The Letter to the church in Sardis Revelation 3:1-6

The City of Sardis One of the world’s great trading centers because of its location on the junction of five different roads. One of the world’s great trading centers because of its location on the junction of five different roads. It was well known for its wealth. It was well known for its wealth. It was once the capital of Lydia. It was once the capital of Lydia. “Sardis” is plural, for it was made up of two parts. “Sardis” is plural, for it was made up of two parts. An old city atop a great cliff. An old city atop a great cliff. The newer city on the valley floor below. The newer city on the valley floor below.

The City of Sardis The old city, though located about 1500 ft. above the valley floor atop precipitous cliffs, was known for not watching. The old city, though located about 1500 ft. above the valley floor atop precipitous cliffs, was known for not watching. Twice in its history it was conquered when enemy soldier climbed up the cliffs and took the city by surprise. Twice in its history it was conquered when enemy soldier climbed up the cliffs and took the city by surprise. This will come into play in the letter. This will come into play in the letter.

The Letter to Sardis Speaker: Speaker: He who has the seven spirits of God He who has the seven spirits of God Seven—complete or full measure (John 3:34). Seven—complete or full measure (John 3:34). 5:6 equates this with his being all seeing, or having all power and wisdom. 5:6 equates this with his being all seeing, or having all power and wisdom. And the Seven stars. And the Seven stars. Seven angels or messengers (1:20). Seven angels or messengers (1:20). He knows their works! He knows their works!

What was Right with the church? Nothing good mentioned. Nothing good mentioned. Even the worst of the other churches had some things that were right. Even the worst of the other churches had some things that were right. But not Sardis. But not Sardis. What was the difference? What was the difference?

What was wrong with the church? That you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. That you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. As a congregation this church may have been well known. As a congregation this church may have been well known. They certainly had a name, for the letter is addressed to them. They certainly had a name, for the letter is addressed to them. But the fact that they existed was no indication of their spiritual condition. But the fact that they existed was no indication of their spiritual condition.

What was wrong with the church? That you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. That you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Good appearance. Good appearance. Good reputation. Good reputation. YET THEY WERE DEAD! YET THEY WERE DEAD! Attendance, giving, how much work we are doing is no indication of our spiritual condition. If it Is not by faith, in love, and according to truth it is nothing.

What was wrong with the church? “I have not found your works perfect before God.” “I have not found your works perfect before God.” They were doing works, but their works were not perfect; they were not complete. They were doing works, but their works were not perfect; they were not complete. Not doing the whole will of God! Not doing the whole will of God! Starting some works, but never finishing…not faithful to the end Starting some works, but never finishing…not faithful to the end 2 Cor. 8:10-12: Need for completing our good works. 2 Cor. 8:10-12: Need for completing our good works.

Admonitions 1. “Be watchful”:  The city was known for not watching.  The church must overcome such an attitude.  All must be watchful for error, sin, waiting and watching for the Lord’s coming. 2. “Strengthen the things that remain”:  Encourage and build up the good qualities that are left.  They are ready to die, but don’t let it happen.  Finish what you start.

Admonitions 1. “Remember how you have received and heard”:  When we receive the gospel it is with zeal and diligence.  First principles which established us in the faith—often forgotten throughout the years.  Initial dedication to God 2. Hold fast: Hang on tight, preserve what is left and develop it. 3. Repent:  Turn from apathy, sluggishness and imperfect works.  Renew again your diligence to do all the works that God has given.

Warning I will come upon you as a thief: I will come upon you as a thief: Thieves are a threat to those who are not watching (Matt. 24:43). Thieves are a threat to those who are not watching (Matt. 24:43). If we are not watching and perfecting our works then Jesus will comes as a thief and we will not be ready. If we are not watching and perfecting our works then Jesus will comes as a thief and we will not be ready. We will be like the five foolish virgins who were not allowed entrance (Matt. 25:1ff). We will be like the five foolish virgins who were not allowed entrance (Matt. 25:1ff). You will not know what hour I will come upon you. You will not know what hour I will come upon you. Faithful Christians are always ready for when the Lord comes. Faithful Christians are always ready for when the Lord comes. Those who are not faithful do not make themselves ready, they do not make their works perfect for the coming of their master. Those who are not faithful do not make themselves ready, they do not make their works perfect for the coming of their master.

Exhortation A few who have not defiled their garments. A few who have not defiled their garments. A few who were not given to spiritual death and decay. A few who were not given to spiritual death and decay. They had not let their guard down, not become apathetic. They had not let their guard down, not become apathetic. Not become blind to the sins of the world. Not become blind to the sins of the world.

Promise They shall walk with Me in white: They shall walk with Me in white: Those who continue in faithfulness and diligence will have their reward with Christ (1 Cor. 15:58). Those who continue in faithfulness and diligence will have their reward with Christ (1 Cor. 15:58). Robes of white-purity, for they have not allowed themselves to be defiled. Robes of white-purity, for they have not allowed themselves to be defiled. Not blot his name out of the book of life. Not blot his name out of the book of life. The book in which all the saved are written. The book in which all the saved are written. Notice: Once our name is in that book it can still be removed. Notice: Once our name is in that book it can still be removed. We need continued faithfulness. We need continued faithfulness.

Promise I will confess His name before the Father. I will confess His name before the Father. Confess His name as having been forgiven. Confess His name as having been forgiven. Having been made righteous by His blood. Having been made righteous by His blood. If we confess Jesus with our mouths and with our lives, He will confess us before the Father as belonging to Him (Matt. 10:32). If we confess Jesus with our mouths and with our lives, He will confess us before the Father as belonging to Him (Matt. 10:32). Do you have an ear to hear? Do you have an ear to hear?