We are continuing our series entitled: “What Would Jesus Say?” It’s a study of Jesus’ words to the seven churches in Asia in the first 3 chapters of Revelation. Are these words just for the benefit of the churches as they were 2000 years ago? Of course not, they have universal application, not only to the condition of the churches then, but to us today as well.
Today we're moving on to Sardis. It's the fifth church that Jesus deals with out of the seven churches. I had mentioned that He identifies Himself differently to all of these churches and in so doing you get a hint as to what He's going to be correcting the church for.
So, in this church Jesus describes Himself as having the seven Spirits of God. There is a fullness and completeness of the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit that is upon Jesus. We need this anointing and spirit to enable us to function as we should in the church.
Revelation 3: 1“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.”
It's interesting to note that Jesus says,” You've got a name that you're alive” …. you're alive in name only. You call yourself the “Living Hope Church” or the “Tree of Life Church” …. but they’re just names, it's just semantics, it's nominal Christianity. Just because you have a name don't make it so, says Jesus. Our witness is not resting on our reputation that we have gained from years gone by, it's resting on our present situation. And in terms of works, Jesus has seen that there's no oil in the lamp, the flame is flickering and about to go out… it's now dead.
And in many churches like Sardis, the lamp of their witness has grown dim. They used to be a church where they attended the prayer meeting, where personal prayer was a priority; and when they were they would care for the lost and go and pick up kids for Sunday School. Their works and their witness were clearly evident. But as the church grew and obtained success and paid staff came on board, the church became comfortable. And when their witness diminished, the church began to die.
So, Jesus is telling this church of Sardis, wake up and get ready because I'm coming like a thief in the night. You don't know at what hour I'm going to come but it's going to be soon and if you're not watchful you are not going to be ready. I am coming for those who are alive and for those who are awake and for those who are watching.
And if you are “watching”, you will be found worthy; and you shall walk with Me in white.
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “Walk in White.”
Blessings,
Kevin