Christians and Christian institutions will drift away from biblical belief and practice unless…

We find the first two answers to this question in verse 2 of chapter 3: “Be alert and strengthen what remains“

But before we get to the solution, let’s look at the problem.

Sermon notes from Sunday

The Seven Churches – part 9

Sardis – Revelation Revelation 3:1-6 (CSB)
“Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: Thus saysthe one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars:I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive,but you aredead.Be alert and strengthen what remains,which is about to die,for I have not found your works complete before my God.Remember, then, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent.If you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come upon you.But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes,andthey will walk with me in white, because they are worthy.
“In the same way, the one who conquers will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before my Father and before his angels.
“Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”

What do we know about Sardis?

  • Sardis was wealthy
  • Sardis was protected
  • Sardis was overconfident

We find in chapter 3 a similar pattern to the other letters thus far:

Jesus’ self-description

  • “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: Thus says the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars**
  • (**Jesus is the all-powerful One who holds the ability to bring about change. He is the one we ultimately answer to)

Commendation of their good works

  • “I know your works”
  • Not much in the way of commendation

Accusation of sin

  • you have a reputation for being alive**, but you are dead.
    • There was a time when the church was vital and alive
    • The church thought the reputation was the strength
    • Didn’t have the courage and insight to see the reality of their current status
  • **denotes an inner spiritual life
  • First church that is not under attack externally or internally
    • No heresy or persecution
  • The church began to acquiesce to the culture around them,  becoming dulled and comatose
  • They became innocuous and inoffensive
    • How do churches die?
      • Slowly moving away from the power and strength of the Holy Spirit
      • Dying due to overconfidence – no “guard posted” against the influence of culture
      • Looking more backwards than forwards
      • Start compromising biblical principles
      • Choose to remain blind to the reality of what Jesus reveals

 

Five essentials to revitalize the church 

  • “Be alert”
    • Regularly examine the spiritual condition of the church
      • Be in the present, not looking backwards to achievements of the past
  • “strengthen what remains”
    • Don’t neglect the basics
    • The means of grace
      • Prayer
      • Fellowship
      • Scripture
      • Worship
      • Giving

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