This post is Day 2 in a series of studies about “Doors & Gates”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

Doors & Gates – Day 2

In the letters to the churches in the early chapters of Revelation, John is writing what Jesus dictates. This verse is taken from the letter to the church in Philadelphia. It is an encouraging letter with no criticism, unlike the other 6 churches that John is asked to write to.

Revelation 3:8

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.

The Thought

In the letters to the churches in the early chapters of Revelation, John, (imprisoned on the isle of Patmos), is writing what Jesus dictates. The verse today is taken from the letter to the church in Philadelphia. It is an encouraging letter with no criticism, unlike the other 6 churches that John is asked to write to.

This letter begins with a declaration that Jesus holds the key to the door. These are the words of Him who is faithful and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no-one can shut, and what He shuts no-one can open.

The key of David is praise. He was known as a musician, (to king Saul at one time), and his psalms are sung all over the world in all different styles of music and types of church. Praise is one of the keys to opening the door to Heavenly things. This Philadelphian church is obviously getting things right. Jesus saw what they were doing as He sees what each of us is doing all the time! (a scary thought!)

By keeping His word and not denying His name, the members of this fellowship had found the way to open this door to Heavenly things, the Philadelphians had access to much more answered prayer, much more revelation of God and many more blessings.

What a gift, but they had earned it!

Action

What do you think God’s response would be if He looked closely at your church today?

Read the letters to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 & 3 and reflect on which one is most like yours.

Imagine what spiritual gifts could be inside this open door that Jesus opened for this church. Pray for them.

Allow yourself to be excited about the doors God wants to open for you this year.