Theme: “Letters to the Churches, What is the Lord saying to us?”
Topic: The Church in Sardis, a call for Reawakening
Text: Revelation 3:1-6
Key verse: Rev 3:2 “Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.”
Introduction:
The ancient city of Sardis was a wealthy city well known for its softness and luxury, with a well-deserved reputation for apathy and immorality. Its defences were thought to be impregnable. However, its addiction to pleasure and ease led to complacency and, on two occasions, the soldiers felt no need to keep a diligent watch, so the city was easily conquered. Sadly, the culture of complacency and overconfidence was equally apparent in the church at the time of Christ’s letter. The letter contains some sharp rebukes of the church at Sardis that we do well to heed today. It had a reputation for being alive and, on the outside, seemed to be a thriving, busy church full of religious activity. Despite their reputation for life, Jesus saw them for what they were: dead! Most of the letters to the seven churches begin with a commendation before criticism. The letter to Sardis stands out because Jesus began with criticism: the situation was so severe. What can be more serious than spiritual death? Building programs, missions, conferences, fasts, and even praise concerts are not what make a church. The life of Jesus, through the presence of the Holy Spirit manifesting as fruit in the lives of the members, is what matters. The one thing worse than being lost is being lost AND deceived – thinking, and perhaps acting, as if saved yet being dead (Mathew 7:21-23). “Let he who thinks he stands take heed, lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12).
Q1. Read Rev 3:1,1 Sam 6:7, Matt 23:25-28 (1a) What is the significance of Christ’s description of Himself to the church in Sardis? (1b) How would the leaders have reacted to the statement “I know all you do”? How would you react to such a statement if you received in a letter? (1c) Discuss the dangers of focusing on image over substance (see also Lk 16:15).
Paragraph 2:
The letter to Sardis serves as a warning to churches today that are full of activity but lacking in evidence of eternal life. Galatians 6:7 reminds us that God is not mocked. He knows the true situation of every member in every church at every time. No amount of marketing spend, PR, reputation enhancement or endorsements by “the great and the good” can hide the truth from the one who “has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars” (Rev 3:1). Death of a church can be a slow process beginning with compromise, poor teaching and a lack of hunger for the Word, leaders and the congregation going through the motions. The presence of works isn’t enough because God requires a particular intent and purpose in all of our works. To be alive, we must objectively have genuine faith (John 5:24). And if that faith is authentic, it will be followed by works(action) (James 2:14-26). The works should be done with a heart and in a manner that shows them to be perfect complete) before God. Our earthly reputation and what men say about us, and our works, are not what the Lord is concerned about. God is examining the life inside our hearts. He considers anyone still controlled by the old sinful nature as dead! (Romans 8:7-8, 1John 5:12).
Q2. Read Rev 3:2 (2a) The Lord is saying “Wake Up” or be “Watchful” and strengthen the things which remain. Participants should discuss areas in which we must wake up or be watchful. (2b) In what ways can we strengthen the life of Christ within us? (2c) “For I have not found your works perfect before God”. Read Matt 7:21-23, Romans 8:7-8, Gal 5:22-23. Discuss what “perfect works” are as opposed to “dead works”. Discuss how we can distinguish between works pleasing to God and lawless deeds done in His name (Mt 7:22-23).
Paragraph 3:
The people at the church of Sardis had heard the gospel. They knew the truth, but they had forgotten it and been distracted. Image became more important than substance. Jesus instructs them to remember and repent. They needed to remember the gospel; we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, and not of works (Ephesians 2:89). And, having remembered, they needed to repent. In Pergamos and Thyatira, a few had fallen away; in Sardis, most had fallen away, and only a few remained faithful (Rev 3:4). Jesus commends these few as being worthy. God does not condemn the righteous with the wicked (Gen 18:22-26). The rest of the church in Sardis needed to wake up and come alive, enjoy the incredible reward promised to the few. The promise to “not blot his name from the book of life” has generated much argument among Christians about whether salvation can be “lost”. It is an important point, but the question is redundant to he who overcomes! Let us instead examine ourselves and see if we are in the faith, and if we find any gaps, let us “remember…, hold fast, and repent” (Rev 3:3)!
Q3. Read Eph 5:8, 1 John 1:7 (3a) Discuss why it is essential to reflect on our behavior and our commitment to Jesus occasionally. (3b) How do we consistently walk in the light?
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the lessons drawn for my life from this letter to the Church in Sardis. Please help me to awaken every ember of Christ’s life in me that is smouldering. Please let it burn brightly for you. Let me be numbered among the few you have found worthy to walk with You. . . In Jesus’ name I pray