This study was first taught on December 15, 2019

Topic: The Assessment of the Churches (26): The Church in Philadelphia (Epilogue)

(use the audio to study)

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Background
Last week, we concluded on "The Two Assemblies", looking at the Lord's assessment of the church in Philadelphia. We noted that:
1. Anytime there is a church that will not give Satan access into it, he sets up an assembly of people with claims to worshipping God, as a means to sway the unsuspecting away from God.
2. Those in the true church face persecution and hardship, usually orchestrated by Satan so that they can be derailed from their devotion and loyalty to God, and Satan will then have access. So, we must not shy away from enduring hardship and rejoicing in persecution.
3. In churches where Satan had access, we noted that there were individuals in those churches who were not swayed, but maintained their devotion and loyalty to God. Christianity is a personal walk with the Lord, and we must walk that walk, sometimes, alone.
4. All those who are serving Satan now (and that is anyone who is not serving God as He ought to be served) shall sooner (here on the earth) or later (in eternity in hell) bow down and worship Jesus. Our advice: let it be sooner than later!
5. The Lord will show to the whole world all those whom He loves by manifesting Himself in them. If you love Him, you will keep His commandment and He'll come and dwell with you.

Scripture Text(s)
Revelation 3:10-1
We see in these verses, some crucial themes such as, the reward for keeping the word of God; the imminence of the Lord's return; a warning to hold fast to what they already have; and, a reward for overcomers. As we take a closer look at these themes in brief, we pray that the Holy Spirit will make all things clearer to us, Amen.
It is our intention to wrap up the Lord's assessment of the church in Philadelphia with this study, as we look at the concluding verses of the Lord's comments to the church, and indeed, the church today.
Genesis 22:1-2, 15-18; 1 Samuel 13:13-14; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Deuteronomy 25:17-18; Numbers 31:16 (25:1-13); Mark 14:37-38; Acts 1:13; 12:1-2; Luke 12:35-40; Ephesians 6:10-18; Philippians 3:12-14; Luke 21:34-36; Matthew 24:3-13; Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:18-19; 2 Chronicles 33:10-16, 21-24.

Conclusion
By the assessment of the church in Philadelphia, we have seen the importance and value of prompt obedience to God and of remaining loyal to God, no matter the challenges and difficulties. Also, the church in Philadelphia has debunked the myth of God's favour on mega-churches or wealthy churches; and, the church in Philadelphia tells us that God is in a small church as He is in a poor church, provided they keep His word and do not deny His name. furthermore, we have also learnt that not every gathering of people claiming to worship God is a church—it could be a gathering unto Satan!

In this study, we have seen that there are tremendous rewards for obedience to God, and sometimes, these are not known in advance, hence, the believer is counselled to always obey the word of God. Some of the rewards we saw include protection on the earth, eternal security, the kingdom of God, and the dynasty of descendants in a spiritual sense. We have also seen that we cannot be complacent, casual or careless because Satan is waiting in the wings for a moment of weakness in us—despair, depression, desire for what God has clearly warned us against, etc.

We have also seen that it is imperative that we endure the challenges and difficulties in life that may be thrown at us by Satan, till the end. If you are doing alright now, make sure that you continue till you go to be with the Lord—don't relax! Let us be reminded that all Satan needs is one chance to trip us up! Our small victories are worth celebrating, but we must never take our eyes off the endpoint. Satan does not mind you winning battles, as long as you don't win the war! Beloved, we are at war—always remember that—and it is God who will give the victory—so don't take your eyes off the Lord (<strong>Hebrews 12:2</strong>)!

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