In the previous studies, we have examined the seven churches of Revelation. Using a flight narrative, we traveled to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Laodicea, and finally arriving in Philadelphia. Philadelphia was not the last church John mentioned in his list. I switched a couple around because I wanted to highlight the deficiencies found in those churches. Philadelphia became a destination to desire because it lacked in nothing.

Each church brought us warnings and advice regarding our own spiritual lives. We are to concentrate on having our hearts in the right place and not simply looking the part. We should be willing to take a stand for Christ. We should remain alert so we can discern falsehoods that come from without and within. We are to remain pure, full of life and vigor for Christ, and free from the complacency that can paralyze our spirits.

Well, this is certainly easier said than done. It’s one thing to read this advice in the Bible, and to even believe the words. It’s quite another to daily put them into practice. The good news is we are not alone. God does not just shout orders from Mount Olympus and then ignore us by keeping His distance, expecting us to make good. God offers us assistance in two ways: spiritual protection and promises.

All of the letters to the seven churches have this in common; they are all addressed "To the angel of the church in…" Now this could certainly be an address to a messenger, as that is the meaning of the Greek word angelos. Many people do in fact believe in this interpretation. My problem is this: since when are letters addressed to messengers? If anything, they should be addressed to the elder, pastor, or anyone in the position of leadership.

The truth is the church is more than just a physical building; it is a spiritual entity. The mention of ‘angel’ at the head of each letter shows the angelic over-sight which accompanies each church. The same can be said of our churches today, as well as of each Christian personally. God sends his angels in an overseeing capacity, where they assist and protect us.

But, God doesn’t stop there. He also sends us His Holy Spirit, the ultimate spiritual being—God Himself. He is more than an invisible observer, though. He dwells inside the believer, giving comfort and guidance when we need it the most. Jesus said, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom my Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you" (John 14:26).

If we review all of the lessons from the churches, we can find specific ways we receive spiritual assistance. If we look the part but our hearts are not in the right place, only the Holy Spirit can regenerate that heart. To be willing to take a stand for Christ similar to the martyrs throughout history, we must be empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is also the Spirit who gives us discernment of the falsehoods which attempt to creep into our lives. Remaining pure, quickening our spirit to life, and avoiding complacency are also possible only thorough the Holy Spirit. God’s angels, then, come onto the scene to offer backup and assistance (in a sense—does God really need help from anyone?).

The other commonality between the churches lies in the promises the Lord gave if they would obey His commands. The Bible is filled with various promises to God’s people if they would listen to the Lord. These promises of Revelation are no different. They allow us to see beyond our present situations, no matter how difficult they may be. This is how the martyrs were able to endure burning, hanging, and every other form of tortuous death. They looked past their present trials, focusing instead on the after-life.

These are the promises given to us if we remain obedient to the end: to eat of the tree of life, to not be harmed by a second death, given nourishment and a new name, authority, clothed in white garments, confess our name to the Father, will be a pillar in the temple of God, and we will share in Christ’s reign.

These are promises involving Heaven, where we will forever dwell with our Redeemer. No matter what struggles we have, if we turn to God and accept the guidance He is willing to provide, then we will have great rewards in Heaven for jobs well done. God is there for us in the meantime, though.

It all comes down to protection. We are protected by angelic beings sent from the Father. Protection also comes from knowing that God Himself is watching us, not to only see if we falter (which He can certainly see), but so He can properly reward us for our service to Him. We also receive a sort of protection that is inherent in the divine promises yet to be fulfilled in eternity.

God’s promises can be summarized as follows: "I will protect you under My wings. No one will harm you. You will never be lost to Me, and we will have a glorious future together."

Ultimately, the ability to follow God is possible because of what God has done: the Father sent His Son, Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross, and the Holy Spirit provides constant assistance. We have looked at Revelation as a plane trip to Philadelphia. The important thing to remember, though, is that we cannot buy a ticket to Philadelphia. We cannot even earn the ticket. God provides the way, and we simply accept His ticket with humility and love for God, as well as genuine concern for other individuals.

So let’s board that plane, enjoy the ride of God grace, and listen to the constant promptings of the Spirit, who is guiding us toward the Lord.