2. The Church in Sardis Revelation 3:1-6
A Dying Church
The Church in Sardis
Revelation 3:1-6

3. Review Christ is examining 7 churches
Ephesus – Loyal but lacking love
Smyrna – Poor but rich
Pergamum – A compromising church
Thyatira – A weak strong church
Now we look at the church in Sardis, again beginning with the historical setting

4. 30 miles from Thyatira

5. Sardis, the city
The upper city was built on a mountain 1500’ above the valley
Only one way up, easily defended

6. Sardis, the city Temple of Artemis Cybele (Not Greek Artemis)
Cybele was a fertility goddess
“Worship” was wild feasts and orgies
Sardis became known as “the Corinth of Asia”
Cybele’s altar
(also used to refine gold)

7. Sardis, the city The lower city dominated by a gymnasium / bathhouse
Covered more than 5 acres
The bathhouse

8. Sardis, the church Rev 3:1, the problem
Unlike other letters, the problem comes first
Dominates the church
Had a name (reputation) as alive
But really were dead
No longer active, loving, faithful

9. Sardis, the church Rev 3:2-3, the challenge
Wake up!
Don’t drift away into death
Strengthen what remains
Not completely gone
Build on the good (more about this later)
Finish what you’ve started
A sign of impending death is ‘dropping the ball’
Remember the meaning of the gospel
Keep the words of the gospel
And REPENT!
Or they’ll be judged as they are (1 Thes 5:2-11)
No more warnings

10. Sardis, the church Rev 3:4, the positive A few walk worthy
Judgment is individual
Not told to ‘find a new church’
Did not soil their garments
Perhaps in the temple rites
Perhaps in the gymnasium or bathhouse

11. Sardis, the church Rev 3:5-6, the reward White garments
Unsoiled, forgiveness (Zech 3:1-5)
A victory, celebratory garment
Name not erased, but confessed
Matt 10:32-33
Salvation

12. Lessons for today
Don’t judge a church by its appearance or reputation, but by its work and heart
Don’t abandon a dying church, but work harder to save it and save your brethren
If the gospel hasn’t changed your life, then you either didn’t hear it or you forgot it
Judgment is personal, the church can’t save you or condemn you
But your actions (or lack thereof) as part of the church will be judged

13. Conclusion How does Christ view the church?
Does He think it needs ‘spiritual CPR’?
Does He find only a few who walk worthy?
Are our garments clean or soiled?
If they’re soiled, He offers a way to clean them
Why not get ready now?