Revelation #8 – Study Questions

Kyle Bartholic   -   April 13, 2023

Revelation CGS – Week 8

A message to Philadelphia – Embrace an eternal perspective.

Revelation 3:7-13

 

INTRODUCTION:  This week, we pick back up in the book of Revelation after a two-week break for Easter. As we have been going through the second section in Revelation, we are reminded of the reality that the seven churches were real churches that faced real pressures. Their stories, commendations, warnings, and being called out remind us that we are not all that different from them. In fact, in each church, we can see a part of ourselves, our struggles, and how we are growing to be like Jesus. So, Philadelphia, what kind of place was it? Philadelphia was founded c.140 bc at the junction of the approaches to Mysia, Lydia and Phrygia. It was not unjustly called ‘the gateway to the East’. Its founder, Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamum, from whom the city derived its name, intended it to be a center of missionary activity for the Hellenistic way of life. The city was prosperous, partly from its strategic situation, partly from the grape growing that flourished in the vicinity. It was a center of worship of the god Dionysos, but contained also temples to many other gods. Volcanic activity caused hot springs in the vicinity, but also earthquakes from time to time. Philadelphia suffered from the earthquake of ad 17 and received imperial assistance for rebuilding. The church was evidently small (v. 8), but of good quality. Its enemies came from outside, not inside, for there is no mention of heresy or factiousness. It had a good deal in common with that at Smyrna. Both receive no blame, only praise. Both suffered from those who called themselves Jews and were not, both were persecuted it would seem by the Romans, both are assured that the opposition is satanic, and both are promised a crown.[1] The people of Philadelphia would appreciate references to a new name more than most. While the name Philadelphia persisted, twice the city had received a new name: that of Neocaesarea, as a sign of gratitude for Tiberius’s help in rebuilding after the earthquake, and later Flavia, after the family name of the emperor Vespasian.[2]

 

In Jesus’ words to this church we do not hear a condemnation or warning as we have will all the others except, Smyrna. That is not to say that this was a perfect church, it wasn’t, and there won’t be one on this side of heaven. Instead, we a church that is thriving and healthy spiritually even in the midst of significant social pressure and their relatively small numbers. Jesus reminds them that what he has given, no one can take away. Even as they are living in a place that is on the crossroads of ideas and culture, they are to continue enduring patiently even as they do not seem to have any influence. Why? Because Jesus is ultimately in control of history and does not lack for power or influence. Again, what he has given them, no one can take away, and they are to live out of that new identity. In other words, eternally changed people look for the eternal perspective.

 

 

 

GETTING STARTED – We live in a place that is, in many ways, a crossroads for ideas. Share about your experience in how Christianity is received. Is it received well, rejected, respected, seen as a valid option, etc.? Note, please focus on interpersonal interactions and not ones on social media. Or, share about a time in which your perspective changed for the better or to see things more completely and how that shift in perspective happened.

 

 

IN THE WORD –   Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.

First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)

 

Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.

 

Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?

 

 

 

Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Revelation can be a tough book. Here are some questions that might help with discussion.

  1. What stands out to you about this church’s situation and the image of Jesus that is presented to them? How does that apply or speak to your spiritual life?
  2. In what ways have you experienced “living at the crossroads” of ideas? How has that informed, stretched, and even strengthened your faith?
  3. What are the key ingredients (i.e., Scripture, prayer, community, etc.) to being able to endure faithfully? What happens, or what have you experienced when one is lacking? How do you cultivate the things needed to endure faithfully?
  4. What is the most difficult aspect of endurance? And how does the pursuit of endurance begin to shift your perspective?
  5. How had looking for the eternal perspective shaped your life so far? Think about parenting, relationships, finances and career, and your identity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] Leon Morris, Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 20, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987), 80.

[2] Leon Morris, Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 20, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987), 83.