"Philadelphia and the Name"

The Outline: 

Prologue  (1:1-8)

  I.  “THE THINGS WHICH YOU HAVE SEEN”

 II.  “THE THINGS WHICH ARE”

III.  “THE THINGS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE”

Epilogue  (22:6-21)

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 II.  “THE THINGS WHICH ARE”

     A.  Ephesus  (2:1-7)

     B.  Smyrna  (2:8-11)

     C.  Pergamum  (2:12-17)

     D.  Thyatira  (2:18-29)

     E.  Sardis  (3:1-6)

     F.  Philadelphia  (3:7-13)

     G.  Laodicea  (3:14-22)

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 F.  Philadelphia  (3:7-13)

1. Commission[i]

[i] This alliteration of characteristics from Daniel/Revelation Class Notes; Dr. Kenneth F. McKinley, LeTourneau College, 1973.

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APPENDIX: “In His Name”[i]

1Corinthians 1:10-15

INTRODUCTION

Note: Full Name, “Lord Jesus Christ”

The significance of the “Name” of the Lord or activities associated with His “Name” is not to be found in its mere letters or syllables in a particular language.  “His Name” does not have authority or influence because of some superstition attached to its pronunciation.  It has its meaning and significance because it represents Him, His identity, His person and His work.  In short, you could say it is His “reputation.”  Try quoting any of the verses referenced below by substituting the word “reputation” as a synonym for “name.”  For instance, the familiar 23rd Psalm becomes clearer:  “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His reputation’s sake.”

THE OLD TESTAMENT

There are approximately 350 references to the “name of the Lord” in the Old Testament in regard to one aspect or another.

1. HISTORICAL

In Genesis it is used six times in the context of “calling on the Name …”:

• Men in general(4:26):  During the time of human history connected with the birth of Seth’s son Enosh, it is said they “. . . began to call upon the name of the LORD.”

In Exodus:

• “I Am …My name forever”(3:14-15)

In other references God associates His Name:

• With a Place(Deuteronomy 12:11; 26:2)

1. SIGNIFICANCE

• It is “Everlasting”(Psalm 135:13)

THE NEW TESTAMENT

1. HISTORICAL

• John the Baptist associated the name “Jehovah” with the person of Jesus Christ.(Matthew 3:3 with Isaiah 40:3)

1. PROMISES RELATED TO HIS NAME

• Believing:LIFE  (John 20:31)

Notice: There are two promises associated with gathering “in His Name.”  One concerns Christ’s own presence in the gathering, regardless of how small it may be.  And the other gives Paul the authority to call for the discipline of a member when they are assembled.

1. CONDUCT

• Living Morally(2Timothy 2:19):  Even though it is humanly impossible to know for certain about another’s salvation, yet being identified as one who “names the name of the Lord” is enough to challenge a lifestyle change that refrains from immorality.

1. EXCELLENCE

• “His name ALONE” (Acts 4:12)

      - Not sharing competition from other names  (Isaiah 42:8 and 1Corinthians 1:10-15):  Why risk a division of “glory” by adding a second name of identification, such as ‘this’ or ‘that type’ of Christian?

      - Other possible names taken by believers:

               Other People:  prominent church leaders or founders.  There is little question that renowned men and women of courage and faith should be recognized, but why make their names an association to distinguish one group of believers from another.

               A Doctrine:  whether in error or correct is not at issue here.  But the fact that even a right doctrine is selected as a point of identity of a particular group, as if no other holds that same truth, gives way to spiritual pride, division and confusion.

               An Order or Method:  that is a certain way of doing things.  It may be unique and real, but it should not be elevated to the status of forming our identity or label to separate us from other gatherings of believers.

               A Government or Organizational Structure:  as above, may accurately describe the way a group of churches have chosen to associate themselves.  It may designate a hierarchy of “bishops” or a committee of “overseers” or a loose confederation, but it should not be the distinguishing mark of a group of churches.

               Right Names but with Wrong Attitude:  Even those who identified themselves as “of Christ” in the context of exclusive pride were included in Paul’s rebuke!  So even the name “Christian” should not be taken as if all the rest were not. Consider: “Churches of Christ” is used only ONE time in the NT (Rom 16:16); “Church(es) of God” is used ELEVEN times (Acts 20:28; 1Cor 1:2; 10:32; 11:16, 22; 15:9; 2Cor 1:1; Gal 1:13; 1Thess 2:14; 2Thess 1:4; 1Tim 3:5); “The church of the living God” is used ONCE (1Tim 3:15)

                           Only the Idea Of “His Name Alone”:  Some non-denominational churches use this; taking no other label as if the absence of such makes them superior.

- ‘David’s Denomination’  (Psalm 119:63):  There is a simplicity and a freedom that comes from sincerely and humbly identifying yourself as “a companion of all those who fear Thee.”

• “Do ALL in His name” (Colossians 3:17):  Everything we do and are should be in identification with His name (His reputation) and that certainly includes our association with His church.

Note: The name “Christian” was started by outsiders (Acts 11:26; 26:28) and Peter used it in the context of persecution (1Peter 4:16);

[i] Excerpt from the book From the Fold to the Flock by Glendall Toney, July 2012; Xulon Press.