VII. SARDIS

Introduction

Revelation 1:9–20 NKJV

9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Pray

What if I told you just because a place is high up that doesn’t make it fortified?

Background on Sardis:

Sardis was an ancient city located in Asia Minor which is now modern day Turkey. In the time of John's writing (95 AD), it was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. The city was known for its wealth, and its location on a high plateau made it appear secure. However, it fell to Cyrus the Great of Persia in 549 BC through a surprise attack, exposing a vulnerability that the inhabitants had not anticipated.

After 14 days of the Lydians being driven to their walls during the besiege of their city, a Mardian by the named Hyroiades managed to climb an escarpment of the city so steep that the Lydians had thought it unnecessary to post a guard. He was followed by the rest of the Persian army; “…and thus Sardis was captured and the whole city was sacked”

Social Implications:

Sardis was the first city where gold and silver coins were minted. Ramsey, the most prominent researcher on the 7 churches reports several writings where ancient authors reported gold being found in the streams of Sardis. To add to my thought of the churches interacting with each other, I will say that archeologists have discovered coins minted in Pergamum in Sardis and coins minted in Sardis in Pergamum. The message to the church in Sardis in Revelation draws on this historical context, using the city's fall as a metaphor for the need for vigilance and spiritual readiness. It serves as a warning to the church to be spiritually watchful and to address any spiritual complacency or hypocrisy that might be present.

They had placed themselves in high towers thinking they couldn’t be touched. They have name

The city was on a high escarpment and as a result of their high towers, they thought there was no reason to guard until an entire army made their way up (the Persians under Cyrus). The people were later under command of Cyrus and tried to revolt. The former leader of the city, who Cyrus spared from death became Cyrus advisor (He compromised) He made a deal with Cyrus that if he could teach the boys to be feminine and wear knee boots on their feet they would be emasculated and the feminine men would not be a threat so they could be left to survive.

Point 1: A HIGH AND FORTIFIED PLACE

Revelation 3:1–6 NKJV

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. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

In the opening verses, Jesus addresses the church in Sardis, a community with a reputation for being alive. However, upon closer inspection, Jesus declares that it was spiritually dead. The message is clear: it's not enough to have a reputation for spiritual vitality; we must be truly alive in Christ. The lesson for us is to assess our own spiritual health. Are we vibrant in our relationship with God, or are we merely going through the motions?

Consider a plant: A plant can look healthy on the surface but it’s true health is revealed by the investigation of its roots. Similarly, our spiritual vitality is evidenced by the fruits produced not from the power of the branches, but from the depth of our relationship with God.

There is one particular instance of plant imagery that rings true to this situation in Jesus’ ministry. When we look at Mark 11, we will see something interesting.

Mark 11:12–25 NKJV

12 Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. 13 And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it. 15 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 16 And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. 17 Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” 18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. 19 When evening had come, He went out of the city. 20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. 25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

Matthew–Luke (Comment)

Jesus now arrives in Jerusalem (cf. 11:15, 27) and the temple area. For a brief time the populace celebrates him as the expected messianic liberator and restorer of the Davidic kingdom Jesus does not look “around at everything” in the temple area like an ordinary pilgrim. Rather, as God’s “messenger of the covenant” (Mal. 3:1–3), he searches to see whether true worship of God is present (Zech. 9:9). If such a prominent visitor does not find true worship in the temple, it follows that a form of judgment should be anticipated. The warning cleansing of the temple has to be understood in this context. While Jesus spends his final days in Jerusalem (Mark 11:12–14; 14:3), he and the twelve spend the nights in nearby Bethany, where their friends Lazarus (cf. John 12:1), Mary, and Martha live. They also visit Simon the leper (Mark 14:3). At a distance of about 2 miles (3.2 km) from Jerusalem (John 11:18), Bethany nestles along the lower southeast foothills of the Mount of Olives (cf. comment on 11:1–8). This explains why Luke 21:37 can state that they slept “on the mount called Olivet.”

11:12–25 Jesus contrasts the fruitless “temple,” signified by the fruitless fig tree, with SINCERE trust in God. Only through genuine trust in God and his redeeming work will his people bear the acceptable fruit of worship, prayer, and forgiveness.

This thing that had leaves and was supposed to bear fruit was not producing. They had no roots. It portrayed all the correct things, but upon closer inspection, it was to be cut off because it was fruitless.

Remember Ephesus who forgot their First Love. The Psalmist says:

Psalm 127:1 NKJV

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.

Are you producing fruit or just guarding a reputation?

Sardis was located on a high escarpment or cliff so they basically considered it protected and made the mistake of not guarding it. As a result of not be watchful over this sanctified place, Cyrus’ men came in like a thief in the night and took the whole city. Jesus warns them that if they are not on guard, He will come in the same way.

Let me ask you, “Are there areas of your walk that you are not guarding against the enemy? Are you standing by unconcerned that the enemy just needs one single foothold to tear you down?”

This church got so caught up in their physical position that they lost sight of their spiritual position and as a result, the city thought to be fortified was consumed by the enemy.

Point 2: JESUS SAYS REMEMBER

Revelation 3:3 NKJV

3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

The church is exhorted to REMEMBER HOW THEY RECEIVED AND HEARD. Jude, the brother of Jesus say something to this effect as well:

Jude 3 NKJV

3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

How the faith was delivered:

Mark 1:1–22 NKJV

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” 3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ” 4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. 14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” 16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him. 21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

By understanding how this faith was hand-delivered by God Himself, you will come to understand the significance of full obedience.Jesus spoke with authority.

1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

This faith was hand delivered to us by God with the authority of the living God. Jesus said:

Matthew 28:18 NKJV

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Jesus was acknowledging this authority. Know what the next verse says?

Matthew 28:19–20 NKJV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

The church of Sardis was exhorted by Christ to remember how the faith was delivered with authority and unadulterated.

The purest form of honey is honey with nothing added. The same is true of the Gospel.

We have people trying to add glorified Ted Talks, stage shows, and smoke machines to the Gospel. The purest form of honey is honey with nothing added. What happened is Sardis became so high in their own doings and reputation for being alive that they had no idea they had no roots and were spiritually dead., well except for a few. Jesus said:

Revelation 3:4 NKJV

4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

What if Jesus said that to us.. you have a few names EVEN IN MERCYPOINT who have not defiled their garments. Basically, the majority of the church was defiled.

Paul could string together a 206 word perfect sentence, knew the Old Testament and more by memory, but he said:

1 Corinthians 2:2 NKJV

2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Paul realized the purest honey was honey with nothing added.

The church in it’s “HIGH STATE” had actually became emasculated and weak… stripped of the true Authority it was made to possess in that Great Commission.

They were told by Christ to REMEMBER, HOLD FAST, and REPENT.

Point 3: REMEMBER, HOLD FAST, REPENT

What’s interesting is what happens after all this. Croesus was the leader of Lydia. Before the city was beseiged, he took his men to war against Cyrus:

The Greek Historian Herodotus says it like this:

The City Beseiged

Croesus, the king of Lydia whose capital was Sardis made an alliance with the Spartans and marched against Cyrus. The two armies met in Cappadocia. There the Lydians found themselves greatly outnumbered, however, and after fighting one battle to a draw, Croesus decided to withdraw and seek further reinforcements from the Babylonians and Egyptians. Since the campaign season was ending, Croesus disbanded his own mercenary army and told the allies to join him in the spring. But Cyrus took advantage of Croesus’s unprepared state and marched on Sardis. The two armies met on the plain before the city, and the battle went badly for the Lydians. Their cavalry, the best in the world at that time and the strongest arm of Croesus’s army, was thrown into disarray when Cyrus sent camels from his baggage train into the fray, terrifying the horses. The Lydians were driven within their walls and besieged. After fourteen days, a Mardian named Hyroiades managed to climb an escarpment of the acropolis so sheer that the Lydians had thought it unnecessary to post a guard. He was followed by the rest of the Persian army; “…and thus Sardis was captured and the whole city was sacked” (Hdt. 1.84), bringing an end to a great empire—Croesus’s own—and forming a turning point in western history.

The Aftermath

Croesus was taken alive, and in perhaps the most famous episode of the story, Cyrus prepared to burn the former king on a funeral pyre. As the flames rose, Croesus called the name of Solon, an Athenian wise man who was said to have visited the king at the height of his fortunes, and who had warned the king not to count any man truly happy before he had seen a successful end of his life. The former king was spared. Croesus went on to become Cyrus’s trusted advisor.

Soon after the capture, the Sardians revolted against their new Persian masters. Upon hearing the news, Cyrus was tempted to sell the entire population into slavery.

But Croesus suggested instead he “pardon the Lydians, and give them this command so that they not revolt or pose a danger to you: send and

Forbid them to possess weapons of war, order them to wear tunics under their cloaks and knee-boots on their feet, and to teach their sons lyre-playing and song and dance and shop-keeping.

And quickly, O king, you shall see them become women instead of men, so that you need not fear them, that they might revolt.” Thus, in Greek eyes, the Lydians were transformed from the most fearsome warriors in Asia into emasculated shopkeepers.

The king of Lydia, instead of laying down his life.. made compromise with the enemy to make the people of that nation, once fearsome warriors WEAK. The church in Sardis, having no roots but only a show platform and the majority protecting a reputation for being alive alone.. very likely fell into place with this stripping of their authority as men.

Today

Today, you will find the ruins of the church of Sardis, and interestingly enough, 1 mile from the ruins you will find a town called Sart with over five thousand inhabitants and a nearby village adjacent to the ruins. Children run the dusty streets, farmers drive tractors into the surrounding fields, but to this day

THERE ARE NO KNOWN CHRISTIANS IN SART.

Conclusion: THE LESSON IN THREE QUESTIONS

Are you guarding your walk with the Lord against the enemy?

Are you watchful?

Are you walking in a full understanding of your authority?

Revelation 3:1 NKJV

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.

Revelation 3:6 NKJV

6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

Altar Call.