7 Churches | week 6:  Keep the Faith

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We have all undoubtedly heard stories about missionaries who were executed for refusing to deny their faith in Jesus. It may be unlikely that we will ever be presented with this kind of life or death situation but we will nonetheless be forced to make difficult decisions. It may result in something as minor as not being invited to the party or something bigger like being passed over for a promotion. Rejection and ridicule will come from the culture if we take a stand for the Gospel. When asked what things are better, worldly or heaven, the answer may be clear but it is not always the easy choice. In the first epistle of John we read, “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Keep the faith.

 

READ Matthew 10:32-33

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 Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.

 

READ this passage again and consider these related questions.

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What is the eschatological message in this verse?

 

In ways do we acknowledge Jesus in our daily lives?

 

In ways might we disown Jesus in our daily lives?

 

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

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Read Revelation 3:7-13

 

1. Discuss the important promises about Jesus that we find in verse 7.

 

2. Consider Galatians 5:22-23. How is the fruit of the Holy Spirit on display in the church of Philadelphia?

 

Read Matthew 25:10-13. 

 

3.  Compare this to verse 10-11. What is the similar message?

 

4. Consider the reference to “doors” in both passages. What do you see?

 

5. Compare Rev 3:9 to Matthew 5:12. What is the big picture?

 

6.  What is the significance of having names written and given to the faithful believers (v12)?

 

7. Read Isaiah 62:2. How does this promise to Zion relate to this promise to Philadelphia?

 

8. Discuss some of the other times God gave people new names: Abraham, Jacob, Peter. What was the purpose and the outcome?

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