January 10, 2010
Pillars of Righteousness 
Pastor John Sprecher

“PILLARS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS”
Text: Revelation 3:7-13
Introduction: The church at Philadelphia was in a difficult place, but had great promise.  They had been promised an open door which no man could shut.  They had also been faithful even in weakness.

1. THE OPEN DOOR
1. Jesus is the One who holds the keys
1. He is said to have the key of David
2. He gave the keys to the Kingdom to Peter (Matthew 16:19)
3. Speaks of authority, which Jesus claimed to have in totality (Matthew 28:20)
2. Little strength
1. Our insignificance is overcome by His great power
2. Paul– when I am weak, then I am strong (II Cor. 12:9-10)
3. Faithfulness to His Word
1. Obedience- love
2. Make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)
4. Have not denied His name
1. If we confess Him before men, He will confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32)
2. KEPT BY HIS GRACE
1. Kept command to persevere
1. Remain faithful
2. Retain passion
1. Elder brother, obedience without passion
2. Preservation from the hour of trial
3. Hold fast so no one takes crown
3. GREAT PROMISE– PILLARS IN THE TEMPLE
1. To the overcomers
1. The process of maturing (I John 2:12-14)
1. Little children know forgiveness of sin and know the Father
2. Young men have overcome the wicked one
1. passions run strong
2. the Word dwells within
3. Fathers
1. known Him who is from the beginning
2. have reproduced
2. The Word and the blood (Rev. 12:10-11)
1. The accuser is cast down
2. The blood of Christ defeats satan
3. The Word of testimony
4. Loved not lives to death
1. save life, lose it (Mark 8:34-38)
2. greater is He in you then he who is in the world (I John 4:4)
2. Pillars in the temple of God
1. Has both a future and present application
2. James, Peter and John were perceived to be pillars in the church at Jerusalem (Gal. 2:9)
3. Pillars support the structure
4. Pillars are unmovable 
5. Pillars are clear on identity
1. I will write the name of God on Him
2. The name of the city of God
3. The new name of the Lamb
6. Will there be pillars with your name on them?  (I Kings 7:21)
1. Solomon built the temple and named two of the pillars
1. Jachin- the fourth son of Simeon and also one of the heads of the priests. His name means ‘God shall establish’
2. Boaz– the great-grandfather of David, who would say to his reapers “The Lord be with you.” (Ruth 2:4) His name means ‘In Him is strength’