In The Last Days — Philadelphia and Laodicea

Introduction

In the first part of this Section the Scriptures are simply allowed to speak in relation to the way in which Christ is presented to the assembly in the Asian provincial city of Philadelphia (Rev. 3: 7-13). The attitude of approval which the Lord takes towards Philadelphia, expressed in His own gracious words, as well as His word of warning to them and His word of encouragement to the overcomer, are full of instruction for each of us today.

In the second part of this Section, we are shown the Lord's presentation of Himself to the assembly in the Asian city of Laodicea (Rev. 3: 14-19). The Lord first exposes the Laodiceans with strong words of disapproval, then counsels them, deals with them, shows His grace to them, and finally gives a word to the overcomer.

By studying the Lord's addresses to the seven assemblies of the Roman province of Asia in Revelation 2 and 3, and particularly the addresses to Philadelphia and Laodicea as presented in this Section, we are able to discern assembly conduct which brings both the Lord's strongest approval and strongest disapproval.

Consequently, we as individual believers are able to better judge whether or not our "church" position and attitudes meet with the Lord's approval by being Philadelphian in character, or whether we have drifted towards Laodicean walk, influence and attitude (Ed.).