Sermon: The Church at Sardis

Series: Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation

Bible Passage: Revelation 3:1–6

I. In the eyes of others, the Church at Smyrna looked great!

II. But, to the eyes of Jesus, they were “dead” (3:1)

1. Jesus knows the work of the Church at Sardis (3:1)
   • Man looks outside, but God sees inside
   • Deep knowledge

2. Jesus is making a comment sarcastically about the Church at Sardis (3:1)
   • They have a reputation/personality to be alive (3:1)
   • Is it an imagery for “faking” or not having a realistic self-assessment?

3. Jesus is making a realistic assessment of the Church at Sardis
   • They were dead
   • A state of loss of life

III. Jesus warns the Church at Sardis to wake up from almost being dead (3:2)

1. Many of them probably did not see what Jesus was seeing in them—being oblivious to their spiritual imminent death or the deadness

2. They probably were assessing their lives based on their externals

 IV. Jesus warns them to strengthen what is fast deteriorating (3:2)

1.  This deterioration is evidenced from their deeds

2. They begin, but do not complete

3. They are unable to focus due to distractions

4. They compromise; do not hold on to their faith

V. Jesus gives them remedy for their spiritual deadness and way to be revived (3:3)

1. Remember or recollect the teachings (The Word of God)

2. Repenting from their sins

3. If not, death is sure

VI. Jesus warns that He will not ignore the Church’s handling of their Christian life (3:3-4)

1.  “I will come” refers to Jesus’ coming for punitive action (3:3)

2. These Christians have “soiled their clothes”—refers to compromised lifestyle (3:4)

3. Those who do not heed to Jesus’ warning will risk their “reputation” being removed (3:5)

4. Those who heed to Jesus’ warning will be rewarded with Jesus’ appreciation before the Father (3:5)

TAKE AWAY

 Overcome your deteriorating spiritual death by holding fast to the teaching of the Word and by repenting your compromises