The Seven Churches of Asia: Sardis

As we continue looking at the seven churches written to in the book of Revelation, we come to the church in Sardis.

Revelation 3:1-6
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The Positive:
There are some in the church at Sardis who are doing what they need to be doing. They are Christians who are striving diligently for the cause of Christ. These people are described as being “worthy.” What a wonderful statement from our Lord! That we too might be called worthy should be our goal that we strive for. We also see that those who live this way are the ones who overcome. Let us overcome this world, that we might live for Christ!

The Negative:
Although there are some who are doing what is right in Sardis, the church is generally dead, according to the Lord. They are told that they have a reputation for being alive. That is, they have a reputation of standing strong in the service of the Lord. However, they are also told that in reality, they are dead.

It is a terribly thing to come to rely on a reputation without considering whether it is accurate or not. Or to depend on the reputation to avoid working for Christ. It is certainly good to have a reputation of being strongly on the side of Christ, but that reputation, whether of an individual or congregation, must be accurate.

They are also warned to strengthen that which remains. This is good for any of us to do: to strengthen those things that we do right in the service to God. Serving Christ is not just about not doing wrong and doing right, but also about doing so more strongly and diligently than we have in the past. We must be continually improving in our service to God. Otherwise, we too may face Christ's coming with trepidation and not eagerness.

In emphasis of these points, they are told to repent. Let us all be willing to repent of our sins and strive to push on for the cause of Christ! Let us all be willing to heed correction in our lives that we might strengthen ourselves, strengthen the local congregation, and strengthen the cause of Christ.

Next week, Lord willing, we will examine Revelation 3:7-13, which is directed to the church in Philadelphia