By: Pastor Rick Smith

Jesus told the Philadelphia church, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8). Every church and every Christian should desire to have an open door set before them. Paul asked the Colossians to pray for him and his team, “…that God may open to us a door for the word…” (Colossians 4:3). Paul was asking prayer for what Jesus gave to the Philadelphia church. For Paul, the Philadelphia church, and us the open door is an opportunity, an opportunity to proclaim the word of the gospel. The primary reason for our being here and now is to finish the task of getting the good news of Jesus Christ into this world.

Jesus knew the works of the Philadelphia church. “I know thy works:…for thou hast a little strength…”. Jesus judges His churches and His people by what they do, whether good or bad. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is not for salvation, but for reward. Jesus already knows His sheep—Jesus knows those that are His Own. The proof that you and I belong to Him is the works that we produce. Jesus says of the Philadelphia church that it had “little strength”. Maybe it was a small struggling church with no outward strength. Or, maybe it was just weak. Looking at that church made you wonder how it could survive. Paul said of himself: “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Why? Because of Paul’s weakness, his thorn in the flesh, and the grace of God. God told Paul, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). A little strength is not a hindrance to good works.

Jesus, also said, “I know thy works:… and (you have) kept my word…”. They didn’t have just an acquaintance with God’s word, they kept it, they obey it. I have known people that could quote the Bible better than me, but they only had head knowledge. God’s word had not entered into their hearts to be loved and obeyed. They had not fallen into compromise with the world. They didn’t water down the gospel. No, they proclaimed it as clearly as they could. They had it in their hearts. They talked about it with family and others. They made His word a daily part of their lives. They lived out Deuteronomy 6. Read it for yourself and ask yourself if that is how you are keeping His word?

Jesus said, “I know thy works:…(you have) not denied my name.”. The church in Philadelphia still carried the name Christian. They still told others about Jesus. They were not ashamed to mention Jesus to their family, friends, and neighbors. They proclaimed that Jesus is Lord even though it could cost them their lives to do so. They refused to put incense on Caesar’s altar and say “Caesar is lord.”. There was no compromise with their allegiance to Christ. They were willing to die rather than deny Jesus’ name.

Whether we like it our not we are all being examined by our Lord. Jesus looks at all of us and says, “I know thy works…”. We may be able to fool others, but we can’t fool Jesus. He sees us as we are and knows us better than we know ourselves. Some of you may have audited yourself in preparation for this coming year. That’s good, but make sure you do a thorough spiritual examination of yourself. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Are you a true believer, a true Christian? Then pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalms 139:23). Just remember Jesus knows your works. At the end of the letters to the seven churches, Jesus gives an invitation. It is often taken out of context. Jesus is not knocking at the heart’s door of the lost, but He is knocking at the door of the church. Listen to Jesus’ invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20). Will you open the door of your church to Jesus? You may be only one, but you will be rewarded by Jesus’ presence and fellowship.

If you have any questions, we invite you to visit with us this Sunday. Worship at 10:50 A.M. We are located at 711 West Washington Ave. Check our sermon videos on Youtube @ricksmith2541. Send comments and prayer requests to prayerlinecmbc@gmail.com.

Rick Smith is the Pastor at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Artesia.