Recently, as I approached the door to my office at work, I clicked the unlock button on the fob for my car.
A few years ago, I attempted to open an elevator door three times by waving my work fob in front of the buttons.
As you probably guessed, neither of these scenarios resulted in the outcome I had attempted to cause.
Thankfully, in the more recent scenario, I caught myself much quicker than in the older example.
What does this have to do with Revelation 3:7-13?
Christ promises I don’t need to concern myself regarding the door to heaven.
Why?
Because he has the key and has already opened the door.
Are you listening?
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Six
A Study of Revelation 3:7-13 | The Passage
To the Church in Philadelphia
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘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. [i]
Looking back to the Old Testament, compare this verse with Isaiah 22:20-22. Why is Christ describing himself in these terms?
Now looking ahead, how does Revelation 6:9-11 relate to this description of Christ?
8 “ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.[ii]
What does Christ reveal about the situation the Church in Philadelphia has already faced?
How is an open door an encouragement to them? (Look ahead to Revelation 3:12)
9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.[iii]
How well does Christ know people’s hearts?
Explain the significance of bowing down before another person’s feet.
Describe the possibilities of why the Church in Philadelphia needed this specific encouragement.
10 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, to try those who dwell on the earth.[iv]
Compare Isaiah 43:1-7 with this verse.
Are these verses saying that the Church in Philadelphia won’t experience difficulties? Why or why not?
11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.[v]
Review Revelation 6:9-11 again, then explain what Christ means by “soon.”
What is the Church in Philadelphia told to do while they wait? Why?
How does Revelation 2:9-10 relate to this verse?
12 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 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.[vi]
List the things Christ does for those who remain steadfast.
13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ [vii]
Again, Christ ends with this reminder to listen to the Spirit. Even for a church that only received praise and encouragement, why is it still important for them to keep listening to Christ?
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Six
A Study of Revelation 3:7-13 | Application
To the Church in Philadelphia
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘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. [viii]
How does this description of Christ provide encouragement to you, a friend’s, or family member’s circumstances?
8 “ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.[ix]
Describe a situation when you needed this type of encouragement. How did Christ bring it to you?
9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.[x]
Who comes to your mind when you read this verse? Why?
Pray for their salvation.
10 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, to try those who dwell on the earth.[xi]
Where in your life do you need to continue to persevere with patient endurance for Christ?
11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.[xii]
Consider memorizing this verse to help you hold fast in times of patient endurance.
12 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 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.[xiii]
Does this excite you? Why or why not?
13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ [xiv]
Set a timer for five minutes, close your eyes, and simply listen. Afterwards, write about your experience.
Did you find this hard to do? Why or why not?
Try this once a day for the next week or longer. Listening takes practice.
May the Lord speak clearly as you listen for His voice through study of His word and simple silence.
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
Leave a prayer of your own in the comments below or share something on social media.
Quick links to other posts in this series on Revelation:
What God Chose to Reveal | Revelation 1:1-8
Seeing Through John’s Vision | Revelation 1:9-20
Responding to Christ’s Review Part One | Revelation 2:1-7
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Two | Revelation 2:8-11
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Three | Revelation 2:12-17
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Four | Revelation 2:18-29
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Five | Revelation 3:1-6
[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:7.
[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:8.
[iii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:9.
[iv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:10.
[v] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:11.
[vi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:12.
[vii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:13.
[viii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:7.
[ix] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:8.
[x] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:9.
[xi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:10.
[xii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:11.
[xiii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:12.
[xiv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:13.