Sermon 241

SERMON 241 — THE CHURCH WITH AN OPENED DOOR

Text: Revelation 3:7–8
Date: September 13, 1942
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

The sixth letter is addressed to the church at Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. This too was a worldly heathen city. That its name was Philadelphia was not due to any actual spirit of brotherly love found there, but because it was named in honor of a ruler who had shown great love for his brother.The church in Philadelphia is like the church in Smyrna in that the Lord finds no fault in her, but only mentions her virtues. The outstanding virtue of this church seems to be her love for missions — she is a mission-minded church. She is active in the work the Lord has given His church to do. Let us hear what the Lord has to say about her.

SUBJECT: THE CHURCH WITH AN OPENED DOOR

I. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE OPENED DOOR

A. Not simply a door open to all who would enter
1. It is true that all who desire to hear what the Spirit says are welcome.
2. And all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are welcome to membership.
3. But this is not the meaning of the open door here.

B. Neither does it refer to Christ as the Door
1. Christ is the Door to God.
2. But that applies to every congregation, not uniquely to this one.

C. It is the open door spoken of by Paul (2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3; Acts 14:27)
1. The opportunity to preach the gospel, to do missionary work.
2. The opening of hearts so they become receptive to the gospel.
3. This church has a special chance to do mission work in her own community.
  a. That is her first duty.
  b. Not only to bring the gospel afar, but to shine where God placed her.
  c. What good does a lamp do if it gives no light in the room where it is located.

II. WHO HAS GIVEN HER AN OPENED DOOR

A. The opportunity for mission work is a gift
1. The desire to do the work is a gift — it is not natural to us.
2. The opportunity to do mission work is also a gift.
3. The willingness of others to receive the gospel is a gift, as in the case of Lydia.Hearts are naturally closed to grace until God opens them.

B. Christ makes clear that He has given this open door
1. He is the Holy One, the true Messiah, the Son of David, who has the key.
2. He has the power to open and shut, and no man can hinder Him.
3. He has given this church an open door — a special favor.
  a. We often act as if we are doing Christ a favor by doing mission work.
  b. But there could be no success if Christ Himself did not open the door.
4. Christ is giving this church an even wider door than before.

III. IT IS A SPECIAL REWARD FOR THE CHURCH

A. A reward received in this life
1. A reward of grace, not merit.
2. A special favor granted to her.
3. She has been found worthy — capable of receiving this responsibility.

B. The Lord has taken notice of her works
1. He finds she is ready for a greater task.
2. She is being promoted.

C. This little church has been faithful over a little
1. She was weak, small in size, not rich, not powerful, not especially educated.
2. She kept the Lord’s Word.
  a. She held fast to the truth.
  b. She did not forsake Christ’s law.
3. She did not deny Christ’s Name.
4. She let her light shine in the darkness.
5. She faithfully witnessed for Christ — therefore Christ gives her even greater opportunity.
6. Her faithfulness is rewarded.

CONCLUSION

Do we have an opened door.Are we making use of the opening we have.Have we been found worthy of greater responsibility.Are we faithful.We do not have a little power — we have much.Few congregations of our size in our denomination have been blessed with such resources.Few communities have so much work needing to be done.Has Christ set before us an open door.If so — what will we do with it.