The Church of Sardis
Revelation 3:1-6
Revelation 3:1-6
To the Church of Sardis there were no commendations given, only condemnations presented. What a sad epitaph to have nothing good to be said about your existence. Referring to the church, the Lord pointed out, “. . . thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” There is nothing good about a dead church! Sardis was a powerless church!
Jesus issued five imperative admonitions: First, to “be watchful”. Wake up and be alert! Do not remain in a dead state. Revival needed to take place!
Second, “strengthen the things which remain”. Return to the fundamentals of the faith as the foundation upon which to stand. Re-ignite the fire of devotion to Christ the Lord. Rekindle the love for the Savior.
Third, “remember therefore how thou hast received and heard”. Remember the truths that lead to the Redeemer. Reflect upon past blessings from God. Re-live the past experiences enjoyed in walking with the Lord.
Fourth, the church was admonished to “hold fast”. Obey those foundational and fundamental beliefs. Do not lose anything else spiritually. Guard the truth “with seriousness of heart and obedience”.[1]
Fifth, “repent” of their sin and wrongs. Jesus calls for an extreme makeover! To repent is to turn completely around in attitude and heart, and repentance results in a renewed life.
Return to the Lord and reconcile your relationship with Him. Surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to empower you to be an ambassador for Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:20.
The church desperately needs a fresh anointing of God’s power upon her ministry. For too long the world has influenced the church instead of the church impacting the world for the glory of God. God will not empower a worldly church! “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord”, 2 Corinthians 6:17.
To the overcomers, Jesus promised eternal acknowledgement to the Father and to clothe them in white raiment, which symbolized righteousness.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Lord, help us hear! Produce in us, Your church, godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Help us repent of our worldliness and powerlessness. Help us to become the salt and light of the world for Your glory.
Jesus issued five imperative admonitions: First, to “be watchful”. Wake up and be alert! Do not remain in a dead state. Revival needed to take place!
Second, “strengthen the things which remain”. Return to the fundamentals of the faith as the foundation upon which to stand. Re-ignite the fire of devotion to Christ the Lord. Rekindle the love for the Savior.
Third, “remember therefore how thou hast received and heard”. Remember the truths that lead to the Redeemer. Reflect upon past blessings from God. Re-live the past experiences enjoyed in walking with the Lord.
Fourth, the church was admonished to “hold fast”. Obey those foundational and fundamental beliefs. Do not lose anything else spiritually. Guard the truth “with seriousness of heart and obedience”.[1]
Fifth, “repent” of their sin and wrongs. Jesus calls for an extreme makeover! To repent is to turn completely around in attitude and heart, and repentance results in a renewed life.
Return to the Lord and reconcile your relationship with Him. Surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to empower you to be an ambassador for Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:20.
The church desperately needs a fresh anointing of God’s power upon her ministry. For too long the world has influenced the church instead of the church impacting the world for the glory of God. God will not empower a worldly church! “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord”, 2 Corinthians 6:17.
To the overcomers, Jesus promised eternal acknowledgement to the Father and to clothe them in white raiment, which symbolized righteousness.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Lord, help us hear! Produce in us, Your church, godly sorrow that leads to repentance. Help us repent of our worldliness and powerlessness. Help us to become the salt and light of the world for Your glory.
Learning to serve,
Robert Finley
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[1] Jim Combs, Rainbows From Revelation, (Springfield, MO: Tribune Publishers, 1994), 43.
Robert Finley
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[1] Jim Combs, Rainbows From Revelation, (Springfield, MO: Tribune Publishers, 1994), 43.
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