The Philadelphians in Revelation 3 seem specially those who entered into worship, because they appreciated the Person and character of the Lord Jesus. It is this that draws out the heart. Thus when Jesus revealed Himself after giving sight (John 9), the blind man paid Him homage. Worship is little enjoyed in general even by real children of God. A man might receive favor from God, and give thanks heartily for it, and yet know little of worship. This is a higher step and nearer to Himself. It does not merely appreciate the favors that come down to us from God, but what the God is who gives them. Real worship is always this.
The Father seeks worshippers, but it is to draw them back to the source from which the grace has flowed. Not that the worship is used in the address to Philadelphia, except in verse 9, where it is in quite a different sense, merely signifying that the men who were now scorners would have to humble themselves and give honor to those they had despised. Worship is the drawing near to God in the appreciation not only of what He does, but of Himself. There is this which always prepares the way for worship—the full and simple knowledge of our being brought near to God, as well as the work of Christ and its blessed results for us.
William Kelly