s purposes for each group brings a clarity to God`s word. Christ & His purposes are the centre, not us.
Believers then can clearly see what is happening on the world scene & speak confidently but humbly to others of what God is doing & why. This brings encouragement & growth in others. Then many who were in error will gain understanding, acknowledging that God says of the Philadelphia ones -
`I have loved you.` (Rev. 3: 9)
Christ reveals His Character (Holy) & His Purposes (True) to this group of believers, and then He opens up to them His riches of wisdom & knowledge.
`These things says He who is Holy, He who is true, .....
See I have set before you an open door...`
(Rev. 3: 7 & 8)
Christ`s Character
“`He who is holy .....` (Rev. 3: 7)
Holy – Gk. Word `hosios,` meaning right by intrinsic or divine character.
As Christ reveals His divine character to these believers they are changed into His likeness. (2 Peter 1: 4) They are not partial or sectarian but have a love for all the brethren, the Body of Christ. This is shown by their name which reveals their character..
Philadelphia - `Philos` - fond, & `adelphos` - brother, meaning - love of the brethren.
They have a desire to see the Body of Christ come to full maturity.
`...speaking the truth in love,
may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ - `
(Eph. 4: 15)
Christ`s Purposes
These believers are given the true riches in Christ, a full understanding of Him, His character & His purposes so they can help the Body of Christ come to full maturity. This is symbolised by `the key of David.`
`He who has the key of David,
He who opens & no one shuts, & shuts & no one opens.`
(Rev. 3: 7)
The key of David unlocked Israel`s national treasures, but Christ unlocks His treasures, the true riches of wisdom & knowledge of Himself. An `open door` means access to this true wisdom & knowledge of Christ. (Phil.3: 8 – 10)
`Christ,..... in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge.`
(Col. 2: 3)
The wisdom & knowledge of Christ`s purposes involves an understanding of the 3 groups -
The Body of Christ, Israel & the Nations. ( 1 Cor.10: 32)
Knowing Christ`s purposes for each group brings a clarity to God`s word. Christ & His purposes are the centre, not us.
Believers then can clearly see what is happening on the world scene & speak confidently but humbly to others of what God is doing & why. This brings encouragement & growth in others. Then many who were in error will gain understanding, acknowledging that God says of the Philadelphia ones -
`I have loved you.` (Rev. 3: 9)
