Revelation 3:8 ESV
“‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Paul says in 2Corinthians, "When I am weak, I am strong". In our weakness we are able to more clearly experience the power and strength of our Savior. It is from that position and posture that we are more likely to know more of the depth of His love, to feel His arms around us, and to rely on His way and not ours. His strength then becomes ours. It is our need which begins to open our eyes to His grace and love. The church in this city has little power, yet it is overcoming the world. They are doing this by holding on to His word and His name. We recognize His voice and follow after Him as He leads the way. They demonstrate love for God in their obedience.
Jesus opened the door to life and these Philadelphians walked through that door into the very life of God. They have not grown faint in the face of persecution, but persevere. By persevering they flourish in their faith.
Able -δύναμαι * dunamai * doo'-nam-ahee * Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible: - be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power. (CWS)
He is more than able.
λόγος * logos * log'-os. Word.(CWS) The Divine expression of God.
His manifestation in the world. When we keep His word, we too give expression of the Living God. When united with His Spirit we are joined within the fellowship of the Trinity. We are one with Him. This the word, the living word.
θύρα * thura * thoo'-rah. Door or gate.(CWS)
The same word Jesus used in speaking of His sheep. His sheep enter His pasture, or rest, through door He provides. Other sheep try to enter another way.
Acts 14:27
And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
1 Corinthians 16:8-9
But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
2 Corinthians 2:12-13
12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
Colossians 4:3-4
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Job 12:14
If he tears down, none can rebuild;
if he shuts a man in, none can open.
Job 11:10-12
If he passes through and imprisons
and summons the court, who can turn him back?
11 For he knows worthless men;
when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
12 But a stupid man will get understanding
when a wild donkey's colt is born a man!
John 14:20-21
In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
John 15:20-23
Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. ’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also.
John 17:6-7
“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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